Orchids

Saturday, February 3, 2007

Learn How You Can Grow Orchids At Home

Many people think that growing orchids is something that can only be done in big hothouses however, you can grow orchids at home if you pick the right type and provide it with the right environment.

Orchids that work best for home growing are those that grow high in the trees hanging from the branches and get the nutrition from the rain, jungle air and decaying vegetation that their roots come in contact with. In order to grow these orchids at home, you’ll need to provide them with a growing area that comes close to their native environment.

Humidity

Orchids thrive in humid climates and if you want to grow them at home you’ll need to provide them with an area where they can have at least 50% humidity. in order to do this, you can set your orchid pots on a tray that is filled with water but not In the tray just above it so that the humidity from the water can come up with a water does not soak into the pot. may sting is also important to make sure there is sufficient in circulation so that the leaves and pedals can dry off properly.

Water

It’s important that your work is to not sit in water but remain moist. You should water than once a week after the soil has dried out. Make sure there is no standing water. Fertilize with a water-soluable fertilizer made specifically for orchids.

Sunlight

Different types of orchids need different amounts of sunlight and if you can’t provide natural sunlight you can try fluorescent grow lights. In the winter, your records will need at least four hours of light.

Soil

You can buy ready mixed orchid potting mixes and this is what you should use for your orchids.

Pests

Orchids can be prone to diseases and pests. They can succumb to fungal disease viral disease and bacterial disease and often have mites, aphids, caterpillars, slugs, mealy bugs, snails, white flies, and dendrobium beatles. growing them indoors can reduce the bugs immensely but you still have to be on the lookout for pests and disease.

To treat pests on your orchids, you should use pesticides from a local garden supply store. Be sure to always use them per instructions. If you can, try to go with organic pesticides that are easy on the environment.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://orchids.garden-corner.com/ working you can learn more about the care and growing of orchids.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Bamboo Orchid Plant

When you think of bamboo you really think of bamboo sticks, don't you? There is an orchid that grows wild in some of the warmer climates like Hawaii and Southeast Asia called the Bamboo Orchid Plant. This is a very pretty orchid plant that easily grows on the hillsides. Imagine having a bamboo orchid plants in your backyard that are growing behind your home. What a pretty site that would be.

These orchids usually grow to 5-6 feet. The stems are actually the pseudobulbs. A new pseudobulb grows each year.

One of the variety, Sobralia, can grow well in light shade as well. This genus doesn't grow as tall either. It usually tops out at about 4 feet. Temperature range is quite wide, from a low of 40 degrees to a high of 80+. You don't see the bamboo orchid plant very much in the cooler climates of the Northeast or North Central states. If any they are usually indoor plants or out in the summer only.

My wife has one of these that is still quite small, but this summer she is putting it outside just to see what it will do.

Bamboo orchid plants need to stay moist. Do not allow them to dry out. Humidity is also very good for them as well. So if indoors you should be sure the humidity is about 50%. If not you can use a humidity tray. Fertilize them about every other week with a weak, diluted solution. Some people can have flowers on their orchids all year round. We haven't had that luck. And the flowers are fragrant.

If you can get one of the bamboo orchid plant I am sure that you will be able to see it grow. Imagine, growing a five foot orchid!

Visit our Orchid Store: http://www.orchid-store.orchids-plus-more.com

The article may be reproduced in full with the name of the author and the web site, www.orchids-plus-more.com cited in the article.

This site http://www.orchids-plus-more.com is devoted to these wonderful orchid plants. Did you know they are the second in popularity only to the poinsettia plants? You will find a good deal of information on how easy orchid care really is. They are wonderful to have around your home or for that special gift. Orchid flowers are beautiful and can last for years. Your plant will be appreciated for years and years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Roy