Orchid Choice
Orchids intrigue many people, and it is pretty hard to chose one since there are over 20 000 species of them.
Some of the most spectacular orchids which are easy to grow are : the phalaenopsis, the cattleyas and Cymbidium. These orchids have large flowers that blossom up to three months.
The phalaenopsis has a further advantage. It can be grownindoor. The other two species in fact need to have significant temperature differences between day and night, so you can not keep them in an apartment.
How to deal with them daily
Leaves of a healthy orchid are shiny. You need to find a bright place for your orchids while avoiding direct sunlight.(do not put behind a window, for example) : your orchid’s leaves might burn and the flowers may begin to wilt. Above all, do not water them too much : once every ten days is sufficient. Use a non-calcareous water like unpolluted rain water or spring water. Finally, do not water the leaves at the heart, otherwise t may rot.
Once your orchid has wilted, Keep watering as before. It is better not to cut the stems, unless they are dry because they blossom periodically.
Generally, a re-potting every two years is enough. It is not necessary to have a very deep pot, use an “orchid special” compost, made of polystyrene and pine bark, that you can find in garden centers. Be careful with fertilizers. Too much of it and your plant might asphyxiate. If you absolutely want to use some, you can use any universal fertilizer once every two weeks before and during flowering, but not after!
Finally, beware of pests that can colonize the plant: aphids, mites, mealybugs …. to get rid of them use insecticides for orchids that you can find in any garden center. Just remember a well cared phalaenopsis can live up to 20 years.
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