Unopened buds are the most sensitive parts of an orchid, and unsanitary handling can be one of the main causes of orchid viruses. First know there is no real reason or need to touch unopened orchid buds. However, if you must touch, make sure to thoroughly wash with soap and warm water before handling your plant.
Common Orchid Watering Mistakes
Watering too often: Orchid plants should never be allowed to sit in still water. In many cases, the plant should completely dry between waterings. Watering at night: No matter what kind of orchid you grow, always water in the morning.
The best way to water an orchid is not to simply pour water into the top of its pot, but rather to give it a weekly plunge into water. Then lift up the pot and let any excess water drain out through the holes in the bottom of the pot. Once it's well drained, place it on a saucer of gravel.
The easiest way is to soak your orchid in a bowl of water once every week or two --- when the moss dries out. Unlike most houseplants, you don't need to keep orchid moss evenly moist; if it stays too moist, the orchid can rot.
Coffee grounds are an excellent fertilizer, especially for orchids and African violets.
In the wild, orchids are able to live about 20 years, depending on the type of orchid and the environment. Potted orchids do not have quite the same life span, but with proper care, it is not usual for orchids to live for between 10 to 15 years. There are some reports of orchids living for significantly longer.
Note the difference in leaf color. While there are many factors that can trigger blooming in orchids; a drop in night temperature, increase or decrease in day length and even sharp restriction in water availability, none of these will be successful unless your orchids have been grown with adequate light.
They prefer a sunny or partly shaded position and do best when planted in orchid compost. In winter, allow the soil to dry out before watering, but keep the plants moist when in active growth and feed regularly. Propagate by dividing the clumps down as far as single pseudobulbs.
The best places in the home to place orchids are often near windows due to the ample light which orchids require, especially when blooming. East and south windows are best, but exposure to other directions work as long as the sun isn't “burning” the plant.
Bold, vibrant and heavenly soothing, Orchids make perfect plants to help sleep while giving your bedroom a colourful lift at the exact same time. Orchids are known to absorb carbon dioxide during the day and release oxygen in the evening.
An east or south facing window provides bright enough light for growing orchids. South and east-facing windows work best for orchids. West_windows can be too hot in the afternoon and north-facing ones are usually too dark. A sheer curtain will cast light shade.
Upside Down Pots
Something different to do with your orchids and houseplants. Hang and let them grow upside down in these decorative pots. Orchids love them in fact they thrive in these pots. It will prevent water from accumulating in the crowns of the orchid thus preventing it from crown rot.
If you find that your orchid has bad roots, snip them off with a sterilized cutting tool and then repot it. On the other hand, if the part of the orchid that connects the leaves and the roots is mushy, it is time to toss the plant.
Milk contains nitrogen-building protein that your orchids require. Feed the plants by mixing one part of milk to four parts of water. Use this every two weeks. Used tea bags, which are high in nitrogen, are especially good for orchids.
Eggshells are packed with generous amounts of calcium and potassium, which orchids need in order to thrive. This trick is super easy. Simply save eggshells and crush them using a blender or a mortar and pestle.
Regular tap water is fine, as long as it isn't softened with salts. Room temperature water is best, but you can water your orchid with ice cubes without harming the plant. About once a week, place up to three ice cubes on top of the potting medium, preferably where the cubes don't touch the leaves.
Caring for orchids
Most orchid house plants come from humid, tropical regions, so do best in a humid atmosphere. In most centrally heated homes the air is dry, so mist the foliage every two to three days using tepid water, but avoid spraying the flowers, as the petals can be marked by water.
Water your orchid early in the morning. This insures complete water evaporation on the foliage as well as the crown by nightfall. If your home is very warm or has low humidity you will most likely need to water more often. The best place to water your plant is in the kitchen sink.
Soak your orchid in a bucket or large container so its roots have time to absorb water and fertilizer. Place it in the bowl or container and fill it to the top level of the pot. Let it sit in the water for about 15 minutes. Do not leave it soaking too long, because the roots also need oxygen.