Orchids are beautiful plants.The Phalaenopsis orchid is the most popular variety, but there are many other orchid varieties.Orchids bloom at least once per year with the right care.Every orchid species has slightly different needs in order to thrive and bloom, but the variables are the same.By adjusting the environment for your particular species of orchid, you can get your plants to bloom.
Step 1: The light intensity should be correct for the species.
The most common and easiest orchid to grow is the Phalaenopsis.Most florist shops and nurseries sell this kind.They will usually be happy if they are placed on a sunny windowsill.They like bright light but not direct sun.There are different needs for light exposure for some of the less common orchid varieties.The lady's-slippers dislike direct light.A north facing window is a great spot for orchids.Cattleyas need a lot of sun exposure to thrive.These species prefer a south or west-facing window.
Step 2: Provide the right amount of water.
The Phalaenopsis orchid likes to be watered twice a week during active growth and once during its resting period.Between waterings it prefers to be kept dry.If the orchid's potting material appears to be dry, you should only water it.It's too soon if the bark looks damp.There should be holes in your orchid's pot.Orchids do not grow well in water.It is a good idea to water your orchid early in the morning.Don't over water your orchid.A shot glass full of water is what most orchids need.Vanda and Ascocenda orchids have the same watering needs as the Phalaenopsis orchid, so they should be watered every 5 to 12 days.The varieties like to be kept moist at all times.Cattleya, Oncidium, Brassia and Dendrobium varieties like to be kept moist.They prefer to be kept dry between waterings.
Step 3: It is advisable to maintain a humid environment.
Orchids prefer a higher humidity level than the average living room does.A 30 percent humidity level is average for a home during the winter.40 to 70 percent humidity is what the Phalaenopsis orchid likes.60 to 80 percent humidity is what most other orchids prefer.Orchids will grow a little better if the humidity is adjusted.If you mist your plants frequently, you will create humidity.It's a good idea to get a humidifier for the winter.Special trays can be purchased at most nurseries to help create humidity around the orchid.Do not put the orchid in a bathroom as it will be too humid.It needs to be on a windowsill that gets plenty of light, but not direct sunlight.
Step 4: Use full-spectrum lights.
When an orchid doesn't bloom, the reason is usually because it's not getting enough light.If you can't provide the right amount of natural light for your orchid, look into setting up full-spectrum lights indoors.You can purchase lighting systems at a nursery.There are different sizes and shapes for your home.The lighting can be adjusted to meet the needs of the orchid species.
Step 5: It's a good idea to use afertilizer for orchids.
An orchid can grow faster and bloom sooner if it is given the right fertilization.Look for food that contains nitrogen, P, and K.It should have trace elements like iron.Follow the instructions of your orchid food carefully.Before fertilization, orchids should be watered thoroughly.There are some types of orchid food.Before you use it, you need to put it in the water.The orchid food is very concentrated.Don't use it on the plant.Put the food directly on the plant after it has been dissolved in water.
Step 6: During the active growing season,fertilize your orchid once per month.
The growing season for orchids is from March to November.Don't fertilize until February.If you don't fertilize it more than that, it may not grow at all.You risk burning the roots and leaves of the plant if you fertilize it more frequently.Burning the roots of an orchid will prevent blooms from appearing.The instructions for your orchid food may be slightly different from product to product.After the flowers fade, make sure you fertilize.New leaves or shoots should be fertilized when they start growing.
Step 7: The temperature needs to be dropped by 10 degrees at night.
The orchids are temperature sensitive.Their blooms are triggered when fall arrives and the temperatures fall at night.An indoor orchid may refuse to bloom or make buds if it doesn't get a period of cooler nights.Natural temperature drops can come from outside if your orchid is sitting in a window.This may not be enough to cause blooms.Before you go to sleep, turn your thermostat down by 10 degrees.One to two weeks of nightly temperature drops will usually cause an orchid to bloom, as long as it's the right time of their growth cycle.Night and day temperatures of 60F and 25C are provided for Phalaenopsis orchids.
Step 8: Take care of the area where your orchid is kept.
The orchid will not bloom if the air is dry.Orchids thrive in environments with fresh, moist air.If not properly ventilated, humidity can become destructively heavy.Make sure the air around the orchid is fresh by opening windows or using a fan on a low setting.
Step 9: Don't forget to pay attention to the season.
The growth season is the time of the year when the orchid will naturally bloom.It isn't going to bloom if it is not the orchid's growth season.The Phalaenopsis orchid will experience the growth of new leaves during the summer.Spikes and flower buds will appear in late fall.It will bloom until the spring.The season usually ends in February.Every year, the Phalaenopsis orchid blooms.The blooms can last a long time.Some flowers might bloom from the same spike, but not always.
Step 10: Take a look at the leaf color.
Orchids don't bloom if they are not getting enough light.If you want to know if your orchid is getting enough light, you can check its leaf color.A healthy orchid with the right amount of sun exposure will have bright green leaves.Your orchid isn't getting enough light if the leaves are dark green.It should be a brighter spot, like a south-facing window.The orchid is getting too much light if the leaves are green.It's better to move it to a less sunny spot.If you put a Phalaenopsis in a south-facing window, you will need a shade or curtain to block the light.The orchids have a lot of light, but not direct light.
Step 11: The stems and leaves should be checked for signs of dehydration.
The stems and leaves of your orchid need more water.When the orchid is active, you will need to water more frequently.When there are no blooms, water your orchid once per week.Water it twice a week during the active bloom phase.When you see new shoots on your orchid, increase watering.Orchids can be killed by too much water.Don't allow your orchid to sit in a pot.
Step 12: The material should be evaluated.
Orchids do not grow in regular soil.They need a growing medium with good air circulation and fast water drainage.A blend of fir bark is the most popular potting material for orchids.If you can't identify your plant's current growing medium, re-pot it in fir bark.Orchids will die if there is not adequate air circulation and drainage.Orchids can be grown in a variety of materials, including dried fern roots, sphagnum moss, rock wool, perlite, cork nuggets, stones, coconut fiber, lava rock and a blend that combines several of these materials.