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Q: I just got an Orchid as a gift. I do not know how to care for them. Water? Light? Food? HELP!
Thanks very much.
Robyn from Kent, WA
A: Robyn,
Each type of orchid has its own special needs regarding care, but there are some general rules.
1. Orchids generally need daytime temperatures of about 70ºF in the summer, and 60ºF in the winter. Cool temperatures at night (a drop of around 10ºF) are also important. Setting orchids outdoors during warm summer days is okay, but they should be protected against frost and cold drafts.
2. Orchids need generous amounts of light (10-12 hours a day), but should be shaded from direct sunlight. A window with lace curtains or something similar to filter the sunlight is ideal. In the winter, artificial light can be used to supplement a lack of natural daylight. Make sure you turn the pots often to promote even growth.
3. Orchids need moist, humid air, so mist leaves occasionally and place pots on a pebble tray to help maintain humidity.
4. Water orchids with distilled, tepid water. Keep the soil moist, not wet, and reduce watering in the winter.
5. Orchids enjoy being kept somewhat pot-bound and should be only be repotted when the size of the pot seems to be impeding their growth. Plants can be divided during repotting, leaving at least 3 shoots on each division. Potting mix designed specifically for orchids works well when repotting.
6. How you fertilize orchids depends on what type of orchid you're growing and whether or not it goes seasonally dormant. Seasonally dormant orchids do not need feeding in the winter. In general, a balanced liquid orchid fertilizer (preferably organic) can be applied weekly to promote growth and one with a higher ratio of phosphorus can be used to promote flowering. The plant should be watered beforehand to avoid root burn. Orchids growing in bark may need more nitrogen.
Good Luck! Ellen
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