Growing Orchid PlantsOrchid plants are pretty amazing. I went to an orchid greenhouse in California where my uncle worked. There were so many flowers of all different colors. He explained to me that they splice the genes to create diverse colors and variegated flowers. It was an awesome experience.
The plants that produce tropical flowers are commonly grown by home gardeners. These exotic flowers are popular wedding flowers . They are often used as Easter flowers and are commonly available as Easter corsages. They are also used for home décor. Historically they have been used in medicine and herbal treatments. How to Grow an Orchid Plant
In order to successfully grow the plant, you will need a special formula of potting soil that is developed specifically for growing orchids. The plant will need to be repotted about every two years, so when repotting it, be sure to use an orchid potting medium.
Orchids grow best in indirect sunlight. If growing them outdoors, they will need partial shade. If growing them inside, you can use 40-watt fluorescent grow-lights placed about six inches above the plants for about 10-12 hours a day. The amount of water that the plant will require depends on the type of orchid, as does the ideal temperature. Follow the instructions that come with the plant in regard watering and temperature requirements. There is a special fertilizer for orchids that should be used once a month. They also require humidity and ventilation, so placing the plant in a tray filled with pebbles and water and using a fan will create an ideal environment for the plant; however, you will need to keep the plant out of drafts from a heater or air conditioner.
If you have grown orchids and you have photos or stories, we would love to hear from you.
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Orchids belong to the Orchidaceae family which is the largest family of flowering plants. There are over 20,000 species of this flower and hundreds of thousands of cultivators that concentrate on producing this plant resulting in over 100,000 cultivars and hybrids. 