Orchids, like any plant require sunlight not only to thrive, but to survive. Orchids which can be found in naturally warm environments do love light, but as with many things; in moderation. Each Orchid variety has different demands and it is important to the health of your particular plant that you understand its individual requirements. Here are some questions that you should be asking:
1. Where does the Orchid thrive in nature?
To understand your individual plant’s requirements, think about where you would find that species of orchid in nature. What is its natural preference and environment? Orchids can generally be classified in one of three main groups:
-Sunlight lovers
-Mid-level lighting lovers
-Moderate lighting lovers
The sunlight lovers include species like the Vanda and tree dwelling orchids. Mid-level lighting species include the Cattleya, while the terrestrial plants show a preference for moderate lighting levels for optimum growth.
2. How much sunlight is enough?
Most orchid varieties require sunlight for around four to six hours daily, throughout the year. During their resting or dormant phase, they may need less. Never place your orchid in the dark during the day as this will interfere with the photosynthesis process and cause the plant to become malnutritioned.
In most countries and areas of the world, it is not difficult to provide the right amount of sunlight. This can easily be done by simply placing the plant on a ledge or windowsill, where is can absorb the suns natural rays.
Windows can be cold places at night, so make an effort to pull a blind or curtain to retain the heat or if necessary, remove the plant altogether, at night; especially during winter.
There are a very few places where it may be necessary to use a florescent lamp to provide the light required, but this is unusual for most parts of the world.
3. Will any light do?
Full sun can burn any plant, but in particular the sensitive orchid. Yes, they love sun, but filtered sun. If your plant is in a window with full sun, particularly at the hottest part of the day, consider adding a blind or sheer curtain to filter the amount of sun that gets through.
4. How much sunlight is the right amount?
An unhealthy plant is easily spotted. Remove dead leaves and check that you are not overwatering. Always narrow down the suspects. If the leaves are not their normal glossy dark selves, and possess light spots or dark marks, then you should consider the amount of sunlight that your plant gets is either too much or not enough.
Keep an eye on the window at different times in the day. You may have picked that spot in the morning and failed to see that the heat from the sun was excessive in the middle of the day. Sunburn can bleach the leaves and if this happens, remove the plant from the location it is in. Sometimes just relocating your orchid back a half foot is enough.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Cattleya Orchids – a Novice Delight
Cattleyas are an extremely well known orchid as they often present in corsages. Any nervous teenage boy turning up to his date’s house is likely to be clutching one of these in sweaty palms.
A good choice for the novice Orchid Grower, due to their low maintenance requirements, the orchids known as Cattleyas are native to South America. They can be found in nature in the rainforest regions and thrive at altitudes well above sea level.
Stunning flowers they come in an array of colors and a variety of sizes and have been immortalized in Martin Johnson Heades artwork. With such popular appeal, Cattleya orchids have been developed to create numerous hybrid varieties. There are over 40 sub-varieties in the Cattleya family.
The Cattleya Trianae
Named after Colombian botanist Jerónimo Triana, the Cattleya Trianae was put forth at an exhibition as representative of the country because of the striking central red, yellow and blue petal which matches the Colombian flag. This flower is quite hard to find in its natural habitat due to recent environmental changes.
With pale and ruffled outer petals highlighted against the bright inner colors of the flower, it is a beautiful orchid.
The Cattleya Labiata
One of the best known Orchids, this may be due to the fact that theCattleya Labiata was the first Cattleya to be discovered. With five petals and most commonly seen in rich shades of purple this stunning Brazilian variety is commonly seen in media and as a decorative flower.
The Guarianthe Aurantiaca
With gorgeous blooms bright orange in color, this sunny plant often has small blooms along the length of its thick stem. These waxy flowers are star shaped and for a Cattleya, considered quite small.
The Cattleya Warscewiczii
Ranging in size from 7-11 inches, the blooms of the Columbian Cattleya Warscewiczii are quite large. The flowers often in shades of purples are arranged on an inflorescence of up to 18 inches have a distinctive aroma. This Cattleya enjoys full sun.
They bloom Spring, from March and May and as such they are often used as decorative flowers at Easter celebrations.
Known to grow on rocky outcrops and stones this classes them as epiphytes or lithophytes. They take their nutrients from the air and rainwater, and surrounding plant matter. To see them through tough times they store nutrients and water in a psuedobulb.
Like many other Orchid varieties, they prefer an environment with a slightly elevated humidity. Filtered to full sun -- depending on the type -- is best and window ledges are an ideal spot. That said, they do enjoy ventilation, do ensure your plant gets some fresh air. With a minimal amount of love and care, as required by any plant, your cattleya orchid will thrive in your home.
A good choice for the novice Orchid Grower, due to their low maintenance requirements, the orchids known as Cattleyas are native to South America. They can be found in nature in the rainforest regions and thrive at altitudes well above sea level.
Stunning flowers they come in an array of colors and a variety of sizes and have been immortalized in Martin Johnson Heades artwork. With such popular appeal, Cattleya orchids have been developed to create numerous hybrid varieties. There are over 40 sub-varieties in the Cattleya family.
The Cattleya Trianae
Named after Colombian botanist Jerónimo Triana, the Cattleya Trianae was put forth at an exhibition as representative of the country because of the striking central red, yellow and blue petal which matches the Colombian flag. This flower is quite hard to find in its natural habitat due to recent environmental changes.
With pale and ruffled outer petals highlighted against the bright inner colors of the flower, it is a beautiful orchid.
The Cattleya Labiata
One of the best known Orchids, this may be due to the fact that theCattleya Labiata was the first Cattleya to be discovered. With five petals and most commonly seen in rich shades of purple this stunning Brazilian variety is commonly seen in media and as a decorative flower.
The Guarianthe Aurantiaca
With gorgeous blooms bright orange in color, this sunny plant often has small blooms along the length of its thick stem. These waxy flowers are star shaped and for a Cattleya, considered quite small.
The Cattleya Warscewiczii
Ranging in size from 7-11 inches, the blooms of the Columbian Cattleya Warscewiczii are quite large. The flowers often in shades of purples are arranged on an inflorescence of up to 18 inches have a distinctive aroma. This Cattleya enjoys full sun.
They bloom Spring, from March and May and as such they are often used as decorative flowers at Easter celebrations.
Known to grow on rocky outcrops and stones this classes them as epiphytes or lithophytes. They take their nutrients from the air and rainwater, and surrounding plant matter. To see them through tough times they store nutrients and water in a psuedobulb.
Like many other Orchid varieties, they prefer an environment with a slightly elevated humidity. Filtered to full sun -- depending on the type -- is best and window ledges are an ideal spot. That said, they do enjoy ventilation, do ensure your plant gets some fresh air. With a minimal amount of love and care, as required by any plant, your cattleya orchid will thrive in your home.
How to Grow Orchids – a Plan for Success
Taking care of orchids is not nearly as daunting as it might seem. Though they have a reputation for being challenging, this only serves to make orchid growing all the more enjoyable.
With so many different types of incredible orchid species, you have such an array to choose from: different colors, different sizes, different growing conditions. Horticulturists have developed so many new hybrid varieties that it is becoming hard to keep a track of them all.
You may choose a terrestrial species that prefers to grow on the ground, or a lithophyte plant that likes to position itself on a rock, or you may even choose the challenge of an epiphyte orchid that likes to grow high up on a tree trunk.
Whichever type you choose, there are some things you need to know. Here is a plan for success to ensure you are enjoying your orchid for many years to come:
1. Watering your orchid
Though many feel they are doing the right thing when watering their plant every day, but your orchid doesn’t like sitting in a pool of water. This is leaving it susceptible to root rot, which is a common problem with orchids.
Allow the roots of the plant to dry before watering again; this might mean only watering once a week. This will vary depending on your plant and the type of environment you are keeping it in, but you can easily check the dampness in the soil with a finger.
You should use a potting material that is specially designed and formulated for optimal orchid growth as soil on its own will pack tightly around the plant’s roots, leaving no room for air circulation.
2. Choosing the right temperature for you orchid
Individual orchid varieties do have individual preferences, but as a sub-tropical species you can expect that your orchid will enjoy warmer temperatures as opposed to colder ones. That said, they do enjoy a decreased overnight temperature, so be sure to turn off the heater at night!
3. The right light
Direct sunlight could be harmful to your orchid. They are often used to growing in forested areas surrounded by other competing vegetation. This vegetation shades the orchid form direct sunlight. To mimic the orchid’s natural environment, use a shade or light curtain.
4. Choosing the right humidity
By placing a water source nearby, you are increasing the humidity in the immediate surrounding air. Orchids love humidity. As very few people own a hothouse it is important to use whatever means you have to help create a natural environment.
5. Fertilize your orchid
Food is just as important as water. Your orchid has no way of collecting nutrients from the surrounding air if it is placed indoors. To solve this problem you can use fertilizer once a week. Added to its water, this provides all the minerals and essential nutrients that your plant would normally get from natural sources.
By following these few tips on taking care of orchids you will be enjoying their stunning blooms in no time at all.
With so many different types of incredible orchid species, you have such an array to choose from: different colors, different sizes, different growing conditions. Horticulturists have developed so many new hybrid varieties that it is becoming hard to keep a track of them all.
You may choose a terrestrial species that prefers to grow on the ground, or a lithophyte plant that likes to position itself on a rock, or you may even choose the challenge of an epiphyte orchid that likes to grow high up on a tree trunk.
Whichever type you choose, there are some things you need to know. Here is a plan for success to ensure you are enjoying your orchid for many years to come:
1. Watering your orchid
Though many feel they are doing the right thing when watering their plant every day, but your orchid doesn’t like sitting in a pool of water. This is leaving it susceptible to root rot, which is a common problem with orchids.
Allow the roots of the plant to dry before watering again; this might mean only watering once a week. This will vary depending on your plant and the type of environment you are keeping it in, but you can easily check the dampness in the soil with a finger.
You should use a potting material that is specially designed and formulated for optimal orchid growth as soil on its own will pack tightly around the plant’s roots, leaving no room for air circulation.
2. Choosing the right temperature for you orchid
Individual orchid varieties do have individual preferences, but as a sub-tropical species you can expect that your orchid will enjoy warmer temperatures as opposed to colder ones. That said, they do enjoy a decreased overnight temperature, so be sure to turn off the heater at night!
3. The right light
Direct sunlight could be harmful to your orchid. They are often used to growing in forested areas surrounded by other competing vegetation. This vegetation shades the orchid form direct sunlight. To mimic the orchid’s natural environment, use a shade or light curtain.
4. Choosing the right humidity
By placing a water source nearby, you are increasing the humidity in the immediate surrounding air. Orchids love humidity. As very few people own a hothouse it is important to use whatever means you have to help create a natural environment.
5. Fertilize your orchid
Food is just as important as water. Your orchid has no way of collecting nutrients from the surrounding air if it is placed indoors. To solve this problem you can use fertilizer once a week. Added to its water, this provides all the minerals and essential nutrients that your plant would normally get from natural sources.
By following these few tips on taking care of orchids you will be enjoying their stunning blooms in no time at all.
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