Caring For Indoor Orchids

A lot of gardeners and enthusiasts believe that an orchid must be planted and allowed to grow outdoors, but this is a false belief as orchids that are allowed to grow indoors can also thrive. An example of two species of indoor orchids are the Lady´s Slipper and Moth Orchids, they are common for indoor planting amongst keen growers because;

- These orchids are a little more happy to grow in a varied atmosphere and ambient than either species.

- The stems and stalks of these species produce some very elegant bloom when grown in the correct manner.

Summarizing these keen Indoor Growers

The Lady´s Slipper – Overlooked by many orchid growing newcomers because they are blind to the natural beauty and how unique this plant really is, the hairiness and bobbles on the stems make the orchid a very exotic-looking plant, and an adult orchid will display many blooms throughout the year making them loved among enthusiasts, Simple to grow this plant can make anyone look like an orchid pro.

Moth Orchids – Most people have spotted this species in the nursery without knowledge, with a variety of colors all with a light or faded palette the middle can often have the opposite of this making them a fantastic view, at times they can be seen to be blooming on more than one occasion each year.

Caring for the Indoor Orchids

Despite the fact that your orchid is inside you must remember that the atmosphere is still the correct growing conditions as best possible to ensure the success of your orchid and its health. Consider the following in these circumstances;

Light from the Sun – As with any naturally grown plants, it is vital for your plant to receive light for it to be able to grow and remain strong and healthy. With this said any orchid does not require vast amounts of sunrays, and those it does receive are required to be filtered to avoid burning. The orchid has a real sensitivity to sun.

A Humid Atmosphere – This can be a problematic issue for any orchid. In the day orchids grown inside must remain in a humid environment, let´s look at ways to ensure that your orchids receive the humidity that is required;
- A tray of small stones beneath the orchid is a good start.
- A fine mist regularly sprayed on the plant is also beneficial
- The utilization of a air humidifier can keep the atmosphere at a required level

Throughout the night keeping the roots in a dried condition will prevent disease. The correct levels of humidity are required for orchids inside or out.

Ambient Temperature – This factor will vary according to the species that you are growing, for example a Moth Orchid will be happy with a day temperature of 70 – 85 degrees, reducing to 60 – 65 through the night whereas a Lady Slipper will prefer to have day temperatures of 60 – 65 and lowering to 50 or 55 through the night. Bear this in mind with how you like your house temperature and the surrounding features of your windows.

Water – The watering method of your orchid is vital; the root of the plant must remain dampened throughout the ‘active’ period of the orchid and watered twice weekly at a minimum. When the orchid is dormant a small watering of biweekly will suffice.

Fertilizer – Throughout the growth of your orchid using fertilizer one to two times a week is advised throughout the active period. And when the plant is not active simple occasional fertilization is fine. Using between a quarter and half strength solution is best, or the use of a specially designed formula if you can obtain this.