By: Peter Baxter
Submitted: 2010-08-19 02:44:35 | Word Count: 590
Types Of Orchids
Orchids have turn into one of the most desired house plants very rapidly. There are several different varieties of orchids that can be found naturally and even more hybrids.
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They are not hard to grow with the proper quantity of care including water, light, compost and air. While several species of orchids do enjoy cooler environment, several species do very well in temperatures that are around 75 to eighty five degrees Fahrenheit.
One of the easiest orchids to grow is the Phalaenopsis orchid plant. This species of orchid adapts well to the environment of a home or office. Different species of orchid's flowers will last for different amounts of time. From the time that the first Phalaenopsis bud opens, the sprays will stay in bloom for the next 2 to three months.
Where as, the flowers on a Cattleyas orchid plant might last up to a month in bloom from the time that the bud opens. A few varieties of orchids will bloom once a year, while other species will bloom a number of times a year and some even bloom continuously.
Another feature of orchids that makes them so popular is their fragrance. Various orchids are wonderfully fragrant. But, the scents from fragrant orchid flowers are very variable. Several species of orchid plants are subtle and other species are tremendously robust. The scents can range from fruity to flowery. More remarkable if the fact that lots of orchids have familiar aromas such as chocolate, raspberry, coconut, lilac or citrus.
Orchids ought to be planted in bark rather then typically potting soil. They can also be grown in New Zealand sphagnum moss. Orchids have to be grown in pots that will supply them with excellent drainage. Typical potting soil is bad for orchid plants because it cuts off air circulation at the roots and blocks the drainage of the water. They must also be watered about once or two times a week.
Throughout the summer, your orchid plant may perhaps need to be watered more frequently about every four to five days. A good rule of thumb to follow is the more heat, the more water you should give your orchid. The less heat, the less amount of water. Orchid plants that are preserved in New Zealand sphagnum moss should be water less often then those planted in bark. These plants can be watered once every 7 to ten days.
Depending on the species of orchid, they prefer a lot of light that is not too strong. They do very well sitting in an east facing window. Since various orchid species can be found naturally in tropical conditions, they are used to receiving both shade and sun.
Sunlight exposure that is too strong. Orchids that are suffering from either too much light will display yellowing leaves. If this takes place you should increase the shade that your orchid gets. Yellowing of orchid leaves may also indicate insufficient feeding. Orchid plants should be fertilized on a regular basis about every other week. You should too water your orchid plant before applying the weak nutrient mixture if the potting media is dry.
