Care Of Orchids Indoors
You may think that growing orchids indoors is quite difficult. However, with a little bit of care, you can easily grow your orchids in your home. Ensure that you have optimum light, humidity and temperature to successfully grow these beautiful flowers in your home. |
Here are some tips on how to take care of orchids indoors that you will find extremely helpful and they will also prevent your orchids from perishing indoors:
Orchids need high levels of humidity to thrive. This can be achieved indoors in several ways. You can make use of a humidifier to increase the humidity levels in the room where you are growing your orchids. However, this may not get the humidity to the desired level. Hence, take a tray and fill it with some gravel, and then add water into the tray. Ensure that the water level is below the level of the gravel. Place the tray near the orchid. As the water evaporates, it will help in increasing the humidity around the orchid. In addition, mist the leaves of the orchid with some water. (See Reference 1)
These plants require around 12 to 14 hours of sunlight for optimum growth. It is advisable to place the orchid on a windowsill that get sunlight, but screen the window so that no direct sunlight comes in. You can use a sheer curtain to prevent direct sunlight. Alternatively, you can use artificial lighting. Hanging around 4 forty-watt fluorescent bulbs 6 inches above the orchid plants should do the trick. (See Reference 1)
Depending on the kind of orchid you are growing indoor, the temperature needs of the plant will vary. However, it has been observed that the normal house temperature is sufficient to keep the orchid growing. However, if your orchid is from a colder locale, it would require a minimum night temperature of around 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while those from a warmer locale will require night time temperature of around 58 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. During the day, the indoor temperature should be around 10 to 15 degrees higher. (See Reference 1)
The feeding and water requirements also vary based on the kind of orchid you are growing. Generally, if you have an epiphyte, it should be allowed to dry up completely before being soaked with water. The water should be room temperature, and it should be able to drain out. On the other hand, orchids like cymbidiums should not be permitted to dry up. If you are using a growing medium for one year, then ensure that you feed the orchid with liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during the growing season in summer. To avoid burning the roots of the orchids, water the plant before putting in the liquid fertilizer. (See Reference 1)
In late fall or early part of winter, allow the orchid to have a resting period. During this period, water the plant sparingly to prevent the pseudo bulbs from drying up. Also, ensure that the humidity levels and temperature are lower than normal. Once the orchid starts showing signs of growth, bring back the temperature and humidity levels back to normal and also begin watering the plant as before. (See Reference 1)
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Orchids with air roots are known as epiphytes. The orchids use these roots to anchor themselves on the bark of a tree. Usually, these orchids grow at higher elevations on the trees, so that they can get filtered sunlight and also get moisture and nutrients via their air roots without having to compete with the plants that are growing on the ground. If you have epiphytic orchids, then you will want to know more about some caring tips for orchids air roots. 
