Orchid Basic Care?
November 2nd, 2009 | 
Author: Q: I have purchased many orchids plants and killed them. After more than 3 dozens or so (I lost count) in 5 years, I finally was able to get 2 of my orchids still alive, it’s been more than 6 months. One is oncidium, the other is dendrobium. I’ve been placing them in the bathroom window above the shower after the blooms fell. The oncidium has spiked again (yipee). The dendrobium looks okay, but I cut off the flower stems after the blooms fell months ago. Is this okay? I’m also purchasing several other orchids (1 vanda, 1 phal, 1 cymbidium and 1 cattleya orchid). Can any of them be planted outside? Also, any tips on how to cut off the stems after blooms for each species are appreciated. For fertilizing, I read that I should fertilize every 10 days to 2 weeks. How long do I have to do this and when? Is it all year long? Is the fertilizing method the same for all orchid species? When’s blooming season for each species? What type of orchid media should I use?
A: Each type has its own special needs, but there are a number of general rules for orchids. Usually potted orchids are placed on a pebble tray. Place this tray on a windowsill which is close to a heater. Protect the plant from strong direct sunlight. Houseplant orchids cannot tolerate hot, stuffy conditions so good ventilation is required even in winter. The plant can be taken outdoors on warm, sunny days. Indoors avoid cold draughts. Feed during the summer months.Orchids like to be pot-bound, but after a few years repotting is necessary. Use a special orchid soil mix. Keep the soil moist, reduce watering in winter. With cattleya orchid, miltonia and ocidium let surface dry between waterings. Use warm, soft water- rainwater.Several orchids have a resting phase, usually in the fall. Some plants respond to feeding during the growing season. Consult a nurseryman regarding fertilizing, since each variety has its own need. Plants can be killed by over-feeding.Generally orchids like a day temperature of about 70 deg. F in the summer, 60 deg. F ind winter and a drop at night of 10 deg. F. Cool nights are important.Orchids need 10 – 15 hours of light each day – in winter use artificial light.Vandas need plenty of light all year, but especially from November to February.Phalaenopsis require warmer growing conditions than most orchids. Bathroom and kitchen window good location. Soil mixture as for cattleyas. When cutting flowers, leave part of main stem so another set of flowers can develop from dormant buds. This variety is not easy to grow.
Posted in cattleya orchid, cattleya orchids | 
Tags: care of orchids, caring for orchids, cattleya orchid, cattleya orchids
Congrats on your spike and on learning how to keep your babies alive!
Different types of orchids have different requirements in temperature, light, food & moisture. Whether you can grow them outside depends on where you live. None of them will like it if you plant them in the ground.
Your best bet on really quality information is to search online for orchid clubs or societies or large orchid growers. They’ll have all sorts of cultivation information in thier websites.
Because of the different requirements of different orchid varieties I’d consider sticking with different cultivars of just a couple of the easier varieties (sounds like you’re doing good with oncidiums!) and move on to the harder ones like vanda as your expertise grows.
Best of luck!
Each type has its own special needs, but there are a number of general rules for cattleya orchids. Usually potted orchids are placed on a pebble tray. Place this tray on a windowsill which is close to a heater. Protect the plant from strong direct sunlight. Houseplant orchids cannot tolerate hot, stuffy conditions so good ventilation is required even in winter. The plant can be taken outdoors on warm, sunny days. Indoors avoid cold draughts. Feed during the summer months.Orchids like to be pot-bound, but after a few years repotting is necessary. Use a special orchid soil mix. Keep the soil moist, reduce watering in winter. With cattleya, miltonia and ocidium let surface dry between waterings. Use warm, soft water- rainwater.Several orchids have a resting phase, usually in the fall. Some plants respond to feeding during the growing season. Consult a nurseryman regarding fertilizing, since each variety has its own need. Plants can be killed by over-feeding.Generally orchids like a day temperature of about 70 deg. F in the summer, 60 deg. F ind winter and a drop at night of 10 deg. F. Cool nights are important.Orchids need 10 – 15 hours of light each day – in winter use artificial light.Vandas need plenty of light all year, but especially from November to February.Phalaenopsis require warmer growing conditions than most orchids. Bathroom and kitchen window good location. Soil mixture as for cattleyas. When cutting flowers, leave part of main stem so another set of flowers can develop from dormant buds. This variety is not easy to grow.
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