When choosing orchids, there are several beautiful and unique species to choose from. Many are afraid of orchids in general, overwhelmed by misinformation as to how to care for them. They are without a doubt, one of the most popular species of flora grown all over the world. With a few tips from expert growers, you can become successful at growing and cultivating them at home.

Cymbidium Orchids have long roots and need to be planted in deep pots so that the roots have plenty of room to grow. Pots don't need to be wide, narrow and deep work best as wide pots influence new root growth which takes too much energy from the plant. Deeper pots allow the roots to continue growing long and let the plant keep it's energy above soil, growing tall stalks with numerous flowers. It is important that the roots remain damp but not wet. When choosing a medium for potting you want something that will not hold too much moisture. It also needs to dry at an even pace so there are no wet pockets. Your climate will affect the type of medium you choose as well to maintain the proper amount of moisture. If you live in a dry climate, rock with a bit of tree bark may work to hold in some of the moisture. In humid areas, rock alone may work best to maintain the right level.

Reproducing of Cymbidium Orchids are achieved by division and replanting. If grown in deep pots as described, bulbs should be easy to separate and re-pot. If you decide not to reproduce your plant, it is still important to change the soil every few weeks to give your plant more room and a chance to grow. When you remove the roots from the medium, it's a good time to check and see how the roots are faring, are they dry and in poor condition or are they thick and healthy. Once divided, roots should be treated to avoid any harm to the plant. Elemental sulfur should do the trick nicely.

Watering should only occur about twice a week depending on the conditions. It's best to water around the edge, letting the water run through the container as to let the roots slowly access the water rather than watering directly on them. With a spray bottle, you can administer fertilizer to the flowers and spikes after watering the soil.

If you live in the north, you should probably allow your Cymbidium Orchids 70 percent shade. In the south you can increase that amount. If the leaves begin to fold and droop, it is likely due to too little light. If the leaves turn light yellowish green, you probably need to decrease the light allowed. The temperature is important to maintain with no more than 20 degrees between day and night.

With these tips, you should be able to grow happy and healthy Cymbidium Orchids with full blooms that keep your home full of beauty and peace.

By: Steve Fortuna
Steve Fortuna is an expert with Orchid Flowers, having been working with them for many years. You can find more information and pictures on phalaenopsis orchids, dendrobiums, cymbidiums, and more by clicking a link above.

Growing orchids can be one of the most rewarding and satisfying hobbies that you will ever undertake . When you do begin growing orchids, one thing is absolutely certain, you will need to be well informed and knowledgeable on the growing of orchids and orchid care. This article will help you to get started with some useful orchid growing tips that I feel are the most important when just starting this exciting adventure.

Selecting Your Orchid

There are three species of orchids that are most suitable for growing indoors. These are the phalaenopsis or moth orchids that requires not so much light and can adapt easily to indoor settings. The Cattleya species which requires much more light to grow well indoors and finally there is the Dendrobiums species. Orchids that grow well outdoors are the Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Cattleya Hybrids, Laelia, and Stanhopea.

Essential H2O

The knowledge of Watering is probably one of the most important factors when growing orchids. The right combination of air and water should be thought of carefully when watering orchids, as excess moisture can cause the roots to rot which is true of most plants. Some varieties of orchids prefer their roots dry, while others need more moisture. The amount of watering should depend on the temperature and humidity of the environment, and the species of the orchids.

Tropical orchids need a warm, humid atmosphere because most of them do not have superior root systems. You must have a water tank or pool in the center of the plants to provide the moisture. Orchids should be watered 2-3 times a day and should not be allowed to dry up during the summer months. Growing plants need extra water just like plants in baskets need more water than those in pots. Orchids which have recently been potted should be watered cautiously while waiting for the new roots to emerge.

Humid conditions should be provided as well. Anywhere between 60-70% should do. Humidity is also very important for these plants. Typically if the substrate is moist and the temperature is set to the correct levels then the humidity will take care of itself with the aid of the live plants. Humidity plays a large part and is one of the most important orchid growing tips I can give you.

The Energy of the Sun

The third orchid growing tips is that orchids require enough light not only to stay alive, but also to grow and ultimately to produce flowers. A good indication is to determine if they are receiving enough light is by examining the leaves. Moderate to light green leaves means they are getting the right amount, while deeper and dark green leaves means the level of light is not that good. Excessive heat may cause the leaves to suffer sunburn and also exhaust the food reserves of the plant. If you notice that the leaves are yellowing like autumn leaves then you know that they have had to much heat.

Feeding Your Orchids

The minerals that are essential for orchids and are easily depleted are the following: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Growers differ in the fertilizer compositions and regiments they employ. Inorganic fertilizers that combine mineral salts and are soluble in water are the easiest to use and most commonly available. High phosphorus content in fertilizer is said to be the factor responsible for stimulating and increasing orchid flowering. The decrease in excess nitrogen allows for more abundant blooms among orchids.

Pots and Mixes

The final piece of advice from my orchid growing tips is to ensure you have the correct pot for your orchid. Believe it or not but this is of primary importance! There are three types of pots, plastic, terracota and basket. I prefer terracota and I always make sure the pot is the right size for my orchid. With regards to mixes I use a combination of organic fibers and inorganic materials. The organic choices are Fir Bark, Redwood Bark, Coconut Husks, Sphagnum Moss and tree Fern Fiber and for Inorganic choices include Charcoal, Lava rock, Alifor are, Pearlite and Turface.

By: James R Connor
James Connor is an Orchid specialist who has a number of websites on the care and cultivation of Orchids. If you would like to know more check out OrchidGrowingTips.org for more information about Growing Orchids and receive Your FREE Report on Growing Orchids.

Dendrobium orchid care is no more involved than caring for any other species of orchid. They are a common choice to use as cut flowers because they have a very beautiful and distinctive color and a very string stem. Making the a little Dendrobium orchid perfect for occasions like weddings or a good romantic gift.

But enough with all the waffle, you want to learn how to take care of Dendrobium orchids right? Well, you can't fail with the following tips:

Lighting

These particular orchids love light, and it is important so that they can maintain healthy growth. Provide Bright light, to 50 percent sun. In the home, an east, west or lightly shaded south window. In a greenhouse, about 30 to 50 percent of full sun. Under lights, four 40 watt incandescent bulbs directly over plants. Plants should be naturally erect, without need of (much) stalking, and of a medium olive-green color.

Temperature

The temperature for your Dendrobium orchid care is important as well. Temperature is directly proportional to the amount of light so both should be looked at carefully. As a guide temperature below 50F and above 90F are not a good idea. Ideally there will be a difference of about 10 degrees between night and day.

Watering

Keep evenly moist while in active growth. Allow to dry between waterings after growth is mature (indicated by terminal leaf). The trick is to keep in wet, but not too wet. For adivce on how to do this visit the site mentioned at the end of this article

Humidity

Dendrobiums need 50 to 60 percent. In the home, place on trays over moistened pebbles. In greenhouse, use a humidifier if conditions are too dry. Humidity trays can be purchased from gardening stores but its much better and cheaper to just make your own.

Potting

Should be done every two to three years before mix loses consistency (breaks down). Pot firmly in medium, giving aeration and ample drainage, allowing enough room for two years' growth. Dendrobiums grow best in pots small for the size of the plant. For the best Dendrobium orchid care though, don't repot unnecessarily as this will do more harm than good.

By: Jeremy Sleigh
There is much more to learn about Dendrobium orchid care and this article is just the beginning. There are factors such as fertilizer, humidity and general orchid care to be considered. To discover all the secrets about caring for you Dendrobium orchids just click here.

The orchid plant has been around for a very long time. In fact it was one of the very first plants to evolve. Therefore it is not surprising that there are so many species around. And therein lies the problem when it comes to knowing how to care for orchids. You can follow general advice but as that well known saying goes "the devil is in the detail".

So here we are going to only look at the care of the one species of orchid. That plant is the Phalaenopsis, also known as the Moth Orchid. It is one of the most popular varieties to grow as it is very tolerant of centrally heated homes.

The Phalaenopsis originates from Thailand and Japan. It likes warm temperatures so you must be able to provide temperatures around 65F during the winter months and 75 to 80F in summer time. Do not let night time temperature drop below 60F.

The orchid likes humidity in the range of 50 to 70%. Using a hand spray, preferably filled with rain water is a simple yet practical option. Or, in summer you could stand your plant pot on a bowl of wet pebbles but never let the bottom of the pot touch the water. Always spray in the morning so that water evaporates before nightfall. Allowing water to rest overnight in the centre of the plant is very high risk. Rot will quickly set in.

Light is vital to the health of the Phalaenopsis plant but you must shield it from direct sunlight or you risk scorching.

Good air circulation is essential. A ceiling fan on low is ideal.

The orchid will need watering on average every 4 to 6 days. Where possible use rain water. Early morning is the best time to water the plant. Do not over-water.

Regularly feed your Phalaenopsis with a specialist orchid fertilizer.

Re-potting will be necessary on average once per year. Spring is the best time for this task. Make sure the pot has good drainage and use either New Zealand sphagnum moss or a fine to medium orchid bark mix.

By: Steve Crane
Discover more about the care of Phalaenopsis and other popular orchids.
The care of orchids depends on buying the right plant. Learn how to pick a healthy plant and many more care for orchids tips.
Get step by step instruction on growing orchids in a hydroponic garden.