How To Cultivate A Flowering Orchid Plant?

Orchids are a beautiful plant family with over 30,000 species and 200,000 hybrid varieties, making them one of the two largest families of plants in the world. They are grown for their striking flowers, which can last for a day or less or up to several months, depending on the species or cultivar. Some species exhibit beautiful patterns on their flowers. Orchid growth and flowering are tuned to the changing seasons, so easy-to-follow seasonal orchid care checklists cover January through December.

Orchids are light-hungry plants, requiring 12 to 14 hours of light each day, year-round. They prefer a location with plenty of bright, indirect light, such as on a north- or east-facing windowsill. They need regular watering and misting, preferably with rainwater or boiled water, and often need to be grown in bark-based orchid compost. Orchids do best in temperatures above 50°F but below 85°F. To grow an orchid, follow these steps:

1. Identify where on the tree to attach your orchid.
2. Clean the roots of soil or sphagnum moss.
3. Spread the roots on the bark of the tree.
4. Water your orchid regularly, but not too much, as they can become dry and prone to diseases.
5. Fertilize your orchid with the right amount of light, ensuring it gets enough sunlight and proper humidity.
6. Monitor your orchid’s growth and adjust its care as needed.