Light and Ventilation:
Most cultivated orchids can be
grown in a sunny window or under
lights. Either plant lights or a
combination of cool white
(fluorescent) and warm white will
do. Many orchid enthusiasts grow
their plants in or near a window
with supplemental lighting.
Orchids need humidity levels of
45-65%, easily obtained on pebble
trays. Fill a tray with stones and
water. Set the plants on the
stones so that the pot bottoms
rest just above the water line.
Misting on sunny days will help,
just be sure that plants are dry
by evening. Orchids do best with
good ventilation, as do most house
plants. You could use a small fan
to provide extra ventilation if
needed.
Water:
Orchids need good drainage and
should be watered only when dry.
Many orchids have pseudobulbs
which store water like succulents
and cactus. Orchids with
pseudobulbs (such as Cattleyas)
should go totally dry between
watering. Orchids without
pseudobulbs (such as phalaenopsis,
vandas, and paphiopedilums) should
be watered when moderately dry.
Orchids use more water when they
are actively growing. As with all
house plants, water the orchid
until water is flowing from the
bottom of the pot. When watering
orchids, use water that is warm or
room temperature. Feeding every
other watering is suggested at a
rate of 1/4 tsp. per gallon for
most orchids. Plants that are
actively growing should be fed
20-20-20. Plants that are
completing their new growth should
be fed 10-30-20 (high in
phosphorus and potassium).
Orchids require different light
intensities and indoor (winter)
nighttemperatures:
Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilums
require filtered sun or bright
indirect light in winter, shade in
summer, and night temperatures of
60-65° F and most of the Cattleyas
alliance (Laelia, Sophronitis,
etc.) require at least 1/2 day
full sun in the winter months,
filtered sun during the summer,
and a night temp. of 55-60°.
Vandas require a south window and
a night temp. of 55-65°.
Cymbidiums require as much sun as
possible and night temperatures of
50-58°, providing their flower
spikes are set. Orchids grow best
when summered outdoors. Move all
plants out under shade in mid-May.
Cymbidiums and Vandas should be
gradually moved to a spot where
they will receive all but the hot
midday sun. They will tolerate
even that by late August.
Cattleyas should be gradually
moved to receive almost as much
sun. Hang them where leaves will
shade them at midday. Keep
Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilums
suspended in total shade. Bring
phals and paphs in after they have
received at least two weeks of 50°
night temperatures in autumn,
Cattleyas after 45-50°, and
cymbidiums 35° F.
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