Orchids can be fussy flowers to cultivate; but the attractive blooms they yield are more than worth the effort. Here are several recommendations that will help your orchids to thrive.

Growing Medium: Orchids won't grow well in regular potting soil. This type of growing medium is usually too dense and can collect throughout the plant's roots and suffocate them. Rather than using ordinary potting soil, you'll need to use a specific orchid growing medium made up of a mixture of organic and inorganic materials. The orchids roots should be kept well ventilated by making certain that the medium isn't packed too densely and that you select a pot that is the right size for the plant. You don't want a container that's too large because it will hold a lot of liquid that your orchid doesn't want, which can bring about root rot.

Humidity: The ecosystem of an orchid is the muggy areas of rainforests and mountains. If they are planted inside a house, they'll try hard to duplicate this ecosystem yet, with exclusion of the bathroom, the orchid's natural surroundings can't be replicated inside without some work. To make it similar, you have to mist the area on all sides of your plant to ensure that it obtains the humid conditions it needs to flourish. You can even set bowls of water, a humidifier or a water fountain next to the plant. You may prefer to cultivate your orchids in a greenhouse since these enclosures normally have increased amounts of humidity with more suitable air circulation.

Sunlight: Orchids enjoy light providing it's not intense. Sunlight that's too strong can bring about damage to your plant and its foliage. If you see a rosy tone to your plant's leaves, it's a sign that it's receiving too much sunshine. Make certain to move the plant to a less sun-drenched location, or give it a bit of shade with blinds or curtains.

Temperature: Orchids thrive in the temperature range of 70 to 90 degrees F; though, the exact temperature span will vary depending on the variety of orchid you are raising. For a good number of orchid varieties, temperatures should drop throughout the night along with the dormant times to ensure that they can bloom. If you are raising your orchid plants indoors, achieving the most suitable temperature isn't that hard and you don't need to do anything extra to the environment. But if there are concerns, you may have to move the plant to another location throughout certain times of the year.

Moisture: Make sure to water your orchid carefully. Usually, an orchid doesn't need water more than once per week. If you're uncertain if your plant needs water, test how wet the growing medium is. If it's still reasonably wet, don't give it more water. If it's completely dry, it's time to water your orchid.

About the Author:
There are countless varieties of flower that you can raise, but the orchid is certainly a favorite of many gardeners. There are a few important guidelines that you need to keep in mind though. Find out more about these beautiful flowers and how to tend them at Caring for Orchids.