Orchid Care - A Place to Grow |
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Those dazzeling displays of flowers aren't magic. They're the result of that plant getting what it needed during its "growing season". Orchids have 3 seasons; grow, bloom, and rest. The "growing season" is an important time for your plants because that's when they're actively growing and building up the energy to flower. If you want big, beautiful blooms, you need to give your plants what they need during this period. ------------- Sidebar: This is where orchids differ from houseplants. Houseplants are perfectly happy staying in one place with the same growing conditions year round. Orchids, on the other hand, expect changing seasons throughout the year. ------------- What are orchids looking for during their growing season? Technically, that depends on the type of orchid you're growing. But generally speaking, they're looking for three things; 1) good, bright light (maybe even some sun), 2) adequate humidity, and 3) at least a 20 degree difference between day and night temperatures. "A Place to Grow" for Orchids Now that we know what orchids need during their growing season, how do we deliver it? We're going to build "a place to grow". This "place to grow" will mimic the conditions your orchids would experience during their growing season in nature. "A Place to Grow" for orchids needs 3 things: 1. Lots of Light: Orchids need energy to make flowers. The only place they can get energy is from the sun. So your plants are going to need lots of light. 2. Varying Temperatures: Orchids need at least a 20 degree difference between day and night temperatures to trigger a bloom cycle. They won't bloom without it. 3. Adequate Humidity: Orchids can't tolerate dry air. They don't need a rain forest but they do require at least 20-30% realtive humidity. This can be a challenge during winter months. Finding Your "Place to Grow" Where can you find a "Place to Grow" in your home that has all three elements? You might be surprised! Meterologists describe "micro-climates" as small areas that are hotter/colder, wetter/drier, or sunnier/shadier than the surrounding environment. Your home has micro-climates too. There are areas around windows in every room that are hotter/colder, or sunny/shadier than the rest of the room. You may not notice this but from an orchid's perspective this can mean life or death! With a little detective work, finding micro-climates in your home is easy. Let's investigate. 1. Light: Using the compass in your phone determine what direction the window is facing. Be aware that the sun changes postions in the sky with the seasons. East and west windows are sunnier during summer months, then get shadier during winter. South windows are more or less shady in the summer but get hot and sunny in winter. Of course trees, awnings, etc. also effect light levels. 2. Temperature; A sunny window can reach temperatures of 100 degrees or more. The temperature at that same window can drop to 60 degrees or lower on winter nights. That's a 40 degree difference ... perfect for orchids! A Hi/Lo Thermometer is the tool you'll need here. They're easy to use and measure the highest and lowest temperatures over a period of time. 3. Humidity: Adequate humidity can be a challenge during winter months. Grouping your plants together on humidity trays at the window - and closing off the heat vents will raise the humidity levels in your growing area considerably. Hi/Lo Thermometers also measure humidity. Where are some of the best places to look for growing areas in your home? Here are some ideas. East or west facing windows work well. Try finding a window where the heat source can be shut off. This helps with temperature requirements and boosts the humidity levels during winter. (Don't worry, your plants won't be too cold.) Windows with shear drapes or window blinds work best. Unprotected plants can burn quickly in a window that gets hot, direct sun. An unsed bedroom or guest room are great. Simply close off the heat and air conditioning in the room and close the door. The sun will gently warm the room during the day and your plants will love the cool nights. (Again, don't worry about your plants being too cold.) Growing Under Plant Lights. With plant lights you can grow almost anywhere. Cool rooms are best. The gentle heat from the grow lamps warms the plants during the day and the ambient room temperature cools them at nigh. This creates the temperature variance we're looking for to trigger a bloom cycle. Basements are great for this because orchids love cool, damp air. Growing Outside in the Summer. This is the best place of all! Nice warm days with gentle breezes. Cool damp nights. Occasional rain showers ... what could be better? |
Our Hydroponic System makes orchid care easy. With Hydroponics you'll be growing like a pro in no time! owi |
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