If you want to see your orchid plants thrive, there are several things you need to take into consideration. It doesn’t matter what orchid variety you plan on growing in your home or in your garden outside (there are slight needs variations with orchid types), these seven things need to be addressed to ensure that your plants flourish.

Seven Considerations To Address For Your Orchid Garden

Consideration 1 - Lighting

The majority of orchid varieties like the indirect morning sunlight. However, it needs to be filtered so as not to burn the leaves. You can do this by using a curtain sheer. If you don’t have this option, use an incandescent bulb instead. Keep in mind that these bulbs produce and give off a lot of heat. You can also go with fluorescent bulbs, which are actually a better choice. The reason is that they deliver a broad light spectrum and doesn’t produce near as much heat. You can also go with high-density discharge lights, which are typically best for your plants because there are efficient. However, it’s a tad more expensive than the other two options.

Consideration 2 – Temperatures

These plants are not picky about the temperatures they are kept in (unlike their needs for light); however, each orchid species is different so be aware of what your species preferred optimum temperature range is. Orchids will generally fall into three sections. They include:

- Plants that thrive in a home

- Plants that need cool temperatures and more light

- Plants that need warm temperatures (never falling below 45 degrees)

It’s imperative that you get the correct temperature range for your orchid species. If not, the plant could wither and die.

Consideration 3 – Humidity

Orchids are tropical in origin so they absolutely need plenty of humidity and warmth. They’ll need superfluous amounts of water and should you’ve got outside orchids, they should have some kind of water feature to assist you. Water them two to three times a day; do not allow them to get dry during the summer months. Humidity levels should range anywhere from 60 percent to 80 percent for the orchid plants to thrive. The majority of growers will have no problems meeting this requirement unless the days are very, very hot. If there’s a problem with the humidity levels, try using a humidifier nearby your plants.

Consideration 4 – Air

Orchids love small breezes so make sure to encourage this by opening a window or using personal fan.

Consideration 5 – Water

How much water you give your orchids will depend on the species you decide to go. A good rule to keep in mind about your orchid is that it loves to have its roots well drained. If they’re watered way too often, the roots can develop rot and you can’t do much to correct it. The way you water it will depend on your environmental conditions.

For example, if you’ve got three days of cloudy weather, temperatures are below 60 degrees, your orchids are planted in plastic pots or the humidity levels are 70 percent or more then you’re likely not going to need to water your plants. It may seem like a lot to remember but you’ll get it in no time.

Consideration 6 – Fertilization

Fertilizers give orchids their basic environmental needs; however, there are certain minerals that are used up quickly. These include:

- Nitrogen

- Potassium

- Phosphorus

You can find mixtures that contain the minerals in your local garden center.

Consideration 7 - Nutrition

Orchids need nutritional supplements. While you’re shopping for other needed gardening materials, make sure to get the supplements as well.