Here is some quick a review on how to care for a lady slipper orchid. This article was written to provide helpful insight on the proper way to care for orchid plants during their initial growing season. It is also intended to make the novice orchid grower familiar with the basic requirements of the plants. In short, after reading this article you will have a good idea of how to care for orchid plants.

Care Summary: This is how to care for a lady slipper orchid in general. Light. A typical orchid pot should be kept at just above room temperature. Relative humidity around the plant should be around fifty percent.

Humidity should be around seventy-five to eighty percent. During the bloating or flower season, the water container should be kept in a cool, dry location. This will help the roots absorb the extra water, but it will also keep the roots from drying out. If you are caring for indoor orchids, you will need to apply a fertilizer to your orchid plants before the blooming season begins. Your nursery should be able to supply you with orchid fertilizer.

Air Movement. Most orchids prefer a lot of fresh air movement, so it would be a good idea to give your orchids a light mist at least once a month during their bloom season. You can place the flowers in a dish filled with half water mixed with half water. Mist them well, then cover them.

Watering Needs: All plants need watering, even exotic species of orchids like the Lady Slipper orchid. Their roots become very heavy when wet, so you may have to water them very often during the hot summer months. Water your plants just before the top of the soil is dry. The bottom of the pot should be completely dry.

Repotting: If you find your lady orchids are getting a lot of leaves, it could mean that they are in the process of blooming. If this is the case, do not remove the leaves or cut them too close to the pot. Cut the pot in a cut down triangle, about one inch longer than the base of the pot. Then repeat the orchid into a small, dry pot, using a pin or hook to push the pot down into the dirt. Never repot an orchid into its original pot or container.

Humidity: This is another concern that may need to be addressed with your orchids. Although they are native to the tropics and are grown mostly for their exotic flowers, orchids can handle humidity just fine if you provide them with a proper pot and the correct conditions. They can tolerate temperatures from fifty to ninety degrees Fahrenheit, but it is better to avoid putting your orchids directly into a direct shower. Some of them, especially the dwarf orchids, will burn if you do not provide them with an airtight container. Providing them with a glass of water in the evening, with a couple of pieces of paper or cardboard nearby for support, will allow them to safely handle a moderate temperature.

Planting and Growing Tips: Most orchids love the sun, but some varieties, such as the African violet, prefer it just a little during the day. If you have your orchids in pots, make sure that the pots are kept in direct sunlight and have a light on. During the afternoon or early evening, move them to a shaded area to enjoy indirect light. During the winter months, it is best to keep them in a colder environment, but not to completely freeze the pots.