The Care For an Orchid Plant
Are you interested in learning more about orchid plants? The Orchidaceae is an extensive and diversified family of tropical flowering plants, having multiple blooms which are often colorful and fragrant, particularly the orchid family member, orchid. Orchids are not true flowers but instead grow in clumps or in large groups called colonies. There are approximately 100 recognized orchid species, many of which are hybrids of other orchid species. In addition, there are also a number of subspecies and variants that differ from their parent species.
Because orchid plants are considered exotic orchids, it can be difficult to find information about them in general, or specific species. Fortunately, there are sources available to provide you with information about orchid plants. One good source is “Orchid Secrets,” a book that was written by a leading authority on orchids, Dr. Helen Schulter. This book provides detailed information about orchid plants that is essential to proper care, growth, and harvesting. It also provides photographs and images to help identify orchids and the care needed for each variety.
Another resource to use to learn about orchid plants is “Moth orchid,” by Dr. Richard C. Frick. This book provides a very basic introduction to the world of orchids, including information about common varieties, common diseases, and the physiology of flowers. Along with basic information, this book also includes several color photos to illustrate various types of flowers. This book is highly recommended for beginner gardeners and those who have no experience caring for these beautiful plants.
There are other sources to help you learn about orchid care and growing. One option is to join a local orchid club or class, check out the Internet, or attend a gardening show. If there are no such groups in your area, perhaps you can research information at your local library. The library might have a few books on orchid plant care and different potting mixes that would make interesting topics to discuss in club meetings.
An alternative way to learn about orchid care and growing is to read “How To Grow Orchids: An Owner’s Guide to Taking Care of Plants” by Nancy T. Hayashi. This book contains several different sections that provide basic information about orchids, including the proper orchid potting mix. In addition to the general sections about orchid care and growing, this book also includes recipes for homemade orchid fertilizer, the best potting mix, and suggestions for the perfect time of year to plant or grow. This guide is filled with fun plant suggestions and plant propagation instructions. In Chapter 5, the author provides an extensive listing of home orchids that are native to India and Sri Lanka.
Orchids are very susceptible to scale insects such as spider mites, white-flies, and wax scales. These pests cause the most damage to young orchids, and the majority of orchids will die if taken to the roots. Fortunately, most of these pests are killed by spraying a non-toxic insecticide such as diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth however should not be used on newly planted orchids, as it may kill the plant. Another method for preventing scale insects from destroying young orchids is planting the orchid in a shallow container with good drainage.
The most common orchid disease is bacterial diseases. These can be identified as a discolored or scaly spot on the underside of the flower spike or as white or yellow spots on the flower spike itself. Typically, the affected flower spike will fall off, but other times the entire flower may die. The main symptom is wilting, which is why it is so important to care for an orchid. If the disease is caught early enough, a successful treatment can be undertaken before the flower spike falls off.
When it comes to watering an orchid, it is best to only water the roots. Most orchids need their leaves to remain moist throughout the day, and a good watering routine will help conserve energy for future blooms. If the orchid starts to dry out excessively, it is time to change the potting mix or start taking better care of the plant. Remember that keeping an orchid healthy takes work, patience, and lots of love.