TIPS TO MAINTAIN ORCHID DILIGENT FLOWERING

The most interesting and important part of the orchid is a flower, but unfortunately we often find that lazy orchid flower to flower. Is there something wrong?

Caring for orchids tricky and required experience and discipline. To create a diligent flowering orchids also necessary elements of caring affection. One of the most important factors to be diligent flowering orchid is the selection of orchid seeds. Some traits of the orchid is blooming orchid lot, large flowering, brightly colored flowers and flowers durable.

Several factors need to be taken to ensure that diligent flowering orchids are:

1.The house is protected as appropriate. Orchids should be placed in a home that intensity cahanya 50-70%, then the roof of the house should be protected paranet.
   

2. Preparation of orchids. To be diligent orchids flowering plants should also be considered drafting, drafting shelves should be placed flat orchid with a height of 1 m, and do not put a tiered because it would interfere with air circulation.
   

3. Humidity. To be diligent flowering orchids needed humidity between 60-80%. In order to maintain the humidity below the rack can be made with or manufactured home in fog protected by the installation of sprinkle.
     

4.Growing media. The ideal planting medium for making diligent flowering orchids arranged two parts. 1/3 the bottom is filled with pieces of brick and 2/3 the rest use ferns.
     

5.Construction pot. Pot is also greatly affected the flowering of orchids so diligent. The most used is the ideal pot pots made of clay and a lot of the hole.
     

6.Watering. To be very diligent flowering orchids to consider the problem of water content of the medium. If hot weather is needed watering 2 times and if it does not have to pass the rainy weather watering. The very need to note is the water content media. The ideal watering time is at 07-09 am and 03-05 pm.
    

7. Fertilization. The primary key diligent flowering orchid fertilizer that is the fertilizer to the content of high P nutrients. Fertilization can be given through spraying / watering can also use a slow release fertilizer sprinkled on orchid growing media.
     

8.Giving or hormone ZPT. To make diligent flowering orchids sometimes required giving PGR or hormones. That can be used to stimulate flowering orchids are Gibberellins. Can also use coconut water with a concentration of 15% (150 ml coconut water is 1 liter spray solution)
   

9. Pest and disease control. As with other plants orchids Takan also spared from pests and diseases. Daily observations are the best way to prevent orchid pests and diseases. To make diligent orchid flowering orchid plants should be cleaned of dirt, weeds and rotting leaves. The use of insecticides when infestations, mold fungicide and bactericide if attacked when attacked by bacteria.

10. Hopefully the article above may slightly increase the knowledge of the orchid lovers

How often should I be fertilizing my orchids?

Be sure to use an orchid food that is formulated for orchids and follow the instructions on the label. In general, most orchid fertilizers recommend usage once a month. Less frequent fertilizing may stunt growth and inhibit flowering; more frequent fertilizing may burn the roots and leaves and inhibit flowering. For complete step-by-step instructions on how to feed your orchids.
Be sure to use an orchid food that is formulated for orchids and follow the label instructions. In general, most orchid fertilizers recommend use once a month. Less frequent fertilizing may stunt growth and inhibit flowering, more frequent fertilizing may burn the roots and leaves and inhibit flowering. For complete step-by-step instructions on how to feed your orchids.

How often should I water your orchid?

We often make the mistake of assuming that orchids  they must be watered several times a week. Unfortunately, watering orchids frequently will kill the roots of any orchid in short order. The general rule for orchids growing in the home is to water every 5 to 12 days, depending on the type of orchid, the temperature the plant is grown in, and the time of year. During the warm summer months when days are long, more frequent watering is required than in the cooler, shorter days of winter.

There are three basic types of orchids, as far as watering is concerned: those that should be kept evenly moist at all times; those that should be allowed to nearly dry out between waterings, except when in active growth; and those that should always be allowed to dry out a bit between waterings. The guidelines below list the major varieties of orchid in each type.

Varieties to keep evenly moist (not soggy or wet) at all times:
Paphiopedilum, Miltonia, Cymbidium, Odontoglossum,

Varieties to keep evenly moist during active growth, allowed to dry out between waterings when not:
Cattleya, Oncidium, Brassia, Dendrobium.

Varieties to keep nearly dry between waterings:
Phalaenopsis, Vanda, Ascocenda.

Orchids care Secret

Reduce watering time with drainage trays.
If growing indoors, you can reduce your time to irrigate, while under your tray orchids and simply put the water and let drain off the water. This can with moisture drawers that a space between the water tank and the orchids, or emptying drawers, to use gravity to have to remove the water, can be achieved. With humidity tray is also good for your plants, because the evaporation of water under the orchids will increase the humidity in their environment.

SECRET CARE For ORCHIDS

Some orchids are terrestrial, meaning they grow in the ground, but the majority of them are epiphytes, growing in the debris that collects in the crotch of branches. The root system is to secure the planting of trees, they grow, as for the collection of nutrients. The moisture from rain and moisture collected in the air. Most orchids like to lie close in their pots. Your work need not be most likely to be transplanted, unless it is tilting. Some orchids are planted in a mixture of wood chips and charcoal. This medium will break over time, and must be updated every few years. This will not happen with the volcanic rocks. You can find specific fertilizer for orchids in many places, I get my at Home Depot. This will encourage them to late flowering. Most bloom once a year, some more often. I've never seen a vanilla orchid, to see how awesome if you have one! Vaniila orchids grow vines as high as the tree they are in. My understanding is that vanilla farmers to encourage crop top of the plant both on the growth of more flowers, and also to reap the fruits will be easier. Orchids love humidity, but they may not stand in water. If you give out a few pebbles in a shallow bowl, a little water, and set the pot on it, create a nice little micro-climate for your system.

pic source: www.jtpubs.com/orchid/Article23

HOW TO GROW INDOOR ORCHIDS

The golden rule for orchid success is to duplicate the plant's natural conditions as closely as possible. In nature, most orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other objects, clinging to rough bark or even stone. The showy orchids favored by most people are usually called dendrobium hybrids.

These plants thrive in these conditions:
- Strong light, but not direct late-afternoon sunlight although dendrobiums can handle more sun
High humidity
- Turbulent air flow around the roots
- Regular periods of drying, alternating withdrenching rains
- Temperatures between 50 degrees and about 85 degrees

The closer you can come to creating these conditions in your growing area, the more success and better blooms you will have.

Most store-bought orchids come packaged in cheap plastic potswith the roots packed in soaked moss. Obviously, this violates two of the main rules of successful growth. There is no air flow around the roots, and the roots are never given a chance to completely dry out. Thus, the plant cannot breathe and root rot is inevitable. Orchid roots are highly specialized organs designed to soak up water very quickly and breathe. They do not extract nutrients from soil.

Repotting for Success

The first step with any store-bought orchid is to enjoy the bloom. Don't attempt to repot a flowering plant.

After the bloom is done, go ahead and cut off the dead flower spike with sterile snippers and repot the plant. Orchids should be potted into specialized orchid pots in orchid mixture. Orchid pots feature wide drainage slits so water will literally run through the pot. They are widely available. Orchid potting mixture is usually composed of several chunky ingredients, including pine bark, charcoal, and even styrofoam.

To repot your orchid, follow these steps:

Remove it from the plastic pot and carefully remove as much of the moss as you can. Healthy roots should be white and firm, with a small green growing point.
Cut away any shriveled, rotten or blackened roots.
Set the plant into the pot and fill in around it with potting mixture. The plant should be firmly situated, but it will not be completely anchored. Eventually, new roots will grow through the potting mixture and attach to the pot itself, thus anchoring your plant.

Once it's repotted, find a good spot. An east facing window with a few hours of mild morning sun is perfect. To provide the necessary humidity and catch run-off water, put the plant into a wide, deep tray and fill the tray with gravel.

Tips for Care

Caring for your orchid is pretty simple. During the summer months, water it weekly and heavily. Let the water drench the roots and fill up the pebble tray (this will provide extra humidity). It doesn't hurt every so often to even put the plant in the kitchen sink and really soak it down. Don't worry, you won't kill it as long as it's allowed to dry out afterward. During the growing season, feed it weekly with a weak solution of a powder or liquid fertilizer. Many growers use Peter’s 20/20/20 fertilizer at quarter strength.

In the winter, keep your plant warm and cut the water back to once a month or so. Mist it every so often to make sure it stays hydrated. Don't fertilize it.

If you see signs of distress, such as yellowing leaves, wrinkled leaves or no blooms, move the plant and keep tweaking your conditions. Once an orchid finds a happy spot, and falls into a routine, the plant should regularly throw out new roots and leaves or canes (depending on the type) and reward you yearly with a beautiful bloom.

pic:google.com

Tips in selecting healthy orchids

1. Check and see how firm the plant is in the pot, if it is shaky and not firm then chances are it is either been recently repotted or it has a bad root system. If it has been recently repotted check the mix, you may want to replace it for something more suitable for orchids, even thou the plant is in bloom. Sphagnum moss is often used to pot the orchids in for shipping and if it it packed to tightly in the pot it can cause problems. Some times the mix can rot your roots very quickly since it does not dry out.

2. The pseudobulbs should be fat and plump. Beware of the shriveled pseudobulbs

3. The leaves should be firm. Leaves that are limp or crinkled like an according are indications that the plant may have been exposed to excessively cold temperatures or lack of water due to no root system or just not being watered correctly. Are the leaves brown or have spots? This is an indication of exposure to excessive sunlight or high temperatures. On many of the orchids make sure the center leaf is still growing and there is not damage to the crown of the orchid. This damage can result in crown rot and the orchid will die.

4. Is the foliage damaged? Look under the paper wrapper if it is covering any part of the plant.

5. Are the plants water logged or swimming in water inside of the paper wrapper? The pretty paper does not have drainage holes. REMOVE this immediately after you get your orchid home.

6. Is there a sticky substance on the leaves? THE PLANT HAS BUGS! Avoid bug-infested plants.

7. Are the flowers limp or the buds turning yellow? Are there buds missing? The plant has been stressed too much and will most likely drop all its flowers and buds within a few days no matter what you do for the plant.

8. Does the plant have a correct label? The label should say more than just "ORCHID PLANT."

9. Ask how long the plants have been at the store?

10. Does the sales person know anything about the orchids and can they give you some information about caring for it?

source:http://www.beautifulorchids.com

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Killed Bug with Alcohol

Many people use isopropyl alcohol as a bug killer. It acts as a killer of contact, which means it kills on contact. It has no residual effect (stays effective as any wet) and, in general, does not hurt the plant at all. People like him because he is cheap, accessible and relatively safe.

Just buy a spray bottle and screw the top on the mechanism of alcohol spray bottle. In this way, you remember what's in the bottle. When a critter is spotted, a few squirts of the spritzer covers the bug with alcohol which usually kills. If this fails, moisten a cotton ball with alcohol and wipe / squish the critters, and solve your infestations.

Keep an eye on plants infested to go further and look at the infestation. If this method is ineffective in controlling the problem, you can either discharges / or destruction of the plant by means of a "hard" chemical insecticide.

Care for Your Family

If one of your family members need additional care, what will you do? I think you need to seek better care service that suit with our condition. The options for care are generally classified into three categories: care home, , residential care and finance. Each section contains records established with the assistance of the housing of the elderly and lawyers care.
If you want to remain and communicate with your love those who need care,the best choice is home care, but before deciding whether they should stay in your home, particularly in the area of care at home, Respite care, care and continence or move to a more suitable home including buying a retirement home or shelter, rental housing or retirement protection, housing with care and choosing a housing scheme.

Or if you want to take care with residential care programs, you must also think of the house alive. It's start with small family-type homes at home till five-star hotel standards. All are expected to provide accommodation, meals, assistance with personal care, such as dressing, monitoring of medications, a person on call at night and companionship.

Finally the financing of the matter is that important things to be prepared before we decided which category is appropriate.

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Feeding The Orchids

There is lots of anecdotal evidence that seems to indicate that one feed brand is better than another. I for one don't believe there is much difference, if any, in growth rates, but look for a complete fertilizer, one with all 7 minor or trace elements. What is FAR MORE IMPORTANT is to feed correctly. Little and often, weakly, weekly are good watchwords. Note that a 20-20-20 feed compared to a 5-5-5 feed is 4x as concentrated, all other things being equal. This usually means it is 4x better value! I do find that most beginners are told to feed at low rates and this is a great way to start. I would recommend that you feed weakly, weekly for at least the first year of orchid growing. This will usually mean 1/4 tsp per gallon for most feed brands at every other watering, and every fourth watering in winter.

However, it has to be said that most commercial vendors and more proficient growers feed much more heavily than that. However, it also has to be said that these growers have state of the art facilities, with optimum temperature and light levels for each genera and loads of air movement and Reverse Osmosis (i.e. pure) water so they can feed at higher rates without burning the roots. The further away you are from this ideal environment, and the less experienced you are, the less you can push the plants with feed safely. There comes a point where the growth won't be any faster because you've burnt the roots and then the plant may die.

A great deal depends on the water quality. For example, in Seattle the water had a very low salt content (Total Dissolved Salts or TDS). Typically 40 parts per million (ppm) out the tap - this is lower than most bottled spring water! Back in the UK and further south in the US you may well find TDS levels of up to 500 ppm. Typically a maximum feed rate would be 1000 ppm alternating with plain water. What this all meant is that one could feed at 2x the feed rates of someone with poor water quality without burning the roots, i.e. you could add 960ppm of feed to this water to make a total TDS of 1000ppm, whereas a poor water quality grower may only be able to add 500ppm of feed. Half as much. Also, when you flush the pots every so often with pure water you'd get almost exactly that, pure water going through the pot. The poor water quality grower will have their tap water with lots of salts in it, so won't be able to achieve the same flushing effect with their 500ppm water. Water quality is very important but if you start feeding with a weak concentration of feed and flush well, you should be fine. Here in the UK now I feed relatively low amounts since my water quality is only around 500ppm TDS. Local utility companies usually give data on the web - look them up, it will give you an indication of what is possible, although the fine details are complicated and not discussed here. Several other orchid websites give more details of water quality issues.

I do also believe in using a couple of different feed formulations on a rotation basis just to make sure the plants get all the trace elements they require (and a balanced diet just in case). Current thinking is that bloom boosters (BB) do not actually increase flower size when applied to plants in spike - these BBs will increase the production of roots which might lead to better blooms later. I use BB to encourage roots in the spring, and to avoid the plants getting too lush and soft growth during the year. Note however that my opinion is that if you don't feed with enough nitrogen when plants are in spike, the spikes will be short. However, excessive nitrogen is known to wash out colours on Vandas. Many people claim that using high nitrogen feeds on Vandas will prevent them from spiking initially. I feel there is probably some truth in this, based on my experience.

Vitamin B1 additives do seem to encourage rooting and I do use them occasionally. Do not use too frequently, several people have reported these causing flower distortion if applied too often or in big doses and I have seen this on my plants when I've overdosed the water. The result was some flower crippling and strange features in the flowers. These were not present in subsequent flowerings.

Some people also report vast differences when switching from one feed brand to another, this probably means that they weren't feeding at the correct dose with their previous feeds, although some feeds may be somewhat more suited to certain potting mixes and water qualities and pH than others. For example it has been noted that with pure bark mixes and urea feeds, growth is poor but adding 20% peat to the mix corrects this problem. Alternatively use a feed with low urea (actually you want more nitrate and ammoniacal nitrogen) with pure bark potting mix.

source:www.btinternet.com

Orchid Growing Tip

The orchid grower's task is not easy. It is to set in motion the complex process of plant growth orchid, and, through the maintenance of a balanced, to ensure the continuation of this process.

Using the energy from sunlight, green leaf chlorophyll converts carbon dioxide from the air and minerals from moisture in sugar and other carbohydrates.These energy carbohydrates are stored until needed for the reconstruction of plant tissue or flowering. The pseudobulbs of certain types, the large leathery leaves of others, and the grass as thin sheets of orchid pseudobulbs are missing storage tanks.

The cycle will continue only if the farmer spends the greatest attention to the needs of the orchid. The reward for his dedication during the just brilliant flowering and the beauty of the tropics is reproduced in the greenhouse.No rigid rules can be set for beginners to follow. It was said that each farmer in his own greenhouse, within limits set by plants, is a law until itself.

The amount of each element in the light of the heat, humidity of the air formula varies depending on the season, experience, and variety. One of the things that make the growth of orchids unique and stimulate the mind is the controversy that arose on all aspects of culture.One of the many points on which there is no incontroversial procedure is the question of the amount of light should be admitted. It must be decided whether to push plants "soft" or "hard", to use the jargon of experienced producers.Fans must make your own choices. To grow "soft" means plants in the shade from the sun so that the leaves are a beautiful dark green.

There is no doubt that this method produces the most beautiful plants, but the quality of flowering is a question that can not be answered in a definitive manner. In soft conditions of care must be exercised without a shadow to the point that the growth of flowers will be hindered.

To grow "hard" means to allow as much light as the leaves have yellow tones. This method, while marring the appearance of the plant, is said by his supporters to give more to hatch.Too much light should be avoided because it will burn the plant and growth will be interrupted. Dry, yellow flower sheaths will sometimes result from these sunburned buds and emerging steam and become subject to the destruction of wet rot. Cut the top of such a sheath of a knife, where the air can reach the bud and can save him.

The claim that growing orchids hard increases flower growth seems logical, if the conditions under which the orchids grow in its natural state are taken into account: the natural environment was' difficult '. We must not forget, however, that the nature of the checks sunlight in a way difficult Rapprochant in the greenhouse.Even in regions where certain varieties grow in what is called the "full sun, it will be found that the drift of clouds provide protection that is absent under intensely directed light in the greenhouse. Once the fan has done the choice between the "soft" and "hard" methods, the treatment must be consistent.

If plenty of sunshine is provided, and more moisture in the air will be necessary. If the plants are grown with a minimum amount of sun, they require less moisture, but an increase in ventilation may be necessary to keep the air sweet.Too much increase in the heat during the winter is a common mistake of growing orchids. Plants store energy during the day and release of energy or spend the night. Increase in the night, the heat increases transpiration.

The shorter periods of daylight decrease the production of energy. If the plant loses more energy than in the night, it is able to store during the day, obviously, it will suffer. Orchids are very sensitive to any kind of shock, and they take a long time to recover, if they ever do. This danger must be taken into account with regard to sunburn, refrigeration, energy or deficit.

There is also the difficulty of each species with its own requirements of the light. Quick reference to the situation in the homes of the case that the fan is likely to acquire to illustrate this point. Cattleyas, native to Central and South America, can be found hanging on trees in the tropical rainforest.The midday sun is generally kept out of the plant through the leaves directly overhead. The producer, guided by this knowledge, allows Cattleyas be exposed to the sun, but provides in the shadows during the summer the hottest of the day, sunburn should be avoided.Increased exposure to the sun requires a corresponding increase in moisture to prevent pseudobulbs of shriveling.

TEN TIPS IN SELECTING YOUR NEW ORCHID

If you happen to be one of those people that just have to buy the "orphans" at bargain sales that are laying around half dead, please understand what you are doing.
The plant has undergone a lot: over-watering, under-watering, too much heat, too much cold, and heavens knows what else. Saving these "orphans" can sometimes be done, but taking them to a dry home and expecting miracles is not reality. Most often it will require the intensive care environment of a well-controlled greenhouse to save the plant.
It can take years for a plant to recover to the point of producing new flowers or even new growth.
1.Check and see how firm the plant is in the pot, if it is shaky and not firm then chances are it is either been recently repotted or it has a bad root system. If it has been recently repotted check the mix, you may want to replace it for something more suitable for orchids, even if the plant is in bloom. Sphagnum moss is often used to pot the orchids in for shipping and if it it packed to tightly in the pot it can cause problems. Sometimes the mix can rot your roots very quickly since it does not dry out.
2.The pseudobulbs should be fat and plump. Beware of the shriveled pseudobulbs.
The leaves should be firm. Leaves that are limp or crinkled like an according are indications that the plant may have been exposed to excessively cold temperatures or lack of water due to no root system or just not being watered correctly.
3.Are the leaves brown or have spots? This is an indication of exposure to excessive sunlight or high temperatures. On many of the orchids make sure the center leaf is still growing and there is not damage to the crown of the orchid. This damage can result in crown rot and the orchid will die.
4.Is the foliage damaged? Look under the paper wrapper if it is covering any part of the plant.
5.Are the plants water logged or swimming in water inside of the paper wrapper? The pretty paper does not have drainage holes. Remove this immediately after you get your orchid home.
6.Is there a sticky substance on the leaves? The plant has bugs! Avoid bug-infested plants.
7.Are the flowers limp or the buds turning yellow? Are there buds missing? The plant has been stressed too much and will most likely drop all its flowers and buds within a few days no matter what you do for the plant.
8.Does the plant have a correct label? The label should say more than just "ORCHID PLANT."
9.Ask how long the plants have been at the store?
10.Does the sales person know anything about the orchids and can they give you some information about caring for it?

Now don't get me wrong, there are some beautiful plants available and if you are careful, and know what to look for, you can find good prices and plants. But you need to be aware of what to look for.
-Oncidiums: Gower Ramsey and Sharry Baby with its reddish brown flowers and strong fragrance.
-Phalaenopsis: Also known as "Moth orchids" with their graceful arches of blooms.
-Dendrobium nobile and Dendrobium phalaenopsis type hybrids: the nobiles will have flowers growing right out of the pseudobulb (stock) and D. phalaenopsis (D. bigibbum Lindley (1852.))have long, in certain cases even branching inflorescences.
-Colmanara Wildcat hybrids:
This newcomer has beautiful exotic patterns on the flowers of red, browns, white and yellows.
-Cattleya, and Cymbidums: Seen at different times of the year.
-Vandas and Ascofinetia: These hybrids are the orchids with the bright purple, red, and orange blooms

SOURCE: OCHIDLADY.COM

WANT TO GROW ORCHID AT YOUR HOME?

NORTHERN & EASTERN EXPOSURE
Many orchids can be grown and flowered on a windowsill. Choose the brightest windows in your house that are not shaded by nearby trees and buildings. If you only have clear northern exposure, or even partially obstructed Eastern exposure, you should still be able to grow some orchids. If you have some outdoor space, even a small balcony, your orchids will enjoy a summer vacation outdoors in bright indirect light.
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What You’ll Need
Windowsill growing requires no special fixtures, other than a humidity tray on which to place your potted plants, and a nearby spray bottle to mist your plants occasionally. Supplemental artificial light, especially in winter, may be needed in northern exposures.

Growing Guide
Keep your plants as close to the glass as possible. Light intensity falls off rapidly even a foot away for a window. After light, maintaining adequate humidity is probably the biggest problem in windowsill growing, especially in the winter months. Group plants, and spray them often with a water mister to help increase humidity. Be sure to keep moisture-loving orchids well watered at all times. Watering and fertilizer will also need to follow a more natural seasonal schedule with greatest frequency during the brighter warmer summer months and less during winter.

Insect pests can be gently washed or scraped off your plant, or treated with a natural insecticidal soap or horticultural fine oil. Isopropyl alcohol, which is available at drug stores, can also be used to spot treat plants. Be sure to carefully read all instruction labels on insecticides and only use those recommended for indoor use.

Suggested Orchids to Grow
Low light orchids:
-Paphiopedilum(Slipper Orchids)
-Phalaenopsis(moth orchids),
-Ludisia and other jewel orchids (grown for the beautiful foliage

With brighter eastern exposure:
- Oncidinae intergenerics such as Colmanara Wildcat
-Miltonia (Pansy orchids)

source:argusorchids

Good Shape of Orchids Flower

Gently feel the petals and leaves of the Orchid between your thumb and forefinger - if they are slightly hard, the orchid flowers are opening. When opening, flower color is brighter and the flower has a distinct look. If the flower is too old, and starting to wilt, don't buy the Orchid. The only time I would buy an Orchid like this to the left is if I don't mind waiting until it blooms again.