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Yellow Pebble
5 Easy Steps To Caring For Orchids
The myth that caring for orchids is somehow difficult stems from the fact that there are some species and hybrids that do require an experienced green thumb. However the vast majority of orchids are very easy to care for with just a little knowledge and few simple steps.Today we are going to give you a basic outline to care for the common varieties, Phalaenopsis. We will also assume we are growing orchids indoors.
Step 1-Where Is A Good Location For My Orchid
First off you will want to find the proper location in your home for your new beauty. If you have an east window that's a good place to start. Orchids love warm humid conditions, but to much sun or heat can turn the leaves yellow or cause reduced bloom cycles. Morning sun is usually a good bet. If your home is better suited for artificial lighting use flourecent or grow lights. Be sure the lights are no closer than 18" above the top of the plant. Use your lights only during regular daytime hours to prevent over exposure. Next try to place your orchid in an open airy location. This allows the roots to breathe and limits toxic chemicals used in the home for cleaning to become concentrated in the air.
Step 2.- When Should You Water Your Orchid?
Well lets look at the roots. Gently squeeze the roots. If they feel spongy they still have water to spare. If they are mushy they are over watered. If completely rotted remove them from the plant. If they are dry to the touch add water,but sparingly. Most tropical orchids recieve their moisture from the humid air in their enviroment. 80% humidity is often common. The other way to water is use a shallow pan and fill it stones or pebbles. add enough water to cover the pebbles. Now take your orchid pot and place it on top. Make sure none of your roots or any part of the plant is touching the water. This would cause the plant to become saturated and rotting will start to occur. This simulates a humid condition. It allows proper watering for the orchid and at the same time you don't have to live in muggy tempatures to get your plant to Thrive in your home.
Step 3.- How to pot or Re pot Your Orchid?
Orchids love to cling to their pots and grow their roots extending well over the edge of their home. This is perfectly normal and orchids all will eventually need to be repotted. A common mistake is thinking since the roots are growing every which way out of the pot,it must need a larger container. Chances are it's just thriving. With that said if the center of the plant itself is almost completely out of the pot it's probably time for a new home. Orchid repotting should only be done after the bloom cycle.It most likely will loose it's blooms any way after it's moved. Only increase the pot size 1" at a time. Go from a 4" to a 5". Your plant will adapt more quickly. Clay or wooden pots work well. if it is clay try to get ones that have slots on the sides for better ventilation. Never use potting soil as your media. Ground bark and certain mosses are ideal but you can also by a good orchid mix.
Step 4- Should I Feed my Orchid?
Orchids in the home do require some fertilization, but most folks over due it. A basic guideline for the common orchid is once every 6 to 8 weeks. Even then only 1 or 2 teaspoons if using granular.
Most growers often over feed their plants in hopes of getting better results. when in fact over feeding does more harm than good. As for what fertilizers to use is a matter of great debate. For the most part ask what others are using at your local greenhouse. Weak fertilizers work best.
Step 5- Is My Orchid Sick Or Dying?
Most orchids have bright green leaves. A sign of a healthy plant. We associate leaves that are turning yellow as sick or dying. This is somewhat true with some exceptions. If only the bottom leaves start to turn yellow this is just the plant aging and you need not worry. If the other leaves start to yellow then here's what's going on. If you have just spots of yellow then it's most likely getting to much sun or light. Black spots can also appear. Relocate your orchid. If the entire leaf is turning yellow with black edges two things could be wrong. You could be over watering and it's starting to rot. In which case don't water for a couple of weeks. The other problem could be disease has set in. Purchase some fungicide at the local garden center and use accordingly.
These beautiful plants can be enjoyed over and over again. Most Phal orchids have a lengthy bloom cycle making them a great favorite among home gardeners.With over 25,000 species and 1000,000 hybrids their beauty comes in endless array.
About the Author
Rick Noble has been caring for orchids longer than he likes to remember. For free expert advice on growing and maintaining your orchids visit his website at http://www.OrchidsCareCenter.com This free resource gives all the details on orchid growing and care.
I need to find a good sharp-sand cement mix for rendering an external wall?
I am rendering an external block wall using a mixture of sharp-sand, cement 4 to 1 mix with plasticisers and pva. I find that the sharp-sand is too rough with the pebbles it contains I am also having a nightmare making it stick to the wall and can only trowel very small amount at a time. I've been told to mix the sharp sand with yellow sand to make it spread better. Is this correct and what ratio?
Sharp sand should not contain pebbles but should be coarse. If you are rendering externally it should be applied in two coats, first mix should be three sand to one cement with waterproof additive mixed in, this coat should be scratched before it dries to form a key for second coat ( a scratcher can be made by knocking nails into a piece of wood then cutting the heads off the nails or using panel pins or similar ). The second coat of render should be four sand to one cement mix again containing waterproof additive. It is advisable to wet the wall or first coat render prior to working if the sun is shining on the wall or the wall is warm from sunshine.
Chess Commentary Episode 36 -- Follow the Yellow brick...Pebble?