Orchid Proper Growing Techniques

Lady's slipper

Next is the group commonly known as lady's slippers. These orchids generally bloom only once per year during the winter. However, the blooms will sometimes last up to two months--something to look forward to during those bleak mid-winter days.

Pansy orchid

If you're up to the challenge, you may want to consider growing pansy orchids. These very fragrant orchids tend to be more difficult to grow because they require more air at their roots. Like most orchids, they should be watered no more than once per week. However, pansy orchids should almost dry out completely between waterings. To help make this happen, these orchids are grown in pots that are significantly smaller than average.

It's important to remember that orchids don't like wet feet. In fact, daily watering is one of the most common mistakes that gardeners make with their orchids. Instead, water only once per week. You can water with a hose, or you can gently dunk the orchid two or three times into a bucket of water. Whichever method you choose, be certain that you drain the orchid well and then set it in a spot where it won't get wet feet.

Keep your orchid in bright, indirect light. Orchids also like humidity, so during the winter, place them on top of a tray of pebbles with some water. You can also mist the plant in the morning. And it's best to fertilize your orchid three times a month using a balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20; just make sure it's diluted to half-strength before applying.

Orchids should usually be repotted annually because as the mixture they are growing in breaks down, the potential for root rot increases. You can use a mixture of medium fir bark, sponge rock and peat moss. But if you're new to growing orchids, you may want to talk to the experts at your local garden center and purchase something that has been premixed to get you started. Once you're ready to begin, take the orchid out of its pot and gently shake off the bark mixture. Sterilize your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol or bleach, and clip off all the brown or mushy roots.

Once you've pruned it, you may find that you can actually put the orchid back into its original pot, but only if the roots fit comfortably. If the roots seem really packed in, choose a pot that is one size bigger. Gently place the orchid in the pot you've selected, remembering to leave some of the aerial roots out of the potting mixture. Fill in the remaining space around the roots with potting mixture. The best way to do this is to scoop the mixture into the pot, and then gently tap the pot to settle it. The final step is to water, but don't saturate the plant for the first month after repotting. It needs time to get used to its new home.