Orchid

Orchids make an excellent choice as a flowering house plant. Although there is a bit of a learning curve in getting an orchid to bloom, they reward you with gorgeous and showy blossoms. When choosing an orchid, it is important to know which variety you are purchasing. Different species require different care, and by knowing how to care for your specific orchid, you'll get healthier and more attractive blooms. For example, the phalaenopsis (moth orchid) should not be cut back after blooming. Most other varieties of orchids are regularly cut back after they bloom. Other varieties, such as cymbidiums, can be grown outside during the summer. By following a few general rules of thumb, you can get the best possible color and bloom from your orchids. The number one cause of orchids not blooming is insufficient light. To coax your orchid plants into a full bloom, make sure that they are within three feet of a window; any further, and the size of the blooms and leaves are likely to diminish.Orchids also require a small fluctuation in temperature daily to bloom. By keeping the temperature in your home at 65 degrees overnight and between 65 and 75 degrees during the day, you can simulate the natural conditions that they require to bloom. Over-watering is also a concern. Let the orchid plant dry out between each watering. Check the pot every few days, and if the soil is dry, go ahead and water it. The water that you use should not be softened water, as the minerals can damage your plant. Instead, collect rainwater or used distilled water.