There is probably no other flower on the face of the earth that is not more immediately recognized than the orchid. Orchids are part of American culture as profoundly ingrained in it as mother, apple pie and baseball. Orchids once were reserved for the more wealthy patrons of botany, but no more, successful orchid care has become possible for nearly anyone, if they know what they are doing.

One of the problems with caring for orchids, though, has to do with the amount of water they receive, especially by those who are novices at growing them. Orchids like moisture, of course, but they do not thrive in excessively watery conditions.

The roots of an orchid represent its foundation and if the foundation in question, is over watered, the orchid will simply begin to rot. And when the roots begin to rot more drastic measures may need to be taken to preserve the health of the orchid.

Caring for orchids may therefore be problematic. They need moisture, but they need to be dry as well. If this sounds like a contradiction in terms, the fact remains that those who have plenty of experience with successfully growing orchids will know what this paradoxical statement actually means.

The first thing that someone caring for an orchid needs to keep in mind is that an orchid prefers an environment that is akin to its natural habitat. Since orchids are primarily two-season flowers, the wet and the dry, we who live in four seasons need to remember this as we try to reproduce the orchids natural environment.

This means that if you are to do well while caring for an orchid, you need to keep them moist for part of the year, but then let them dry out until the next watering season kicks in. Their genetic make-up is such that they keep themselves dry for a season.

The entire root system of the orchid is elevated for a very special reason: if it were to stay wet at all times, it would rot. It is, therefore, in need of ventilation. So to achieve success with caring for orchids, you need first of all to succeed with its root system.

While it is essential for your orchid to have airflow, it is not at all necessary to overdo it with an electric fan. As long as there is enough airflow for the roots, you are going to be in good shape.

Another apparent paradox with the root of an orchid is that while it takes nourishment from its inside, the outside of it needs to remain dry. To keep this balance of apparent contradiction in working order is usually the necessary ingredient for successful orchid growing.

Keeping a lawn healthy is not a difficult task, but it isn’t any more difficult to keep orchids healthy either, provided you know what you are doing. Just keep in mind that orchids need water and feeding, but that they don’t need excessive watering and feeding.

When an orchid begins to bloom, you will feel that your caring for it has paid off with flying colors.

Author Bio: Allen Stoner runs a web site dedicated to growing and caring for orchids. For more information on caring for orchids visit http://www.orchidideas.com

Category: Gardening
Keywords: caring for orchids, orchids, orchid care, orchid