Light
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Orchids grow as house plants throughout most of the United States because of their requirement for tropical growing conditions. Orchids need at least 12 hours of indirect light every day, with at least some of that light being natural. Improper lighting causes most of the problems encountered in growing orchids, according to the University of Tennessee.
Moisture
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Orchids have very specific water requirements and easily succumb to excess water. Water orchids thoroughly, but only once per week, allowing soil to become somewhat dry between waterings. Ensure that your orchid is grown in a container with drainage holes in the bottom. Raise the humidity around your orchid by setting it on a water-filled tray. Alternatively, place your orchid in a naturally high-humidity location, such as the bathroom.
Fertilizer
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Use a balanced fertilizer once a month to maintain optimum growth of your orchids without damaging or killing the plant. Reduce fertilizer when the orchid stops blooming, suggests University of Illinois Extension.
Media
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Typical potting soil works poorly for most orchids, but special orchid-growing media can be purchased at nurseries and garden centers. These mixtures contain ingredients such as peat moss or fir bark, together with either perlite or vermiculite. Specialized orchid-growing media provides excellent drainage and air circulation.
Species
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The Phalaenopsis species of orchids are easy to grow indoors, especially for beginners. This orchid needs less light than other species and adapts well to indoor growing conditions, flowering annually in late winter or early spring. Other easy-to-grow species include epidendrums and cattleya.
Temperature
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Temperature needs vary slightly between species, but most orchids prefer daytime temperatures in the 70s, with slightly cooler temperatures in the evening between 55 to 65 degrees F. Orchids exhibit cold damage at temperatures below 50 degrees F.
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