GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

1) Humidity

The air inside a house is generally too dry---30-40% humidity

Orchids need natural condition humidity---70-80%

2) Lighting

Needs to be near the windowsill otherwise there is not enough light 3) Temperature

Indoor temperatures are suitable if maintained about the same level every day, despite either seasonal or night vs day outdoor temperatures.

DETAILED, IDEAL CONDITIONS FROM AN EXPERT

1) Place the potted orchids near a windowsill that faces east

2) Place a central heating radiator unit underneath the window

3) Put up a wooden board about 4 inches above the radiator to serve as a shelf for the orchids. There should be space between the shelf and the window in order to provide enough air flow all around the plants.

4) Place flat bottomed tray or trays filled with 3 inch layer of gravel on the board/shelf

5) Place potted plants on the gravel on something that lifts the pot from actually making contact with the gravel. It is important that the plants don't sit in the water.

6) Pour 1 inch of water into the gravel tray or trays.

7) Make sure 1 inch water level is maintained daily

8) Put a net curtailn on the window to protect the plants from strong sunshine.

9 The above instructtions will provide sufficient humidity for orchids but if a humidifier can be set up in the room---even better. Misting the plants can also be helpful.

10) Water the plants once or twice a week, using a plant fetilizer like Miracle-Gro once a week.

Cattleya, Dendrobium and Oncidium---like to totally dry out.

Phalaenopsis---like to almost dry out

Paphiopedilum and Epidendum---like to remain moist, so water twice a week

10) An easy way to water the plants is to place them in the sink and water them, making sure they are properly drained---they don't like to be overwatered---let them dry out between waterings.

11) A south-facing window is also good, but cannot be thrown wide open without possible damage to the plants. Roller or slatted blinds are suggested for a south facing window.

12) Make sure the room is ventilated through ventilation ducts and that they are located relatively near but not too close to the plants. The idea is to make the conditions so that it is never too cold or hot for the plants. Ventilation can also be accomplished by opening the windows occasionally, letting air circulate through the room.

Maximum and minimum farenheit temperatures for indoor plant orchid varieties are:

Phalaenopsis, Vanda: 90,60

Paphiopedilum, (mottle leaf) Dendrobium, Cattleya, Epidendum: 85,55

Paphiopedilum (green leaf), Oncidium and Miltonia: 80,50

NOTE 1: Warm house orchids make the best house plants. Phalaenopsis is a particularly good species: Lady Ruby. Specific kinds of Oncidium species will also do well.

NOTE 2: Orchids are air plants, so you will see their roots.

Repotting:

Just right container for size of plant is best. They don't do well in too small or too large container.

Plastic pots retain moisture---be careful of too much water

Clay pots are porous and provide ventilation---be careful of drying out quickly

MOTHER-IN-LAW'S CONDITIONS

My mother-in-law had the most gorgeous group of orchids that I've ever seen. Here's what she did.

She believed that because plants are living things, they like to be talked to and/or or have personal care somehow, so she dusted them each week and talked to them.

She potted them in orchid bark instead of potting soil or compost, and also misted them which provided the required humidity.

She watered them once or twice a week, and would lift the pot to make sure it was very light before watering as she also said that they don't like to be watered too much. She mixed plant fertilizer (Miracle-Gro) into the water once a week. She made sure that they never sat in water by watering them at the sink, and letting them drain properly.

Once the orchids had reached maturity, she kept them in a small room with two windows, making sure that there was plenty of light, but never strong sunshine. She would aerate the room ocasionally.

Happy Growing!