How to care for Orchids and their plant life cycle
Orchids have a unique life cycle when compared to common indoor plants. They neither grow in garden soil nor do they grow in houseplant compost. They do not need as many nutrients as other plants and they only thrive in orchid compost. Orchids require adequate temperature, humidity, light and air for them to produce beautiful flowers for a prolonged time.
Orchid growth life cycle
The life cycle of an orchid can be divided into two distinct cycles - the growth period and the rest period. The orchid requires certain amounts of temperature, water and light in each period.
The rest phase
This occurs during the drought season in tropical sites and in the winter in temperate areas. Most orchids flower at the start of or soon after the rest period. The orchids should not be kept moist in the rest phase as this makes them produce weak new shoots. However do not keep them dry completely especially if they have tough leaves and small bulbs.
Temperature
Different orchids flourish in different temperature zones. Some thrive in moist warm, areas others in partly moist, warm regions while other flourishes in dry, hot regions. You have to pin-point what type of orchid you have as this will directly influence its requirements. Orchids generally belong to three different categories cool, temperate or warm.
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Measuring temperature
One can use a simple apparatus such as an indoor thermometer to measure temperature. A mini-max thermometer will provide more useful information as it calculates the temperature range. The thermometer should be placed close to the plant as much as possible.
Orchids do not flourish in the following conditions
1. Direct sunlight - Direct sunlight quickly raises the temperature even if there is shade.
2. When they are placed to close to the window pane the heat will damage the leaves.
3. On cold stone window ledges.
4. Draughts close to window which is inadequately insulated.
TIP: In winter perform a candle test to determine if your window is insulated enough. If the candle flame stays still and straight then the window is perfectly insulated. It should not flicker or dance around.
An electric heater can be added underneath a cold stone windowsill