It is watering, most commonly overwatering, that leads to more orchid problems than any other aspect of their care.  Most orchids with the beautiful flowers that people so highly prize are tropical epiphytes, meaning that they grow on trees or rock outcroppings, not rooted in thick soil.  Orchid root systems are not used to soaking or sitting in extremely wet dirt and are quite sensitive to overwatering.

The proper frequency of watering will vary somewhat between different orchid species but generally watering once a week is right.  During the winter when orchids are flowering, watering can be cut back to every 10-14 days.  The soil should be damp but not soggy.  The surface of the soil could be dry but don’t use that as the gauge, poke down to check on the lower layer, it could still be wet.

After keeping your orchids for a month or two if your plant’s leaves start to yellow, that is (usually) the sign of overwatering.  If yellowing of the leaves starts to happen, let the plant dry out for an extra week and then increase the time between waterings for awhile.

It is very important when watering orchids not to let water sit on the leaves or at the base of the leaves where they connect.  Take a look after watering to see if any water is sitting on the plant, if so, soak it up with a paper towel.  If left there the water may cause spots to form on the leaves or even cause them to fall off.  It is best to water your plants in the morning and then if any water gets left behind will be evaporated throughout the day.

Many people don’t give much thought to the type of water they give their plants but for optimal health of your orchids, it should be a consideration. The chlorine in municipal water supplies is not good for your plants, it probably won’t kill them but they will be much better off without the extra chemicals. A little bit of chemical every time the plants are watered will build up over time.

When watering orchids, water temperature is not crucial but it’s best not to use very cold water.  Collected rainwater is perhaps the best option for your orchids, no chlorine and moderate temperature, but for many people it is not the most practical.

Your orchid pots will most likely have a dish or tray under them to collect water that runs through the pot after watering.  Do not let the bottom of the pot sit in any standing water such as the dish under the pot.  This could cause the roots to rot and kill the plant.

Watering orchids properly is the key to keeping them healthy and thriving for many years.   Pay careful attention not to overwater or leave any part of the plant in contact with standing water and your orchids will reward you.

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About the Author:
Andrew Bartlett has been a plant and gardening enthusiast for over 30 years.  He shares information on buying orchids, properly watering orchids, and other orchid care tips at his website www.orchidsinfo.com.
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Here are the optimal times to repot the 9 easiest to grow orchids out there.

Phalaenopsis “moth orchid”.  The best time to repot is spring and summer. Water them weekly or every other week. They are need low, medium to bright light.
Dendrobium.  The best repotting time for the plant is spring. Water them weekly or every other week. They thrive best in temperatures from 50 to 70F.
Oncidium. Repot these in later winter to early spring. Water weekly or every other week.  Feed this plant with orchid fertilizer monthly.
Cymbidium. The best time to repot is spring. They do best in bright lighting and temperatures from 50 to 75F.
Paphiopedilum. Known as ‘lady slippers” repot best during the spring months. You want to water them once per week.
Ludisia. Called the “jewel orchid”, needs repotting during late winter and early spring. Let this plant dry out before watering. Water it at least once a week or once every two weeks.
Encyclia. “Cockleshell Orchid”. Repot during the spring months. Fertilize it once a month and give it low to bright light.
Odontoglossum. Repot during the late winter and early spring months. They thrive in medium or bright light and temperatures from 50 to 70F.
Cattleya. Repot this orchid during late spring and early fall. Water this plant once a week or two weeks and give it medium to bright light.

Although these are general guidelines, when to repot your orchid will also depend on the environment, the condition of the potting medium and the condition of the orchid itself.

Generally it is time to repot when the medium has become soggy or broken down, the plant has outgrown its pot, and when the orchid has started producing new growth but before it has fully bloomed.

Knowing these guidelines and repotting your orchid will ensure a healthy and blooming plant for many years to come.

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About the Author:
Joshua Bell is and orchid expert. For more information on orchids repotting, visit http://www.orchidcareclassroom.com
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I grow foxtail millets at my home garden to attaract wild indian finches. These spice finches are recent and regular visitors to my garden.

Our first attempt at taking more responsibility for our health at home with a small garden. We did this for the education and the vegetables. visit www.fatburningblog.com for more information.

Interviews and B-Roll shot on the first day of the Cincinnati Home & Garden show, which runs March 3&4, and March 7-11, 2007, at the Cincinnati Convention Center. Interviews include Doug Hart of Hart Productions, the Show’s Producer, Alton Brown of the Food Network, and Andy Perrino, Winner of Best of Show from the Garden Show Competition. Visit www.hartproductions.com for more details. … Cincinnati Home Garden Show Hart Productions Doug Alton Brown Food Network Andy Perrino Convention …

This is the home garden that I have grown after watching a bunch of videos on youtube on how to plant vegetables. 3 different kind of tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, two kinds of potatoes, green and red bell pepper, 4 kind of green and red peppers, two kinds of eggplants, mint, rosemary, onions, shallots, cucumbers.

A little “garden” on the balcony of our apartment in Madrid.

WE HAVE TRIED TO COVER MOST OF THE FLOWERING AND FRUIT BEARING PLANTS IN OUR HOME GARDEN. A LOT OF HUMEN EFFORTS HAVE GONE INTO NURTURING THESE BEAUTIFUL PLANTS AND IT HAS TAKEN A NUMBER OF YEARS TO BRING THE GARDEN TO ITS PRESENT LEVEL. NEVERTHELESS, WATCHING THESE PLANTS PLEASES THE EYES AND THE MIND, SIMULTANEOUSLY.

ipoh home garden 2

cool