Some species of orchids are more cold-tolerant than others.
Orchids are available in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Different species of orchids, of which there are more than 20,000 in the world, will grow in almost any climate, except arctic temperatures. Orchids flower and thrive during the summertime, but require special care during the colder winter months. Properly caring for an orchid during winter will ensure that it remains healthy and will blossom against next summer. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Dig up any outdoor orchids and move them into your home or greenhouse because many varieties of orchids will not survive cold winter temperatures. Once dug up, place the newly transferred orchid in a pot filled with coconut chips, lava rock, charcoal pieces or fir bark chunks. Orchids are air plants that do not require soil to grow. Inspect the outdoor orchids for any pests, such as snails and other insects. If they are infested, squirt them with the garden hose to remove the unwanted invaders.
2. Place the orchids in a room or area of the home that is exposed to sunlight throughout most of the day. Orchids will thrive on full sun inside the home.
3. Fertilize the orchids only two to three times during the winter months. During the summer, many varieties of orchids require fertilizer every one to two weeks. Winter is a time of dormancy for orchids, meaning they do not require as much fertilizer to thrive.
4. Increase the amount of water given to the orchids if you are housing them indoors. Check the planting medium and if it crumbles or feels dry, give the orchid a healthy drink of water. Orchids that are stored in a garage, which should be kept at a constant temperature of between 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, should be watered less because the orchid will not require the constant moisture.
Tags: during winter, many varieties, many varieties orchids, outdoor orchids, species orchids
