Mel Craig Lawnmowers.

Myth: orchids are an extremely problematic plant to grow, and unless you're an expert on orchid care, there's no point even trying to grow one. It's true that orchids do require special, or should I say dissimilar care from most conventional houseplants, but following the basic rules of orchid care will make you an expert.

I've included several of my desirable tips on orchid care and maintenance that will help you grow healthier orchids every year:

Re-pot Your Newly Purchased Orchid In The Correct Container

It's a good idea to re-pot your orchid after purchasing it to help avoid any viral infection it may have picked up at your garden center or nursery. Segregate your new orchid from your other plants for one or two weeks before you re-pot it. You can use any type of plastic or clay pot; however, what's vital is to make sure the pot is not too large for your orchid, and that it provides plenty of drainage holes at the bottom.

Orchids are slow growing plants and need to be repotted every second year as they outgrow their pot.

Give Your Orchid the Desirable Mix

Most orchids do not grow in familiar soil like most common houseplants. Many well known species of orchids grow on trees in tropical climates around the world. Thus, their roots are firmly planted in the bark of these trees. Other species grow in rocks and other organic material that provides for a well ventilated and moist, but not a wet environment.

Hence, choose a potting mix that matches the material from the orchid's natural setting; one that allows air to circulate around the roots, and for water to totally drain.

Assign a Good Location For Your Orchid

Orchid care and maintenance is not complete without finding the right location in your home. Place your orchid near a window that provides lengthy periods of slightly diffused sunlight. In its natural environment of a lush tropical climate, an orchid will get about 12 hours of sunlight, sunlight that is moderately diffused by the foliage surrounding the plant.

Maintaining The Right Temperature Is All-important

Most orchids like to be in temperatures around 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-30 degrees Celsius). They can handle slightly warmer or colder environments but not for long periods of time. With adequate humidity and ventilation, orchids can handle significantly higher temperatures as it does in its native tropical climate.

During the day, orchids create energy through a process called photosynthesis and store this energy. At night when the temperature drops, this energy is used for the plant's growth. This variation in temperature helps the plant to grow. It produces energy during the day and feeds at night.

Use Only The Right Amount Of Water

In the tropics where most orchids call home, they get thoroughly soaked from torrential rains and may go without water for weeks depending on whether it's the rain or dry season. Hence, when watering your orchid, drench it, but make sure the excess water drains entirely. Too much water can cause harm to your orchid. Don't let your orchid just sit in water. Prolonged periods of time in water will rot the roots.

One trick to determine if your orchid needs water is to place a dry stick or the end of a pencil into the mix. If the end of the stick or pencil comes out moist then your orchid is fine.

Orchid care and maintenance is not complicated, nor should it require any more time than other common houseplants to care for. Orchids have developed in some very unique settings for thousands of years. Providing your orchid with care that emulates the wild will keep it healthy and happy.