How to Choose and Care for Orchids - Costa Farms

Costa Farms teaches you tricks for choosing and caring for orchids.

When choosing an orchid, make sure the leaves are firm and green, the blossoms are not damaged and that there are a few unopened buds.

There are four factors to keep your orchid blooming for a long time:
1. Light exposure
2. Temperature
3. Moisture level
4. Fertilizer

Direct sunlight can cause sunburn and ugly black splotches on an orchid's leaves. The larger an orchid's leaves, the less sunlight it needs.

Orchids are tropical plants that need a warm environment, between 65 and 80 degrees, to thrive.

The best way to water your orchid is to use the sink and drain technique. Remove your orchid from the pot, place it in the sink and run the faucet over the roots for about 2 minutes. Water early in the day at the roots to avoid moisture settling overnight. Never over-water your orchid.

Follow fertilizer instructions carefully. Make sure your orchid is slightly damp when you fertilizer, and don't over compensate the fertilizer concentration.

Find products to help you care for your orchids at http://www.Lowes.com