I have an Orchid.....?

that was given to be as a birthday present, the flowers have gone and there are some new buds, but I have heard that it needs to be at a constant warmth. We don't have central heating, so will it die?

I have an Orchid.....?
Yes, it will die at the end of summer, beginning of fall if you live in a cold winter climate.
Reply:Put it nr a window where it can get warmth from the sun. Orchids benefit from being pot bound. keep on a bed of grave, i.e. fish tank gravel. and add warm water to the gravel. This will keep the plant in a humid condition, also mist it regular with warm water as a lot of orchids grow where there is a stream present in tropical climes.
Reply:Not necessarily. I keep mine on the air conditioning unit in my apartment and it bloomed this year. My vent broke and pointed directly at the plant instead of the room and killed two of the buds, but the third managed to survive. I keep my a/c on high, so as long as you keep above 45 F you should be okay.



Some temperature change is natural for plants, as the day and night cycles out.
Reply:your betetr off with out the centeral heating!! because the centeral heating dries the air and wrecks plants!
Reply:There are a range of orchids that require differing growing conditions. Some are semi-tropical, others cooling before they flower again, so it would be helpful to know which type you have.



The most popular orchid houseplant is Phalaenopsis, which is one of the more tropical types. It has thick fleshy leaves, and is sometimes called 'Moth' orchid, due to its flowers. It doesn't like strong direct sunlight, but needs several hours of good light each day, in order to get repeat flowering. It will re-sprout from its flower stems easily, after other flowers have fallen off, so don't rush to cut them back, until yellowy/brown.



Otherwise, Cymbidiums, which have thinner upright leaves, flower naturally in sprintime, after winter cooler temperatures. I grow these in shaded areas outside, during the summer, and keep cool in winter to encourage spring flowering.



I also grow Oncidiums, which have bulbous bases at the bottom, from which thinnish leaves grow.



All orchids require good air moisture content, preferably at least 50%. You can help achieve this with saucers of pebbles in water, which will evaporate into the surrounding air. Don't let their growing medium stay too wet, for a day or so max after watering. Most are best to be dipped into water for a few minutes, once they are fairly dry. Don't let them sit in water for lengthy periods, as this can get them to rot. Feed once a week or so whilst growing, and you can get special orchid feeds for this.



I'd recommend looking up these 3 orchid types on the internet, to see if yours is one of them. Phalaenopsis and Cymbidiums are the most popular types. Then you could tailor your growing method, to the particular type that you have. If it doesn't seem to be one of these, look up orchids generally and aim to identify yours.



Good luck! Rob
Reply:If you are not sure of how to care for it, perhaps you might try the Orchid Society.



http://www.orchidweb.org/aos/
Reply:stick it where they say the sun dont shine.......warmth....
Reply:Was going to tell you a few things then found Rob had said it all. Yes, it would be a good idea to google to see what you have got.



If Phalaenopsis, Cymbidiums and Oncidiums don't show up as what you have got, go and try Paphiopedilum and Cattleya. All five prefer cool nights and warm days.