How to Care for a Purple Orchid

Orchids are flowering plants native to the tropics, but they can grow virtually anywhere in the world. They are available in a variety of colors, one of which is purple. They've been widely cultivated for centuries, and many people grow them in their gardens today. Orchids are fairly easy to grow and are surprisingly durable. With the proper care, you can plant orchids that will live and thrive for years.

Oscillating fan

Fertilizer

Place the plant in indirect sunlight behind curtains or window blinds as the plant can burn when exposed to direct sunlight. Use the color of the leaves to indicate if the plant is receiving the proper amount of light. Dark green leaves mean that the plant is not getting enough light, while the leaves turn red or yellowish-green if they get too much light. If the leaves are bright green, they are getting the correct amount of light.

Place the plant in a temperature-safe location. Orchids can survive temperatures as low as 55 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees for short periods of time, but the ideal temperatures are between 60 and 62 degrees at night and between 70 and 80 during the day. The plants may not flower if they aren't exposed to temperatures that fluctuate slightly, ideally going up and down by 10 to 15 degrees periodically.

Keep air circulating around the plant. You can do this by placing it near an open window in the summer or by using an oscillating fan during the winter. Fresh air provides the plant with carbon dioxide and helps prevent infection.

Water the plants once weekly during the winter and twice weekly during the summer when the temperatures rise. Apply the water in the morning and use rainwater instead of tap water if possible as the chlorine in tap water may harm the plant.

Fertilize the plant with a fertilizer that contains a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.