| How to Get Orchids to Bloom Posted: 02 Apr 2017 05:00 PM PDT Orchids are exotic plants that create beautiful blooms. The Phalaenopsis orchid, also known as the moth orchid, is the most popular variety, but there are many different species of orchid. With the right care, most orchids bloom at least once per year. Every orchid species has slightly different needs in order to thrive and bloom, but the variables are all the same – light, temperature, water, potting material, and humidity. By adjusting the environment for your particular species of orchid and providing a few seasonal triggers, you can get your plants to bloom. EditProviding the Right Growth Environment - Make sure the light intensity is correct for the species. There are many species of orchids, but moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) are the most common and easiest species to grow.[1] This is the kind that is sold in most florist shops and nurseries. Placing them on a sunny windowsill will usually make them happy. They like bright light, but not direct sun.[2]
- Some of the less common orchid varieties have different needs for light exposure. For instance, lady's-slippers (Paphiopedilums) and Miltonias dislike direct light. A north facing window is a great spot for these orchid types.
- Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Oncidiums and cymbidiums, on the other hand, need a lot of sun exposure to thrive. A south or west-facing window is better for these species.[3]
- Provide the right amount of water. The Phalaenopsis orchid likes to be watered once per week during its resting period (when it experiences no growth or blooms) and twice per week during active growth. It prefers to be kept dry between waterings. This means you should only water it when the potting material (which is usually a free-draining blend of fir bark) appears dry, or else the orchid could die.[4] If the bark looks damp, it's too soon.
- Water your orchid early in the morning.[5]
- Most indoor orchids should be watered every 5 to 12 days, depending on the species and season:[6]
- Vanda and Ascocenda have the same watering needs as the Phalaenopsis orchid.
- Paphiopedilum, Miltonia, Cymbidium and Odontoglossum varieties like to be kept evenly moist at all times.
- Cattleya, Oncidium, Brassia and Dendrobium varieties like to be kept evenly moist during periods of active growth. At all other times, they prefer to be kept dry between waterings.
- Maintain a humid environment. Most orchids are tropical plants, so they prefer a humidity level that they probably aren't getting in the average living room.[7] During the winter, a 30 percent humidity level is average for a home. The Phalaenopsis orchid likes 40 to 70 percent humidity.[8] Most other orchids prefer 60 to 80 percent humidity. By adjusting the humidity for them, all orchid species will grow a little better. If you group your plants together in one growing area, this will create humidity.
- Consider getting a humidifier for the winter months. You can also buy special trays at most nurseries that can help you create humidity around the orchid.
- You can also try keeping your orchid in your bathroom. It will love the humidity. Make sure it's on a windowsill that gets plenty of light, but not direct sunlight.[9]
EditTriggering Blooms - Consider using full-spectrum lights. When an orchid refuses to bloom, the reason is usually because it isn't getting enough light. If you are unable to provide the right amount of natural light for your orchid, look into setting up full-spectrum lights indoors. You can purchase these lighting systems at nurseries or order them online.[10]
- There are sizes and shapes available to fit any space in your home.
- You can adjust the lighting to meet the needs of your particular orchid species.
- Use a fertilizer formulated for orchids. Feeding an orchid the right fertilizers can stimulate it to grow faster and bloom sooner.[11] Look for orchid food that contains nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). It should also include trace elements like iron. Always read and follow the instructions of your orchid food carefully. Orchids should be watered thoroughly before fertilizing them.[12]
- Some types of orchid food are granulated or dry. You must dissolve this kind of fertilizer in water before using.
- Dry orchid food is highly concentrated. Never use it directly on the plant. Once the granulated orchid food has been dissolved in water, pour it directly on the plant.
- Fertilize your orchid once per month during the active growing season. The active growing season for orchids is approximately March through November. Don't fertilize from mid-December until mid-February. If you fertilize it less than that, its growth may become stunted and blooms won't appear. If you fertilize it more frequently than that, you risk burning the roots and leaves of the plant. Burning an orchid's roots with fertilizer will also prevent blooms from appearing.[13]
- Read the instructions for your particular orchid food carefully, since they may vary slightly from product to product.
- Make sure you fertilize just after the flowers fade to stimulate additional blooms. Fertilize again when new leaves or shoots appear and begin growing.
- Drop the temperature by 10 degrees at night. Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) are temperature sensitive. In nature, their blooms are triggered when fall arrives and the temperatures drop at night.[14] If an orchid doesn't experience a period of cooler nights, even an indoor orchid, it may refuse to make buds or bloom. If your orchid is sitting in a window, it's probably experiencing natural temperature drops coming from outside to some extent. However, this may not be enough to trigger blooms. Before you go to bed each night, turn your thermostat down by 10 degrees.[15]
- One to two weeks of nightly temperature drops will usually trigger an orchid to bloom, as long as it's the right time of their growth cycle.
- For Phalaenopsis orchids, provide night temperatures of 60°F (15.5°C) and day temperatures of 80°F (25°C).
EditDiagnosing Your Orchid - Pay attention to the season. Each species of orchid has a growth season – a time of the year when it will naturally bloom. If it currently isn't the orchid's growth season, it isn't going to bloom. Most orchids, including the Phalaenopsis orchid, will experience the growth of new leaves during the summer months. Spikes and flower buds will appear in late fall and soon after it will bloom. It will continue to bloom until spring. The blooming season usually ends around mid-February.[16]
- The Phalaenopsis orchid usually blooms once every year. The blooms can last for several months.
- When the flowers fall off, a few more flowers might bloom from the same spike, but not always.
- Check the leaf color. If an orchid isn't blooming, the reason is almost always because it's not getting enough light. One of the best ways to figure out if your orchid is getting enough light is to check its leaf color. A healthy orchid getting the right amount of sun exposure will have bright green leaves. If the leaves are dark green, your orchid isn't getting enough light. Move it to a brighter spot, like a south-facing window. If the leaves are reddish-green, the orchid is getting too much light. Move it to a less sunny spot, like an east or north-facing window.[17]
- You will probably need to filter the light with a shade or curtain if you put a Phalaenopsis in a south-facing window. Moth orchids like a lot of light, but not direct light.[18]
- Check the stems and leaves for signs of dehydration. If the stems and leaves appear wilted or shriveled, your orchid needs more water. You will always need to water more frequently when the orchid is actively blooming.[19] During the resting period (when there are no blooms), water your orchid about once per week. During the active blooming phase, water it twice per week.
- Increase watering when you see new shoots and roots appear on your orchid.
- Too much water can kill an orchid quickly. Never allow your orchid to sit in a soggy, water-logged pot.[20]
- Evaluate the potting material. Most orchids, including Phalaenopsis, do not grow in regular soil. They need a growing medium that provides fast water drainage and good air circulation. A free-draining blend of fir bark (sometimes referred as fir bark nuggets) is the most popular potting material for moth orchids. If you can't identify your plant's current growing medium, re-pot it in fir bark.[21]
- Without adequate air circulation and drainage provided by an appropriate potting material, an orchid will suffocate and die.
- Most orchids will also grow in peat moss, dried fern roots, sphagnum moss, rock wool, perlite, cork nuggets, stones, coconut fiber, lava rock or a blend that combines several of these materials.
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| How to Understand Autistic Strengths Posted: 02 Apr 2017 09:00 AM PDT Many people are aware that autism comes with unique needs and challenges. Some are not aware that it also comes with noticeable gifts. Autism is not all bad, nor all beautiful, just like any other way of being. Whether you are an autistic person searching to accept yourself, a loved one who wants to support the autistic people in their life, or a curious bystander, here is how to learn the benefits of autism and what autistics have to offer. EditUnderstanding the General Benefits - Recognize the passion and expertise that comes from special interests. Hans Asperger referred to his patients as "little professors" due to their expertise on their favorite topics. Special interests give autistic people focus and direction in their lives, and they can enjoy something deeply.
- Consider observation skills. Autistic people are often detail-oriented, and thus notice things that others don't,[1][2] whether it is a problem with the robot the group is building or the way the sunrise lights up the clouds.
- Recognize deep loyalty. Many autistic people are very loyal, and will stand with their friends and loved ones. This enables them to form strong bonds with others.[3] Some companies even look to hire autistic people because they want employees who are loyal to the company.[4][5]
- Temple Grandin famously said that an autistic child would run into a burning building to save their loved ones. Quite a few autistic people can relate to this.[6][7]
- Observe enhanced helpfulness. Many autistic people have a high sense of social responsibility, or feeling responsible for helping others. As a result, many autistic people are caring and eager to give others a hand when needed.
- Recognize superior memory. Autistic people may have better memory, both related to facts about their special interests, and recalling events from the past.[8]
- Consider visual skills and pattern recognition. Autistic people's brains allocate more resources towards visual processing, and autistic people may be around 40% faster at problem-solving.[9][10] Autistic people tend to be better at "systemizing" than non-autistics.[11]
- Look for appreciation of the arts. Whether it means sketching colorful portraits, loving to dance, or enjoying theater, many autistic people have a special connection to various artistic fields.[12][13][14] Some have natural "savant skills," meaning that they demonstrate incredible abilities with little or no practice, while others gain talent through focused practice. Some prefer to enjoy art, rather than to create it.
- Consider talent with written language. Some autistic people have unique ways with language, and may write very poetically. From Amy Sequenzia to Emma Zurcher-Long, there are many autistic writers who are talented with words.
- A large vocabulary is moderately common.[15]
- Notice the unique perspective. While non-autistics often struggle to "think outside the box," autistic people barely know where the box is. Autistic people think differently, which can lead to original and innovative ideas.[16]
- This can be useful for problem solving. An autistic person may come up with a solution that others would miss.
- Some autistic people tell very funny jokes because of unique thinking.
- Recognize fairness and absence of judgment.[17][18] Because autistic people think differently, and live in a culture where they are different from others, many autistics are open and welcoming to people who think and behave in ways different from them. Many autistic people are non-judgmental and accepting towards others' differences.
- Autistic people are more likely to judge others fairly,[19] and often have a strong sense of justice.[20]
- Consider truthfulness and sincerity. Autistic people tend to tell the truth, and mean what they say.[21][22] Many autistic people are authentic, honest individuals.
- Consider clarity of mind in moral quandaries. Autistic people tend not to be weighed down by social complexities, which helps them avoid losing sight of their values amidst the noise.[23][24] Autistic people often care strongly about principles.
- Despite popular myths, studies find that autistic people do care for others.[25]
- Recognize the deep capacity for love. Loyalty, attention to detail,[26] deep feeling,[27] and caring can lead autistic people to love deeply and intensely.
- Many autistic people express love in practical ways, by helping the people they care about.[28] For example, if you are sad, an autistic person might offer tissues and hot chocolate to help you feel better.
- Consider the person as an individual. One autistic person will not have all of the traits mentioned earlier, and this is perfectly normal and okay. They will also have their own strengths unique to themselves. Each autistic person is different. When using this list, be sure to recognize that it does not define or encompass you or your loved one.
- If you're autistic, and you don't relate to every single step here, that doesn't make you a "bad autistic person." It makes you average.
EditEncouraging Your Loved One's Autistic Strengths - Talk to them about autistic strengths. Many autistic people fear that they are worthless, broken, or burdensome to their families. They know how autism makes their life harder. Give them the full picture by explaining how autism also makes them stronger and unique.
- Make a children's book, similar to a social story, explaining autistic strengths. Add pictures, read it to them, and keep it where they can reach it. You may notice them taking greater pride in themselves and imitating what they read.
- Consider showing this article to an older loved one.
- Celebrate their special interests. Special interests can provide joy and direction in your loved one's life, so encourage them. Help them find activities related to their favorite things, keep special interests in mind when looking for birthday gifts, and ask questions about areas of the subject that interest you. Make sure they can access plenty of information about their special interest(s).
- Engage in discussions about deeper topics. Because autistic people often prefer meaningful areas of conversation, this is a good way to engage with them and encourage their abilities in critical thinking. Topics may range from the nature of love, to human rights, to the history of your country.
- Offer opportunities in creative fields. Some autistic people are very skilled at music, art, writing, et cetera (or may become very skilled through practice). Present opportunities to your loved one, and see what sticks. They may discover something amazing about themselves.
- Comment when you notice them doing something good, or think a positive thought about them. Many autistic children are used to being criticized and told no. Take time to tell them when they've done something right. You can also tie this into autistic strengths if you consider it fitting.
- "Wow, Wendy, you know so much about snakes! It's cool to see you learning and talking about something so passionately."
- "What a beautiful painting! I love the bright colors."
- "John, it was really kind of you to help that little boy."
- "You are so silly and adorable."
- "That was an incredible speech you gave. I'm proud of you."
- Help make sure that all their needs are met. It's hard for them to be happy and live up to their full potential if they are experiencing constant sensory overload or battling depression. Help them advocate for their needs, and back them up if others are not being accommodating. If you are their caregiver, ensure that they get any therapies and medical treatments they may need. When they are doing well, they can flourish.
- Love them for who they are. Don't let your loved one doubt whether they are good, whether they make your life better or worse, or whether they have a place in the world. Send a clear, constant message that you love their autistic self, and they are never a burden in your eyes.[29]
- Expect them to grow at their own pace. An autistic person may be extremely advanced in some ways, while struggling with other tasks that their peers easily accomplish. It's okay if your loved one doesn't meet their milestones at the same pace everyone else is. Don't push too hard and over-stress them. Instead, meet them where they are, and gently work up from there.
- Enjoy your time with them. Your loved one is a unique, wonderful individual who can open you up to new ideas and perspectives. Have fun with them.
EditEmbracing Your Autistic Strengths - Hone your skills. Becoming a more capable person is not only about reducing your weaknesses, but about strengthening the skills you already have. Spend more time on your special interests. Find hobbies, work, and volunteer in ways that build upon your existing strengths.
- Embrace your perceptiveness. You notice far many more details than others do, and while this is certainly overwhelming sometimes, it can also be an incredible gift. Pay close attention when working on detailed projects, and speak up if you notice something off (because others may have missed it). Slow down to enjoy the beauty of nature. Take time to catalogue your observations and enjoy the things you see, hear, smell, and feel.
- Spend time with puzzles and games. Your visual and problem-solving skills are most likely enhanced, and you can strengthen them further through practice. Look for puzzles that test your logic skills and challenge your brain.
- Many games on your phone involve visual thinking.
- Practice loving honesty.[30] You don't need to tell "white lies" in order to have good relationships; instead combine your autistic compassion and sincerity to speak kindly to others. You have the capacity to be a deeply authentic, loving person.
- When you think a nice thought about someone, say it out loud. Even if they aren't around, your kind words may eventually come back to them.
- Pair criticism with compliments. For example, "Grandpa, I'm surprised a thoughtful and fair-minded person like you would speak so negatively about Muslims."
- Critique objects or actions, not people. For example, if your wife really does look awful in that dress, say "I don't think it does your figure justice. What about the blue one?"
- Don't be afraid to ask for accommodations. When all your needs are met, you have more energy to focus on what you do well. You live in a world designed for non-autistics, and tailoring your home and workspace to your autistic brain will allow you to work better.
- Enjoy life. Focus on things that are enjoyable and good for you. Slow down the rush to be perfect, and spend more time enjoying what's around you and doing things you love.
- If something is difficult or painful, and not rewarding enough to justify it, then quit. You don't need to measure up to neurotypical standards in order to be happy. Pare away unnecessary stress.
- Make a list of things that fulfill you and make you feel happy, from family to nature walks to volunteering. Find ways to work more of these into your everyday life.
- Give yourself patience, time, and love. Autism is a disability, and understanding the strengths doesn't erase the hard parts. It's okay to feel tired, frustrated, or worried at times. You will have bad days, and you don't have to be hard on yourself. Work on developing coping skills, such as...
- Reading through a rainy day box
- Getting outdoors
- Looking through autism positivity blogs and re-reading this article
- Remember that you are unique. Don't judge yourself by neurotypical standards, because those won't fit you. Instead of trying to be more "normal," work on building the skills you need and loving yourself as you are. Trying to make yourself neurotypical, or beating yourself up for not being neurotypical, isn't going to help you. Instead, work on becoming a healthy, talented, and happy autistic person.
- Non-autistic people should avoid stereotyping autistic people with beliefs like "they're all angels" or "their brains are like supercomputers." Autistic people are real people. They are just as diverse as non-autistics are (if not more so) and also have bad days and weaknesses.
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| How to Check Air Pressure in Tires Posted: 02 Apr 2017 01:00 AM PDT Incorrect pressure can cause poor mileage, uneven tire wear, or a tire blow-out. To prevent these events from happening it is important to maintain proper tire pressure. Check your tire pressure every time you fill your car with gas to ensure that you're getting the most out of your tires - and that your tires are being treated well. EditChecking Air Pressure in Tires - Look in the owners' manual or on the inside of the driver's side door for the standard cold tire inflation pressure. This number is the lowest PSI one would inflate the tires to and is suggested by the car's manufacturer. Read below for reasons inflation may be placed higher.
- For most sedans, minivans, and even mini pickups, manufacturers generally recommend a PSI (pounds per square inch) in the range of 27 to 32, but can reach all the way up to 40.[1]
- For larger vehicles that need to carry a larger burden, such as trucks and SUVs, the PSI is generally 4 to 8 PSI greater than it would be in smaller cars, perhaps around 45.
- Also note that the front and back tires may need different pressures, according to the manufacturer.
- Unscrew the valve stem cap from the valve stem on the tire. The valve stem is a black or silver pencil-sized extension near the hubcap, about 1" (2-3 cm) long.
- Press the air pressure gauge evenly onto the valve stem and record the reading given. If there is a hissing sound, the gauge is not tight or even enough for an accurate reading. The angle of the gauge may need to be adjusted.
- If you are using a digital model gauge, you may or may not need to press a button in order for the gauge to read the air pressure. If you are using a traditional gauge, the metered stick should give you a reading automatically.
- Replace valve stem cap. The cap does not hold air in, but it keeps dirt and moisture away from the valve mechanism in the valve stem, which does hold air in.
- Note that if the reading is the same as the manuals' specifications, you are done after checking all other tires for the same pressure. If inadequate pressure is in the tires then fill air in the tires. Make sure you put in the correct amount.
EditPerformance Considerations - Know that the manufacturer's PSI recommendations don't translate into optimum tire performance. For all-around driving, the manufacturer's specifications are probably ideal, but adding a couple extra pounds of pressure into your tires may mean better fuel efficiency. Overall, adding a few pounds of PSI to your tires may make your ride a bit bumpier and less pleasant, so use with tact!
- An increase in PSI can also result in uneven tire wear, longer required braking distances, and reduced handling. Make sure you don't over-inflate your tires.
- Understand the myth about the max press value in the owner's manual or driver's side door. One popular misconception is that the max pressure suggested by the manufacturer is all the pressure the tire can handle before it pops or malfunctions. In truth, the max pressure is the pressure at which the tires will carry the maximum amount of weight. [2]
- As soon as you inflate the tires past the max pressure limit, be prepared for the possibility of malfunction. If your tires are bearing heavier air pressure, a pothole at high speeds could spell disaster.
- Add a few extra pounds of pressure to the back tires if you're carrying extra cargo, carpooling, etc. If you happen to be carrying a heavier load in your car, especially if you are traveling for longer distances, don't be afraid to add a few pounds of PSI to your rear tires to offset the added weight. When the weight is unloaded, release the pressure from the rear tires back to its standard specifications.
- Check the air pressure of your tires as the seasons change. Cold weather will reduce the air pressure, while warm weather will increase the air pressure. It's therefore very important to check tire pressure when the seasons change.
- Never rely on the eyeball method to gauge air pressure in tires. Don't get lazy. It's very difficult to tell the difference between a tire with 10 PSI and 20 PSI. Plus, tires normally exhibit a bit of a bulge on the sidewall of radial tires. If you inflate the tires until the bulge is gone, you run the risk of seriously over-inflating your tires, past the point at which they get a performance boost.
- Tires cannot be eye-balled for pressure, particularly modern radials. Always use an accurate gauge.
- Sunlight heats up tires even if they're not driven. For more even readings take note that not one side of the car has sun shining on it.
- Take action if you see the tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) light come on in your vehicle. The TPMS indicator is a yellow symbol on the dash that will light up if one or more tires is under-inflated.
- The PSI listed on the sidewall of the tire is the max cold pressure for the tire carrying the highest (weight) load the tire supports.
- If the car has to be driven to add air note the pressure before driving away. Then add the difference above when the reading is now. For instance if you wish to inflate your tires to 35psi and they're reading 30psi cold. The tires are 5psi under-inflated so when you add air after driving and they now read 33psi adjust them to be 38psi. They should then read 35psi when cold.
- Note that tires have a speed rating in the form of a letter. For example a zr rating has a maximum speed of 149 mph. You can go faster than that for brief periods of time but the tire may fail. The speed rating is only good for new tires, If the tire has 20,000 miles on it the max speed is probably less due to general wear and tear. Once a tire has been repaired the speed rating is void.
- Increase the cold tire pressure if the car will be carrying a heavy load or driven at high speeds (over 75 mph) for long times.
- An over-inflated tire (filled above the max cold pressure on the sidewall) makes for a harsher ride and makes it more prone to damage if you hit pot-holes or other objects in the road.
- An under-inflated tire causes more sidewall flexing that increases stopping distance, lowers fuel economy and shortens the life of a tire. In rare cases the tire can blowout because of excessive heat from too much sidewall flexing and can even roll off the wheel in emergency maneuvers. Under-inflated tires will wear down the sidewall by making contact with the rim and the road.
- Do not rely solely on the air pump gauge at the gas station. These pumps take a lot of abuse (slammed against concrete, ran over, etc.) and may not be calibrated properly. Always base your final readings using your gauge for best accuracy.
EditThings You'll Need - Tire pressure gauge of good quality. Do not rely on 'pencil' type tire gauges. Professional quality tools always pay for themselves over time; buy a professional quality tire gauge.
- Air compressor or pump with correct fitting (bicycles can have one of two types: Presta or Schrader - Schrader is the type used by cars and assumed in the description above)...
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