Orchids: Tropical Delights for Your Garden

Orchids are tropical delights that many people believe they simply cannot grow. You can, however, grow these beautiful specimens if you offer then a little loving care. While some species of orchids do require hot, humid, tropical environments, there are many specimens which thrive in much cooler, slightly dryer temperatures. In fact, 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is the temperatures preferred by many species. Cymbidiums and Dendrobiums are two species which can handle cooler temperatures.

 

If you are a novice to the world of orchids but want to try you hand at growing orchids, you’ll want to begin with healthy, mature plants. While you can purchase tiny, baby orchids called ‘in vitro plants’ for lower prices, these are best left to the much more experienced orchid grower. Instead, visit your local garden center or orchid farm and learn which species thrive in your area and what conditions each of these choices require. Then select the color and shape you love best. Investing in a mature plant will pay off in the long run.

 

Choose a Reputable Source

 

Buy your first orchids from a reputable source. Check the stock available and determine if the leaves are green and fleshy. Dry, yellow leaves usually indicate unhealthy plants. Black spots on leaves, except in the case of a few oncidium orchids such as ‘Sharry Baby’, are another indication of poor health. Plants with pest infestations, poorly maintained garden conditions, and drying plants are sure signs to find another source.

 

An orchid show can be one of the very best sources for a novice orchid gardener. Often held in malls or other gathering places, orchid growers gather to show off their beautiful specimens and you can glean some true expertise from these growers who have years of orchid growing experience behind them. Most growers at an orchid show love to share their knowledge.

 

It is very important to be totally honest about the conditions you have available in which to grow orchid. If the advice you are given by an orchid expert is that a certain species requires at least 2-3 hours of direct, full sunlight but you only have shade or indirect light, no matter how much you love the beautiful specimen, you will not enjoy success growing that species in incorrect environmental conditions. There are too many beautiful species from which to choose and it is much better to begin with a single specimen that is suited to the conditions you can provide than to try to force a plant to fit where it can’t thrive.

 

On mistake beginning orchid grows make is to repot the orchids because they see roots extending from the pot. Because many species of orchid grow in bark or even on slabs of wood, taking most of their nutrition from the air and moisture, the orchid is perfectly happy in its pot. Instead, look for exposed roots that are white or light green in color and have healthy-looking tips. Then resist the temptation to repot frequently; remember, most orchids attach themselves to limbs of trees or crooks in branches in the wild.

 

Provide the Right Conditions

 

Orchids, when thriving, should not be moved to a different location, at least in your first efforts at orchid gardening. Provide the right conditions and leave well enough alone. All too often a novice orchid gardener will become discouraged because they have moved their orchid which has been in perfect health to another location only to stress the specimen enough that it dies.

 

Provide humidity for orchids in pots if you live in a dry climate by placing a container or tray filled with a layer of pebbles and inch or so deep. Then fill the container with water almost, but not completely to the top of the pebbles. The orchid pot is placed on top of the pebbles where the water evaporating provides humidity but the water is not soaking the orchid pot. Too much water can cause roots to rot, disease to get a toehold, and the orchid will die. Don’t rely on spraying potted orchids in dry climates because that method only provides higher humidity for minutes instead of hours.

 

As you can see, you really can grow tropical delights and non-tropical species of orchids in your home. If you happen to live in a warm climate, you can even grow them outdoors year round. Having an orchid bloom for you for the first time since bringing the mature plant home is a very satisfying experience that you can and should enjoy.

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