Orchids
Grown for their beautiful, long lasting flowers, orchids have long been considered the domain of the expert gardener. This, however, is not necessarily the case. There are many varieties of these exotic plants that can be grown quite easily at home, given the right conditions and usually no more care than you would give an ordinary house plant, although there are exceptions. There are two main types of orchids, epiphytic and terrestrial. Epiphytic orchids are the type grown most often as a houseplant; they grow naturally in trees and on rocks. In addition to having roots at their base epiphytic orchids have aerial roots and require a special orchid container for proper growing conditions. Terrestrial orchids have their roots wholly underground and are less common as houseplants. When selecting an orchid there are a few factors that you should consider. First you should decide what variety of orchid you prefer. There are many flower shapes, sizes and colours. Many people also consider when the flowering period occurs when selecting a variety, often for certain events or holidays. The second thing that you should consider is the area you wish the orchid to grow. Light, temperature and air circulation are all-important factors to consider. Lastly, what level of care do you want to provide? Orchid care ranges from simple and undemanding to complicated and finicky. greengate has a superior selection of orchids and our experienced staff can help you with plant selection, requirements, fertilization or even a pot.
Light
Being tropical plants, there is no way our climate can match the amount of sunlight available to orchids in their natural setting. Orchids, like most other living things, however, can adapt. Give orchids the maximum amount of sunlight available. This may involve changing locations at various times of the year for maximum light. Artificial lighting may be added during winter months if necessary.
Temperature
There are three basic temperature groups, warm 18-24 degrees Celsius, intermediate 16-18 degrees Celsius, and cool 10-16 degrees Celsius. These are nighttime temperatures and daytime temperatures are generally about 10 degrees higher. Select an orchid that fits best into the category that your home falls into.
Air Circulation
Air circulation is very important for orchid growth. In their natural home they are very exposed to the winds, even the roots. If there is a lack of air movement the plants do not do as well as if the air is circulating. Near a window or door, or in a safe but high traffic area in your house is ideal.
Soil
Normal potting soil is not suitable for orchids. With air circulation being so important, orchid bark mixtures contain large particles that allow greater air circulation to the roots than would be possible with potting soil.
Watering
The amount of water an orchid needs will depend on its variety; some require much more water than others. Orchids should be watered when they are almost dry. Water well, so that the potting mixture is saturated. A good way to test the dryness of a plant is by weight. Test the weight before and after watering and by feel you should be able to estimate when the plant will again need water.
Humidity
High humidity will increase the quality and length of an orchid's bloom. The easiest way to increase humidity around a plant is to place the plants pot on gravel in a tray of water. The pot is not sitting in the water, but the moisture can evaporate into the air around the plant where it can be utilized by the plant. Another simple way is grouping. By grouping several plants together a humid microclimate is created.
Fertilizing
There are several varieties of orchid fertilizer available for different stages of the orchid growth cycle. Check with your greengate expert for the growth cycle of your particular orchid. In time, with experimentation, you will learn to anticipate your orchid's needs and adjust fertilization accordingly.
In nature, orchids follow the climate patterns of the area that they are growing in, flowering at the same time every year. When kept as a houseplant, however, there are factors that the grower may alter to promote flowering. Increasing the level of light available to the plant by changing location or providing additional light can stimulate the plant to flower. A temperature change can also sometimes signal the start of flowering to the plant. Changing the fertilizing program can also sometimes produce the same effect. Orchids should be fun to grow as well as attractive. Experimenting with these exotic plants can be a very rewarding and learning experience. There are many exotic orchids that none but the experienced could grow, but there are also several very easy ones.