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Growing Orchids
Orchids are a great addition to any indoor home or garden, as they have an exotic beauty. Many people think that these plants are difficult to grow but this is not necessarily the case. Here is our guide on growing orchids. You may be surprised!
Orchid Classifications
To grow orchids, you will need to know how they are classified, and this is done on their ideal growing temperature. Therefore, they can be warm growing, intermediate growing, and cool growing. They are also classified according to the amount of light they need to grow optimally. This is high, medium or low. Regardless of its classification, orchids require at least six hours of light per day. You can tell if the orchid is getting enough light by looking at the colour of the leaves. If the leaves are dark green, they are not getting enough. The ideal leaf colour is about the same colour as grass – light or medium green.
The general types of orchids are:
Cymbidiums
- Phalaenopsis
- Ghost Orchid
- Cattleya
- Oncidiums
- Orchid Vanda
- Angraecoid Orchids
- Fragrant Orchids
Orchids and Water
One of the most important things that a person needs to know when growing orchids is the amount of water they require. Orchids in general need periodical watering – usually once a week. Most orchids are air plants, and this means that you can see their roots. Their root systems are very efficient when it comes to storing water. Cattleya, oncidium, and dendrobium orchids like to dry out between waterings. An easy way to water these is to put the plant in the sink and let water flow onto the plant for 30 seconds. Let the water drain from the plant before you replace it in its decorative pot.
Phalaenopsis orchids like to almost dry out between waterings. To tell if they need watering, feel about an inch into the growing medium. It should feel spongy, not bone dry. Growing orchids should be slightly moist, so watering twice a week is ideal.
If you have low humidity in your home, you may need to mist the plant with water occasionally or use a humidity tray. This tray is simply a tray that is filled with pebbles and half filled with water, with the plant sitting on the pebbles. Do not let the roots touch the water in the tray.
Orchids and Light
Orchids also require the right light. Most orchids that are houseplants do well with medium amounts of lights. This is either in a window or an area that receives at least four hours of sun or bright light a day. Most orchids also do well in normal house temperatures. However, the plants do require fluctuations in temperature in order to bloom. As an example, cattleyas require about a ten degree difference between day and night temperatures.
Growing Mediums for Orchids
Epiphyte orchids need to drain freely and, as such, should never be planted in soil. These orchids require air around the roots at all times. Most growers use composted pine bark pieces, which is often sold as orchid bark. This allows for air space between the bark pieces, and the chips remain damp, not wet, when watered. Terrestrial orchids can be grown in a good quality soil with a small quantity of blood and bone. Non-organic fertilisers should never be used as orchids are intolerant to potash and phosphorus. It is a good idea to add a soil wetting agent to ensure that water penetrates to the orchid evenly.
Re-potting Orchids
Orchids may occasionally need to be re-potted. Firstly, you will need to remove the plant from the pot. If the orchid is root bound, you may even need to break the pot to free the orchid. Use a knife to lever between the bulbs and separate the clump of orchids into at least two sections. Remove leafless, dead looking bulbs, although it is a good idea to leave a single row of these bulbs next to leafy shoots.
Next, check the roots for any damaged, rotted or tangled areas and remove these. Choose new pots and fill them with the suitable medium for your orchid. Put the orchid into the pot and fill around the base of it with the medium. Each bulb should be sitting above the medium. Water the orchid well.
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