Orchid Growing for Beginners

Some orchids rely on nothing but the wind for pollination.

Orchids have long been prized for their exotic beauty and with more than 35,000 species, each with thousands of hybrids, there is one sure to suit everyone's taste. Artist Georgia O'Keefe celebrated orchids' sensual form. They are thought to be one of the earliest plants on earth to evolve and can be traced back to the time of the dinosaur.

History

Orchids have been cultivated for approximately 300 years but their history goes back much further with references found in Chinese and Japanese texts dating around 700 B.C. The most widely cultivated orchid is Planifolia, or the vanilla orchid, from which the flavoring vanilla is manufactured. It is an important crop for Madagascar, the largest exporter of pure vanilla. The orchid has always proved a tricky flower to cultivate, which adds to its mystique. Today there are many types of orchids available to the beginner grower.

Types

According to Iowa State University's Horticulture News, "Orchids can be grown by anyone able to grow African violets." The following types of orchid are relatively hardy and are recommended for the beginner grower:

Phalaenopsis, also called moth orchids, are considered the easiest orchid to grow. They produce long-lasting sprays of blooms.

Epidendrums are another easy-to-grow orchid. Their flowers grow in clusters and are about an inch long.

Cattleyas need more light than Phalaenopsis and Epidendrums. With the right spot or with artificial lighting these orchids produce large, elaborate flowers and make great houseplants.

Dendrobium require light similar to Cattleyas but are also good orchids to grow indoors. Their flowers are white, lavender or both.

Potting

Orchids prefer well-drained and aerated growing medium. Commercial mixes of orchid soil are available, most containing fir bark, peat moss, perlite or vermiculite. It is also possible to mix your own soil from a variety of ingredients but for the beginner orchid grower the commercial mix workw fine.

Orchids can be planted in plastic or clay pots. It is very important to choose a pot that has sufficient drainage. Drainage holes in plastic pots can be made larger. The orchids will stay moist longer in plastic pots while clay pots offer the advantage of aeration. Most orchids should be repotted every year or two.

Culture

Orchids are classified into three groups based on their light requirements: high, medium and low. It can be difficult to grow orchids in the high and medium light requirements indoors without supplemental artificial light. A sunny windowsill is the best place to grow orchids. Hardy orchids can tolerate normal indoor temperatures, between 65 and 80 degrees F. Orchids prefer a humid environment and will thrive in a sunny bathroom window. Take care not to overwater orchid houseplants as they do best when their soil is allowed to dry out between watering.

Disease

When an orchid displays signs and symptoms of disease it is an indication that something is not right in the orchid's environment. Temperature, humidity, over or under watering and poor fertilization can all disrupt an orchid's health. While insects do not pose a common threat for the beginner orchid grower there are several diseases to watch out for. Root rot is the most common disease and can be caused by the fungi Phytophthora or Pythium. Blight is another common fungal disease and will discolor the orchid's flowers. Keep the orchid's pot free of decaying debris and maintain optimum growing conditions to avoid infection.

References

• Orchid Care: History
• Iowa State University's Horticulture News: Orchids
• University of Illinois' Hort Hints: Growing Orchids
• Univeristy of Tennessee's Agricultural Extension: Growing Orchids