How to Buy Orchid Supplies

In the wild, orchids grow on trees, at the base of trees or on rocks. Because of their unique native environments, orchids require different supplies than most house plants. Beginners must stock up on these supplies as soon as they buy their first orchid in order to give it the care it needs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start by choose some orchids pots. Orchids can grow in ordinary flower pots, but they do need small 4-inch pots. While orchids will grow in ordinary pots, they will do better in pots with slits that provide their roots with ventilation. Look for special orchid pots with built-in ventilation at garden supply stores.

2. Get a growing medium. Orchids do not grow in soil like other plants. Orchids need to be planted in a bark mix, which simulates their natural habitat. Orchid bark mix is often sold alongside regular potting mixes.

3. Buy some stakes. Your orchid may not need a stake the day you buy it, but this is a supply every orchid grower will need eventually. Look for wood or bamboo stakes with a smooth finish. You'll often need these to stake flower stems.

4. Look for some pot clips. Occasionally, in addition to plant stakes you'll need pot clips if your orchid becomes top-heavy. Any clip that fastens onto the side of the pot and provides a solid base for the stem of the orchid will work.

5. Purchase a standard fungicide and a standard pesticide. Like any house plant, orchids are susceptible to pests and are especially susceptible to fungus. You do not need a fungicide or pesticide made especially for orchids, but use of these supplies is necessary for good orchid care.

6. Choose a fertilizer high in nitrogen. Because orchids are flowering plants, many beginners may think phosphorous is the most important element for orchids. While phosphorous helps with flower production, orchids actually require high amounts of nitrogen because the bacteria which decays bark consume high amounts of nitrogen, leaving little for the orchid. A 30-10-10 fertilizer is ideal for orchids growing in bark.

[calwesttropical]

on 10/23/2009 Great article!

They also make clear orchid pot with the slits mentioned in Step 1. They come in 3", 4", and 5" sizes and are great because you are able to monitor the root growth and see when it is time to re-pot.

You can also avoid many of the problems with bark decay by using an aged bark, such as Orchiata, which takes much longer to break down. It is a relatively new potting media but is very popular with industry professionals around the world.

We supply all the above mentioned products at the lowest price and ship to anywhere in the US. You can check out our website at www.CalwestTropical.com