How to Grow Orchids for Profit

The orchid is a mysterious and exotic flower. Orchids are one of the more beautiful flower choices for a bouquet or corsage. Growing orchids is easy with the proper instruction. In fact, growing orchids is so easy, you can turn your flower hobby into a profitable business venture. Start off by learning everything you need to know about orchids, such as climate, water, fertilizer and soil, and soon you'll be on your way to making money from your flowers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Orchid information Greenhouse/storage Orchid seedlings Orchid plants Flower pots Potting substances Advertising

1. Collect data on all the different species of orchids. There are 22,000 different orchid species in 800 genera. That's a lot of data to collect, but a businessman must know his business.

2. Gather orchid seedlings or mature plants from a recognized orchid specialist. Order plenty of 8-inch-diameter flower pots. Orchids grow best in firm, well-draining potting substances like bark,,or a mixture of sphagnum, moss, peat moss, loam and fern root.

3. Build a greenhouse in which to store your orchids while they are growing. If you are serious about growing orchids for profit, you must have a place to grow them. The process from seedling to flowering can take from one to four years; the orchids do not sell until bloom.

4. Hire employees to help take care of the orchids. During the time it takes for the orchids to bloom, someone must feed and water them. Because of the extended care time, orchids can sell for anywhere from $20 to $150.

5. Take pictures of your orchids, and have business cards printed with your information. Distribute them to local retail stores. Let the public know about your orchid farm by advertising through print ads and fliers.

6. Take your orchids to Orchid Society Shows. Set up a booth at a show near you to show other farmers your product. Orchid shows are an ideal place to advertise and sell your orchids.

Tips & Warnings

• Some firms offer instructions for growing orchids through correspondence courses.
• Unless you have a large area in your house designated for growing orchids, it is vital to prepare a place to store them before purchasing the flowers.

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