How to Grow Valley Orchids

Valley orchids have a reputation for being difficult to grow. Most of the time, this is heard from gardeners who have little trouble using their "green thumbs" to grow other types of flowering plants. The problem usually arises when general maintenance rules for other flower species are used in caring for orchids. Valley orchids come in numerous varieties, some of which are cared for in uniquely different ways. Like any plant, once certain basic parameters are met, even these tropical beauties can be coaxed into flourishing. If you are new to orchid care, you just need to get acquainted with these fastidious flowers. With a little time and effort, your plants will reward you with their beautiful and prized blooms.

Instructions

1. Water your valley orchids sparingly and according to type. The majority of valley orchids are "air plants." These plants do not grow in the soil, but on trees and other mediums. Their roots are often visible. Potted orchids are generally placed in a growing medium such as shredded paper, cork or the like. Because its root system stores water so efficiently, the fastest way to kill an orchid is to overwater it. One of the easiest ways for beginners to learn how to water an orchid is to mentally group similar types together and water according to type.
   Examples:
   Cattleya, Oncidium and Dendrobium prefer to dry out completely before receiving more water. It is recommended that when these orchids are dry, you remove them gently from their decorative pots and allow them to sit in the sink as water cascades through the plant for no more than 30 seconds. Turn off the water and let the plant drain as much as possible before returning it to the container.
   Phalaenopsis should be permitted to "almost" dry out before being watered. Feel the growing medium with your finger. If it feels spongy but not parched, there is no need to water.
   Paphiopedilum and Epidendrum need to be kept slightly moist at all times, so they should be watered no more than twice weekly. Remember that the care instructions attached to your orchid upon purchase will offer specific information for your plant's maintenance.

2. Maintain the humidity in the immediate environment around your orchids. Remember that these are tropical flowers, and they thrive when the air is moist (above 40 percent humidity). Mist the orchid occasionally with a spray bottle or use a humidity tray. Humidity trays are shallow containers that are filled to the top with pebbles that are halfway full of water. The orchid sits on the pebbles (never directly touching the water), and the plant "decides" how much moisture to absorb.

3. Expose valley orchids to the correct light. Next to moisture, light is most important for growing healthy orchids. Medium lighting is best. This means that most orchids will require bright light (near a window) where they can receive 4 hours of exposure per day. Cattleyas can tolerate up to 6 hours of bright sunlight. Phalaenopsis orchids require bright, but indirect light.

4. Keep valley orchids at the correct temperature. Average internal house temperatures are usually good for these plants, but keep in mind that there should be a nightly drop of about 10 degrees for these flowers to bloom. This is especially true of Cattleya orchids.

Tips & Warnings

• Outdoor orchids are prey to a host of pests and diseases. Find out what the local threats in your area are from your local gardening experts at a nearby garden nursery that specializes in exotic tropical plants. Many orchids are damaged during the ride home from the nursery. If possible, have a steady-handed friend along who is willing to hold your orchid and minimize jarring.

References

• How Do I Take Care of My Orchid?

Resources

• Pictures of Valley Orchid Species