The orchid family includes 25,000 species, with a large variety in size, shape and color. Most of these, the house plant grower never sees. Many of these are very difficult to grow but there are also orchids which can be grown very successfully indoors by anyone who can grow houseplants. Orchids have the longest lasting flowers of all houseplants, up to 4 months. For convenience, orchids are classified into two basic types by growth habit. Epiphytic orchids grow on trees for support, such as Oncidium or Phalaenopsis. Terrestrial orchids grow with their roots in soil. Care is slightly different for each type. There is also two types of growth. Those with a monopodial type become taller each year, growing only at the tip of the stem. Leaves are in two rows on opposite sides of the stem, alternating from side to side. An example is Dendrobium. The second, and more common type is sympodial. In this case, the upward growth of the plant stops after one growing season, and the next year’s growth comes from the base. Blooms come from the tips of recent growth or from the sides or bases of it. Cymbidiums are sympodial orchids. Sympodial orchids have pseudobulbs, thickened stems that store food and water and enable the plant to survive periods of drought.

 

Orchid leaves are usually thick and leathery and the vast majority are evergreen. The flowers always contain three sepals and three petals, but the variety is remarkable.

 

Orchids may be grouped into three general categories, according to the temperature they prefer for their best growth. Cool-growing orchids prefer daytime temperatures of 60-70 F(15-21 C) during the day, dropping to 50-55 F (10-13C) at night. This group includes Cymbidium. Intermediate temperatures of 65-75 F (18-24 C) during the day and 55-60 F (13-16 C) at night are suitable for Cattlyea and Dendrobium. Daytime temperatures of 75-85 F (24-29 C) dropping to 65-75 F (18-24 C) at night, are best for warm-growing orchids such as Phalaenopsis. This does not mean that you need separate rooms for each type of orchid; the cool growing one will be okay closest to a window and the warm growing one in a warmer area of your room.

 

Orchids do need higher humidity than is usual in our homes, particularly in the winter. Pebble trays (large saucers or pans filled with pebbles or marbles), with the level of water just below the top of the pebbles and the plant sitting on the pebbles, so that water can’t get into the pot from the bottom but evaporates around it; or saucers of water with plastic egg crating, wire mesh or cake racks on top help to increase the humidity in the immediate vicinity of the plants.

 

The amount of light orchids need varies considerably, depending on the type of orchid. It is important to identify your orchid and choose plants best suited for your growing area. Many may be grown on window sills and others thrive under florescent or high-intensity lights.

 

Most orchids are potted into fir bark although there are other suitable potting media. Choose appropriate size pieces for the pot size, ensuring so by buying only that packaged specifically for orchids. Any container with a drainage hole can be used. Typically, clay pots are used, but ceramic pots may be successful. Because they are not porous, care must be taken not to over water. Some orchids are fastened to slabs of bark or logs, and hung from the ceiling or on walls, duplicating their natural environment.

 

Watering frequency depends on the size and type of container. Orchids in small pots need watering more often than ones in a larger pots; plants growing in clay pots or on bark dry out more quickly than those in plastic pots. Orchids won't tolerate stagnant water around their roots or bark that is constantly wet. Allow the bark to become dry before watering again.

 

Orchid fertilizer or 20-20-20 fertilizer is suitable. Use more frequently when plants are actively growing and less in winter when light levels are lower and plants are in a semi-dormant stage. Orchids need a cycle of growth and dormancy, so if they are being grown under artificial lights, the length of day will indicate how long lights should be on.

 

Orchids are prone to fungal disease and root rot, caused usually by poor drainage or too frequent watering. Insect problems are rare but sometimes mealybugs appear. If this happens, check with our staff for help with a suitable control.

 

Of the many types of orchids available, Phalaenopsis, dwarf Cattleya and Dendrobium are the easiest to grow and bloom successfully. For the beginner, these are definitely worth a try and require no unusual growing conditions. For more detailed information on growing orchids see our bookstore.

 

Cattleya: Cattleyas become large plants, but there are also dwarf varieties which are more suitable for our homes. They need a warm, sunny spot; and should become dry before watering. They will produce one or two flower spikes each year.

 

Cymbidium: Keep these orchids in bright light. They need cool evening temperatures to ensure blooming. Place plants outside in late May and leave them out until early September or until threat of frost. During the summer water freely and fertilize with a well-balanced plant food. This will ensure healthy, strong new growth. In August stop feeding and decrease water. This will put the plant into a stress situation which is essential to force it to initiate flower spike production. At this time, night temperatures must be considerably colder than daytime temperatures.The starting spike will appear at the base of mature new growth. At this time start fertilizing with a high potassium plant food. Watering should be resumed to a normal amount. Cool evening temperatures must be maintained if possible or the spike will wither or buds may drop. If all goes well your plant will reward you with as many as thirty blooms on a single spike that lasts up to 3 months on the plant or several weeks if cut.

 

Dendrobium: Dendrobiums are epiphytic orchids that come in a variety of vivid colors and sizes. They have several stalks with flower clusters in rows along them. Dendrobiums flower in spring or summer and each bloom lasts approximately 2 months, ensuring continuous enjoyment. These orchids have similar cultural requirements as Phalaenopsis. Dendrobiums need bright filtered sunlight, high phosphorus fertilizer and high humidity.

 

Phalaenopsis (Moth orchid): These plants are native primarily to Southeast Asia where the climate is warm and moist. They are well suited to home culture. The Moth Orchid (the common name for Phalaenopsis), needs bright light, good air circulation, regular watering as necessary and average to slightly cool temperature. Bloom spikes are produced sporadically throughout the year. After blooms fade do not cut off the spike. The spike tip may continue to produce buds or branches may form from nodes lower down the spike. Flowering lasts 3-4 months on the spike in the pot, or 1 - 2 weeks if cut and floating in a bowl.

 

Orchids such as the above mentioned are relatively easy to grow. They will reward attentive growers with exotic and beautiful color and variety. In a well-planned collection blooming is possible every season of the year.