Quick Tips To Growing Great Orchids!
Orchids have an undeserved reputation for being difficult to grow and care for in the home. This probably stems from the early years of orchid cultivation when orchids imported from the tropics died so frequently in English greenhouses that botanist John Lindley referred to England as “a cemetery for orchids”. While it is difficult to grow orchids from seed – it requires a specialized growing medium and 3-4 years worth of patience – once mature, most orchids are as easy to care for as any other houseplant – and easier than most.
Growing Medium
Most orchids are epiphytic – that is, they take their nutrients from the air. They may grow on bark, sphagnum moss, cork plaques or in gravel or charcoal. With very rare exceptions, do NOT pot orchids in potting soil.
Watering
The best rule of thumb is to mist plants every few days with distilled water, and only water when the potting medium is nearly dry. Because there are so many varieties of orchids, it’s important to consult an orchid book or follow the plant’s watering directions.
Light
A sunny windowsill is a good place for your orchids. In winter or in northern states, natural sunlight may need to be supplemented with gro-lights or other fluorescent lights to ensure that your orchids get enough light. In midsummer or in southern states, many orchids may require some protection from the bright sun. Watch leaves for signs of sunburn or lack of light and adjust accordingly.
Circulating Air is an often overlooked necessity for orchids. Because most orchids take their nutrients directly from the air, they do best when there is a steady, constant stream of air around them. A small fan or an open window will provide enough air flow to keep them happy.
And these are just a few tips to get you started growing beautiful orchids in your home. For more information on growing and cultivating orchids please go to OrchidGeeks.com
About the author:
For more Informative about Orchid Care and how to grow them please visit http://www.orchidgeeks.com
Orchid Geeks
Written by: David S
Orchid bees adjust without orchids
There's an orchid bee from Central America wearing Eau de Allspice in gardens of Broward County. He's also fond of the scent of basil and melaleuca.
Orchid Identification and Culture [Event occurs on November 12, 2006]
Late winter and early spring is the best time to re-pot and divide your orchids. Gain confidence with these skills and plan your projects with Garden horticulturist and orchid expert, Jerry Parsons. Divisions of rare and unusual orchid species from the Garden collection will be available for purchase. Includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the Gardenandapos;s orchid collection, normally closed to the public. $50, $40 members
Shedding Their Fussy, Hard-to-Care-For Reputation, Orchids Zoom in Popularity
Medieval herbalists considered orchids to have aphrodisiac properties, a concept amusingly explored in the 2002 movie "Adaptation," in which Meryl Streep, playing "The Orchid Thief" author Susan Orlean, sniffs orchid powder and falls in love with orchid collector John Laroche, played by Chris Cooper.
Oct 27, Does this do the same for you?
1. Almost Ready - Finishing Touches Yes, my e-book, "Mastering Orchids Your Guide To Growing Orchids" is in the final stages. The chapters are written, the pictures are in and the review is coming along. Soon I will be letting you know when it is ready for publication. Remeber if you want to be the first to be notified AND to get a substantial discount YOU MUST be a subscriber to our newsletter. http://www.orchids-plus-more.com/orchid-newsletter.html 2. Read in the Harvard University newapaper how you would feel if you did this.
Garden Calendar | Events and meetings
EVENTS Miramar Orchid Society: Annual auction of hundreds of orchids and supplies; 6:30 p.m. Thursday; free; Miramar Senior Center, 7667 Venetian St., Miramar. 954-927-5638.
Sep 9, I Need Your Help - Mastering Orchids
I am writing a guide to orchids - Mastering Orchids which will be published later this fall. It will be filled with orchid information and lots of tips. I want to invite you tosend me your orchid questions. All questions are welcomed. This assures me that I will answer all of your questions. For anyone sending in a question I will give you a "FREE" copy of the book. Please send me your questions. Send it to: Contact Us Thank you
State approves quarantine exemption for Taiwan orchids
The approval of the quarantine exemption comes after a multiyear effort by the state's orchid industry to ban imports of potted Taiwan orchids altogether.Comment