Orchids are the most diverse plant family known. There are 28,000
species and over 300,000 registered cultivars documented. Orchids are by far the most rapidly changing group of plants on earth. More new species have been discovered over the last thousand years than any other plant group. Being one of the most adaptable species on earth, orchids grow in the rainforest, tundra, mountains, desert and swamps. Some Australian orchids grow completely underground.
Orchids belong to the Orchid Family, Orchidaceae (or-Kid-ACE-ee-ee). They are divided into two basic growth types: monopodial and
sympodial. Monopodial orchids have a central stem that grows
continuously from the tip. Flowers are produced from the stem between the leaves, usually alternating from side to side. Phalaenopis orchids
fall into this group. Sympodial orchids, such as cattleyas, have a
rhizome, which sends out a shoot. This develops into a stem and
leaves, which eventually produces flowers.
Orchids are no harder to grow than many houseplants. Orchids are not expensive even though they were once thought as a hobby for
the wealthy. You can spend as little or as much as you like, but
remember orchids are like potato chips one is never enough!
Orchids are long living plants. With proper care some are practically
immortal. Orchid blooms can last from 1-4 weeks depending on the
variety and some will last 1-4 months if given the proper care. The bloom time also depends on the variety. Some bloom one time a year, some several times a year and some will bloom continuously.
Orchids will benefit from some added humidity in the winter months. Placing pots on top of gravel in moisture-filled trays might help. Just be careful that the pots are not sitting in the water. They need to sit just above the water line so that no moisture is wicked up through
the drain holes in the bottom of the pot.
Many factors will depend on how often you will need to water. The brightness of the room, the humidity levels in your home and how warm it is are all factors to consider. Orchids should not be allowed to dry out completely between watering. Always use room temperature water or barley lukewarm so as not to shock their roots, and avoid softened water if possible. Hold the container over a sink and water thoroughly until moisture drips right through. Do not allow the orchid to sit in a wet saucer. Another tip is do not go by the calendar to water. Water when the orchid needs moisture.
To feed your orchids use a special orchid fertilizer, mixed half strength, once a month-more often in the growth spurt months of spring and summer. Every three months fertilize them with a complete fertilizer containing minor elements along with major elements such as
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Almost any ratio of
major elements in this complete fertilizer will do.
Light and temperature is also important to orchids. All orchids need
good light, but they do not like the heat, which accompanies high light. You can reduce temperatures in south or west facing windows by using a sheer curtain. If the daytime temperatures exceed 90 degrees, you
will have to move your orchid to a cooler window like an east-facing window. Orchids probably won’t bloom in a north window. You can
also grow orchids under plant lights, place the light about 8 inches above the plant and leave the light on for 12 to 14 hours a day.
When orchids fail to bloom the night temperatures are very close to
the daytime temperatures. A two-week period in the spring or fall
where the temperatures at night are 10 to 15 degrees cooler then the day temperatures should initiate flower development, assuming the plant receives adequate light levels. Another option would be to replant your orchid after it has quit blooming to initiate new growth, which
might help in flower initiation.
Orchids can also fall prey to insects. Mealy bugs, scale and spider
miters are common. If your plant doesn’t respond from wiping or
washing with an alcohol dipped cotton swab, check with a
garden center for pesticides that are labeled for orchids. |
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