Most of us regard the orchid as a beautiful and exotic flower. Orchids are the largest family of flowering plants on earth, with over 30,000 different species, and at least 200,000 hybrids. In their natural habitat, they not only grow in the ground but they will also attach themselves to rocks, the bark of trees, or the surface of other plants. The exposed roots of the orchid will absorb the necessary moisture from the atmosphere. An orchid anchored to a tree may also be nourished from bird or leaf droppings, moulds on the bark of the tree or even from atmospheric phenomena such as lightning. The orchid has evolved so successfully that there is only one continent (Antarctica), where they do not grow naturally.
The orchid has become an obsession for many gardeners. The range of orchids is constantly growing and a record of the different types is kept at the Royal Horticultural Society in London. This record contains all the recognized naturally occurring orchids as well as the hybrid orchids. Some are so rare that they are classified as endangered and protected by law. As late as the 1800s it was very rare to find an orchid collector with more than a few specimens. In 1804 both the Berlin and the Paris Botanical Gardens both only held seven species of exotic orchid. The Viennese had the most with eleven. These low numbers were not for want of trying, countries were importing orchids all the time, however, they were dying in transit, or not being kept in conditions which allowed for the plants to survive their new climates. It was not until 1856 that the first orchid hybrid was created. Orchid hybrids are naturally occurring as well as being bred by enthusiasts. The ability of the orchid to evolve means that it is continually changing, it is possible that there are orchid hybrids formed and lost faster than man can record them. This is why the orchid has appealed to so many.
The beauty of an orchid is that the majority of varieties can be easy to maintain with a little knowledge. There are so many different species and types, so it is only possible to give general care instructions. The majority of orchids like bright, filtered light. Insufficient levels of light are often accompanied by the presence of dark green foliage. Too much light may result in leaves that are pale yellow-green and bleached looking. Many people grow their orchids successfully under fluorescent light. Place them so that the lights are about eight inches above the orchids’ foliage, and keep the lights on from twelve to fourteen hours daily.
Look at your orchid. If it is mostly stem and small leaves or if the leaves are thick and leathery it usually needs lots of diffused light. If the leaves are smooth they will prefer lower levels of diffused light, and definitely not bright or direct light. If parts of the orchids stem above the soil are enlarged it means that water is stored there, and it prefers to be grown in coarse chunks of bark or rock, and also needs little water. If the stem is not swollen it likes a spongy mixture that holds more water such as a moss mixture.
Most orchids can handle less rather than more water, and its chances of frequent blooms are less likely if over watering occurs. If you’re trying to kill an orchid just give it lots of water. Never let the roots or the growing medium become saturated in water, this will cause root rot. How often you water will depend on how bright the growing conditions, how humid, and how warm it is, all factors that impact how fast the potting mix will dry. Just remember that it is important to allow orchids to dry out between watering. Fertilizers high in nitrogen encourage leaf growth, those high in phosphorus will help prepare the plant for flowering. Sea weed fertilizer and fish emulsion are best for your orchids as they have many nutrients that help it to thrive and flower. Another good idea is to sometimes use the milky waste water from when you wash your rice.
Fibrous peat, rocks woodchips, and bark are best to mix in combination, or used on their own as a potting medium for most orchids. You can usually find specialised potting medium for orchids at the nursery or you can make your own, which is always more rewarding. Make sure that there is good drainage through the potting medium as orchids like to have their roots airy. When you re-pot it make sure the top of the root growth is just below the rim. Remember to always make sure your orchid is getting humidity so mist them with a spray bottle. Orchid roots often creep over the edge of the pot before the body of the plant makes it to the edge of the pot. If you see that the body of the plant has grown over the pot edge or that the media itself breaks down and will no longer allow the roots to dry between watering, then you know that your orchid has to be re-potted.
When selecting your pot, you will need to consider the type of maintenance you will be able to provide for your plant. If you are the over indulgent grower, stick to materials such as terracotta or a mesh container with lots of air for the roots to grow and breathe. These containers will allow the plant to dry out quickly, and can easily compensate for the occasional over watering. Another trick to avoid over watering is to select pots in dark colors. The dark colors will absorb the sunlight and dry out the medium faster. However, if you tend to forget to water your plants, then a plastic pot is better for you. Plastic pots, particularly those in light colors, will retain water and are ideal containers for the neglectful gardener. To re-pot, ease the plant out of its old pot, and remove as much of the old media as you can. Pot your orchid in a small container, so that the roots of the orchid will be supported by the pot. Water lightly until the plant adjusts to its new pot. After being repotted, most orchids will experience a period of slower growth for a while. This is normal so don’t worry.
Generally the Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, and Dendrobium orchids are easiest to care for, so long as you can produce the correct environment for them. Taking care of orchids should be an enjoyable experience. By selecting the right environment, pot and fertilizer, you will be well on your way to enjoying a lifetime of beautiful orchids!
