Even amateurs can successfully grow orchids if they take the time to learn about the differences between the major families of these marvelous plants, as well as their varied requirements.
Orchids come from a wide variety of environments which differ from one another in almost every respect. As a result, you will find that some species produce their flowers early in spring, others in summer and yet others during the dull days of winter. Their times for beginning their seasonal growth also varies; nevertheless, for convenience, feel free to rest all of your orchids over the winter. The majority of these will begin pushing out shoots as soon as the earth begins warming up in the spring.
When your orchids are in their growing periods, you should treat them differently with respect to heat, according to their native origins. East Indian orchids tend to require the most heat. Inside, keep the temps surrounding the plants at 65 degrees Fahrenheit during night and 70 during day. In the outdoors they will thrive at up to 75 degrees in the early spring. During the hottest parts of summer they will tolerate temperatures as high as 85 or 90. Just be sure to shade the plants from the direct rays of the sun at these times.
Therefore, this type of orchid must be well supplied with atmospheric moisture at all times. Make sure they are misted frequently! You can also splash water over the paths and tables in your greenhouse or other growing area. A nice, moist, rising heat will be produced this way. Be sure and do it every day.
Brazilian orchids actually come from a cooler climate, one in which the air is not nearly as moisture-saturated. They of course require less heat and less moisture but they do need a considerable degree of warmth during their growing season. The same applies to the majority of orchids that originated in Mexico. They should be heated artificially to approximately 60 degrees at night and 65 or 70 by day during the spring. As the days lengthen, temps may be allowed to increase. During approximately May through August the night heat may range between 65 and 70 and
by day from between 70 and 85.
Then we come to the so-called cool orchids, which should be grown in an area to themselves, if possible. These plants come from such places as Ecuador and Peru, and similiar regions, where they are found high up on the mountainsides. These must be grown at a lower temperature. Try 45 to 55 degrees in the winter and 50 to 65 in the summer. However you grow them, you must ensure that they are shaded from the sun most of the time. With cool orchids, too much heat is a deadly foe!
There are numerous other groupings and subgroups of orchids, too many to cover them in this short post. If you want to learn more, the best and most complete guide to modern orchid growing, beyond question, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which may be downloaded on the web. Now, there are lots of books about orchids but Mr. Howard’s guide is a full course, and good for novices and more experienced growers alike. Also, check out the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing database of articles on many aspects of orchids.
Recent Comments