A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO GROWING ORCHIDS

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A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO GROWING ORCHIDS

• Raising orchids
• can become an addiction.

Warning
By Janet Gouin
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Orchid Trivia

• The Orchidaceae is one of the oldest, largest,
  and most diverse plant families.
• While most orchids are native to the tropics,
  they can be found on all continents except
  Antarctica.
• Most orchids are epiphytes, plants that grow on
  other plants, and their roots are happiest when
  exposed to air.

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Good Orchid Choices for Beginners

• Phalaenopsis, the moth orchid
• Cattleya Alliance
• Cymbidiums
• Dendrobiums
• Oncidium Alliance, including Brassias, Miltonias,
  and Oncidiums
• Paphiopedilum, the slipper orchid

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Phalaenopsis

• Known as the moth orchid
• Most popular orchid grown today
• Large, long-lasting flowers on long spikes
• Grows and flowers under ordinary household
  conditions

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Cattleya Cymbidium

• The Queen of Orchids
• Comes in a dazzling array of colors and sizes
• Many are fragrant

• Lavish long-lasting flowers on long spikes
• Grows outdoors in summer until first frost
• Easy to cultivate

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Dendrobium Paphiopedlum

• The pouch is the common feature of slipper
  orchids
• Flowers are glossy with subtle coloration
• Stalks bear single flowers

• Den-Phal types grow and bloom easily in the home
• Flowers are long-lasting and come in a wide range
  of colors

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Oncidium Alliance

• Brassia, the spider orchid, has abundant flowers
  on arching stems, and may bloom several times a
  year

• Miltonia, or pansy orchid, produces sprays of
  flat-faced 4-inch flowers with bold splashes in
  contrasting colors

• Oncidium, the spray orchid, produces sprays of
  glowing yellow flowers. Some may be grown on
  chunks of cork bark

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Getting Started

• Where to buy your first orchid
• At orchid shows and sales
• In flower shops
• In garden centers
• Even in supermarkets and hardware stores

• For your orchid you will need
• Pots plastic or clay
• Potting media bark works well
• Orchid fertilizer 30-10-10 if your orchid is
  in bark

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Your Orchids Basic Needs

• Several hours of bright light in a sunny window,
  or 14 hours of fluorescent light each day
• Moderate temperatures with ideally a 15- degree F
  drop at night
• Moist, fresh air raise humidity by misting your
  orchids or placing them on a tray of gravel and
  water

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Caring for your orchid

• Water on average once or twice a week
• Fertilize with a water- soluble fertilizer when
  you water
• Repot every one to two years

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Whats Wrong with my Orchid?

• Too much or too little water
• Inadequate or too intense light
• Low temperatures
• Insufficient or too much fertilizer
• Diseases or insect pests

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Need Help?

• Look for books on orchid care at your library,
  book shop, or garden center
• Attend meetings of your local orchid society

• Links for orchid lovers
• The American Orchid Society
• Northwest Orchid Society
• Linda the Orchid Lady

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Enjoy!