Orchids are undoubtedly the crown jewel of any household. Their exotic, elegant, and diverse flowers allure with their unique shapes and a full spectrum of vibrant colours. However, any seasoned gardener would agree that growing orchids, despite their irresistible charm, can be a challenging endeavour. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll crawl, walk, and eventually master the art of growing orchids, bringing a slice of the tropics right to your home.
Understanding the Variety in the World of Orchids
First and foremost, if you’ve decided to venture into growing orchids, it is crucial to understand the extent of their diversity. The orchid family boasts a staggering number of 30,000 different species, and an even more impressive 200,000 hybrid plants, each unique in their growth patterns and conditions (American Orchid Society).
At the outset, whether purchasing from a local nursery, garden centre, or a plant shop, invest time researching the particular type of orchid you wish to grow. Some beginner-friendly varieties include Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, and Paphiopedilum (slipper orchid) varieties. You must seek information on the optimal temperature, watering regimen, appropriate orchid food, and best light schedule for the variety you choose.
Checklist for Growing Orchids
Initiating your orchid-growing journey demands the right set of tools to guarantee prosperity. Here’s your essential orchid cultivating kit:
- Orchid seeds or plants
- Orchid-specific compost
- A plant pot with adequate drainage holes
- Orchid plant food
- Plant mister spray bottle
A Step-by-Step Guide to Orchid Cultivation
Step 1: Choosing Your Orchid
Selecting the right orchid variety is a balancing act – it should complement your personal preference, and align with the growing climate. As beginners, you’d fare well with Cattleya, Phaelaenopsis, or Paphiopedilum orchids, known for being user-friendly and manageable.
Step 2: Orchid Planting Soil
Contrary to popular belief, orchids require a porous, loose soil mix, as opposed to the standard multi-purpose soil. A good mix includes bark chips, sphagnum moss, charcoal or coconut husks, or a combination thereof. Aim to have bark constitute two-thirds of the mix.
Step 3: Planting the Orchid Seed
Orchid seeds are microscopically small. They rely on external nutrition, calling for a mixture of sugar and a gelling agent. After sterilisation, plant the seeds beneath the pot surface and cater with a green fertiliser. Seed growth could occur between 2 and 3 weeks but be patient–orchids don’t follow exact timelines.
Step 4: Transplanting Your Orchid
Repotting your orchid involves removing dead roots delicately and sectioning the root matter. Ensure the mature growth is located near the pot boundary while lightly covering the root with potting mix. Shop-bought orchids are often poorly potted in damp-retaining moss. This contrasts sharply with natural orchids, which thrive in airy conditions, forming roots on tree barks and rocks.
To mimic these conditions, employ special orchid composts and pots, available in garden centres or online. The compost should facilitate airflow, incorporating materials like bark, charcoal, coconut husks, or Styrofoam. Further, switch to a pot with multiple holes, promoting root drying and airflow. Avoid repotting orchids in their blooming phase.
Orchid plants aren’t space-demanding; a modest-sized pot suffices. After repotting, place the pot in a larger gravel-filled container, watering without wetting your surroundings.
Orchid Care and Maintenance
With the planting phase behind, turn your focus towards regular upkeep. Sync this with your orchid type’s precise routine. In general, a windowsill with morning sunlight works best. Plan a weekly watering and regular feeding schedule in summertime.
Orchid growing often starts shaky but persist and pay attention to details. Orchids can be temperamental but they reward patient and persistent care.
Common orchid problems include flower drop-off, caused by sudden environmental changes; leaf discoloration due to excessive light exposure; and root rot, a consequence of overwatering. Pests such as spider mites and mealybugs also pose serious threats, requiring appropriate orchid disease and pest control strategies.
Orchids: Quick Facts
Flowering season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Foliage season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Lighting: Partial shade
Soil type: Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Height range: From 15cm (6in) to 90cm (3ft)
Spread range: From 10cm (4in) to 90cm (3ft)
Time to maximum growth: 5-10 years
Ideal planting time: Year-round
Growing orchids might be demanding, but the joy of beautifully blooming orchids in your home is worth the effort! Keep this guide handy and turn your favourite corner at home into a delightful orchid sanctuary.
