The Allure of Orchids

By Susan M. Keenan

Orchids, a flower with a reputation for being difficult, have come a long way since the days when they truly were difficult to grow, and grow well. No longer are they intimidating in nature.

Today, orchids are mass produced in varieties that are easy to grow, even for the novice gardener. Numerous stores offer orchids, including garden centers, discount stores, and home improvement stores.

Orchids are able to bloom more often than a single time during the year, making them even more desirable to grow. In fact, the blooms often last longer than two months, provided that you remember to water them.

The first step to take is to select your orchid wisely. This involves checking for a label that clearly identifies the name of the orchid species. Why is this important? A clearly identified label indicates the orchid comes from a reputable dealer, thereby ensuring its quality.

Ideally, a plant that has already begun to bloom is an excellent choice. Not only will you be able to see what it is that you are getting, but also the blooms will reinforce that you are purchasing a quality plant.

Orchids prefer filtered sun, as well as sunlight that comes from an eastern, western, or southern exposure. Sheer curtains will protect the orchid from the harshness of direct sunlight and prevent burning of the leaves.

Additionally, it's important to maintain a certain level of sunlight. Keeping note of the color of the orchid’s leaves is a great indicator for this. Orchids that are getting sufficient sunlight will have light green leaves, while orchids under the influence of insufficient sunlight will turn dark green. To remedy this situation, simply find a new location with a bit more sunlight, or expose the orchid to more daylight by opening the sheers for a bit each day.

Special care is necessary for the watering of orchids, but this is an easy process. Simply water the plant thoroughly, allowing the water to flow freely through the entire flowerpot or container. Be sure to allow the soil to become fairly dry without drying out completely prior to the next watering.

Over watering is to be avoided, as with any plant, since it can promote bacterial and fungal infections. If the soil is too wet, the conditions are excellent for an invasion of these diseases that will essentially kill off the roots of the orchid.

Treating your orchid to a homemade rain shower is also beneficial to the plant. Hosing the leaves off occasionally can help reduce insect infestation and reduce the chances of damage due to bugs.

Just as people benefit from a bit of fresh air, so do orchids. Simply open a few windows to provide a cross current of air. Be sure to monitor the temperature to avoid freezing the orchid or providing so much cold air that the buds decide to fall off the plant.

Additionally, orchids thrive more if a temperature difference exists between the daytime temperature and the nighttime temperature. Usually, this is not much of a problem in the wintertime, provided the orchid is stationed near an unopened window where the change in temperature will be more readily felt.

Fertilization of the orchid also helps to promote the growth of your plant. Avoid burning the roots by diluting any fertilizer prior to application. Once every two weeks or so is sufficient to properly fertilize personal orchids.

Unlike many plants, orchids do not grow well in regular soil. In fact, a special potting mix designed for orchids is the best soil substitute for them. The mix allows the water to drain more easily than soil.

Moreover, an orchid potting mix typically allows for water retention, preventing the orchid from drying out quickly. Sphagnum moss and fir bark are excellent choices for potting your orchids. Remember to keep up with repotting your orchid every year or so to keep it healthy.

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