Orchids have suffered the stigma of being hard to grow and maintain. But, like other plants, their survival depends on correct positioning and attention. Taking a little extra care will bring beautiful rewards.

Selecting Orchids

Contrary to popular belief, not all orchids are native to hot, humid environments. There are many orchids to be found in many kinds of habitats including deserts, mountains, marshes and woods.

There are thousands of species of orchids across a wide variety of form, color, scent and blooming periods. Some orchids produce tiny blossoms each no larger than a mosquito, other orchid flowers are as large as dinner plates.

Selecting the appropriate orchid for the growing condition available is probably the most important factor contributing towards the success of the plant. Orchids are no more difficult to grow than many popular ornamental flowering houseplants. They are quite sturdy and resilient.

Categories

Orchids can be divided into four types according to their natural growing conditions. Most are classified as epiphytes, or air plants, which grow on trees. These are commonly grown in shredded fir bark, pebbles or cork plaques. Epiphyte orchids are not parasitic. They absorb moisture from rain, dew and humidity and nutrients from decaying leaves and other debris that collects among the roots.

Other categories are lithophytes, that cling to the surfaces of rocks, saprophytes that grow in decaying vegetation on forest floors, and terrestrials that anchor themselves in soil or sand.

Caring for Orchids

Five rules to grow orchids successfully:

• Provide as much light as possible, but do not place orchids in direct sun
• Ensure orchids are placed in temperatures between 55^oF - 90^oF during the day, and between 50^oF-70^oF during the night
• Provide a moist, humid atmosphere
• Ensure adequate air circulation
• Make sure the growing medium provides sufficient water and nutrition without damaging roots.

Orchids should be placed in an east, west, or south window and must be protected from direct sun, especially during the summer months. Exposure to sun will burn and bleach foliage. Extreme low light conditions will affect the plant, too. Poor color, soft growth, or no growth at all is usually an indication that an orchid is not receiving adequate light.

Humidity is one of the most important factors of orchid cultivation. Lightly spray the under-surface of the leaves. Avoid spraying the flower. Humidity can be created around the plant by placing the potted plant on a tray filled with pebbles that has been saturated with water. Room humidifiers are good sources of humidity, too.

When watering is needed, soak the potting medium thoroughly. It should be allowed to become dry until the next watering. Roots need air as well as water and will die if left in wet conditions.

Air circulation above the root level is important to help keep the leaf surface cool.

Fertilizing should be done sparingly. Most orchids prefer a feed once a month. Pasquesi Home & Gardens recommends Peters Professional Orchid Plant Food and Miracle-Gro Orchid Plant Food, both are water soluble.

Re-potting is necessary when the bark has decomposed or a plant has outgrown its pot. Decomposed bark results in poor drainage and air circulation around the plant's roots. A plant has outgrown its pot when the pot becomes crowded and the roots begin to reach out over the pot's rim.

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