The Best Orchid Growing Conditions: Nature's Call?

Orchid cultivation is no longer exclusively the privilege of the few now that their nature and requirements are better understood than was the case in years past. This has come about because, first, many people have studied the plants in their native habitats, and second, because they have closely studied the various orchid cultivars in greenhouses, gardens and even in the laboratory.

One of the most important discoveries about orchids was the finding that some of the most ornamental species require less heat and less expensive growing equipment than was once thought necessary. The new knowledge demonstrated that growing orchids was something anyone could have a go at.

In the 1800s, when the passion for orchids really blossomed, many would-be growers were at first held back by one serious problem. World travelers sent home one exotic species after another, but often without any notes at all as to their local growing conditions. Orchids vary hugely in their needs, such as for light, heat and water, and not knowing a particular plant's unique requirements could and often did lead to disaster. "The want of some such information has been a source of extreme vexation to many lovers of these plants," one orchid enthusiast groused in 1885.

Nowadays we are much luckier with respect to understanding the orchids entrusted to our care. We can stand on the shoulders of past orchid devotees who meticulously wrote down all they learned about each type and species of the plants that they encountered.

So, it is crucial to know what an orchid's native habitate and climate are like. Take that with a grain of salt, however. It is not generally a good idea to try to strictly imitate the natural conditions in which a plant might be found. Within reason, it is possible to cultivate better looking orchids than nature produces by intelligently tampering with its environment. Art and science both play a part in this.

Again quoting that Victorian orchid authority: "We admit that we should by all means take nature as our guide for the production of good plants but it should be nature in her best garb only and then looking as we do upon cultivation as a help to nature the result can only be an improvement if success in the object aimed at has been attained."

So what should a novice orchid grower do? How do you strike a balance between imitating nature and improving on it with the tools of modern horticulture? The answer: Gain a solid grounding in the subject. You can successfully grow orchids if you know what you're doing up-front.

Among the best and most thorough guides to modern orchid growing is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which may be downloaded online. There are many books on the subject of orchids, but Mr. Howard's guide constitutes a complete education all by itself. And, it's suitable for beginners as well as more seasoned orchid growers. Also, visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing library of articles on many aspects of orchids.