Successful Orchid Growing Demands Knowledge of Each Plant's Origin

Even amateurs can successfully grow orchids if they take the time to learn about the differences between the major families of these wonderful plants, as well as their varied needs.

Orchids originate within a tremendous variety of environments which differ from one another in many respects. As a result, you will find that some species produce flowers early in spring, others in summer and yet others during the greay days of winter. Their times for beginning their seasonal growth also varies; nevertheless, for convenience, feel free to rest all of your orchids over the winter. The majority of these will begin pushing out shoots as soon as the earth begins warming up in the spring.

When your orchids are in their growing periods, you should treat them differently with respect to heat, according to their native origins. Of all the orchids, the East Indian species need the most heat. Inside, maintain the air temperature around them at 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 70 degrees at day. In the outdoors they will thrive at up to 75 degrees in the early spring. During the hottest parts of summer they will tolerate temperatures as high as 85 or 90. Nevertheless, you should shade the plants from the direct rays of the sun.

If you are growing these East Indian-originated orchids, you should make sure that the atmosphere surrounding them is well supplied with moisture. This type of orchid must be misted frequently! As well, you can simply pour water over the tables and paths of your greenhouse or other growing area. If you can do this every day, it will result in a nice moist heat to rise and constantly surround your plants.

Brazilian orchids come from a cooler climate one that is not so highly saturated with moisture. They of course require less heat and less moisture but they do need a considerable degree of warmth during their growing season. You could say the same about the majority of Mexican orchids as well. They should be heated artificially to approximately 60 degrees at night and 65 or 70 by day during the spring. As the days lengthen, temps may be allowed to increase. During approximately May through August the night heat may range between 65 and 70 and
by day from between 70 and 85.

Then we come to the so-called cool orchids, which should be grown in an area to themselves, if possible. These plants' native habitats are the Andean countries of South America, where they are found growing high up. These must be maintained at lower temperatures. Try 45 to 55 degrees in the winter and 50 to 65 in the summer. Wherever you grow them, you should see that they are well shaded from the sun most of the time. The cool orchids not only will not thrive in too much heat, they will often die!

There are many other groupings and subgroups of orchids, too many to cover them in a limited space. If you want to learn more, the best and most complete guide to modern orchid growing, hands down, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which may be downloaded on the web. There are many books on the subject of orchids, but Mr. Howard's guide is a complete course in itself, suitable for beginners as well as the more experienced. Also, be sure to visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing database of postings on all aspects of orchids.