ORCHIDS AS HOUSEPLANTS

ORCHIDS

The name brings to mind exotic places in far-away lands. To some, they may even bring back memories of vacations to the Pacific or Caribbean islands. But if you ask the same people how many of these beautiful plants they have in their home, the answer is all too often, “Orchids are too difficult to grow.”

Orchids are not the delicate, frail flower that most people think. In fact, orchids, like any other houseplant, will thrive when given the proper growing conditions.

Orchids are found all over the world. Some hardier varieties are even found in the mountains of North Georgia. About 25,000 species have been named so far and about 150 of these species are native to North America. Most orchid varieties are epiphytic (tree dwellers). They have adapted to living in trees where there is dappled sunlight and plenty of humidity rising form the forest below. If you will consider their natural growing conditions, then Orchids will not be difficult to grow in any home.

Light
Orchids must have bright, indirect light. Windows that have eastern, western or shaded southern exposure are usually sufficient. In a greenhouse, 15% to 30% of full sun depending on species is generally recommended. The leaves should remain a medium green.

Water
Don’t allow the orchid to dry out completely. Do not let water stand on the leaves overnight or for any length of time. When in doubt, wait 2-3 days.

Humidity
Orchids like 50%-80% humidity. Misting the leaves in the morning helps, but the best way to increase the humidity level is to place the orchid in a deep tray filled with rock. Fill the tray with water but do not allow the orchid to stand in the water. Using other high-humidity plants around the orchid (ferns, African violets, etc.) will also help in keeping the humidity high.

Temperature
While extreme cold is not tolerated, night temperatures of 55° F encourage flowering. For the most part, daytime temperatures should be between 70° – 95° F and night temperatures should be between 60° – 65° F. Remember, greatly varying temperatures can cause the buds to drop.

Fertilizer
Orchids must be fertilized regularly since their potting media contains few nutrients. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer (20-20-20) at half the recommended rate. If grown in fir bark, a 30-10-10 fertilizer at half strength is recommended. During fall, or when blooming, a 10-30-20 may be alternated with standard fertilizers.

Below you will find a chart which gives general guidelines for several varieties of orchids.

	Light (L)ow (M)ed (H)igh	Ideal Night Temps (F)
Cattleya	M-H	60-65
Dendrobium	M-H	50-70
Oncidium	H	55-65
Paphiopedilum	M	50-60
Phalaenopsis	L	55-70
Vanda	H	55-70

ORCHID VARIETIES

Cattleya
When most people think of orchids, they think of the Cattleya or Lady’s Slipper variety. These are among the easiest orchids to grow. Their thick support system allows them to be more drought tolerant than most, forgiving the forgetful gardener. Let this variety dry almost completely between waterings, especially in winter.

Dendrobium
The genus of Dendrobium is impressively large containing over 1,000 species. This variety grows in areas that vary from steamy forests to frosty mountains. Generally speaking, these like to remain relatively dry, especially in winter.

Oncidium
The blooms of this variety vary from small and dainty to large and bulbous. The predominate bloom colors are yellow and brown. The species is generally easy to grow, adapting well to intermediate temperature and tolerating an occasional missed watering.

Paphiopedilum
This orchid class differs from other classes in both the appearance of the bloom and the plant itself. The bloom differs in its pouch-like lips and heart-shaped upper petal (dorsal). The plant differs in that while most orchids grow in the tree tops. Paphiopedilums grow in the shade of the forest floor; there, the moisture is always available. Water Paphiopedilums enough to keep them moist but not soggy.

Phalaenopsis
This species is one of the most easily adaptable as a houseplant. While most varieties bloom from fall to winter, some will actually bloom year-round. Commonly called “moth orchids,” these are the best orchids for a beginner. They thrive in intermediate temperatures and low light.

Vanda
Most species of Vandas bloom spring to summer making them a perfect complement to Phalaenopsis.  Their broad spectrum of bloom color has been hybridized into some beautiful combinations. The flowers are large and long-lived.