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Orchids, Easier Than You Think!

By Jos Van Hage

Many people shy away from growing orchids as they think that they are too difficult to grow but there are some varieties that will grow well in the average home. Orchids grown in the home require light, water, food, temperature, and humidity and if given these should do well. 

Of the 100,000 different varieties a small percentage are suitable for houseplants. The ‘Phalaenopsis Orchid’ or ‘Moth Orchid’ are the two easiest to grow and are good for the beginner. Others such as ‘Colmanara’, ‘Wilsonara’, ‘Oncidium’, ‘Zygopetalums’, ‘Miltonia’, and Dendrobium’ are also good to grow in the house.

To grow a healthy plant you should first start with a healthy plant so choose one that has no blemishes. To make things easier the plant should also have a description of flower, size and care instructions, as not all orchids require the same care. Generally orchids do not like direct sun as this can discolor the leaves and cause them to die, so never place in a direct south window. Phalaenopsis orchids do best in a low light area such as an east window or a bright north window. Oncidiums like a little more light so a west window or shaded south window. A very important part in growing an orchid is the humidity. They enjoy a high humidity so placing them in the kitchen is great as well as placing them on a rock filled saucer which has water in it level with the top layer of rocks. By placing the orchid on top of the rock it will keep the humidity high and if the plants roots are not touching the water there is no worry of the plant being overwatered. Orchids like normal house temperature (21-29 Celsius) but to get a Phalaenopsis to re-bloom give it cooler night temperatures of 15 Celsius for 6-8 weeks. It is also important to keep the plant away from drafts or heating vents.

Problems can arise when watering the orchid as most people tend to over water rather then under water. Water an orchid like you would water many other flowering plants and that is from the bottom. Place the plant in a luke warm water filled tub or sink so that the water does not go over the top of the pot. Allow the plant to soak for a few minutes and then lift it allowing the excess water to drip out before placing it back in its spot. Orchids do not like fluoride so use rainwater or in the winter melt some snow. Water the plant every 7-10 days depending on how quickly it dries. When it comes to fertilizing use an all-purpose 20-20-20 at half strength every month.

Orchids like to be root bound so do not need to be transplanted very often. When they are transplanted choose a pot that is one size larger than the one it is in currently. Clay pots or specially designed orchid pots work very well as they allow good air circulation for the roots. Use an orchid mix consisting of bark, perlite, and charcoal or sphagnum moss rather than potting soil as orchids do better in this. It is better to transplant when the plant is not in bloom.

When buying an orchid it may cost a little more than the average flowering plant but in the long run they are well worth the money as they bloom for many weeks and can bloom up to 3 times per year. The flowers are very long lasting even as cut flowers and so an orchid is a wonderful flowering houseplant to have in the home.

Jos 

-Jos Van Hage owns three Art Knapp's Garden Centres in the Prince George area
 Highway 97 South at the Old Cariboo Highway
 Highway 16 west
 Highway 97 north

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