Successful Orchid Growing Requires Knowledge of Your Plants' Native Lands
Most folks can successfully grow orchids if they take the time to learn about the differences between the major groupings of these wonderful plants, as well as their different 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 their flowers early in spring, others in summer and yet others during the dull 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 will then begin to push up their young shoots as soon as the days lengthen and the sun gains increased power.
When orchids are in their growing periods (as opposed to their dormancy), they must be treated differently with respect to heat, based on where they originated. East Indian orchids love heat. Inside, keep the temps surrounding the plants at 65 degrees Fahrenheit during night and 70 during day. Outdoors they will thrive at up to 75 degrees in the early spring, and temperatures as high as 85 or even 90 are acceptable during the high summer months. Just be sure to shade the plants from the direct rays of the sun at these times.
East Indian-type orchids therefore must be well supplied with moisture from the air that surrounds them. Mist often and copiously! Or, try pouring water over the tables, growing benches and pathways of your greenhouse. Do this every morning and afternoon and it will cause a nice moist heat to rise.
Brazilian orchids actually come from a cooler climate, one in which the air is not nearly as moisture-saturated. These, natrually, need both less heat and less moisture, but they do require warmth during the peak growing time. You could say the same about the majority of Mexican orchids as well. They should be artificially heated to about 60 degrees by night and from 65 to 70 by day early in the season. 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 there are the so-called cool orchids, which ideally should be kept in a separate growing area. These plants come from such places as Ecuador and Peru, and similiar regions, where they are found high up on the mountainsides. For these, you don’t need as much heat. You might experiment with, say, 45 to 55 degrees in winter and from 50 to 65 in summer. However you grow them, you must ensure that they are shaded from the sun most of the time. Cool orchids must be shielded against too much heat!
There are numerous other groupings and subgroupings of these plants, too many to go over them in a limited space. If you want to learn more, the best and most complete guide to modern orchid growing, beyond question, 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 is a comprehensive course of study, and good for beginners and more experienced growers alike. Also, check out the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing database of articles on many aspects of orchids.
