-------------------------------------------------------
First of all, before I start, I want to warn you seriously my friends, beware, orchids are addictive. We often talk about how one plant leads to another and another and... one day you realize that there is no place to live for you in your apartment.Anyways, this kind of addiction is a beautiful thing!
Therefore, if you are attracted by orchids, and you want to start growing them, the first advice I would give you is to examine carefully an environment at your place. What kind of condition you can provide to your future lively orchids? How much light are you able to provide them? What kind of humidity? Then, look at descriptions of plants and see what kinds of things you like.
Also, I would recommend attending orchid shows. Speak to other orchid lovers. Ask members of the Vancouver Orchid Society to get a valuable information. Everything will give you ideas you need to start.
What orchids are good for beginners?
Phalaenopsis ('phals') and paphiopedilum ('paphs') hybrids are usually considered 'beginner orchids' largely because they will re-bloom under the conditions most windowsill growers can offer them. This kind of orchids you can buy almost in every grocery store.They require lower light, about the same as for African violets, and will adapt to the humidity levels which are present in most houses. They are, however, easily killed from over watering and from getting water in their crowns, so under-watering can't be a problem. Therefore, it is better sometimes to forget to water Phalaenopsis, than overflow it.
Then, I would mention members of the dendrobium, oncidium, and cattleya families that are easy to grow but require more light for re-bloom.
Dendrobiums (Dens.) are also commonly available and often readily rebloomed, but they need more light than phals. and paphs. Dendrobium is a diverse genus of orchids with different cultural needs.
Many go through a growth phase and then a rest phase during the course of one year, and must be given water and temperature to match these periods of growth and rest. Flowers can last one day to many weeks, depending on the type.
Oncidium (Onc.) intergeneric (man-made hybrids) are often considered as beginner plants.
Many are fragrant, and most of them bloom twice a year if given enough light and the right culture. Wildcat 'Blood Ruby' is one of the easiest, and the spikes can last for three months.
Members of the Cattleya group (catts.) also have some easy, and rewardingplants, but they almost all need supplementary light.
Miniatures will tend to rebloom and thrive in a bit less light than their larger sisters. Some cattleyas get quite large. Check about mature size before ordering. They also have a somewhat shorter bloom period than other plants, but their blossoms are elegante. Some Cattleyas are also fragrant.
Phragmipediums (phrags) are a genus of the Lady slipper orchid which can be easy to grow, but they require much brighter light, and are more picky about water quality , sensitive to salt (fertilizer) build ups.
Browning leaf tips is an indicator of fertilizer build up. One of their benefits is that they like a lot of water and can stand in it. Since over watering is a common mistake among beginners, this can be a good thing.
When considering plants, check with the grower, whether or not the plant is easy to rebloom. Buy already bloomed, or blooming sized plants. Although seedlings are much cheaper, they are also trickier to grow and may take years to achieve blooming size. Purchase plants from reputable growers, and ask questions. They will be happy to help you, and want to see you return.
What Makes an Orchid Different from Other Flowers?
Orchids are one of the largest genera of flowering plants, with about 30,000 species worldwide. The diversity of orchids is unbelievable in their beauty, texture, fragrance and size. Many have stunningly beautiful flowers with stripes and spots, while others are almost ugly with hairs and even warty bumps. What do all of them have in common?
First of all, an amazing flower structure of orchids is quite different from other flowers.
Also, over 75% of the world known species occur in the tropics. The majority of there tropical orchids (~80%) live in a cooler areas, in the mountain forests, at altitudes of over 1000 meters above the sea level. Another ~ 25% of orchids can be found almost everywhere except Antarctica and the very High Arctic, one even lives entirely underground. Even Southeast Alaska has its share of orchids. I do not know any kind of other plants, which can boast such a diverse geography.
General orchid culture requirements.
Select orchids based on the growing conditions in your home, and take care of them according to their requirements.
Remember, creating a day-night fluctuation of 10-15 degrees, you will be rewarded by beautifully blooming plants.
Sources for orchid information.
There is a large source of orchid information in the Internet. Practically, you can find answers on any questions you need. There are some forums where orchids lovers have had conversations, and discussions about particular plants, or issues. Moreover, you can visit the On-Line Orchid Doctor that can assist you in diagnosing orchid problems you are experiencing.
Also, you can join one of orchid societies. For instance, the Vancouver Orchid Society, which located on VanDusen Botanical Gardens , 5251 Oak Street.
MEMBER BENEFITS
· Camaraderie and socialization with other like-minded orchid enthusiasts
· Tremendous knowledge shared by other members
· Opportunities to buy unusual and rare orchids from vendors locally and around the world during monthly meetings and other events
· Advance notices of orchid events, open houses and pre-sales
· Opportunity to use our rich orchid library, and attend culture classes where you can get priceless tips about growing orchids.
If you are an orchid lover, want to know more about them, and share your knowledge and experience, join us!
Thank you for using the block buttons "Share" and +1.
Comments are welcome:-)
No comments:
Post a Comment