Hi everyone
Welcome to this edition of your Gardening Weekly, today's edition is entitled:
Growing Orchids In The Home
Orchids are not as difficult to grow as you may think. By following some simple guidelines you too can be successful and with their beautiful, sometimes fragrant but long-lasting flowers, the reward can be magnificent.
Success with growing orchids is making sure you choose the type of orchid that suits the conditions of your own. The following is a little introduction to help you choose the correct type and care for them.
Both "Paphiopedilum" (mottled leaf type) and "Phalaenopsis" are perfect for growing in the home. Place in a well lit spot (not not in direct sunlight) and a minimum temperature of 16C (60F) with a rise of 6C (10F) in the day. Stand the pot on a tray of gravel that is kept moist. During the summer months, keep the temperature below 32C (90F).
"Cattleya", "Miltoniopsis" and "Zygopetalum will all thrive given a minimum temperature of 13C (55F) with a rise again of 6C (10F) in the day. Place in a shaded spot and stand the pot on a tray of gravel that is again kept moist as this will maintain the humidity. During the summer months keep the temperature below 29C (85F).
"Odontoglossum", "Odontioda" and "Cymbidium" will be happy in a heated conservatory or glasshouse with a minimum night temperature of 10C (50F), with a rise of 6C (10F) during the day. During the summer months, keep the temperature below 27C (80F). Place out of the direct sunlight and stand the pot on a tray of gravel. Can you see a pattern forming here? 
To encourage flowering, place your "Cymbidium" in a shady spot outside during the summer months.
Let's look at compost a little. Most orchids that grow in the home are those that live as "epiphytes (grow on trees). They therefore require a free drainage compost made with bark and perlite. Once your newly bought plant has finished flowering it is advisable to re-pot into fresh compost. Remove the flowering spike at the base, remove all old compost and re-pot making sure the compost surrounds all the roots. Do not over pot. Most orchids will only need re-potting every couple of seasons.
With regard to watering, if you can, collect rainwater and use this to flush through the pot placed over the sink. Allow the compost to dry between watering. Remember orchid roots so not like standing in water.:
Now, feeding… From March to October orchids can be fed using a diluted growing feed (divide the recommended rate by 10). This can be flushed through the compost every other watering.
Some other facts about orchids:
- There are estimated to be 20,000 species of orchid around the world.
- Orchids occur on every continent except Antarctica.
- 80% of the world's orchids live in the tropics. Most of these orchids live above ground on trees and are termed "epiphytes".
- Orchids have adapted to grow in nutrient poor places.
To find out more about an excellent guide to growing orchids simply visit our page at Growing Orchids.
Bye for now!
The My Gardening Home Blog Team
