Orchids Made Simple
To me, the only thing better than chocolate and roses on Valentine’s Day is an orchid. Long time symbols for love and lust (not that I’m trying to suggest anything this month), orchids have been cherished by men and women alike since before the birth of Christ. As early as the fifth century B.C., Confucius was noted for his cavernous admiration of these exotic flowers, as was Theophrastus, a later student of Plato. I’ll spare you the intimate and almost shocking details of the orchid’s Greek origins, but you may find it interesting that by the 19th century in England, orchids had become icons of luxury among the Victorians; only the wealthy could afford such high-demand tropicals from abroad. Although orchids are growing increasingly popular as houseplant favorites, there is still some notion that only the affluent or “green thumb” gardeners can successfully raise these mystifying gems. Despite prevailing rumors, orchids are, in fact, easy to grow indoors, and with the proper care, they can live indefinitely, providing striking interest to living room windows.
I have to admit, any plant that retails at 35 dollars in a six-inch pot can seem rather intimidating to novice gardeners. About a year ago, Ron and I brought home a beautiful Phalaenopsis orchid (on sale for half off) just to see what the fuss was about; not only has it survived our menial attentiveness—which some might even call neglect—but we’ve enjoyed multiple blooming cycles from it as well. From leaving our delicate baby outdoors on freezing nights, allowing Mother Nature to wreak her unrelenting havoc, to abandoning it unwatered for weeks at time, we have done nothing but demonstrate our carelessness and apathy toward our much forgiving friend. Enduring high winds, frost, and drought, our Phalaenopsis has certainly proven its worth (and possibly passed our grueling trials of initiation).
While I’m not suggesting that you go to such extremes to raise an orchid, it is important to know that if you tend to over-nurture your plants, specifically orchids, they might not prove quite as merciful in the long run. Orchids, much like teenagers, require a bit more freedom in order to thrive. By giving them the added space they need and following a few simple guidelines, you’ll find that orchids can be not only one of the easiest houseplants to grow, but also the most rewarding.
What They Need
The two most important things for raising orchids are light and water. Without sufficient light, orchids mature at slower rates and have little energy to bloom. For best leaf expansion and coloration (since this is what you see most of the year), as well as for greater blooming cycles, keep orchids near sunny east or south facing windows. Bay windows or sun porches that welcome natural indirect light also prove excellent choices for these tropical treasures.
When watering, keep in mind that orchids are found as epiphytes in nature, obtaining their moisture from the air. Orchids never stand in water in their natural habitats, so they will not survive in standing water inside your home. Since watering conditions vary for each home, plant, and pot size, there is no definite rule for when to water orchids. On average, they usually do not require more than one watering a week; let them completely dry out between watering so as to keep strong healthy roots. Remember also to empty saucers 30 minutes after watering.
Aside from light and water, temperature is also important. Orchids thrive between 55 degrees F and 80 degrees F, so most in-home temperatures are acceptable. As I mentioned from my own experiences, orchids can readily survive temperature extremes, but since you’re paying premium costs, you might want to take the extra precautions. On warm spring and summer days, move orchids to a shady spot in a flowerbed or patio that receives bright indirect light; not only do they benefit from fresh air, but from the added light and humidity as well.
The Scoop on Potting Mix
As you’ve probably noticed when picking up any potted orchid, these inimitable beauties do not grow in soil. Since they are epiphytes, or air plants, their roots must dry between watering—a feat which potting soil cannot accomplish. Unlike garden soils, potting media like redwood bark chips, peat moss, coconut fiber, granular charcoal, and expanded clay readily allow water to drain from pots. Keep in mind that most orchids can stay in their original containers for at least two years before they need repotting. When the time comes to replant or add media to existing containers, remember also that most garden centers who sell orchids also sell premixed orchid potting media, as well as orchid fertilizer. While strict fertilizer regimes are not necessary for orchids, they can benefit from added nutrients every couple of weeks. Orchids potted in bark require higher rates of nitrogen, so water soluble fertilizers with a ratio like 30-10-10 proves sufficient; most other potting media call for more balanced proportions like 18-18-18.
Choosing Cultivars
The orchid family (Orchidacae) is one of the largest plant families, consisting of nearly 30,000 wild species and hundreds of other hybrids. Having large showy blossoms that range in color from pure white to vivid pink, lavender, crimson, golden yellow, orange, brown, and purplish black, orchids are sure to bedazzle you with their brilliant solid to multihued patterns. A few orchids every beginner or connoisseur should consider growing include Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, Cymbidium, and Oncidium. Phalaenopsis orchids, also called “moth orchids” for their remarkable semblance to those fluttering insects, originated from East Asia and the western Pacific. Elegant flat-faced blossoms spread almost two inches across, hanging delicately from slender arching stalks. Although there are roughly 35 species of Phalaenopsis orchids and hundreds of cultivars that have been hybridized since 1887, these long lasting intoxicating flowers are usually borne in hues like white, ivory, pink, and lavender, with their lips richly speckled or painted luxuriant gold.
Dendrobium orchids, similar to the Phalaenopsis in appearance, consist of over 1,600 species, and continue to be one of the most popular houseplant choices. These fascinating plants bear purple, white, yellow, burgundy, or pink flowers that hang gracefully in clusters or racemes atop thin stalks, reaching almost two feet long. Similar to Dendrobiums, Cymbidium orchids are also easy to care for. Willowy ribbon-like leaves stylishly uphold sleek star-shaped blossoms. Offered in a kaleidoscope of colors, Cymbidium orchids are sure to enliven any indoor arrangement.
No orchid collection is complete without Oncidium orchids—chocolate Oncidiums, that is. Oncidium ‘Sharry Baby’, also called “the chocolate lover’s orchid” because of its decadent chocolaty scent, blooms prolifically in the spring with mahogany red flowers, sweetly swirled with creamy white chocolate. Whether you need to feed your own chocolate craving or you need to satisfy your beloved’s sweet tooth, don’t let this Valentine’s Day pass without one of these delectable flowering orchids. ✦
Did You Know?
Orchids are not only pollinated by bees, butterflies, wasps, and hosts of other insects, but also by birds, frogs, and snails.
