Archive for December, 2007
Successful Orchid Growing at Home
Many people see beautiful orchids and are confident that they are difficult if not impossible to grow at home. While the orchid plant does have specific requirements, successful orchid growing at home can be done quite easily with some basic knowledge and commitment on the part of the grower. Anyone who enjoys growing plants and enjoys orchids should make the opportunity to grow this splendid flowering species. The enjoyment and benefit of the orchid growing in the home will be great.
Orchid Growing Containers and Soil
As with all plants, the choice of containers and soil should be done carefully for orchid growing. Clay pots and hanging pots will require more frequent watering and plastic pots will have to be watched to make sure the plants are not allowed to soak in water. In dry areas the container should be chosen so it can be set on water covered pebbles for increased humidity.
The soil should be a firm enough to support the plant but light enough to allow the delicate roots to grow and take hold. Bark and pebbles can be added to the medium to make a suitable soil that drains well. The orchid grower will have ample opportunity to learn the best soil and container for their home since the plants will need to be repotted about every two years.
Light and Temperature for Orchid Growing at Home
Most orchid plants will need plenty of light but not direct sunlight for any length of time. Orchid plants typically do well in a window of the home that is somewhat shielded from direct light especially in the hottest part of the day. Orchid growing can even be done in a dark environment with the use of good fluorescent lighting. The light must be left on for about 12 hours each day to insure adequate lighting.
The temperature should be kept at about 60 to 70 degrees although there are orchids that will tolerate it a little cooler or a little hotter. Orchids should never be allowed in freezing temperatures and should even be moved to the interior of the home when the temperature will drop to prevent to much cold through the windows.
Watering Growing Orchids
Orchids need plenty of water and humidity but should never be allowed to soak for a lengthy time. Too much water can cause fungus growth that will eventually kill the plant. The grower can generally plan to water whenever the soil is dry to the touch. The plants can be watered generously as long as they are able to drain.
Tags: Watering Growing Orchids, orchid growing, temperatures for Growing Orchids
The University of Orchid Growers
Have you ever wondered where orchid’s come from? They come from orchid growers of course! The orchid growers are a very select and special group of people that care and nurture orchids into bloom. In fact, the orchids are so special that an entire college has been developed specializing in orchid growing.
The School
The requirements to get into the University of Orchid Growing are very specific and although anyone can apply, not just anyone will be accepted. For starters, you have to have a green thumb. Not a purple thumb or a red thumb, but a pure green thumb. Sparkly eyes are the next requirement to be accepted into the University of Orchid Growing. If you do not have a sparkle in your eye you can not see the sparkle in the flowers. A beautiful singing voice is a must because orchids love to be sung to and they have been known to grow in time with the music.
You must have your own set of gardening tools in which to plant the flowers. And you must have the perfect pretty set of gardening gloves because orchids will not grow if you use ugly gardening gloves to plant them. The last requirement needed to be accepted into the University of Orchid Growing is to have your own personal rain cloud. Now this can not be a grumpy rain cloud who pours water whenever it is sad or grumpy. This has to be a happy rain cloud with a silver lining that will sprinkle rain only when asked because, as you know, orchids like to have lots and lots of water, but they do not want to drown. If you meet all of these requirements you will be a shoe-in for a spot in this illustrious orchid growing program and you can choose from a variety of orchid degrees.
Degree Plans
Once you have been accepted into the University of Orchid Growing you have to choose your degree plan. They have two year degree plans, four year degree plans, and six year degree plans to choose from. The two year degree plan is the most basic and teaches the student how to capture the vibrant colors of each specific orchid. The four year degree plan teaches you about the colors, but also the mixtures in which the orchids must be planted.
The six year degree plan teaches you about the colors, the potting mixtures and the climate that the orchids must live in. This is the most widely accepted degree plan and almost all orchid nurseries in the world will accept it. This is a great school and anyone who wants to go into orchid growing would be wise to check it out.
Tags: University of Orchid Growing, orchid growers, care and nurture orchids