Growing Orchid

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

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.  

They are also very thirsty plants and require lots and lots of water saturated through their soil.  But the most important additive for these potted flower plants is their orchid bark.  What is orchid bark?  Orchid bark is a special blend of vitamins and nutrients created specifically for the well being of the orchid plant.  Orchid bark also has just the right consistency to let enough air through the mixture to promote healthy growing for the orchids.

The Flower Garden

With all of this information in mind it is time to start a flower garden full of orchids. The first thing that needs to be done is to find the perfect location with enough light to make the orchids happy and just enough humidity to keep the leaves moist. There has to be an adequate water source nearby, such as a spring or a creek to provide the finicky flowers with all of the water they can possibly drink.  Now, the most important aspect of this garden is the question, where are you going to get the orchid bark?  

Since the orchid bark is so essential to the growth of the orchid, research must be done to find a perfect match.  The best place to find orchid bark is in an orchid nursery.  You can find orchid nurseries all over the world from London to Thailand.  There is medium grade and regular grade orchid bark, each of which adds a different element to the soil’s mixture.  Now you need to landscape your orchid flower garden.  A goldfish pond should be added for a little atmosphere.  The garden should be bordered by decorative rocks that glimmer in the sun.  

The Windowsill

The very first thing you need to do when learning how to grow orchids is to buy a good book on orchids. This book will come in very handy during your orchid growing project. If you have a window in your home with a southern exposure you will learn how to grow varieties of orchids right on the windowsill. Even if your windows are partially obscured by buildings or trees you should still be able to grow your orchids. All that you need to begin your orchid growing is a windowsill and a humidity tray on which to place your potted plants. A nearby misting bottle is good to have on hand to mist your plants occasionally.

Light Conditions

Starting with two or three orchids is a suitable amount to start your project. There is no need to crowd your windowsill and two or three plants are an easy number of plants to handle. If you have sun loving orchids (check your handy orchid book) grow them several inches from the window pane. Shade loving orchids (again check your orchid book) can be grown in the shadow of these plants. Knowing how to grow orchids in different light conditions can make the difference between beautiful orchids and dead orchids. Direct sunlight on orchid plants can burn leaves especially during hot summer months.

A sheer curtain may be needed to protect your orchids from any excessive light and heat. Good air circulation is also important and a light fan that is directed just above the leaves will keep your plants cool. If little pests become a problem on your plants, gently wash or scrape them off of your plant. Using isopropyl alcohol to spot treat your plants is a handy way to keep your orchids pest free. Isopropyl alcohol is easily accessible as it is found in most bathroom medicine chests.

The Business of Orchid Growing

The first step in growing orchids is to decide which orchids one is going to grow and to what degree of sophistication you are going to operate.  You will need to decide whether your focus is on mass producing market favorites or growing that one orchid that will forever have you named in the books.  

When you have decided as to the level you want your business to start with, you should consider the budgeting issues.  Starting an orchid growing business may take a substantial amount of money, and you should probably plan for minimum income for the first year or so.  That means that your orchid growing business should plan to see some operating returns in the second year of operation. Then you should decide how you are going to finance the dream.  Once you have made that decision and been successful in the acquisition of the needed capital, the next step is to implement your dream.  

Implementing the Dream

For orchid growing this may be easier said than done, particularly if your only land options require the use of uncultivated land. You will need to determine whether the native soils are of any use, and if not, to decide how you are going to provide the ecosystem that your orchids will need.  Hopefully these were considerations in your financing proposals, otherwise you orchid growing business may be dead before ever getting off the ground.