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.  

Though there may be different kinds of plants that you could add to your own backyard or patio, one of the most popular plants that are known for their beauty and other outstanding characteristics are the orchid flowers.  Here are some general tips that you could take note of to ensure that your orchid flowers would bloom abundantly and beautifully and it is guaranteed that you will have the best orchid plant collection when you follow these great tips.

Pointers to Help Take Care of Them

One of the most essential keys or tips that you could follow when it comes to taking care of orchid flowers is to make sure that you have the right kind of light because it is one of the most important factors when it comes to successful orchid growing.  Keep in mind that the leaves of your orchid and the orchid flowers could easily be burned if they are receiving too much light.  On the other hand, it is also not good for the orchid flowers to not receive enough light and you must remember that when the flowers are in bloom, it is essential that you keep them away from direct sunlight.

Another great tip to follow that would ensure beautiful orchid flowers is to make sure that you also have the right temperature.  For those orchid plants that have low temperature needs, what you could do is to place them on the floor or on the shelves that are near above them.  And for those that may need warmer temperatures, you could use curtains to mimic the warm weather or you may use electric fans to help circulate warm or cool air that is needed.

How to Select your Orchid Flower

It may be true that the hardest part of orchid care may be the selection process. There are so many species of orchids available, that it is easy to become overwhelmed with the plethora of choices. Generally, when you are hunting for an orchid flower that will do well inside your home, the species to select from are phalaenopsis (also known as the moth orchid), cattleya (the most popular orchid found in bouquets), and dendrobium. By limiting your selection to these three varieties, you are more likely to find an orchid flower that you will be able to successfully grow indoors. You can then select from factors like when the orchid flowers bloom and how much sun and water each variety requires.

How to Grow Orchids

The first note to make when it comes to growing orchids is that most of these plants do not require soil to grow in. Many are considered “air growers”, which means that they usually grow on trees. Others grow in mulch on the forest floor, and still others root themselves in sand or soil. It is important to know which growing medium that your particular orchid flower will prefer. Light is another factor in the growing of orchid flowers. The majority of these plants will require plenty of bright, filtered light to thrive, so a southern-facing window is often the best location for your orchid flower. These plants also need sufficient water, but should never be allowed to become waterlogged. Finally, humidity is a key in good orchid care, so if your home is lacking in this component, make sure that you add additional humidity for your plant.

So the first rule of thumb in orchid care is to know where your plants come from. Here’s a brief guide. Epiphytes grow and flourish on tree trunks while hardy lithophytes make their home on rock and rock surfaces. On the other hand, the myco-heterotrophs are those that lack chlorophyll and feed on nutrients from decaying plant matter. The last category and one in which a large number of today’s household orchid plants belong to are called terrestrial plants.

Most household orchids include the popular varieties such as the Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid), Dendrobium, Cymbidium and the lovely Cattleya or the Corsage Orchid. Even if these varieties are quite common, don’t think that it automatically becomes foolproof orchid care.

One should consider that successful orchid care involves being aware that varieties still follow their geographic influences with some general rules.

Some Useful Orchid Care Tips

Orchid Care Tip 1: While orchids don’t need extra care and are not generally delicate, you should remember that if you’re living in a temperate country, only bring them out during the summer. In temperate climates, regular living room temperature is generally okay should you wish to display your prized specimens there.

Orchid Care Tip 2: Ask the nursery for orchids that can grow optimally in particular parts of your house; example, your porch, living room or window sill. Some hybrids are bred for such specific areas.

Orchid Care Tip 3: If you are a novice orchid grower, try a variety or hybrid that is easy like Phalaenopsis. People like this variant because it can flower all year as compared to others who normally only blossom once a year. In taking care of this variety, remember to always cut the stem after flowering to ensure that it blossoms again or grows a new stem segment.

Orchid Care Tip 4: It’s okay to give your orchids fertilizers. Make sure to follow certain conditions like the orchid’s flowering season. While general fertilizers are okay, try looking for special formulations specifically just for orchids.

Cactus or Orchid?

While the large, showy blooms of the orchid cactus resemble those of other orchids, this plant is without a doubt a cactus. If you look closely enough, you will even detect the hairlike spines along the leaves and stem that characterize a cactus species. In addition to the name orchid cactus, these plants are also referred to as jungle cactus, which separates them from much of the rest of the desert flora that you might find. Many of the varieties of the orchid cactus will primarily bloom at night, when you will have to look closely through the darkness to find large, beautiful blooms of white or other hues. You can also find some species of orchid cactus that will bloom during the day, and now there are many other color variations available as well, as hybridization has progressed to many other varieties of this plant.

The term “epiphyllum” means “upon the leaf”. This refers to the fact that these plants often live on other plant surfaces, which is a typical characteristic for many types of orchids – another commonality between the orchid and the orchid cactus. This does not mean that this plant is parasitic in nature, however. The orchid cactus does not take anything from its host for survival. Instead, it relies on its environment to provide everything it needs to thrive. This is what makes the orchid cactus an epiphyllum instead of a parasite, just like the nature of many orchid plants.

So, what better way in which you could have these wonderful orchid bouquet arrangements than to do them yourself. You can use them for parties and then give them to guests to take home.  Here are great ways in which you could learn how to create different kinds of arrangements of orchid bouquets that would surely take anyone’s breath away.

Go Back to School

One of the best ways in which you could learn to create an orchid bouquet arrangement is by joining a school or an organization that could teach you the basics in flower arrangement.  And right now, one of the best organizations where you could have an education for arranging different styles of orchid bouquet is through the help of Long Wood Gardens Organization that are holding annual or seasonal lessons for orchid arrangements.

If you are interested in learning more about this wonderful organization and their cause, you may log on to their website at www.longwoodgardens.org and see for yourself what their class schedule is like.  Truly, having to join this kind of organization would not only help you enrich your knowledge but also let you meet wonderful people with the same interest as you do.

Read or Watch

Another one of the most popular ways in which you could learn how to arrange an orchid bouquet is by reading books that are very educational and could give you easy to follow guidelines. To find such books, you may check out the wonderful website of Orchids Books at www.orchidsbooks.com where books like “Fascinating OrchIdeas” and “Orchidees 100% Deco” are in stock and are suggested reading material for those who are starting to learn the basics of flower arranging.

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.  

In existence since dinosaurs ruled the lands, skies and waters of this earth the orchid is the center of these people universe.  This may sound odd to most of us but we have not been stricken with the same beauty of the perfect orchid arrangement as these folk.  Often borne into the trade they drink their milk and have their diapers changed in blankets exhibiting the most exotic of the plants in the rarest of environments.  Again this may sound extreme but there is a reason for this apparent mass obsession with the orchid.  Although their pain is many years distant the reason for the obsession of these folks is borne in a story from our sad past.

The Kingdom of the Orchid

Many years ago in the deep south of the United States a variety of associations had arisen based on the fact that the marshes and wilderness that surrounds the Gulf Coast is an ideal place for some orchids to grow.  These orchid clubs organized an event that could loosely be called a competition.  There were no prizes, no glory to be had just the pride in workmanship, when your orchid arrangement was chosen as the best.  Each year members from all the clubs spent many hours developing designs and manufacturing the pot or planter to display their orchid arrangement.

Now this may not sound like a real reason for this obsession.  However, considering the conditions in which most of these people lived it is actually not difficult to understand.  In those days the orchid represented a true and rare sign of peace and beauty in a world of hardship and pain.  Although most people had enough to eat it was not healthy food, many were ill and died before their time and most struggled through each day.  

Even the orchid itself seems to promote its own even without the help of science. Considered to have the most remarkable ability of evolution among flowering plants, its aggressive symbiotic strategies along with its active interaction with nature’s pollinators introduce new species every year.

In structure, the orchid is a monocotyledon which means that they have a single embryonic leaf in comparison with most flowering plants which have two. The said plant is also considered a perennial herb because it doesn’t have any woody parts. It can be grouped according to how it gets nutrients which also determines its geographic locations. With the exception of very cold regions and deserts, the orchid grows in every possible habitat. Its favorite is the tropics.

A Distinguished Orchid History

It was Theophrastos, the father of the studies of Botany and Ecology who first used the word orchid (from the Greek orchis). But the plant’s origins go back further to the Late Cretaceous period, about 80 million years ago. An Amber resin with fossilized insect remains show evidence that insects of that period were already pollinating the orchid.

Knowing where your orchid comes from can be useful in knowing how to take care of it.
If it flourishes being anchored on a tree, it’s a perennial epiphyte. Those who can grow on rock surfaces and don’t need much care are much likely to be hardy lithophytes. If you can grow your orchid in loose soil, it’s a terrestrial plant. Another kind which lacks chlorophyll and depends on decaying plant matter is myco-heterotrophs.

Travelers to the tropics who are fond of hiking on nature trails will find it pleasurable to come upon the sight of beautiful orchids. But think twice before you attempt to take it home. This species are classified as protected in their natural habitat and taking them out of that habitat might be considered illegal and a punishable offense.

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.

Unlike other monocotyledons, it doesn’t have stems and its leaves look more like scales than leaves. A ghost orchid is almost all roots which are flat and create this wild tangle on tree trunks where they get moisture. Its outer layer called the velamen is what it uses to absorb nutrients.

The ghost orchid flowers between the months of June and August are white and are held upwards from spikes emanating from the roots to give it the illusion of floating like a white apparition, hence its name.

Why the Ghost Orchid is Valuable

Unlike its more gorgeous sisters who bank on their beauty to be commercially saleable, the ghost orchid relies on its extreme rarity for its intrinsic value. This rarity has classified it as being endangered. In fact, taking one of the Florida Everglades is punishable under state and federal laws. Adding to this rarity is the fact that the ghost orchid is notoriously difficult to breed in an environment outside its own natural habitat. Breeders who must attempt to cultivate the said orchid must replicate the orchid’s growing conditions as close as possible.

In its natural habitat, pollination of the ghost orchid is equally daunting and unique. Only one insect, the giant sphinx moth is up to this task as it is the only one with a proboscis long enough to reach into the flower.

Even its mycorrhizal symbiosis is unique. If conditions are not right such as when the fungus that symbiosis interacts with is not present, the ghost orchid could actually die, effectively reducing its numbers.

Moreover, setting a price for a ghost orchid (if it is ever put on sale under legal circumstances) is quite prohibitive. Yet there’s no need to buy the flower in order to appreciate it. Recent sightings of specimen in many areas of Florida’s Everglades mean that there’s more than a ghost of a chance to actually see a ghost orchid.

However, any thorough discussion of caring for an orchid should look at it from a number of perspectives.  From the origins of the plant, to its most likely death as a cut flower, there are many aspects to caring for an orchid.  One should even recall that some of the most beautiful plants can still be found in the wild.

The Wild Orchids

This is the simplest story to tell.  Caring for an orchid that is growing in the wild means do not pick it and if at all possible do not damage the ecological environment of the plant at all.  You must be aware that in order to survive, wild orchids need their moths, bees and wasps and their soils to stay the way they are and only mutate as nature intends.  Therefore, the art of caring for an orchid that is wild means, pictures only.

Captured and Cultivated Plants

Caring for those plants that have already been captured means making sure that they are watered appropriately and that the ambient temperature closely resembles that of their native environment.  If they are a cultivated plant they may not actually need as much caring for as they may have already adapted to their environment.  However, they are still plants and caring for an orchid still requires protecting it from the harsh edges of temperatures and winds.  

Although orchids grow almost everywhere, they are known for seeking shelter and often are found in wooded areas throughout the world.  It is these environments that are often simulated in orchid greenhouses that are found throughout the world.  In fact, in the deep south of the United States, there is even a secret orchid greenhouse that exists.   

Cut Plants

While the color blue is extremely rare in any kind of flower, a blue orchid can either be of only two original varieties: one is the coerulescens variety where the blue pigment is only visible on the lip while the sepals are white and second is the coerulea variety which has blue colored sepals.

With the exception of confidential botanical breeding groups, hybridization procedures for a blue orchid remain out of reach for mere hobbyists or weekend gardeners experimenting with such blue orchid varieties like cattleyas and laelias. But current information on such attempts might prove not only entertaining for would be blue orchid breeders but educational as well.

The Science of Creating a Blue Orchid

There are several rules of thumb to follow when attempting to come up with a blue orchid. Breeders must consider how the achieved blueness behaves or changes when put into an entirely new environment. The idea of course would be to have a blue orchid that remains blue regardless of whatever condition it might find itself in. In choosing blue orchid varieties for such experiments, choose one with significant coloration and preferably cultivated in a natural environment under normal conditions.

It is also important to study how crossing different colors can either achieve the desired blueness or change it. Green hued orchids are said to bring out blueness while it is best to avoid orange colored ones because it brings out the red from a crossed plant.

In studying scientific manuals and studies on the subject, one scientific fact is clearly being thoroughly examined as the key to a blue orchid. This is through understanding the biochemical basis for permutations that allow the emergence of a blue colored flower.

Colors in flowers occur when the pigment anthocyanin interacts with a co-pigment at a specific pH level. Analysis done in laboratories shows that certain combinations and reactions of both pH and alkaline levels can create specific colors. In this case a more alkaline set up will most likely give you a blue orchid while the opposite set up will give you red.

Black Orchid perfume by Tom Ford is a sensual bouquet that will not only entice but will delight all who have the privilege of exploring its scent on a beautiful woman. A woman looking for a new fragrance or wanting to add to her collection needs to take the first opportunity to find this perfume.  

The Fragrance of Black Orchid

Black Orchid perfume by Tom Ford takes the opportunity to blend a full variety of scents to produce a bouquet that is unmatched.  The fruity aroma of black current is combined with black truffle and ylang which is then enhanced by bergamot.  The blend is also touched with lotus wood, sandalwood, patchouli, incense, vetiver and a bit of vanilla tears to complete the alluring scent.  This full blend makes this perfume a unique scent that will certainly be enjoyable by all and will prove to be enticing.    

The Beauty of Black Orchid Perfume by Tom Ford

The beautiful packaging of this splendid fragrance is something to be desired in itself.  The exquisite limited edition Lalique bottle that holds Black Orchid is signed and numbered offering a superb vessel for this luxurious aroma.  The black bottle is enhanced by gold lettering and a simple gold adornment to complete the magnificent design.  The eau de parfum is package in an equally beautiful black glass bottle carrying out the beauty of the top of the line perfume.  Black Orchid will increase the appeal of any perfume collection or will easily stand alone in its beauty.  

Purchasing Black Orchid Perfume by Tom Ford

The bamboo orchid can grow in the wild as high as five feet, and will sport showy flowers that are lavender or rose and white, and quite aromatic. The flowers usually bloom in the summer and autumn months, although some plants will bloom all year long. The flowers of the bamboo orchid are great attractors for bees, butterflies and birds. The stems are tall and reedy in appearance, leading to the name of bamboo orchid.

Growing a Bamboo Orchid

Bamboo orchids are found in many areas of the world, including much of Asia, and islands in the Pacific. This plant has also been introduced in areas like Puerto Rico, Panama and Costa Rica. It is found in abundance in Hawaii, especially on the Big Island there. However, the plants are in danger of becoming extinct in areas like Singapore, where it is reported that fewer than 200 plants are growing in the wild. This is largely due to the fact that its habitat, such as the rainforest, is becoming destroyed.

The bamboo orchid can also be grown indoors, if you can find a species to purchase. Because this plant is known as a terrestrial, it will thrive in sand or soil that is specially designed for orchid plants. It will require a sunny spot that also receives some shade throughout the day, such as a southern-facing window. Bamboo orchids also need to live in at least 50% humidity. This means that if you are in a drier climate, you will need to add humidity for your plant. You can do this by placing a tray of water next to your plant and keeping it filled.