Growing Orchids is Easy

[Wendy]

A new story entry has been added:

Growing Orchids is Easy

Basic Types: Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, Cattleya, Oncidium, Dendrobium

Temperature:
Warm?80-90f days, 65-70f nights
Intermediate?70-80f days, 55-65f nights
Cool?60-70f days, 50-55f nights

Most of the basic types of orchids can be grown successfully in the home environment. Microclimates can be created or found naturally in the home for those that want to try more difficult plants. i.e.: cooler areas next to some windows/basements or warmer areas over radiators or in sunrooms etc.

Light
Any window but a north facing one will do for most orchids. A south facing window may need some shading (sheer curtains/blinds) as direct sunlight will burn. Some morning/late afternoon sun is beneficial. Dark green leaves is an indicator of not enough light. Leaves should be light green in colour.
Fluorescent light is a good supplemental light source. Tubes (banks or 2 or 4) or compact fluorescents are okay
HID lights are a good quality light source. They come in High Pressure Sodium and Metal Halide. Costly to run.

Watering & Fertilizer
Good quality tap water or rain water is best. R/O is also a good choice. Fertilizer such as 20/20/20 should be used at ¼ strength every second watering. Pots should be flushed THOROUGHLY every other watering to flush out excess fertilizer salts. A buildup of salts will destroy root growth on plants and eventually the plant itself. When the plant is in dormancy it should receive less water and no fertilizer.

[Tindomul]

A good set of rules, and guidelines! Thanks for this, we can now direct new members, new to orchids to your article!

[Wendy]

Wow! Thank you Marty...that's awesome!!!

[silberhaarig]

Wow,that's it in a nutshell. Now maybe some prospective fanatics won't be scared off by an excess of conflicting information.

[Wendy]

Thanks to both of you!

[Lindafvb]

Wendy, First: I love your growing room. I also love your friend at your side. Is your growing space described somewhere else in the forum?
Second; I wish I had this entry when I first started. Instead I have 4 books with highlight and sticky notes all telling me the same things.
Thank you for putting this together, all us newbies do appreciate it.
Linda

[Barbara]

Thank you Wendy, great article. Some of us not so newbies need a refesher too sometimes. Love the photo, I think I would need hat & shades in there as well.

[Wendy]

Thanks! Did you click the link at the bottom of the article...it has lots of pictures of how I have my grow room set up.

[Lindafvb]

I read your original under "Off Topic" but I see it also shown under "Member Articles". And that is where I found slide show. Thank you for pointing me there. I still do not know my way around the forums. I did not know it would be in two places.
PS: A great show! You have a wonderful setup.

[Tindomul]

Hey!! Nice growing room!!! I wouldn't mind lounging about surrounded by my orchids! Niiice!