Orchids for Beginners
You love the look of orchids, but feel that you do not have a green thumb. Well here are some tips that will guarantee that even the most inexperienced gardener can produce a flourishing, beautiful orchid plant.
Choosing your plant:
Take your time when choosing your orchid plant. Starting off with a healthy plant will give you a fantastic foundation to grow a flourishing orchid. Garden centers are ideal locations to purchase orchid plants, as they often have the warm, humid, environment that orchids thrive in. Ask lots of questions, and if the staff is unable to provide you with an answer, shop elsewhere.
Two types of orchids for beginners the moth orchids and lady slippers. A moth orchid thrives in an indoor environment and will bloom twice a year if in good physical shape. A lady slipper, is also fairly easy to maintain and their flower can last anywhere from 1-3 months.
Signs of a Healthy Orchid:
- Bright, Light Colored Green Leaves
- Thick Firm Fleshy Roots
- Stems with blooms and buds on it
- Planted in planting medium composed of bark, moss, and a variety of organic materials (not potting soil)
- An exposed root system (the roots of an orchid like to breathe)
Choosing your pot:
The easiest way to maintain an orchid is by selecting a pot that is specifically made for them. In nature, orchids tend to grow either on trees or on rocks. As a direct result, their roots are accustomed to being exposed and continually aerated. A well made orchid pot will foster this type of growth pattern, and provide room for the roots to breathe.
The plastic pots that orchids are shipped in are typically not the ideal pots for the orchid to grow in. The problem with plastic is that it retains moisture and limits air circulation; increasing the risk of root rot. For the beginner orchid grower, it is better to transplant your orchid in either a terracotta or ceramic orchid pot.
Terracotta pots dry out quickly, preventing the growing medium from becoming water logged. This is ideal for the beginner orchid grower, as plants are much more likely to die from over watering then from under-watering. If you’re concerned about your plant drying out too quickly, or are looking for something a bit more aesthetically pleasing, then select a ceramic pot. A terra cotta or ceramic pot made for orchids will have holes around the pot, to increase the aeration in the root system.
Planting your Orchid:
Typical potting soil does not allow for the necessary aeration for the orchid’s root system. Therefore, orchids should never be placed into this type of soil medium. When transplanting your orchid, choose a planting medium that allows plenty of room for the roots to expand and breathe. Ideal planting mediums are bark, coconut husks, sphagnum moss, tree fern fiber, charcoal or lava rock.
Water Cautiously:
For the beginner orchid growing, water on the side of cautious. It is much more likely for a plant to die from over watering then under-watering. Only water your orchid when it is dry.
Quick tips for watering:
- Pencil test: Poke a pencil at least one inch into the planting medium. If the pencil comes out dry, it is time to water the plant.
- Check the weight of the plant on a daily basis. Only water your plant, when the weight of the pot has decreased.
- Water early in the day to reduce the chance of rot
- Orchid medium quickly absorbs water. Do not water every time your orchid appears dry as this could lead to root rot.
Do not be intimidated by growing orchids, as delicate as they look, these plants are fairly simple to grow. The trick to growing a successful plant is choosing the right plant, selecting the ideal environment for it and following some basic maintenance tips. Enjoy the orchid experience, but be warned, it can be fairly addictive.
