Growing orchids easier than you think

Orchids have ignited passion in people for thousands of years. Around the world, the orchid was prized by early civilizations for its beauty and color, its medicinal qualities and even as the familiar flavoring we call vanilla. When early European explorers visited these older cultures they brought them back to their wealthy patrons where they became status symbols.

Today orchids have come off their pedestal and have become popular houseplants. While the orchid’s mystique has created the myth that they are a tough plant to grow, most of them really aren’t. Most will take normal household conditions for temperature, light and humidity and water in stride with only a bit of tweaking. These conditions are very similar to the conditions found in their native habitats around the world.

Orchids need diffused but somewhat bright light. Plants need to be 6 to 12 inches from an east, south or west window especially in the winter when our light levels are low. Drape a lace curtain between them and the window to diffuse the light. They also do well under fluorescent lights set to run 12 hours a day.

Orchids can do very well in normal household temperatures of about 70 degrees during the day and 60 at night. They need to be kept away from heat vents or fireplaces.

Maintaining humidity and watering routines are the most challenging elements of growing orchids. Humidity can be maintained by setting the plants on a tray of gravel filled with water or misting them regularly.

For the most part, orchids should be watered when their growing medium is dry. Because orchids grow in a coarse fiber medium of fast-draining bark chips or coir fiber, some plants will have to be watered more frequently than other houseplants. Plants potted in clay pots or suspended in the air tend to dry even more quickly and will need more frequent watering.

Different types of orchids will have different moisture requirements and watering cycles through the year depending on where they came from. Understanding the particular needs of each of your plants will allow them to grow and bloom regularly. Here are some plants that are good for beginners to try.

“Phalaenopsis orchids produce flowers up to 4 inches across on spikes of 15 or more flowers in every color but blue and true red. They can bloom for six weeks or longer.

“Paphiopedilums or lady slipper orchids are easy to grow under artificial lights. This group has many spectacular hybrids with colorful flowers that resemble a lady’s slipper.

“Oncidiums or dancing girls produce dainty yellow and brown or white and brown flowers often used in corsages. They do well even under less than ideal growing conditions.