5 Basic Instructions For Successful Orchid Growing

What do you know about your orchid, where does it come from and how can it be grown successfully in the home? The purpose of this article is to answer these questions with the relevant descriptions and recommendations for general growing techniques that will apply to the majority of orchid types that are chosen for growing indoors.

Here firstly, is a brief overall description of the orchid group, its origins and the conditions necessary for it to grow successfully.

Most of the orchids which have been cultivated for indoor growing are from orchid species that belong to the epiphytes group. They originate mostly from tropical and sub-tropical regions such as South East Asia and South America, with a few temperate varieties from areas of the Himalayas and Andes mountains, and have evolved to possess a unique set of growing characteristics.

Rather than competing for space, light and nutrients with other terrestrial or earth growing plants, this group of orchids grow in elevated positions by attaching their aerial roots to the bark of trees.

The benefits of such an elevated location include uninterrupted periods of strong but shaded and filtered daylight, the correct amount of moisture and nutrients, plus warm, humid and well circulated air.

In the following we will review each of the orchid's growing conditions in its natural habitat and recommend how they can be most effectively replicated in the home-grown environment.

Daylight

In order to match the orchid's natural shaded and filtered daylight conditions, the location of the indoor grown orchid is important. When positioned by a south-facing window, ensure that the orchid is not subjected to direct intense sunlight but is provided with some shade or filtered light.

As an alternative, the orchid can be moved to an east facing window during the late morning and afternoon.

Water

Although its tropical and sub-tropical climate produces heavy rain, the elevated position of the orchid restricts the amount of moisture it receives.

As a guide for its indoor growing environment this can be converted into thorough watering about once a week with twice weekly watering during periods of hot temperatures. Prior to watering, check whether the potting medium and aerial roots are dry.

Ideally rain water should be used, but if that is not possible then tap-water at room temperature will be an acceptable alternative.

Nutrients

In the wild orchids receive their nutrients from the rainwater collected and absorbed by their aerial roots anchored to the tree bark.

An alternative form of providing nutrients for the indoor orchid is the addition of a soluble orchid fertiliser which can be applied during watering at intervals of between two and four weeks during the growing season.

Air Temperature and Humidity

Orchids in their tropical and sub-tropical habitat benefit from a constant warm to hot air temperature that is modified by high humidity levels. By contrast, many indoor orchids are grown at latitudes which experience periods of cold weather and dry air conditions.

In order for the orchid to receive the best growing conditions the room temperatures should be within the range of 16 Celsius (60 Fahrenheit) at night-time and a maximum day-time of 27 Celsius (80 Fahrenheit).

The increased humidity level can be achieved by placing the orchid pot on a waterproof tray containing small pebbles which have been previously watered, the moisture subsequently evaporating to increase the level of humidity. Care should be taken to avoid any contact between the pot and water.

Another way to raise the humidity is to spray or mist the orchid by using a misting bottle; however, this should only be carried out during higher day time temperatures when the water droplets will evaporate.

Potting Medium

With the wild orchid growing from the tree itself, the ideal indoor orchid potting medium will contain at least a proportion of chopped tree bark, which can be mixed with perlite or charcoal.

The important property of the successful bark based mix is its ability to provide the combination of clear drainage and air circulation for the roots.

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