Growing Orchids The Easy Way

Growing Orchids The Easy Way

If growing orchids is something that frightens you away, it’s time to get past your fear and get yourself some new hobby that might just be your cup of tea. Truthfully, as long as you know what types of orchids grow well in your particular geographical location, the fear of failure is not going to be very representative of the hobby itself.

Orchids are actually one of the oldest known flowers on the planet and have been around for 120 million years. They first started growing around 35 million years ago and have grown in abundance ever since. orchids are known for growing in extremely varied and specific environments usually found in rain forests. You can find them growing on the trunks of trees, the sides of mountains, the tops of trees, the roots of trees, the soil orchids prefer and adore… basically anywhere except in a garden.

You can find orchid species all over the world except in extremely hot areas and deserts. You will find them on the not leafy forests floor, underwater in the tropical rainforests, and can even be found on the dormant rain forests of Australia.

Did you know that while orchids love the sunshine, they are also perfectly happy in the shade? You can even find some orchids in their natural habitat with the leaves touching the ground as opposed to sitting up in the air.

So where does a beautiful orchid come from? It is a well-known fact that orchids are naturally found in tropical rain forests, the edges of oceans, and even in tall grasses. However, because of how orchids grow, their protective covering allows them to be one of the most diverse species of flowers on the planet.

How do you know if you have a tropical orchid? The flower spikes of an orchid are always 4 to 6 inches (10 to 12 cm.) long. This helps a grower determine if the type of orchid that will be grown is tropical in origin. There is a wide variety of tropical orchids and they prefer a variety of lighting conditions.

Here are some of the popular tropical varieties of orchids:

-Cattleya: This particular orchid is a popular smaller variety of orchids. You can find them in white and purple. They are often grown as houseplants because of their relatively small size.

-Cymbidium: If you have been blessed with a CO2-enriched environment, you will know why these beautiful flowers are popular in the commercial space. They are easy to grow and can bloom in a large number of vibrant colors.

-Phalaenopsis: These orchids shine in dark as well as light colors and prefer plenty of light. You can find these beautiful flowers ranging from pinks to yellows. They are popular because of their large flowers, which come in all kinds of shapes and sizes.

-Dendrobium: You can find this type of orchid growing on the Cocos basin in Africa and India. The temperatures there are mild and the orchid plants require a Considering a lag in the light to avoid the burning of the leaves.

• Silk Orchids:This orchid type has some very distinct characteristics. The flowers are similar to the Cymbidium’s but on a smaller scale. The leaves of the silk orchids are noted for their glossy and unnatural sheen.

The ratio of light to air is of great importance to these plants. Putting them in direct sunlight for an extended period will be detrimental to the plant’s health. Finding a place where there is a gentle breeze a few times a day will be a good thing to do. If you decide to grow your orchids in a basket get a basket that allows air to circulate freely. Arguably one of the most popular species of orchid is the Phalaenopsis orchid. They are simple to grow and are great for indoor use. Care should be taken to not overwater or over water as these are prone to problems. On the flip side, they are also prone to giving off bad odors.

Watering orchids is a fine line with orchids. They do not require their roots to be wet like most plants do. The best thing to do is check on the soil once in a while. If you find that the soil is dry, it is time to water. The rule of thumb is to water once when the soil is dry and water thoroughly until the soil is filled with water. This will ensure that the roots are provided with sufficient moisture and the leaves do not rot.

Orchids do not grow in soil, but rather on the bark of trees. It is the tree’s job to preserve water. Orchids are a delicacy that just about anyone should be able to grow.