Growing Orchids Made Easy!
By Michelle Salter
Orchids once had the reputation of being rare and expensive; beautiful, exotic plants that required plenty of attention. Previously this may have been true, but now, with more than 100,000 man-made hybrids to choose from, orchids are readily available and have become popular houseplants.
There are two basic types of orchids. Terrestrial orchids grow at ground level and are rooted in soil. Epiphytic orchids grow on trees and shrubs, but are not parasitic, using their host's branches purely for support. The thick, fleshy roots of epiphytic orchids absorb moisture and nutrients from the air around them.
Indoor orchids are generally epiphytic, as they enjoy warm conditions and tend to have more flamboyant flowers than terrestrial orchids. Phalaenopsis, known as Moth Orchids, are one of the most widely available orchids, with displays of pink and white varieties to be found in most garden centres and supermarkets.
Although Phalaenopsis are epiphytic, they can be grown in clear pots. They need a warm environment and providing their roots remain moist and pliable, they will carry on producing flowers for up to 3 months.
Terrestrial orchids are mainly herbaceous perennials, native to temperate regions of the world, and generally hardier than epiphytes. Some terrestrial orchids can be grown in cold greenhouses or even in gardens where the temperature doesn't fall too low in winter.
The flowers of terrestrial orchids may not be as showy as epiphytic types, but they are just as stunning. Paphiopedilum, known as Slipper Orchids because of the distinctive pouch-shaped lip at the front of the flower, were once the most fashionable indoor orchid, before the advent of central heating allowed Moth Orchids to thrive.
Slipper Orchids provide an unusual alternative to Moth Orchids, with broad, dark green leaves and long upright shoots of flowers, which can be spotted, striped and sometimes hairy. They are just as easy to look after as Moth Orchids, and their exotic flowers last just as long. Although terrestrial, they require the same loose compost as epiphytes.
When it comes to caring for these attractive houseplants, there are a few general rules that apply. Avoid direct sunlight, which will damage the plant, and use a specialist, open structured compost that won't become compacted and allows good drainage.
Recommended:
Odontoglossum
Complex hybrids, which include Tiger Orchids, these evergreen orchids come in virtually any colour, with intricate markings and patterns on the flowers.
Ludisia discolor 'Jewel Orchid'
A robust orchid that can be treated like a normal houseplant and has attractive, velvety green leaves striped with pink and produces tiny white flowers.
Cymbidium
Among the easiest orchids to grow indoors with upright spikes of gloriously exotic flowers emerging from long, narrow, rich green leaves.
Michelle Salter - Freelance Writer and Copywriter.
Michelle Salter is an accomplished freelance writer, with numerous articles published in national magazines. As a regular contributor to My Weekly magazine, she has written extensively on the subject of gardening, nature and wildlife.
She is also an experienced copywriter, producing copy that connects clients to their customers.
Further details of her work can be found at http://www.MichelleSalter.com
Orchids once had the reputation of being rare and expensive; beautiful, exotic plants that required plenty of attention. Previously this may have been true, but now, with more than 100,000 man-made hybrids to choose from, orchids are readily available and have become popular houseplants.
There are two basic types of orchids. Terrestrial orchids grow at ground level and are rooted in soil. Epiphytic orchids grow on trees and shrubs, but are not parasitic, using their host's branches purely for support. The thick, fleshy roots of epiphytic orchids absorb moisture and nutrients from the air around them.
Indoor orchids are generally epiphytic, as they enjoy warm conditions and tend to have more flamboyant flowers than terrestrial orchids. Phalaenopsis, known as Moth Orchids, are one of the most widely available orchids, with displays of pink and white varieties to be found in most garden centres and supermarkets.
Although Phalaenopsis are epiphytic, they can be grown in clear pots. They need a warm environment and providing their roots remain moist and pliable, they will carry on producing flowers for up to 3 months.
Terrestrial orchids are mainly herbaceous perennials, native to temperate regions of the world, and generally hardier than epiphytes. Some terrestrial orchids can be grown in cold greenhouses or even in gardens where the temperature doesn't fall too low in winter.
The flowers of terrestrial orchids may not be as showy as epiphytic types, but they are just as stunning. Paphiopedilum, known as Slipper Orchids because of the distinctive pouch-shaped lip at the front of the flower, were once the most fashionable indoor orchid, before the advent of central heating allowed Moth Orchids to thrive.
Slipper Orchids provide an unusual alternative to Moth Orchids, with broad, dark green leaves and long upright shoots of flowers, which can be spotted, striped and sometimes hairy. They are just as easy to look after as Moth Orchids, and their exotic flowers last just as long. Although terrestrial, they require the same loose compost as epiphytes.
When it comes to caring for these attractive houseplants, there are a few general rules that apply. Avoid direct sunlight, which will damage the plant, and use a specialist, open structured compost that won't become compacted and allows good drainage.
Recommended:
Odontoglossum
Complex hybrids, which include Tiger Orchids, these evergreen orchids come in virtually any colour, with intricate markings and patterns on the flowers.
Ludisia discolor 'Jewel Orchid'
A robust orchid that can be treated like a normal houseplant and has attractive, velvety green leaves striped with pink and produces tiny white flowers.
Cymbidium
Among the easiest orchids to grow indoors with upright spikes of gloriously exotic flowers emerging from long, narrow, rich green leaves.
Michelle Salter - Freelance Writer and Copywriter.
Michelle Salter is an accomplished freelance writer, with numerous articles published in national magazines. As a regular contributor to My Weekly magazine, she has written extensively on the subject of gardening, nature and wildlife.
She is also an experienced copywriter, producing copy that connects clients to their customers.
Further details of her work can be found at http://www.MichelleSalter.com
posted by Margaret at 1:57 AM
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