hi guys im retiring this year so more time for my garden. i have been thinking of growing orchids can you give me any tips are they easy to grow or do they need some expertise thanks folks
Congratulations with retiring! You picked a great plant to try your hand with. First and for most, take the time to educate yourself a little about the types of orchids. Most orchids are fairly easy to grow if you follow the basics. I would pick one or two orchid varieties to start with.
Soil is very important to your plants health. Since you are just starting out I suggest that you purchase a complete professional mix because these mixes have everything needed in them. I would then take the time to find a good location to place your plants so that the light is appropriate. They do not like direct sunlight, but can tolerate some if it is the early morning or late afternoon. The middle of the day direct sunlight can be harmful to your orchids. The lighting is what stimulates flowering, so be careful to keep it in the same location. Too little sunlight will cause your orchid to yellow and loose its leaves. If the moisture content is high it could also cause your leaves to become dark green and your stems to become brittle.
Water plays another big factor. Orchids like to be watered sparsely and have well drained soil. They also absorb moisture through high levels of humidity. The humidity level should be between 40% and 60% for most orchid varieties. Usually you can water once a week if your humidity is stable.
Fertilize only during the growing period; spring and summer. I fertilize on a weekly basis with low doses of fertilizer. During the growing season I use 30-10-10, but change to a lower nitrogen level in mid to late summer. I use a blossom fertilizer then such as a 10-30-20, and during the resting period I use an even 18-18-18.
Always keep good ventilation for your orchids as this help them with diseases and insect problems which seldom occur if you follow safe growing practices. Also, remember when you need to transplant (usually every 2-3 years) to use sanitized tools. If you do happen to nick or cut your plant while pruning or transplanting sprinkle a little cinnamon on the cut.
Some orchid varieties I would recommend are the Cattelya, Dendrobidium, Vandas or the Miltonia.
I am not an orchid lover but have managed to keep one hale and healthhy so it can't be that complicated if you start with he easily available varieties. I was given one 16 months ago by an Indian friend who does like them.
The thing flowered for just over a year from Setptember 2013 to October 2014. I let it be and blow me if it hasn't produced another pair of leaves and 3 new flower spikes since late December. I expect it to start flowering in a couple of weeks' time.
It is in a clear glass pot on a north facing window sill where it has all the light it wants but no direct sun before 4pm in high summer. It is in our bedroom so is kept cool. As I know nothing about orchids as house plants I just bought some orchid feed sticks and bunged a few in the pot, watering whenever the compost felt dry. It seems to like it.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
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Congratulations with retiring! You picked a great plant to try your hand with. First and for most, take the time to educate yourself a little about the types of orchids. Most orchids are fairly easy to grow if you follow the basics. I would pick one or two orchid varieties to start with.
Soil is very important to your plants health. Since you are just starting out I suggest that you purchase a complete professional mix because these mixes have everything needed in them. I would then take the time to find a good location to place your plants so that the light is appropriate. They do not like direct sunlight, but can tolerate some if it is the early morning or late afternoon. The middle of the day direct sunlight can be harmful to your orchids. The lighting is what stimulates flowering, so be careful to keep it in the same location. Too little sunlight will cause your orchid to yellow and loose its leaves. If the moisture content is high it could also cause your leaves to become dark green and your stems to become brittle.
Water plays another big factor. Orchids like to be watered sparsely and have well drained soil. They also absorb moisture through high levels of humidity. The humidity level should be between 40% and 60% for most orchid varieties. Usually you can water once a week if your humidity is stable.
Fertilize only during the growing period; spring and summer. I fertilize on a weekly basis with low doses of fertilizer. During the growing season I use 30-10-10, but change to a lower nitrogen level in mid to late summer. I use a blossom fertilizer then such as a 10-30-20, and during the resting period I use an even 18-18-18.
Always keep good ventilation for your orchids as this help them with diseases and insect problems which seldom occur if you follow safe growing practices. Also, remember when you need to transplant (usually every 2-3 years) to use sanitized tools. If you do happen to nick or cut your plant while pruning or transplanting sprinkle a little cinnamon on the cut.
Some orchid varieties I would recommend are the Cattelya, Dendrobidium, Vandas or the Miltonia.
Happy Gardening!
You will love them,a few of mine.
I am not an orchid lover but have managed to keep one hale and healthhy so it can't be that complicated if you start with he easily available varieties. I was given one 16 months ago by an Indian friend who does like them.
The thing flowered for just over a year from Setptember 2013 to October 2014. I let it be and blow me if it hasn't produced another pair of leaves and 3 new flower spikes since late December. I expect it to start flowering in a couple of weeks' time.
It is in a clear glass pot on a north facing window sill where it has all the light it wants but no direct sun before 4pm in high summer. It is in our bedroom so is kept cool. As I know nothing about orchids as house plants I just bought some orchid feed sticks and bunged a few in the pot, watering whenever the compost felt dry. It seems to like it.
thanks folks for taking time to reply