Orchid Care for Beginners -
Getting Started - What You Should Know
Successfully growing orchids is no harder than growing houseplants - it's just different. Don't be embarrassed for a minute by what you don't know. We all started out the same way.
We were all "orchid killers" before we became
"orchid growers."
I amazed at all the books and websites that promise "secret tips and tricks" on orchid care. If yoy spend all your time trying to remember all those tips and tricks and you'll miss the real joy of orchids, which is learning the rhythms of nature and where those magnificent flowers come from!
Don't be fooled. Instead of trying to remember and endless set of rules, simply follow nature's way. It's not difficult.
When you get it right the satisfaction is immeasurable! Nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment when your first orchid(s) bloom again! Even after 20 years, I still get a thrill when I see new flowers appear.
Here are the most commonly asked questions for beginner growers.
1. Why don't orchids grow in potting soil?
In nature, orchids do not grow like houseplants. Common houseplants (palms, ferns, and philodendrons) grow in the shady, damp areas along the forest floor. Orchids, on the other hand, attach themselves to rocks and trees, out in the open air and exposed to the elements.
To copy nature, commercial growers use many different types of potting materials to grow their orchids. These include moss, bark, styrofoam, coconut husks - the list goes on and on.
Planting an orchid in potting soil and treating it like a houseplant is a sure way to kill it.
The Hydroponic Advantage: Our Hydroponic System replaces all those strange potting materials with clean, easy to use clay pebbles. Orchids love growing our unique clay pebbles because the roots get the right amount of air and moisture. Plus, our clay pebbles never rot or decay!
2. Orchids Seem So Delicate - They Must Be Hard To Grow?
Orchids are NOT hard to grow .... if you know what to do.
Most people think orchids are delicate little plants that grow in tropical rain forests and they need constant care and lots of water.
Nothing is further from the truth!
In nature, orchids cling to rocks and hang from trees. They tolerate wind, rain, and long dry periods between showers. They need to be hardy creatures to grow in those conditions.
Orchids are not the finicky plants most people think they are. In fact, in many cases they're much more durable than houseplants!
3. I can grow houseplants - why can't I grow orchids?
Treating an orchid like an ordinary houseplant will never get the results you're looking for.
Houseplants are happy growing in the same spot throughout the year. Orchids, on the other hand, have different seasons to their growing pattern. The key to successful growing is adjusting your plant care to match the seasons. This isn't difficult - it's just different.
The seasons for growing orchids are; 1) a growing season, 2) a blooming season, and 3) a well deserved resting season.
Orchids have internal calendars marking these seasons, and they vary with each type of plant. Some orchids bloom in summer, and others bloom in winter. Some bloom for only a week, others display flowers for three months or more!
Hydroponic Advantage: Hydroponics isn't magic, but it's much easier adjusting your plant care to the seasons with our system. Healthy plants always bloom better.
4. I water and feed my plants everyday. Why aren't they healthy?
Overwatering is the #1 killer of orchids. As a beginner grower, you'll want to check your plants everyday to make sure everything is just right .... and you're going to end up over doing it!
In nature, orchids grow in harsh environments. To survive these conditions they've adapted to living comfortably on a slim diet of water and nutrients.
With the right growing conditions most orchids require very little care. They're solitary creatures and in most cases, they do better when left alone!
Hydroponic Advantage: Our Hydroponic System has a water gauge that tells you when (and how much) to water! No more guessing! Our system automatically provides everything your plant needs, day after day. The only time you're needed is to refill the system every 2-3 weeks!
5. I just loved the flowers .... so I bought the plant. Now what do I do?
Buying a new plant because you fell in love with the flowers spells trouble every time.
Don't worry, we've all done it! Choosing plants that match your growing conditions is a better way to add to your collection.
Before buying another orchid, learn what type of growing conditions it requires. Choosing orchids that will be happy in your growing environment is by far the best way .
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Sidebar:
Orchids grow on every continent except Antarctica, so there's a wide range of growing conditions for these plants. The key to successful growing is choosing plants that match your growing conditions.
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Hydroponic Advantage: You can enjoy the advantages of hydroponics with almost any type of orchid. Choose a plant that matches your growing conditions - transfer it to our system - and you'll be growing like a pro!
