Orchids 101
Which flower has been used as an aphrodisiac, grows all over the world in all kinds of places and is on the endangered species list? The orchid! These amazing plants can live hundreds of years in the wild or thrive in greenhouses of orchid lovers worldwide. In nature, orchids pop up in every country in the world, from the North Pole to the South Pole. There are nearly 30,000 different species growing in the wild, and more than 150,000 hybrids have been created by crossing different orchids. In most of the U.S., you can grow many warm-growing orchids outside in the summer months, but in southern Florida, along the Gulf Coast, and in coastal southern California, you can grow orchids outside year-round.
  Orchids woo you, wow you, and eventually win you over. And before you know it, you have a house--or greenhouse--full of orchids. Many orchids are amazingly easy to care for. Before you take a particular variety home though, make sure you can meet its requirements. |  Moth orchids ( Phalaenopsis) require less light than many other orchids. Give them an east-facing window where they'll receive a couple of hours of early sun and reasonably bright indirect light the rest of the day. If you put them in a south- or west-facing window, use sheer curtains to shelter them from strong sun. |
Orchids are recognizable by their three outer petals (sepals) and three inner petals, one of which is typically a lip that serves as a landing platform for insects. Orchids grow on trees, in the ground or in the home. They can be small or large, sweet-smelling or unpleasantly scented. Orchids come in single blooms, clusters, sprays and chains, with sometimes bizarre shapes and patterns. Orchids do have something other than shape in common: they prefer cooler temperatures at night. Warm-growing orchids such as moth orchids like 65- to 70-degree temperatures at night, while intermediate orchids such as the cattleyas like chillier air--60-degree evening temps. A cool-growing flower like Dracula prefer 50- to 55-degree temperatures at night.
 Cattleya orchids--also known as corsage orchids--are relatively easy to grow. Give them southern or western exposure for the best bloom and let them dry out a little between waterings. |  One of the petals of the Paphiopedilum orchid forms an enlarged pouch that resembles a lady's slipper. Like the moth orchids, the paphs require less light than many other varieties. |
As a first-time orchid grower, you'll want to keep these tips in mind: First, choose a mature orchid that's already in flower; some orchids can take years to go from seedling to flower. Then, start with hybrids--they're grown specifically for hobby growers and will be easier to deal with than rare varieties. Before you take an orchid home, research its needs. Many orchids like to dry out between waterings, but other orchids prefer a climate that's consistently wet. Some are easy to grow; others are quite temperamental.
 The dazzling Dendrobium wants bright light on a southern windowsill and nighttime temperatures of 55 to 60 degrees. Restrict it to a small pot of coarse-textured orchid mix and fertilize regularly during periods of growth. |  Chunky orchid soil mix allows air flow to the roots and stores water as well. Every seven to ten days, when the mix has dried out, douse the roots by holding them under running water for a minute or two. Watering your orchid too often will cause the mix to compact and the roots to rot. |
Orchids also vary as to how much light they need. Here's a trick for estimating the amount of natural light you can offer an orchid: Hold your hand about six inches above a sheet of white paper. If there's a sharp, clearly defined shadow, you have bright light. If the shadow is quite distinct but fuzzy around the edges, you have medium light. If there's only faint shadow or none at all, there isn't sufficient light for flowering. Plus, supply orchids with plenty of fresh, humid air that's in perpetual motion. If you're growing the orchid indoors, open a window or keep a fan running. Give your orchid the environment it craves, and it will reward you for many years to come.
Resources Art and Decorative Work
Nature Glassworks
Phone: 770-667-3411
URL: www.natureglass.com
Orchid Gardens
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave. NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: 404-876-5859
URL: www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org
Orchid Suppliers
Carter and Holmes Orchids, Inc.
P.O. Box 668
Newberry, SC 29108
Phone: 803-276-0579
URL: www.carterandholmes.com
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