Growing Orchids - The Top 5 Things You Must Know About Orchid Growing

Even for people who are familiar with gardening, growing orchids can be a difficult task. These plants have a tendency to have a reputation for being finicky or tedious to grow. But anyone with real orchid growing experience can tell you, this isn't necessarily the case.

Just by learning several simple fundamentals, you can confidently grow virtually ANY orchid with terrific results. That's why I've collected this list of "FAQs" to answer the biggest questions (and dispel a few myths)....

FAQ #1: Aren't They Hard to Grow?

These plants aren't quite as difficult to cultivate as you might think. You just have to know what particular requirements your species of orchid has and then do your best to meet them. Each plant requires varying amounts of sunlight and water, and none of them do well with soil whatsoever. So it's easy to understand why growing them can seem difficult. Just be sure to search for an orchid whose needs you can match, and you should have no troubles!

FAQ #2: What's the Most Ideal Orchid for Newbies?

It's usually agreed that the most ideal plant for beginners is the phalaenopsis orchid, or "moth orchid". These orchids are resistent to newbie's blunders and don't take long to flower. But nevertheless, they grow incredible blooms that you'll adore.

They're also pretty plentiful and inexpensive, so you could even buy a few in case you accidentally neglect one of them (which does sometimes occur, sad to say). All in all, they're just a great plant to learn on when growing orchids!

FAQ #3: How Do I Pick a Good Orchid?

Picking a good orchid is similar to selecting any other healthy plant. You want to be sure that the shoots and leaves look strong and healthy. Make sure that the orchid is capable of standing up under its own weight and doesn't look droopy.

If you can, check the root system to make sure it's healthy and flourishing. Look for the presence of flower spikes to get an idea of how many blooms you can expect your orchid to produce. (It can help you to create a checklist before you go orchid shopping, so that you will remember what to look out for.)

FAQ #4: How Can I Keep My Orchid Healthy?

Keeping an orchid healthy is a complex subject, but basically, it all comes down to maintaining the appropriate environment for your orchid at all times.

If it needs plenty of air circulation, don't keep it imprisoned in a heavy mix. If it requires indirect sunlight, don't place it directly in the sun. If it must have high humidity, don't put it somewhere dry.

Take action to make sure that you learn what the specific needs of your orchid are (there are a few thousand unique kinds of orchids out there!) Also take care to watch your plant to observe how it reacts to varying orchid care methods you try on your plant growing journey.

FAQ #5: Why Isn't it Flowering?

This is usually the most frequently asked question of all. Orchid growers can be a little anxious about when their plants are going to bloom. Not like annuals or perennials, orchids have been known to take up to three years to flower, and re-blooming after that can be random. This is why you need to take action to discover the age of your plant when you buy it.

Orchids labeled as "BS" are ready to blossom within the next year. And those labeled "NBS" might take longer than that. Each orchid has varying times in which it's projected to flower, so for a lot of people, the answer to this question is simply, "it's just not ready to bloom yet."

If your orchid should be flowering, however, and it isn't, then you need to make some changes to the care you're giving it. Be sure that all of its environmental and nutritional needs are being met. When growing orchids, do not forget flowering requires a lot of energy and optimal health.


------

To get more of your questions answered about growing orchids, download my FREE "5 Biggest Orchid Care Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!)" report by going here: "Growing Orchids".

Mary Ann Berdak is the publisher of www.OrchidCareZone.com - a top online destination for orchid care tips and advice.