C10 - Sunday, May 20, 1984 - North Shore News Anyone can grow orchids GENERALLY speaking, most poeple believe that growing orchids is very dif- ficult. There exists a mysti- que that has been proven a fallacy. It is true, however, that certain orchid species (or- chids collected from their native habitats) and some hybrids (produced by cross- ing wild and cultivated plants) are difficult to grow. But for the beginner, there 1s a wide variety of orchid plants that can be grown as easily as your better known learn under what conditions each variety of orchid thrives. Since orchids grow in the wild throughout the world, we have warm, moderate and cold growing orchid varieuies. There are also different moisture requirements mean- ing that some orchids need constant watering while others require a drying out period. The choice of medium in which the orchid performs best 1s different from one variety to another depending very much as to Many orchids that Originated from the colder climates grow in the ground (terrestrial) while the mayjori- ty in the tropics and sub- tropics grow attached to trees and rocks (epiphytes). The light requirements fall into three main groups — direct sun, partial shade and full shade. Each variety of orchids has its own nutritional re- quirements which range from heavy feeders to those requir- ing almost no fertilizer at all. For the beginner it is of the each plant that is acquired to succeed in producing a flowering specimen. There are presently good books available, expensive and inexpensive, recommen- ding varieties for beginners and describing the necessary growing conditions. Another excellent source is to join the Vancouver Orchid Society where there are mon- thly meetings, monthly bulletins, classes for begin- ners and a library for your use. As well, there are lec- tures, speakers and many ex- What steps do you follow if you want to grow orchids? The golden rule is not to rush into buying an orchid plant but to do your homework first. Orchid plants are more expensive compared to other plants because it can take a plant up to seven years from a seedling to be mature enough to bloom. First select’ the orchid varieties you fancy most by attending an orchid show or by consulting books. Some Find out all the necessary growing conditions for each plant. (a) Temperature range (op- timum and minimum temperatures — day and night temperatures). (b) Light requirements (full sun, partial or shade). (c) Watering pattern (e.g. moist all the time, drying out period, etc.). (d) Type of medium (e.g. bark, mounted on tree fern or soil, etc.) (e) Need for fertilizer (e.g. (g) pH_ conditions (most orchids are acid loving). (h) Any other peculiarity associated with the variety that has to be followed in order to get the plant into bloom (e.g. Dendrobium nobile requires in the fall no watering, no fertilizing and cold nights in order to force it to bloom. If this 1s not followed, the buds become vegetative growth instead of flowers. The best source for buying orchids is from members of Cll - Sunday, May 20, 1984 - North Shore News reputable nurseries do not specialize in orchids but have the odd plant for sale. A good healthy young plant may be a good beginn- ing, however, patience ts re- quired to enjoy the first bloom. Mature plants plus bloom are for sale at a premium price and will pro- vide instant pleasure. A mix- tue of the two choices is ideal. Determine what conditions you have at home to grow or- chids. In actual fact you are you happen to own a greenhouse, determine whether this is a warm or cool growing area during the winter months. Ideally, a greenhouse can be divided in both temperature regions. If you do not have a greenhouse, orchids can be grown on the windowsills or in other areas of the house with the help” of artificial lighting (a combination of fluorescent, warm and cool white, with one-quarter of in- varieties have striking flowers house plants. } 30-10-10 or 8-8-8 or any other the Vancouver Orchid Socie- how its ‘‘parents’’ existed in| utmost importance to follow trying to duplicate a natural candescent) or any other ac- | perienced members that are but no fragrance, others have combination. ly or growers who specialize environment from where the ceptable means of artificial The key to success is to the wild. the basic requirements for willing to provide advice. both. (f) Misting requirements. in orchids. Unfortunately, plant vanety originated. If lighting, e.g. grow lights. 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