FAQ
Each week people from around the world send in questions about Orchids. Below you will find the most commonly asked questions.
If you have a question fill out our question form and we will email you back with an answer.
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Do I need a greenhouse to grow orchids
Not necessarily. Many popular orchids can be grown in your home in a window or under lights. Some are able to withstand a light frost. When selecting plants, choose those that will survive in the environment you have to offer.
What is the easiest orchid to grow?
Phalaenopsis are among the easiest and most rewarding orchids to grow. An American Orchid Society demographic survey showed that Phalaenopsis have become America~s favorite orchid. The plants adapt well to the environment of the home or office. From the time that the first flower bud opens, the sprays will remain in bloom for the next 2 tp 3 months.
They are no harder to grow than many popular flowering plants. Like any plant, an orchid needs water, food, light, and air. If you can grow other garden and house plants, you can grow orchids. All it takes is a little understanding and care.
Absolutely not! Of the 30,000 species of orchids that grow around the world, not one is parasitic. In nature, many orchids cling to trees and bushes as a growth habit; but they take nothing from the host plant and do not injure it in any way. Orchids that grow on trees are called epiphytes or, more commonly, air plants.
Some are powerfully scented, others less so. A few orchid fragrances defy description, while others resemble familiar fragrances - raspberry, coconut, lilacs and citrus. Others have no scent, but rely on shape and color to attract insects or birds for pollination. We've included this information on many items on our website, so smell them out!
It depends on the type, plus factors of culture and care. Blooms of hybrids of the Cattleya family may last from one to four weeks on the plant. Those of the Phalaenopsis family commonly last from one to four months.
What sort of soil do they need?
Most require none. In nature, orchids can be divided into four types according to growing conditions. Most are classified as epiphytes, or air plants, which grow on trees. The rock growers, or lithophytes, cling to the surfaces of rocks. Saprophytes are those that grow in mulch, often on the forest floor. Finally, there are the terrestrials which anchor themselves in soil or sand. As most orchids are epiphytes, they can be grown in tree bark, crumbled charcoal, pebbles, or on wooden or cork plaques.
Should Orchids be protected from drafts?
As a matter of fact, orchids require moving air. They do best where there is a steady breeze. After all, in nature, orchids are subject to all kinds of weather.
Like most plants, orchids prefer a middle range of temperatures, neither too hot nor too cold. Some warm-growing species can take hot weather; some cool-growers are not harmed by subfreezing temperatures. It depends on the plant. Generally, however, the climate in the home favors the intermediate species. Orchids from more severe climates that are accustomed to cool or warm temperatures year-round do not do as well.
Most are very long-lived. In fact, some species are virtually immortal, given the proper attention. Divisions or propagations of orchids discovered in the 19th century are still growing and blooming today... a botanical heritage from an earlier century.
It depends on the plant. Some bloom once a year; others bloom several times a year; some bloom continuously. We've tried to include this information on various items in our website.
The most popular types bloom in winter and spring, but orchids may be found that bloom in any month of the year. Keep in mind that when orchids bloom for their very first time, they may be flowering out of their regular season and will become a regular bloomer as time goes on.
Where can I learn more about orchids?
There are many excellent books available to help a novice grower learn more. Most bookstores and public libraries have them. The internet has many web sites devoted to the enjoyment of this hobby, most notably the American Orchid Society's site at www.aos.org. The American Orchid Society has been continually improving their website to bring new benefits to their members, so we encourage you to join! They also produce a beautiful, full-color magazine each month, full of information for both the beginner and the advanced grower. There are also chat groups available for making personal contact with other orchid hobbyists.
Perhaps the most useful step you can take is to find an experienced grower and make friends. And your best bet is to join your local orchid society.
What's the difference between near-flowering and flowering size?
These two descriptions are frequently used by orchidists to inform the reader of the maturity of the plants. Near-flowering size means that the plant should flower within two years. Flowering size means that the plant will flower within one year, when its season occurs. The size of the pot does not indicate maturity, as many plants will flower for the first time in a two inch pot. "Flowering size" also does not mean that the plant you ordered will be in bud or flower; it simply refers to its maturity.
When do I need to repot my orchids?
We recommend that orchid plants be repotted at least every two years or when the pot is filled with mature growths, or in the case of phalaenopsis, when your plant's leaf span is twice the size of the pot and there are many roots growing outside of your pot. Most orchids will not tolerate over-potting, so waiting until the pot is full before moving them up to the next pot size will ensure that the roots will be able to handle the additional moisture within the pot. We also recommend repotting whenever you receive a new plant to check the plant's root system and to check for any pests or diseases. Writing the date of repotting on your tags will serve as your reminder.