Growing Info — Getting Started
Introduction to Growing Orchids
An overview of orchid culture for beginners — what to expect, basic requirements, and choosing your first plants.
Growing orchids can be a fascinating and rewarding hobby. Although orchids are sometimes considered difficult plants to grow, many species and hybrids are surprisingly easy to maintain once their basic needs are understood. The key to success is recognising that orchids are a very diverse group of plants and that their requirements can differ considerably.
Understanding Orchids
Orchids occur naturally in many parts of the world, from tropical rainforests to cool mountain regions and even temperate areas such as southern Australia. Some orchids grow in the ground and are known as terrestrial orchids, while many tropical orchids grow attached to trees or rocks. These are called epiphytic orchids.
Epiphytic orchids do not take nutrients from the trees on which they grow. Instead, their roots are adapted to absorb moisture and nutrients from rain, air and organic material collecting around them. This explains why many commonly cultivated orchids should not be planted in ordinary garden soil.
The Basic Requirements
Successful orchid growing depends on providing the right balance of several basic conditions:
Light
Most orchids require good light but protection from strong direct sunlight. Too little light may result in healthy-looking leaves but few or no flowers, while excessive sunlight can burn the foliage. Bright, filtered light is suitable for many commonly grown orchids.
Water
Overwatering is one of the most common problems for beginners. Orchid roots generally need both moisture and air. The growing medium should therefore be allowed to drain freely, and many orchids benefit from becoming slightly drier between waterings.
Air movement
Good air circulation helps keep orchids healthy and reduces the risk of fungal and bacterial diseases. This is particularly important when plants are grown closely together or in humid conditions.
Temperature
Different orchids prefer different temperature ranges. Some enjoy warm tropical conditions, while others require cooler nights or a distinct seasonal change to initiate flowering. Selecting orchids suited to your local climate makes growing them considerably easier.
Humidity
Many orchids appreciate moderate to high humidity, but humidity should always be accompanied by adequate air movement. Constantly wet, stagnant conditions can quickly lead to root and leaf problems.
Fertiliser
Orchids require nutrients, but generally in relatively small amounts. Regular applications of a suitable orchid fertiliser at the recommended concentration are usually preferable to occasional heavy feeding.
Pots and Growing Media
Many orchids are grown in specialised, free-draining media rather than ordinary potting soil. Depending on the type of orchid, this may include orchid bark, perlite, charcoal, sphagnum moss or combinations of these materials.
The purpose of the growing medium is not simply to hold the plant upright. It must also allow water to drain and air to circulate around the roots.
Healthy roots are one of the foundations of a healthy orchid.
Choosing Your First Orchid
For beginners, it is usually best to start with established plants that are suited to the local growing conditions. Popular choices may include Cymbidiums, Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums and some Cattleyas, although the best choice will depend on where and how the plant will be grown.
Before purchasing an orchid, consider where you intend to keep it. Will it grow indoors, under shade cloth, on a veranda or in a dedicated orchid house? How much sunlight will it receive? What are the summer and winter temperatures?
Choosing an orchid that naturally suits the conditions you can provide is much easier than trying to modify your environment to suit a difficult plant.
When purchasing your first orchid, look for a healthy plant with firm leaves, healthy roots and no obvious signs of pests or disease. A flowering or near-flowering plant can be particularly rewarding for a beginner.
Learning to Read Your Plants
Orchid growing is partly about observation. Plants will often indicate whether their conditions are suitable. Leaf colour, root growth, new shoots and flowering can all provide useful information.
Do not be discouraged if an orchid does not flower immediately. Many orchids grow according to an annual cycle, producing new growth during one part of the year and flowers during another. Understanding these cycles is part of learning how to grow orchids successfully.
Start Simply
There is no need to begin with a large collection or expensive equipment. Start with a few healthy plants, learn their requirements and observe how they respond to your conditions.
As your experience develops, you can explore the extraordinary diversity of orchids and experiment with different genera and growing techniques.
Perhaps the most useful advice for any beginner is simple: choose orchids suited to your conditions, provide good drainage and air movement, and observe your plants regularly.
And be warned — many experienced growers started with just one orchid.