Growing orchids is no longer an activity just for the privileged few. Now it’s something practically anyone can do and be good at. This happened as a result of studying these plants both in their native habitats and in greenhouses, gardens and even the laboratory.
One of the most important discoveries about orchids was the finding that some of the most ornamental species require less heat and less expensive growing equipment than was once thought necessary. This understanding opened up orchid growing to anyone willing to spend the time to learn its ins and outs.
In the 1800s, when the passion for orchids really boomed, many would-be growers were at first held back by one major problem. Travelers were sending back home the most exotic orchids they could find, but usually without detailed information as to their local growing conditions. Orchids vary greatly in their needs, such as for light, heat and water, and not knowing a particular plant’s unique requirements could and often did lead to disaster. “The want of some such information has been a source of extreme vexation to many lovers of these plants,” one writer complained in 1885.
Here in the 21s century we are much luckier as far as access to accurate information about the orchids and how to care for them. We can stand on the shoulders of past orchid lovers who meticulously jotted down all they learned about each type and species of the plants that they encountered.
So, it is crucial to know what an orchid’s native habitate and climate are like. Take that with a grain of salt, however. Generally, you shouldn’t try to completely re-create the conditions of a plant’s natural habitat. Within reason, it is possible to cultivate better looking orchids than nature produces by intelligently tampering with its environment. As you might guess, this is both art and science.
To again quote that writer in 1885: “We admit that we should by all means take nature as our guide for the production of good plants but it should be nature in her best garb only and then looking as we do upon cultivation as a help to nature the result can only be an improvement if success in the object aimed at has been attained.”
So what should a neophyte to orchid cultivation do? How do you strike a balance between imitating nature and improving on it with the tools of modern horticulture? The answer is simple: Educate yourself. You can successfully grow orchids if you know what you’re doing up-front.
One of the best and most complete guides to modern orchid growing is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which may be downloaded online. Now, there are lots of books about orchids but Mr. Howard’s guide constitutes a complete education all by itself. And, it’s suitable for beginners as well as more seasoned orchid growers. Also, check out the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing database of postings on many aspects of orchids.
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