Orchid Growing Part 2

Be a Successful Orchid Grower

To be a successful orchid grower you simply need to provide the same conditions orchids have in the wild. Because of the wide range of the natural habitat of orchids, in order to be a successful orchid grower you must know the needs of the particular orchid you are growing.

Some orchids prefer warm temperatures, while others do better in cooler climates. Most orchids do well in humid conditions, but at certain times of the year they may need a dry atmosphere. However, each orchid is different and every orchid grower must know the needs of the orchid he or she is growing and to imitate the natural growing conditions of the orchid as closely as possible.

Create an Orchid Environment

Orchids grow in a wide variety of temperature environments. A successful orchid grower can take one of two paths - adjust the temperature to suit the orchid or choose an orchid which suits the environment of your house. No matter which route you take, an orchid grower needs to create a "mini-climate" for the orchids by using a combination of fluorescent and incandescent lighting, humidity control and proper watering.

Humidity for Orchid Growing

Most orchids do best in a humid atmosphere. The orchid grower can increase the humidity by growing orchids over a container which is filled with a damp substance like sphagnum moss. Orchids can also be grown in a terrarium like care must be taken not to allow them to become too humid or to warm, conditions which may cause disease.

The successful orchid grower provides the proper balance of climactic conditions. As well as humidity, orchids also need circulating air to prevent fungus infections. If the air movement is too rapid, however, it will disburse the humid air. A slowly circulating fan pointed away from the orchids creates the best conditions for orchid growing.

Next: Orchid Growing Part 3 - Orchid Diseases