Orchids are stunning because they have a unique appearance and a wide range of other desirable qualities. In addition to being the most beautiful plants on Earth, orchids also make up the largest plant family with more than 30,000 organisms and more than 200,000 combination varieties. Orchids, while beautiful both inside and out, present a unique challenge for gardeners. If you want to breed these beautiful valentines flowers, you should be ready for the ups and downs that inevitably come with the process.
- Decide on an orchid variety
Of course, not all orchids are created equal. If you’re just getting started with gardening or growing orchids, some of the best species to start with are Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, and Paphiopedilum. But there are more than 20,000 known species of orchids, which is four times as many as there are mammal species and twice as many as there are bird species. Virtually everyone can find the perfect orchid. Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, and Oncidium are some of the most common orchid genera found in retail outlets. The genus Dendrobium, with its 1,200 or more varieties, is the typical epiphyte of orchids; the genus Oncidium, with its column wings and callus at the flower’s lip, is favored by novice growers and known as the “moth orchid.” Orchid genera have varying needs in terms of water, humidity, temperature, and light. Find out what conditions are ideal for growing your orchid species by contacting a nursery or a local orchid society.
- Select a suitable orchid soil type
Some inexperienced orchid growers use replanting soil as a medium because they wrongly believe that, like other spring flowers, orchids should be potted in soil. That’s a terrible idea. Most orchid roots require significantly more oxygen than would be provided by potting soil and would therefore advantage from a relaxed, more porous mixture. There are a wide variety of materials used as potting mix, from bark chips and sphagnum moss to coconut husks & charcoal to perlite and even styrofoam pellets. Try out several mixtures you have had on hand that are porous and airy, or consult a pro for their secret formula.
- Experiment with potting soil or a blend of different growing media
For the sake of convenience, two types of potting mixes can be prepared that are suitable for most orchids. Create a high-quality potting soil for orchids with shallow roots that prefer moist conditions, such as slipper rhododendrons, most militias, and others:
- It’s best to keep your orchid in a small pot unless it’s a very large plant
A lot of orchids prefer to be confined to their pots’ drainage holes. Select a more manageable pot for your orchid from the rose shop online, making sure there are adequate drainage holes. Keep in mind that overwatering is usually the worst thing for orchids. Some orchids, like cymbidiums, have extremely long root systems and thus need specially designed pots. The following vessels are an alternative to the standard clay pot. The wire mesh of net pots allows air to circulate through the plants. You may hang them in strategic places to maximize sunshine exposure. Plants benefit more from sunlight when grown in clear plastic containers. These enable the grower to examine the orchid’s roots without causing any damage to the plant. Garden containers made of rot-proof wood, made of wood. Sheet moss can be used to line any wooden containers before you fill them with potting soil.