Growing Orchids: I’ve been reflecting on my orchid-growing journey. Here are 9 lessons I’ve learned along the way:
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1. There are More Orchids Than the Ones Found at the Grocery Store
Before attending my first orchid show, I had no idea there were so many different types of orchids. Even better, I learned that I could care for many of them right in my very own house. I also learned that there were many that weren’t suited for the environment I could reasonably provide and were best left to those who could. Oh big, beautiful purple vanda, how I love you, but I can’t take you home with me. Buy only orchids that you can provide a healthy growing environment.
2. Try New Things
It was my sister-in-law who first suggested trying kokedama with my orchids. Before she mentioned it to me, I’d never even heard of it. Now, kokedama is one of my favorite ways to grow phalaenopsis orchids. And, my phals seem to enjoy it as well.
3. Fresh Starts Can Be Very Good
Starting over can be hard. New jobs, new homes, new schools can be both exciting and terrifying. Orchids feel our pain. While they don’t like to be repotted, staying in the same fertilizer, salt-saturated, decomposed soil is even worse. Orchids need plenty of air movement around their roots that fresh potting mix provides.
4. If at First You Don’t Succeed – Buy Another Orchid
I purchased two mini cattleya orchids – one bloomed, and the other kept trying but not succeeding. After a couple of years of shooting blanks, I was finally rewarded with some gorgeous blooms. Likely due to immaturity, this orchid took time before it was ready to bloom.
Take it from me, don’t give up on your orchids. If your orchid is resistant to blooming, it may need more light or a temperature change.
5. Joy in Every New Leaf and Root
While it’s true that flowers are the intended purpose of growing orchids, there is joy in every new leaf and root. An orchid in active growth is preparing to flower.
So, if your orchid isn’t in bloom, but you see a new pseudobulb or a new leaf, don’t despair. If properly cared for, flowers are on their way. For more tips on how to bloom orchids, click here.
6. Always Room for More – Orchids
While space may be limited, I’ve found that I can always find more room for more orchids. I simply ran out of windowsill space and needed to get creative. For my husband, that meant relinquishing the light system I had given him so I could start growing orchids under lights. Thank you, Honey!
7. That’s My Favorite, No, That’s My Favorite
A while back, I re-read some of my posts and noted that in several instances, I had noted a favorite orchid. In each instance, they were different orchids, but I wasn’t lying. At that time, that was my favorite orchid. I fully admit to having several favorites: paphiopedilums, dendrobiums, cattleyas, and of course, the ever-faithful phalaenopsis.
8. You Don’t Have to Know It All, Grow It All, Do It All or Love It All
Malcolm Gladwell in his book Outliers, made famous the idea that it takes 10,000 hours to become a true proficient in any field. I am here to tell you that while there may be a select few who have devoted 10,000 hours to orchid culture, you can successfully grow orchids without hardly putting in any time at all.
In fact, you don’t have to know it all to grow orchids properly. By becoming acquainted with a few basics (temperature, water, fertilizer, and light), you’ll be able to give proper care to your orchids
Discover more about keeping your orchid’s leaves and roots healthy by grabbing your free cheat sheet. Click here to grab your cheat sheet to learn how to grow healthier orchids. It will be super helpful.
While I am tempted to grow every orchid genera that would thrive in my care – I don’t, and you don’t – need to try them all. Though I will say that growing a least a few different varieties is immensely satisfying.
Wow! You are telepathic as well as a great inspiration for orchid growers!!
You have read my mind completely!
I live in the Balearics in Spain, and despite our amazing climate, it is still not appropriate for some orchid species. But I am learning...you cannot grow any plant that is not supposed to be in your climate. We see species imported into the garden centres that end up wilted on the shelves…so sad…but as you say, just the leaves alone are very special if you can’t find the way to have them flower again. We keep persevering!
Thanks again for your wise advice!
9. You Don’t Have to Have a Greenhouse to Grow Beautiful Orchids
You may relate to my being intimidated by orchids. My thoughts were: I live in the desert – orchids need high humidity. I live in a 4-season climate – most orchids do not tolerate freezing temperatures. Great, I need a greenhouse if I want to grow orchids. While my concerns were valid, I’m glad they didn’t stop me from growing orchids.
I found that all of my obstacles to growing orchids could be overcome. I invested in a humidifier, humidistat, and fan. Orchids that need humidity over 50% I don’t buy. I don’t grow my orchids outdoors or in a greenhouse. Instead, I grow them indoors, either by a window or under lights.
Whatever is holding you back from growing orchids, they can likely be overcome. To learn more about the tools I use to grow orchids, click here.
10. I Love Orchids
At the end of the day, I love orchids. I find them fascinating plants. There will always be more to learn and more orchids to try. More challenges in learning to care for them. But, one thing is for sure: I will never find them boring. Frustrating, sometimes. But always interesting.
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