Agriculture Department

Chesapeake Master Gardener Tips

May 2002

Virginia Cooperative Extension, Chesapeake Office

If you have been in the stores or at the garden shows lately, you had to have noticed beautiful orchids are everywhere tempting you to take them home. Do not be afraid to add one of these plants to your home. Orchids are one of the misunderstood and most beautiful plants that the average person can grow. Maintaining the plants is relatively simple and with little care you can have a plant that will stay in bloom often for two months. With a little guidance you will have the necessary instruction for growing and taking care of your plants. First a little bit about Orchids. There are three main branches of the orchid family:

• Epiphytes that are air plants or tree dwellers. These plants only live in the tree to have a place to anchor themselves. They are not parasites as some people believe and only need the tree for a place to be anchored.
• Terrestrial orchids generally live in rich, fluffy humus; their roots resemble those of epiphytes and have similar needs for water, air, and fertilizer. They generally resemble the epiphyte and have become terrestrial when they fell out of a tree and were able to survive in the soil.
• Lithophytes are an epiphytic species that can be found growing with its roots attached to rocks or growing in extremely rocky terrain where there is scant humus matter. These plants are often able to "glue" themselves to the rock surface.

When buying orchids choose plants with healthy roots, which are plump and silvery white. If the roots are shriveled and discolored it may be an indicator that the growing medium is starting to decompose. Look for buds on the spike that have not yet opened, an indicator that you will have future blooms.

Six requirements for growing orchids:

1. Air and ventilation
   Orchids require a constant movement of air. You can use a ceiling fan or a small table fan in the area where you keep the plants just make sure the fan is never turned off. This will also aid in keeping the leaves clean. If dust forms on the plant leaves it may still require wiping the leaves clean. In summer you can keep the plants outside and that will furnish this environment.
2. Lots of sunlight
   The orchid requires light as it finds in nature. Strong direct sunlight will burn the leaves and may prove fatal to the plant. Dappled or indirect light is needed. Growing the plant in a window requires a gauze type curtain. The use of expensive grow light systems is not necessary. A simple shop light with twenty-watt fluorescent lights will do just as well. You can set up a timer on the wall outlet that will furnish the same amount of light as there would be in nature.
3. Warmth
   Orchids generally require temperatures that are at least sixty-five degrees to survive. Other than the hardy orchid that grows in the ground, a warm environment is required to survive.
4. Water
   Orchids unlike other plants do not require excessive amounts of water. In fact over-watering of the orchid may be fatal. The general rule is to water the plant once a week.
5. Fertilizer
   It is not necessary to use expensive orchid fertilizers. You can use a common 20-20-20 fertilizer with satisfactory results. Most of the orchid fertilizers only require a mixture of approximately 1/8 teaspoon per one gallon of water. It is only necessary to fertilize the orchid about once a month with this solution immediately followed with water.
6. Potting
   Select a pot that will accommodate the plant and allow one to one and one-half inches for growth. Orchids do well in terra cotta pots that have the extra drainage holes. These are sold at most home improvement or garden centers as "Orchid pots". Fill it 1/3 with broken flowerpots, stones or coarse charcoal for drainage. In nature, orchids generally do not need a lot of medium and receive all the water they need from the rains. Use only enough medium to anchor the plant in the pot. You can use a medium such as fir bark or other orchid growing mediums, all of which are readily available. The most common reason for repotting is that the compost has deteriorated. During repotting, the old compost is removed and discarded. At this time it is best to check the roots. Any that are soft and brown should be removed carefully, as near as possible to the point where they emerge from the upper parts of the plant.

What type of Orchids to grow is one of personal choice and the amount of money you want to spend on plants and equipment. This can run from about twenty to twenty-five dollars for the equipment and from ten to thirty dollars for the plants. This can go up into three to five figure cost if you want to have a greenhouse. Some people have the greenhouse now but it will still require changes to provide for misting and shade requirements.

The more common plants found for sale in the stores are as follows:

Phalaenopsis (fal-en-OPP-sis): This is the "Moth Orchid" that is found in most sales areas. The blooms are up to four inches wide. These are on long canes and will last for around two months. When the bloom is finished do not cut the canes as future blooms may come from the same cane. When the cane turns dark brown then it is time to cut it off. You may be able to propagate the plant by division and keikis work on a small scale that is more of a hobby than mass production. Do not let the plants dry out completely as the leaves contain the nourishment required for life. The plant may bloom twice a year.

Dendrobium (den-DROH-bee-um): This is my favorite orchid for the home. You don't have to worry about having too many plants of the same appearance as it this family contains over 1,000 species. It prefers medium to bright light but again do not place in direct sunlight. It will grow in warm to cool conditions and can be taken care of by beginners to advanced gardeners. I had an eight-inch plant that had approximately forty-two blooms on it this year. It generally has side growth that may be divided after a couple of years.

You really can go ahead and purchase that orchid for your home or to give as a gift. They are relatively easy to maintain and the blooms are spectacular. If you are still nervous, pick up a simple growing guide or contact the Chesapeake Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension.

The Chesapeake Master Gardeners are here to help you with any questions you have concerning growing Orchids or any other gardening question. The Chesapeake Master Gardener Answerline number is 382-6348 or you can reach them at gardener@cityofchesapeake.net.
(This article submitted by Chesapeake Master Gardener Bill Clements.)

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Chesapeake Extension staff at (757) 382-6348/TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, veteran status, national origin, disability, or political affiliation. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. J. David Barrett, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Lorenza W. Lyons, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State, Petersburg.