It is high time the myth about orchids was dispelled. True, they are glamorous, but there is no need to equate glamour with being hard to grow. Some are as easy to grow indoors as other houseplants:
- The moth orchid
- The lady slipper
- The miniature cymbidium
After growing these, go on to the florists' orchid, which is more of a challenge. Avoid the regular, big cymbidiums, as they need a chilling in August through September that is hard to provide in many parts of the country.
Different types of orchids require different amounts of light. Moth orchids like bright, but no direct sunlight. Lady slipper prefers indirect light. Miniature cymbidium wants very bright light. Cattleya insists on light bright enough that foliage becomes yellow green.
Keep the potting medium moist. Since it is porous, water runs right through. So water every other day - possibly every day in hot weather. Apply room temperature water at the sink and let excess drain out. Do not let water stand in leaf axils of moth orchid and lady slipper, or they will rot. Cymbidiums and cattleyas have bulbs; water runs off them easily.
Most orchids don't grow in soil. They're potted in fir bark or tree fern chunks. Purchase potting media from any mail order orchid firm or from any nursery selling orchids. When you buy an orchid plant, be sure it is already potted, not bare root. The medium the potted plant comes in will last at least two years before breaking down and needing replacement.
Use special orchid fertilizer, available wherever orchids are sold. Follow instructions on the package. Orchids are heavy feeders, but the time and money spent feeding them will result in more robust plants and longer blooming periods.
Humidity is a must for orchids. Provide it by setting the plants on pebbles in a tray of water. Keep the water level below the top of the pebbles, as the roots of most orchid varieties will rot if kept constantly moist. Mist foliage regularly, in the morning, so plants can dry off during the day. Orchids like air circulation, but keep them away from drafts.
If scale insects attack, rub them off with a soft old towel dipped in sudsy water.
Orchids propagate by division. Lady slipper makes offsets; divide only when pot is crowded. Moth orchids produce offsets and sometimes sprout plantlets on old stems. Cattleya and cymbidium bloom on successive pseudo bulbs; divide rhizome into sections, with each portion having at least three or four bulbs.
