This is the first guide I am attempting to write having been inspired by all the misleading myths surrounding orchids and the growing of orchids. On behalf of "Asian Jungles", I hope that some will find this short guide to be of some help and an inspiration to explore the truly amazing world of orchids.

Unlike so many people believe, you don't need to be an expert, nor do you need a green house to grow orchids successfully. Orchids are NOT the delicate plants many people think they are. Like most other houseplants, they have only a few basic needs and it pays to remember that orchids have adapted to a vast amount of conditions in order to survive as wild plants. Once you start growing orchids yourself you'll be amazed at just how strong they are.

The four basic needs:-

1. Light
2. Water
3. Humidity
4. Temperature

LIGHT

Lighting is important but nature has helped us out by showing us if more or less light is needed - simply watch the leaves. Most growers aim to have the leaves a light grass green colour. This shows that the orchids is getting as much light as it can tolerate. If the leaves become very yellow, you need to move the orchid to more shade or at least to an area where the light is not as bright. If the leaves are very dark green, simply move to a slightly lighter, brighter part of the room. In order to bloom, orchids need light and natural sunlight is always best but not direct sunlight. You'll more than likely find the best place is near an east or south facing window in a bright sunny room. So, there you have it, a bright sunny room away from direct sunlight - how much easier could it be?

WATERING

Watering is an important thing to get right and a golden rule is, rather water too little than too much. Remember, most orchids in the wild grow on trees or on other plants, getting moisture from the surrounding air. If there is enough humidity in the air, orchids can go for many months with little or no water at all. For the average home grower, a light spray or misting of the roots is all that is required no more than once a week. To make matters even easier, nature provides us with an easy to see indicator - if the roots are white, firm and fleshy with green tips, you're doing a wonderful job at caring for your orchid. Nearly all orchids would rather be too dry rather than staying soggy. So, as far as watering needs are concerned, a light spray or misting one a week - nothing too demanding about that.

Humidity

Raising the humidity is something you may want to consider if you're wanting to get the most out of your blooms. While this may sound like a task you're not prepared for, it is simple and straight forward and at the same time, can create a wonderful visual effect. Simply find a suitable tray or any flat shapped container, fill with gravel or tiny pebbles and top up with water. Place this below your orchid and the evaporating water will supply more than enough humidity. Of course, do not stand the orchid directly in the water  or close enough for any roots  to lie in the water. This process is not essential but it will help with the blooming and as I have mentioned, it can make a wonderful display.

Temperature

Room temperature in most homes is acceptable for growing orchids so I'm not even going bother going into this. Of course, as with all plants, orchids also appreciate a little moving air so if you don't have any air circulation, you can always be kind to your orchid by aiming a small fan onto it every now and then.

How should I pot my orchid?

Apart from the terrestrials, most orchids are "epiphytes", meaning they are air plants and won't grow in soil. As I have mentioned earlier, they don't like wet, soggy roots and so they need to dry a bit between waterings. Soil simply does not allow this to happen so orchids are best potted in moss, orchid bark or coconut husk chips. In Thailand, the worlds largest orchid supplier and exporter, orchids are grown almost exclusively in coconut husk chips. In general, orchids are not heavy feeders and almost all garden centers sell suitable orchid fertiliser. Be careful though not to over feed. As with watering, if unsure, rather opt for too little than too much.

So, to sum it all up - grow your orchid in a bright sunny room away from direct sunlight. Spray or mist roots once a week. Orchid fertiliser can be already mixed into the water you use for spraying the roots. Keep at room temperature or outdoors in warm weather.

I really do hope that this short guide inspires some, if only a few people, to have a go at growing these amazing plants. They offer a whole new world and you will soon find yourself becoming more and more involved and learning something new everyday. Good luck and thanks for taking the time to read through this guide.

Regards

Asian Jungles