Orchids are considered by many to be beautiful, exotic, tropical plants that are hard to grow.  Beautiful, exotic and tropical, yes.  But they are not necessarily hard to grow.  As with any group of plants, there are some that are finicky about blooming and have special requirements.  But within each group, there are species and varieties that are easy enough for the beginner to grow.

Perhaps the most popular orchid is the cattleya.  These are most often used for corsages in the florist trade.  Many years of hybridizing has resulted in a fantastic array of colors.  The cattleya is an excellent plant for the beginner.  They can withstand many of the initial mistakes made by the novice grower and the flowers are delightful.

Cattleyas can withstand hot weather if adequate ventilation and humidity are provided.  They do best when the temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and between 55 and 60 degrees at night.  A difference between day and night temperatures is especially important for flowering.

A minimum humidity of 50% is generally considered a necessity.  However it does not need to be constant.  Humidity may be maintained in the home with morning mistings or gravel trays.

A gravel tray consists of a low, water-holding pan containing a layer of gravel.  A bit of water is maintained in the bottom of the tray.  The orchid pot may sit on a stand or rack over the tray.  Evaporating water keeps the humidity high around the orchid.  The orchid pot should never be in contact with the water.

Air circulation is important.  Normal circulation in the home is sufficient.  Greenhouses and similar enclosures should be fitted with a fan.

Cattleyas need plenty of light, but not direct sun.  A lightly shaded South window is best.  East or West facing windows are satisfactory if bright light is available.

Cattleyas should be watered in the morning so that water will not remain on the leaves at night.  Watering frequency depends upon the size and material of the pot and the potting medium being used.  The best rule of thumb is to lift the potted orchid.  If it feels light, water it.  Water well, drain well, and allow it to become almost dry before watering again.

Fertilize plants with a water-soluble fertilizer twice per month during the growing season, and about once per month from late Fall through early Spring.  Alternate fertilizings with at least two good waterings to wash out any left-over fertilizer salts that could damage the plants.

Normally, few pest problems occur for the home-grown orchid.  However, those grown outdoors during summer, or in a greenhouse, can be damaged by snails or slugs.  Mealy bugs, scale insects and other pests may also present problems  All can be controlled with commercially available pesticides.

Phalaenopsis, often called "moth orchids", are also excellent for beginning orchid growers.  A full-size phalaenopsis could be in bloom for 6 to 8 months out of the year, producing two or more flower spikes per year.  Blooming can be easily prolonged.  When the last flower has wilted, the spike can be cut back to about an inch above the third or fourth node (which appears as a bump on the spike).  Usually, a side shoot will form from one of the remaining nodes within a few weeks.

Phalaenopsis prefer day temperatures between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and night temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees.  Temperatures as low as 50 degrees will not harm them, and may be helpful to initiate flower production.  But low temperatures can encourage fungus problems.  Humidity should be maintained between 50% and 70%.  Air circulation is important.

Phalaenopsis prefer low light levels.  As with cattleyas, they will do well in windows with East, West or South exposure if they are not exposed to full sun.  Because they prefer low light, they can be grown successfully under artificial light.

Water phalaenopsis as you would cattleyas.  Fertilizer requirements are the same.

Most orchids naturally grow in trees, but two most popular groups are terrestrial.  That is to say they grow in the ground.  One is the Paphiopedilum group.  The paphiopedilums look like "lady-slipper" orchids, with their deep, cup-shaped pouches.  Though there are cool-growing and warm-growing types, both can be grown together if day temperatures range between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures do not reach below 55 degrees.

Humidity, watering and fertilizer requirements are about the same as with other orchids.  Like phalaenopsis, they prefer low light, and will succeed under artificial light.

The other popular terrestrial orchids are the Cymbidium group.  Cymbidiums have long strap-like leaves and produce spikes bearing many large, colorful flowers.  Cymbidiums, along with cattleyas and phalaenopsis, are often used in flower arrangements and corsages.

Cymbidiums prefer cool temperatures, but can be grown successfully if certain conditions are met.  They love to be moved outdoors in Spring as soon as the night temperatures stay above 40 degrees F.  They won't need to be brought back indoors until a very light frost touches them in the Fall.  Maximum night temperatures during winter must not be above 55 degrees.

There must be a good difference between day and night temperatures for cymbidiums to begin flowering.  To help achieve this, some growers sprinkle the leaves with water at night or in late afternoon to cool the plants.

From Spring to Fall, cymbidiums must be exposed to maximum light without full sun.  To avoid sunburn, slowly increase exposure to light during the Spring.  Never expose to full sun.  Shade can be increased as flowering begins.

Cymbidiums must never dry out, but they do need good drainage and ventilation.  Fertilize every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season.

Many other delightful orchid genera can provide beginners with satisfying experiences.  Epidendrums, Oncidiums and Vandas are very good.  Most have cultural requirements similar to Phalaenopsis and Cattleyas.

Give orchids a try.  You'll be surprised by their ease of culture and the beauty they provide.

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