Orchid Grower
Insider Info
Some people have green thumbs. They like to grow plants and they're good
at it. Some of those people like to grow flowers. Of those people, some prefer
to grow orchids -- and nothing but!
"I find a lot of joy in watching a planted seed grow and produce something
beautiful. It's always been part of my existence growing up," says orchid
grower Jim Toth in Saskatchewan.
For orchid growers, the orchid is the Cadillac of flowers.
Orchids are flowering plants. There are more than 20,000 different species
of orchids. They grow all over the world. They can be found in the tropics,
in the mountains, by the water, and in the grasslands.
An orchid requires certain conditions to grow and bloom. The orchid grower
must be careful to make sure the plant has what it needs! There are five key
factors to manage -- temperature, light, humidity, water and air circulation.
Every species is different. Some plants will do fine in the window while
others need to grow under special lamps. Orchids are very picky about their
environment!
Growing orchids is a challenge. That's one of the reasons growers grow
them.
Another aspect to this hobby is that it's both a great way to be alone
and a great way to meet people. That is, you can enjoy orchids all by yourself,
or you can join a group to discuss orchids to your heart's content.
This is true for Roberta Fox of California. She has a large collection
of orchids. "I can spend lots of time just looking at them, always looking
for that new growth, that new bud. Also, I have met some wonderful people,
whose company I enjoy and who have taught me a lot."
Anyone can grow orchids. If you don't have a basement or a greenhouse,
you just have to buy the kind of orchid that likes to sit on the window-sill
and enjoy the type of environment you live in.
You've heard about pedigreed dogs and cats. Would you believe there are
pedigreed orchids? There are!
These are what expert growers like to grow. Pedigreed orchids have paper
documentation confirming their type. While it may grow well on your window-sill,
the orchid you bought at the corner supermarket probably doesn't have this
documentation.
Another thing that makes orchids so special is that many of them are endangered
species. Sometimes, this makes it hard to get your hands on some of the rarer
plants.
This is a popular hobby. The American Orchid Society has about 30,000 members
around the world.
The American society was started 75 years ago. At that time, orchid cultivation
was mainly a hobby for wealthy people. Now, it's a hobby for anyone. That's
because all you really need is space and a good way with plants.
How much you spend on this hobby is up to you. You may buy an orchid for
$40 that doesn't need special equipment to grow. Or you can buy a rare specimen
for thousands of dollars!
You may also check out orchid shows to find a plant that appeals to you.
"Orchid clubs usually have a raffle table, and that can be a source of plants
for a very reasonable price," says Fox. "And often, people have divisions
of their plants that they will share, or sell very reasonably."
If you want to grow a "sit in your window" orchid, you will need: a mister
with which to spray your plant, some fertilizer, and a special pot with some
kind of growing medium.
What's a growing medium? Since orchids don't grow in soil, they need a
growing medium such as clay pebbles, peat moss, fir bark or even boiled corks.
Most of these basic supplies can be had for under $30. If your window isn't
bright enough or your orchid is a tricky one, you'll need fluorescent lights,
which cost around $8 a bulb and $25 for the fixture. Or you might need metal
halide lamps, which can run up to $250!
Many growers also have humidifiers to keep the air moist. That's another
big expense, depending on how fancy the machine is.
There are careers related to this hobby. Some orchid cultivators get so
serious about their plants that they end up as orchid house businesspeople.
They breed orchids to sell to other enthusiasts.
Some orchid fans become fascinated by the general practice of horticulture
and become horticulturists at a university or in a private business.
Getting Started
If you want to try growing an orchid, the experts suggest
you go to your local supermarket and buy a "no name" orchid. Actually, it'll
most likely be a phalaenopsis, but it'll be a no name because it won't have
documentation. Nevertheless, it's a fine plant for under $30 and it grows
in normal household conditions.
If you've got a green thumb and you find these strange plants intriguing,
you'll want to look into some literature on the subject. Your local library
will have details on the different species and how to care for them.
When choosing the types of orchids you want to grow, consider your climatic
restrictions. How much room do you have? Are you willing to buy space heaters,
lights or a humidifier? Do you want to build a greenhouse? What's the weather
like where you live?
The next step is to get involved in an orchid club. Fox recommends learning
from others.
"Go to shows if you can find them. Talk to people. I have the advantage
of living in an area with many growers, and many clubs," she says. "However,
there is also lots of information on the Internet -- newsgroups, chat groups,
and all sorts of Web sites."
Associations
American Orchid Association
16700 AOS Lane
Delray Beach
,
FL
33446-4351
USA
Internet
:
http://orchidweb.org/aos/
Peninsula Orchid Society
P.O. Box 6894
San Mateo
,
CA
94403
USA
Internet
:
http://penorchidsoc.org/
Links
The Orchid Mall
Billed as "Your Link to the Orchid World on the Internet"
Growing Orchids
Check out these insightful tips from the folks at the Royal Botannical
Gardens
Step-by-step overview of the art of growing orchids
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