Orchid

If I wanted to start growing Orchids, what would I do?

Hello! I've recently become interested in growing Orchids as a hobby, and I was wondering if anyone could give me advice. I.e., informative websites, basics, etc. Specifically, how should I get started? What's a (relatively) easy orchid to grow?

Public Comments

1. Check for garden clubs, botanical gardens, or individuals that grow orchids. I have found gardeners to be helpful to beginners. Here is the link to the American Orchid Society: http://www.aos.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home It is a good place to begin your search for information. Secondly, go to the library to check out any books on orchids. Third, locate garden centers that specialize in orchids. They will have all the cultivation supplies along with books and maybe even beginner's classes to help you get started.
2. The easiest to grow will be the ones you can find at the big box stores e.g. Dendrobium, Oncidium and Phalaenopsis. All three are easy to grow, rewarding and very showy. Once you move past that you start getting into orchids that need more specific requirements. An example are the Vandas, they are typically grown in a basket without any potting medium but the roots need to be watered at least every other day. Some orchids have specific dormancy requirements, some grow better in sphagnum than in bark, some need soil. I grew orchids for a long time in Florida, where I tried to fit the specific needs of each orchid. I eventually took on a live and let live approach. Good sources would be 1. The American orchid society. 2. Fuqua orchid center at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens 3. University of Florida has several scientist that study orchids in the Department of Environmental Horticulture, look them up as well. I'm sure there are myriad other good sources and websites to check out. Just be careful, a lot of the personal orchid pages are anecdotal and should be taken with a grain of salt.
3. Hi ! As president of a local orchid society, I'd recommendd Joining,or at least sitting in at a meeting. Any local reputable orchid grower would also be a good source for plants and info. There is a great inexpensive book Complete Guide To Orchids,By Ortho books.I bought my copy at the local Home Depot. I would recommend Phalaenopsis as a good beginners orchid. also Paphiopedilums, the slipper orchids too.
4. The best thing you could do is look around for local greenhouses in your community or any type of local gardening shop. You will find answers to most of your questions because these people have the experience and knowledge of how to grow orchids and how to start. Remember these people were once in the same place you were, so look around in local greenhouses for the best help.