“Orchids, I could never grow orchids.” Be not afraid, you can grow orchids in your home without too much fuss or frustration. These graceful plants add elegance and beauty to your home for months for a minimal investment of time and money. I just attended the annual orchid show and sale of the American Orchid Society in Delray Beach, Florida. This was a wonderful look into the world of orchids for the novice and the professional.

There are seven basic groups of orchids. The Cattleya (CAT-lee-ah) is probably one of the most familiar. This is looks like the orchid your mother used to get for all important occasions. They have large, showy and sometimes deliciously fragrant flowers. There are thousands of cattleya hybids in striking colors from sunset orange to deep purple to delicate pinks and whites. Phalaenopsis (fail-en-OPP-sis) or moth orchids are among the most commonly cultivated orchids. They are easy to grow and come in various shades of white to deep purple and red. A third familiar orchid is the Dendrobium (den-DROH-bee-um). This is one of the largest families of orchids. The flower is about 2 or three inches in size and there are clusters on or along the stems. They are frequently seen in floral arrangements and stems can be purchased from florists for display in the home. Colors range from purples to white in various combinations. Oncidiums (on-SID-ee-umz) grow in bright sprays of small flowers from yellows to pinks to purples to whites. The most commonly seen have yellow flowers and are sometimes called “Dancing Ladies” because with a little imagination the small top section resembles a delicate head, torso and arms surrounded by two large petals that look like a skirt. Vanda orchids are familiar to those who watch the Rose Parade floats. Vandas grow with aerial roots and come in a wide variety of colors. The flowers are frequently large and brightly colored. They are considered high maintenance because they require copious, frequent watering because the aerial roots dry out quickly. The beautiful colors from deep blue to speckled white make them well worth the trouble.

Paphiopedilum (paff-ee-oh-PED-ill-um) is known as the slipper orchid. They have exotic flowers and are easy to grow. They must be 5 or 6 years old to flower. They come in a variety of colors from almost black to pinks and striated light greens. Brassavolas (brass-ah-VOLE-ahz) are not traditionally shaped orchids. They resemble a small open heart shaped petal arranged around a single stem. They are frequent bloomers and are deeply fragrant at night. They are popular with hybridizers and are crossed with Cattleyas creating beautiful and varied flowers.

The orchids that are recommended for beginners are the Phalaenopsis, Dedrobium, and the Oncidium depending on personal taste and growing conditions available. They are all usually available for a moderate amount ($16-$50) in local florists and even in Home Depot. I started with white phalaenopsis. These orchids require no direct sunlight and are fine away from a window. Nights of 60 degrees and days of 70 degrees or so make them perfect for homes in the north during the winter. To flower well they need a few weeks at 50 or 55 degrees. Do not allow them to dry out and water in the mornings only. Fertilize weekly during the growing season (winter in the north) and biweekly in the summer if they remain indoors. This is reversed if they are put out in the summer. They do well in baskets and pots. Never let the roots sit in water. Be careful not to let water get between the leaves and the stem. It is a good idea to support the main stem with a stake. Mine have done well and rebloom about once a year for 3 or 4 months. In between blooms I cheat and place an artificial silk bloom of the same color in the pot and no one is the wiser.

Dendrobiums love it bright, warm and sunny. They require bright light with night temperatures of 60-65 and days up to 100. Keep plants evenly moist while growing and use diluted fertilizer weekly during the growing season. Hard caned plants need little or no fertilizer in the winter. These air plants do well in baskets and pots that are small for the plant’s size. I purchased two miniature dendrobiums that are planted in charcoal at the orchid show. The grower assured me that they would grow under lights in the north but I had to have them close to the lights for maximum growth. I’ll see how they fare.

Oncidiums vary with the species. Follow the directions that come with the plants. They need bright to nearly full direct sun. Generally thicker leaved plants require the most light. Night temperatures of 55-60 degrees and day temperatures of 80-85 are good. Water plants with thicker leaves less frequently. Use diluted fertilizer during the growing season. These orchids can be grown in both pots and baskets depending on the species.

Try orchids. Buy plants in bloom and ask questions when you buy the plant. Be sure that you can create the environment required, and you will be rewarded with months of lovely, exotic blooms. Even if the plant dies later, you will have had months of bloom and pleasure. Don’t worry if the plant dies, almost all orchid growers have had a few failures. If, however, you persist, the reward of coaxing an exotic orchid to bloom is wonderfully satisfying. Bring the tropics home. Dare to try an orchid!!!

If you have any questions, try the web site of the American Orchid Society at www.aos.org.

Gardens by Judy,

If you have any remedies or products that have worked for you, and that you would like to share, email me at gardensbyjudy@townedigest.com

Have your garden questions answered by Judy. Questions and answers will be included in the monthly column. Send an e-mail to: gardensbyjudy@townedigest.com

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About the author: Judy is a certified Master Gardener with Cornell Cooperative Extension who loves sharing the joys of gardening with others. She helps garden hobbyists solve their problems and is happy to provide information and suggestions about garden planning and maintenance.

Gardens by Judy prides itself in helping the home owner and garden enthusiast plan and maintain that special garden. Judy works cooperatively with the gardener. She evaluates each garden visited and consults with the gardener about his/her goals. She helps in the design of new gardens and in the re-creation and improvement of present gardens. Judy also creates beautiful container gardens to enhance decks, porches and landscapes.