Growing Orchids For Beginners: Are You Insane?
Before we can discuss growing orchids for beginners, let's talk about what I mean by "beginner". A beginner is somebody who has never worked with plants or done any kind of gardening in their lives. If you are that kind of chlorophyll-challenged beginner, then orchids are just about the worst plant for you to try and grow. First, try forgiving plants that do well in your local environment before you tackle anything as complex as an orchid.
Orchid Virgins
Now, if you have grown other kinds of plants successfully - even a spider plant in your living room that seems immortal - then you are not such an ignorant beginner. You at least have some knowledge of what is required when growing orchids for beginners. You realize that you are responsible for the water, soil, pots and temperature conditions of the plants that are completely dependant on your care.
Orchids and their hybrids are vastly different from other plants. Growing orchids for beginners is not like growing other kinds of plants. Orchids normally live in hot, tropical environments and grow out of tree bark rather than up from the ground. You really need to do a lot of homework before bringing an orchid home - unless you're into dead orchids.
Not All Are Alike
Each orchid or orchid hybrid has different watering, temperature and growing medium needs. Some need more water and some less. Some need their roots to have a lot of air circulation around them, while some are not too picky about how much air their roots get. Going over every orchid and orchid hybrid known and their care is far beyond the scope of this article.
But knowing that growing orchids for beginners means a lot of homework and research will help you get started in the right direction. Ask your garden store or local nursery what orchids do best in the area you live in. There may even be a local orchid or gardening club online that welcomes questions about growing orchids for beginners. Never be afraid to ask questions!
Other websites to check out are the American Orchid Socitey, which is a great place to try and find gardeners in your area. They probably know all of the answers for your questions on growing orchids for beginners. You can also check out The Orchid Mall website, but don't be tempted to buy, buy, buy. One good thing about growing orchids for beginners is that you develop a deep respect for Mother Nature.
