The Best Orchid Growing Conditions: Follow Nature's Lead?

Orchid growing no longer lies exclusively within the domain of the privileged few, now that the means and requirements for cultivation are better understood. This happened as a result of studying these plants both in their native habitats and in greenhouses, gardens and even the laboratory.

One of the most important discoveries about orchids was the finding that some of the most ornamental species require less heat and less expensive growing equipment than was once thought necessary. The knowledge gained opened orchid cultivation to anyone willing to learn what there was to know about it.

In the 19th century, when the mania for orchids really took off, many would-be growers were at first held back by one huge problem. Travelers were sending back home the most exotic species they could find, but usually without detailed information as to their local growing conditions. Orchids vary greatly in their needs, such as for light, heat and water, and not knowing a particular plant's unique requirements could and often did lead to disaster. "The want of some such information has been a source of extreme vexation to many lovers of these plants," one writer complained in 1885.

Nowadays we are much luckier with respect to understanding the orchids entrusted to our care. We can stand on the shoulders of other orchid devotees who meticulously jotted down everything they learned about each type and species of the plants that they encountered.

Yes, it is important to understand the habitat and climate from which an orchid comes. But take that with a grain of salt. Generally, you shouldn't try to completely re-create the conditions of a plant's natural habitat. To some degree it is possible to grow more impressive orchids than nature produces by carefully tweaking its environment. This is an art as well as science.

Again quoting that Victorian orchid authority: "We admit that we should by all means take nature as our guide for the production of good plants but it should be nature in her best garb only and then looking as we do upon cultivation as a help to nature the result can only be an improvement if success in the object aimed at has been attained."

So what should a neophyte to orchid cultivation do? Can one strike a balance between imitating nature and trying to improve on it? The answer: Gain a solid grounding in the subject. You can successfully grow orchids if you know what you're doing up-front.

Among the best and most thorough guides to modern orchid growing is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which may be downloaded online. Now, there are lots of books about orchids but Mr. Howard's guide is a complete course, and good for beginners and more experienced growers alike. Also, visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing library of postings on all aspects of orchids.