Growing orchids is both fascinating and rewarding.  Orchids are members of an extremely diverse family of plants.  There are many thousands of species of orchids.  Some varieties are easier for the average hobbyist to grow than others.  The most popular species of orchids are Cattleyas, Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums, Onicidiums, Cymbidiums, Paphiopedilums and Vandas.  There is no substitute for getting a good book on orchids and reading it.  I recommend any of the publications of the American Orchid Society.  I would like to share with the orchid novice some of the more important things I have learned (often the hard way) about successful orchid culture:

• Which orchid to grow first?

  For a person just starting out in orchid culture, I recommend trying a Phalaenopsis or Cattleya as a first orchid plant.  They are less demanding in culture than some of the other species and are more likely to bloom young and on a regular basis.  

• What do you grow orchids in?

Orchids are grown in a special potting media composed mostly of fir bark which may also contain charcoal, pearlite or other additives.  This media is commonly called "Orchid Mix" and is available at most garden centers (Home Depot) or places selling orchids.  NEVER USE POTTING SOIL of any kind to plant your orchid!  Potting soil will retain way too much moisture and will kill your plant.   Do not make this mistake.

• What kind of a pot should I use?

I recommend using a new, clean,  plain, un-glazed clay pot to hold your orchid.  The pot should be just large enough to accommodate the root ball of the orchid plant - do not "over pot" or your plant may not bloom.   Make sure the pot has a drainage hole in the bottom!  I have found that clay pots are much more tolerant to over watering and help prevent root rot.  Clay pots breath, plastic ones do not!   They are also heavier than plastic pots which keeps them from tipping over easily.   You can re-use old pots if you clean them well and soak them in a dilute bleach solution (5% bleach in water) to sterilize them.

• How do I pot an orchid plant?

Most of the time when you buy an orchid plant you will not have to worry about potting it.  Some orchids are sold as "bare roots" plants and will need to be potted after purchase.  The trick to potting an orchid properly is to OBTAIN GOOD DRAINAGE.  Make sure your pot has a large drain hole or holes in the bottom.  Cover the bottom of the pot with a single loose layer of Styrofoam packing peanuts.  The peanuts improve drainage and allow air to circulate throughout the potting media.  Add a small amount  of pre-soaked Orchid Mix to the pot to cover the peanuts.   When potting,  gently clean away any loosely adherent old potting media from the roots.  Cut away any damaged or rotted roots with a sterile sharp knife blade.  Place the roots of the orchid into the new pot to the same depth as they were in the old pot (if re-potting).  Continue to add orchid mix poking it in around the roots using your fingers or the eraser end of a pencil. Gently firm the orchid mix around the roots.

• How do I water my Orchid plant?

Water the orchid thoroughly with tepid water using a kitchen sink dish sprayer or something similar.  Water should exit the pot quickly and easily; if not find out why!  Allow the plant to drain completely and then place it on a plastic plant saucer.  Do not allow your plant to stand in a saucer full of water!   Orchids hate wet feet and root rot is the orchid growers worst enemy!  Orchid fertilizer can be used during periods of active growth immediately after watering.   Follow the manufacturers directions.  I recommend watering your orchids once a week to begin with.  Most orchids like to dry out somewhat between waterings.   When in doubt, feel the orchid mix with your fingers.  If it is still moist, do not water the plant.

• What type of growing conditions are best for my orchid?

Most orchids will do well under the same general conditions used for African violets.  Bright indirect sunlight is best.  Avoid direct hot sun.  Orchids are tropical plants and will benefit from moving air and 50% or greater relative humidity.  In the Winter, try running a humidifier - it is good for you and the plants!  A 10 degree swing in day to night temperature can be ideal and may even be required with some species to set buds.  Normal room temperatures are usually satisfactory.   Orchids do well on windowsills and also under plant lights. 

• Can orchids be grown outside?

Yes!  By all means try and place your orchids outside during the warm weather months in your area.  Placing a plant out of doors can make the difference between it blooming and not blooming.  A stay out side is especially beneficial for Cattleyas and Dendrobiums.  Find a sheltered location with good light but not in the direct hot sun.  I use plastic shelving from Home Depot to hold my orchids out of doors.  I have attached several sets of the shelving to the side of my utility shed which is partially shaded by a large tree.  The plastic shelving is of open slat construction giving perfect drainage.  Watch out for Japanese beetles however as they will chomp on your Phalaenopsis!