Purchasing Orchids and finding the right position to grow them

There are many factors which influence the choice of orchid to buy. Price, choice of colour, shape and most importantly the environment that is available to put the flower.

You can purchase orchids from good reputable flower shops and dealers. The best place to purchase orchids is from orchid specialist as you will not only get the best that money can buy but advice as well regarding best techniques to grow your orchid.

Most orchid nurseries have a mail order facility which allows you to order orchids in the comfort of your homes. The nurseries can put together a selection of orchids that will grow well together and that will suit your home climatic conditions.

Nurseries have hybrids that are much easier to grow as compared to original species. When buying orchids look for the following qualities

1. pseudo-bulbs that are firm

2. an orchid with many new fresh shoots will grow well

3. healthy, spot free foliage

4. The more flower bearing shoots and buds the better.

Orchids depend on favourable conditions of light and temperature to grow well. Orchids can be classified into 3 different groups of temperature, and are thus known as warm, temperate or cool orchids.

Buy well known orchids as there are readily available documented methods of propagating them. Unidentifiable orchids will give you problems. Avoid purchasing young orchids as there are more sensitive when compared with older plants. Plants with flowers tat are fully open cope well with transporting and repositioning.

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Purchase meristem-propagated plants

Orchids grown in this manner are less expensive because they grow quick. They are also propagated by pollinating only well grown strong plants. Thus there will be some guarantee of good health for the flowers. When you buy orchids in winter pack them well.

Frost should be kept far away as possible. Spray mist the new orchids instead of watering them after unpacking them. You can irrigate them after 2 days or when the compost is really dry.

Orchids for beginners

If you are still a novice at propagating orchids, it is advisable to grow hybrids. This is because they adapt quickly to new environments and grow rapidly without much effort.

Orchids in hydoroculture

Orchids can be grown quiet well using this method. Its good practice to purchase the orchids in a hydroculture container from the very beginning, as a changeover from soil to hydroculture is risky as well as time wasting.

Do not let orchids propagated in hydroculture to become cold. You can prevent this from happening either by placing a warm pad underneath the plants or adding a heating cable into the container.

Cattleya hybrids, Phalaenopsis, Phalenopsis , paphiopedilum, Laelia and Doritaenopsis are suitable for hydroulture. Orchids that receive water and fertilizer only through the leaves such as epiphytes are not suitable for hydroculture. Terrestrial orchids also do not grow well in hydroculture because they thrive best in cool positions.

Orchids for cut flowers

Orchids last much longer than most cut flowers. Cymbidium lasts about 4 weeks while dendrobium phalaenopsis and Laelia last three weeks and one week respectively.

Tips on cutting

  • Cut orchid flowers and panicles under running water

  • Dip Dendrobium panicles in alcohol

  • Use lukewarm, boiled water in vases

  • Cut the stalk every two or three days

  • Ensure that there is adequate water at all times, avoid draught

  • During the night place the vase in a cool position