Despite their reputation of being difficult to grow, orchids are simple to cultivate and nourish, said local orchid experts Beth Cox and Gertrude Powell, owners of theorchidgallery.net.
“The orchid is the largest family of flowering plant in the world with more than 30,000 species,” Ms. Powell said.
The biggest hurdle people face when purchasing one is not educating themselves on how to care for it properly, she said.
“Most people new to orchids kill them with kindness by watering them too much. They water the plants until the roots begin to rot. When the plant reaches that stage, there’s no turning back,” she said.
Though no universal rule applies to all orchids, the flowering plant likes to go through wet and dry cycles, Ms. Cox added.
“Think of watering your orchid as though it lived outside,” Ms. Powell said. “It can rain sometimes for 10 days, and then it might not rain again for 20 days. Orchids like that — a wet period and a gradual drying period.”
FIVE TIPS
1 Start with a forgiving variety. The phallenopolis is a great starter orchid. It has a beautiful flower that tends to last for several months.
2 Establish a watering schedule. Research your particular orchid, so you’ll know exactly when to water it. Most orchids like to be very wet and then get very dry. Before watering it, stick your finger in the dirt and check for moisture. If it’s too wet, don’t water it yet.
3Light it right. Most orchids love light but not too much of it. You have to figure out how your orchid is responding to light and move it around until you get it right. Again, you need to research your orchid.
4Fertilize moderately on a regular basis. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize your orchid “weakly weekly.”
5 Cultivate a hobby. The American Orchid Society and Tennessee Valley Orchid Society are good resources for beginners to expert growers. The local society welcomes new members. “It’s half about orchids and half about friendship,” Ms. Powell said. “And it can easily turn into a lifelong hobby.”