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Permalink Reply by Carol McIntyre/Zn5/WI on August 4, 2011 at 1:55pm

Don't be afraid of orchids!!  I would suggest starting out with what I consider the easiest to grow....  Phalaenopsis, also known as the moth orchid.

They like temps similar to what we do--- cooler at night, maybe 60-65* and warmer in the day--- 70-80*.  They prefer bright indirect light, so in or near an east or north window is good.  While they don't want to be soggy wet, the roots do like to be damp.  I prefer plastic pots with good drainage.  In addition, they like humid air, so in the winter when your house is dry you can add moisture to the air with a small room humidifier (all plants like this) or also can set your orchid pot on stones in a shallow tray that has water in it, making sure the pot isn't actually sitting in the water.  The evaporation will add the desired humidity.

There is a wide range of orchid soil mixes.  I would suggest that you make your first purchase from a reputible greenhouse or nursery (rather than a big box store or supermarket) where you can actually talk to someone who is knowledgable in orchid growing.

And don't forget Google!  Search "phalenaeopsis orchids" and you'll find tons of info on them.

Permalink Reply by Tammy Zaluzney on August 4, 2011 at 6:46pm

Go for it Noelle.  Most of the orchids you will commonly find are just so easy and forgiving.  People are often intimidated by them, but really they are one of the easiest indoor plants.  Even if you forget, they are very forgiving.  For best results, yes, you should water regularly, about weekly, but honestly, I have forgotten mine for several weeks at a time.  I give them a soak and they bloom every year and are growning and getting fuller all the time.  One of my phals just dropped the last of it's blooms.  It has been blooming since February.  I have others about to start.  They are so beautiful and exotic looking but really very easy keepers.  Read a little so that you get the conditions and give them a try.    

Contributing GardenerPermalink Reply by Noelle Kaler on August 9, 2011 at 6:44am

Thank you Carol and Tammy! I think I might give it a whirl!

Permalink Reply by JLHowell on August 11, 2011 at 11:19pm

Go for it Noelle!  I've killed a few along the way, but they are really relatively cheap for the length of time you enjoy the flowers.  I have the advantage of having a house in zone 9b and have found that I grow them best by putting them in my Hong Kong orchid tree and leaving them alone.  I spray them with water once every two weeks with a weak orchid fertilizer, let them get rained on, and spray them good with the hose set on "shower" every two weeks.  So far all of mine have lived (I have 6 or 7) and I think I've had repeat blooms on most all of them!

 

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