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Start Your Own Orchid Collection

Wednesday, 12 March 2008 17:47 Last Updated on Thursday, 12 November 2009 15:59 Written by ATseng

Whether you are a total novice, have just a casual interest in orchids, or are already an enthusiastic orchid collector; you can  start your own collection by growing orchids at home. Every year, from October to April, your orchid plants will produce brilliant exotic flowers for you to enjoy and photograph.   With proper care, orchid plants will continue to flower year after year.  A typical growing cycle for an orchid plant is illustrated in the following pie chart:

Contrary to many people's expectations, orchid growing is not difficult. I started  growing orchids about ten years ago by simply placing  plants on a southern-facing window sill.  The southern exposure provides enough light, and the correct temperature for Phalaenopsis, Oncidium Bifolium, and Dendrobium species. Orchids thrive on sunlight and need very little water. I water once a week, and fertilize once a month using ½ tea spoon of liquid orchid food per one gallon of warm water. My plants have generally flourished year after year without too much fuss.

However, one has to watch for leaf loss, which can result from not enough water, or yellowing which generally indicates too much water. If a plant fails to flower in a year, the plant could be over-fertilized, which is a common  problem for  some species,  e.g. Dendrobium. Over-fertilization burns the buds. Not enough light will also limit orchid flowering.  Plants which suffer from insufficient light often have dark green leaves.  Increased light promotes flowering, and will change the predominant leaf color to green-light yellow. 

I enjoy growing and photographing my own orchids.  My plant collection includes several Phalaenopsis, Oncidium, Dendrobium and other hybridizations.

    

  

My family members, friends, and colleagues all know that I love orchids. They give me orchid plants as gifts on almost  every occasion.  I have more than 20 plants now, and my collection is constantly increasing. 

Edited by M. C. Uhing