For Growing the Loveliest Orchids, Nature Doesn’t Always Know Best
Orchid growing no longer lies exclusively within the domain of the privileged few, now that the means and requirements for cultivation are better understood. This happened as a result of studying these plants both in their native habitats and in greenhouses, gardens and even the laboratory.
One important discovery about orchids was that many of the most ornamental species did not require either the high heat or the elaborate growing equipment that people once thought necessary. The knowledge gained opened orchid cultivation to anyone willing to learn what there was to know about it.
In the 19th century, when the mania for orchids really blossomed, many would-be growers were at first held back by one significant problem. World travelers sent home one exotic species after another, but often without any notes at all as to their local growing conditions. Orchids vary greatly in their needs, such as for light, heat and water, and not knowing a particular plant’s unique requirements could and often did lead to disaster. “The want of some such information has been a source of extreme vexation to many lovers of these plants,” complained one author in 1885.
These days we are much better informed about orchids and their care. We can stand on the shoulders of past orchid lovers who meticulously wrote down all they learned about each type and species of the plants that they encountered.
Yes, it is important to understand the habitat and climate from which an orchid comes. Take that with a grain of salt, however. Generally, you shouldn’t try to completely re-create the conditions of a plant’s natural habitat. We can grow showier orchids than nature can by carefully changing its environment–with “carefully” being the key word. Art and science both come into play here.
To again quote that writer in 1885: “We admit that we should by all means take nature as our guide for the production of good plants but it should be nature in her best garb only and then looking as we do upon cultivation as a help to nature the result can only be an improvement if success in the object aimed at has been attained.”
So what should a neophyte to orchid cultivation do? Can one strike a balance between imitating nature and trying to improve on it? The simple answer: Educate yourself. You can successfully grow orchids if you know what you’re doing up-front.
Among the best and most thorough guides to modern orchid growing is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which may be downloaded online. Now, there are lots of books about orchids but Mr. Howard’s wonderful guide will provide a complete education on the subject. Also, check out the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing database of postings on all aspects of orchids.
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