Orchids Surpass Poinsettias

Orchids have recently surpassed poinsettias as the best-selling potted flower in the US. A little more than a decade ago these alluring exotic plants were believed hard to grow. Yes, there are rare and finicky varieties. However, orchids are actually resilient plants. The issue with growing them has not been keeping them alive but bringing them to bloom.

Growers induce flowers to bloom by manipulating water, nutrients, temperature or light, alone or in combination. A lack of research-based information on the environmental conditions that trigger flowering in orchids previously prevented growers from producing blooms outside the plants’ normal flowering cycle. Once scientific studies determined how to manipulate the plant’s environment to stimulate flowering at a certain time, commercial growers were able to induce flower production for all seasons.

As a result of recent orchid-growing technology we now see a proliferation of blooming plants in consumer marketplaces. Prices have declined significantly in the past decade to bring them line with other potted flowers.

Some people throw orchids out after they have finished flowering. Orchids, like Christmas cactus, have a blooming cycle and a resting period during which they grow new leaves and store up energy for their next blooms. The bloom period is long, up to two months or more, but, like many other house and garden plants, orchids bloom only once a year. It seems a shame to toss them out because they take a rest.

Orchids are actually easy to grow. Give them the right environment they will readily rebloom each year. Follow the care instructions on your plant’s hang tag. Your plant will bloom for you according to its normal flowering cycle. Different species bloom during different seasons—spring, fall or late winter-early spring.

Tips for Growing Orchids

Orchids require a special soilless growing medium that provides good drainage and aeration. Most cultivated orchids are epiphytic, which means they grow in the air, taking their nutrients from air, rain and dust. In nature they hang on trees or branches. Therefore roots are in the air rather than in the ground. Roots grow from the top, not the bottom as with other plants. Consequently, don’t cut off aerial roots or replant epiphytic orchids in soil—it can kill them.

They like light, but not direct sun. A north facing window is good for the popular Phalaenopsis species (moth orchid). Other familiar species like Cattleya and Dendrobium can handle an east or west facing window.

Orchids thrive in warmth and humidity. Know what temperatures your orchid requires: cool (60 – 70F days, 50 – 55F nights), intermediate (70 – 80F days, 55 – 65F nights) or warm (80 – 90F days, 65 – 70F nights). Most species do best with a day to night temperature fluctuation of 10 to 15 degrees. Nighttime temperatures are vital for growth and to stimulate blooms.

Room temperature rain water or spring water is a better choice than tap water. Never let an orchid sit in water—it can kill the plant.

Orchids are not heavy feeders but they do need nutrients. Use a balanced (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) orchid fertilizer at one quarter strength weekly or biweekly. Water before you fertilize.

The Phalaenopsis orchid which does well in the intermediate temperatures in our homes is probably the easiest orchid to grow and bring to bloom. Flowering begins in winter-early spring. Blooming is triggered by a few cool nights in the 50s or 60s which stimulate a flower spike to emerge.

English explorers pioneered orchid hunting in South America during the 16th century. Once a hobby for the landed aristocracy who had time and resources, orchid collecting grew into a feverish competition. Modern orchid aficionados continue to hunt through Asian and South American jungles for rare plants.

Centuries of orchid hunting, pollination and cross breeding have given us 750 genera and more than 30,000 hybrids around the world. Today orchids are an important floriculture crop.

Instead of poinsettias you may receive an orchid or two as a holiday gifts this year.

For additional information google Clemson hgic 1560 Orchids and The American Orchid Society.

This story was originally published November 13, 2015 at 8:19 AM with the headline "Orchids Surpass Poinsettias."