Beginners Guide to Orchids

A Guide that will get you started on orchid care

 Beginner’s Guide to Orchids

O
rchid is one of the most
fascinating, beautiful and
peculiar variety among the
flowering plants. They have always
been considered difficult to grow. But
given the right climatic and cultural
conditions, they can thrive anywhere
and will flower regularly.

These plants belongs to the Orchidacae

family, with all the difference in size,
shape, color, scent or lack of it. They are
the most rapidly changing group of
plants on earth with over 880 genera
and 28,000 species.

Understanding Orchids
Orchids have been considered a plant difficult to grow because of lack of
knowledge about these fascinating plants. Taking a closer look at the plant will
help us understand it better and take away our hesitation to nurture them in our
gardens.

Basic Characteristics
Orchids belong to the most diverse family of plants known to man. There are
over 880 genera, 28,000 species and well over 300,000 registered cultivars
currently documented. These numbers only begin to tell the true story behind the
evolutionary success of modern day orchids. Orchids are the most rapidly

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(genetically) changing group of plants on earth and more new species have been
discovered over the last few thousand years than any other plant group known.

Orchids produce seed pods with literally hundreds of thousands of seed that are
released and scattered by the wind. Orchid seeds must establish a symbiotic
relationship with a special fungus to survive its first year of life. The fungi gathers
water and minerals for itself and the seedling, and the seedling shares its sugars
from photosynthesis with the fungus. Only one or two orchid seeds will ever
germinate and survive on that perfect crevice or depression that is both moist
and has the fungus present. Even then, its chances to survive in the wild long
enough to bloom are slim.

Orchid Stem and Roots

All orchids are perennial herbs and lack any permanent woody structure. Orchids
can grow according to two patterns: Monopodial and Sympodial.

Monopodial orchids have a

central stem which grows
continuously from the tip.
They have no pseudobulbs,
but produce new growth
from the crown of the plant.
Flowers are produced from
the stem between the
leaves, usually alternately
from side to side.

Monopodial orchids often produce copious aerial roots along their stems. The
aerial roots have green chlorophyll underneath the grey root coverings, which act
as additional photosynthetic organs. These aerial roots attach themselves to any
surface they meet, thus providing support to the plant. In the older parts of the

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roots, a modified spongy epidermis called velamen has the function to absorb
humidity. It is made of dead cells and can have a silvery-grey, white or brown
appearance. In some orchids the velamen includes spongy and fibrous bodies
near the passage cells. These structures are named tilosomes.

Sympodial orchids possess a rhizome which sends out a shoot. This develops
into a stem and leaves and eventually produces flowers. In time, from the base of
this growth, a new shoot develops and so on in a continuous cycle. The buds are
often, though not always, protected by a sheath.

Sympodial growth is more common

among orchids. Most of these orchids
have pseudobulbs which function as
storage reservoirs for food and water.
The plant will hold pseudobulbs
vertically and send out new growth
horizontally between the pseudobulbs.
They function very much like rhizomes
on terrestrial plants, although they are
part of the plant rather than a root. The
growth begins at the base of the
pseudobulb and is called a “lead.”
Both the shoot and roots will grow
from this lead. Many times more than one growth at a time will be present.
Leaves can last for several years and provide nourishment to the plant until they
turn brown and die. Even without a leaf, the pseudobulb will continue to support
the plant and provide nourishment for growth and flowering. Some sympodial
terrestrials, such as Orchis and Ophrys, have two subterranean tuberous roots.
One is used as a food reserve for wintry periods, and provides for the
development of the other one, from which visible growth develops. In warm and
humid climates, many terrestrial orchids do not need pseudobulbs.

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With ageing, the pseudobulb sheds its leaves and becomes dormant. At this
stage it is often called a backbulb. A pseudobulb then takes over, exploiting the
last reserves accumulated in the backbulb, which eventually dies off too. A
pseudobulb typically lives for about five years.

Comparison of Sympodial and Monopodial Orchid Growth Pattern

Orchid Leaves
Like most monocots, orchids generally have simple leaves with parallel veins,
although some Vanilloideae have a reticulate venation. Leaves may be ovate,
lanceolate, or orbiculate, and very variable in size. Their characteristics are often
diagnostic. They are normally alternate on the stem, often plicate, and have no
stipules. Orchid leaves often have siliceous bodies called stegmata in the
vascular bundle sheaths (not present in the Orchidoideae) and are fibrous.

The structure of the leaves corresponds to the specific habitat of the plant.
Species that typically bask in sunlight, or grow on sites which can be occasionally

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very dry, have thick, leathery leaves and the laminas are covered by a waxy
cuticle to retain their necessary water supply. Shade species, on the other hand,
have long, thin leaves.

The leaves of most orchids are perennial, that is they live for several years, while
others, especially those with plicate leaves, shed them annually and develop new
leaves together with new pseudobulbs, as in Catasetum.

The leaves of some orchids are considered ornamental. The leaves of the
Macodes sanderiana, a semiterrestrial or lithophyte, show a sparkling silver and
gold veining on a light green background.

The cordate leaves of Psychopsiella limminghei are light brownish green with
maroon-puce markings, created by flower pigments. The attractive mottle of the
leaves of Lady's Slippers from tropical and subtropical Asia, (Paphiopedilum) is
caused by uneven distribution of chlorophyll. Also Phalaenopsis schilleriana is a

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pastel pink orchid with leaves spotted dark green and light green. The Jewel
Orchid (Ludisia discolor) is grown more for its colorful leaves than its fairly
inconspicuous white flowers.

Some orchids, such as Dendrophylax lindenii (Ghost Orchid), Aphyllorchis and

Taeniophyllum depend on their green roots for photosynthesis and lack normally
developed leaves, as do all of the heterotrophic species.

Orchid Flowers
Orchids are well known for the many structural variations in their flowers. Some
orchids have single flowers but most have a racemose inflorescence, sometimes
with a large number of flowers. The flowering stem can be basal, that is produced

from the base of the tuber, like in Cymbidium, apical, meaning it grows from the
apex of the main stem, like in Cattleya, or axillary, from the leaf axil, as in Vanda.
As an apomorphy of the clade, orchid flowers are primitively zygomorphic
(bilaterally symmetrical), although in some genera like Mormodes, Ludisia,
Macodes this kind of symmetry may be difficult to notice.

The orchid flower, like most flowers of monocots, has two whorls of sterile
elements. The outer whorl has three sepals and the inner whorl has three petals.

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The sepals are usually very similar to the petals (and thus called tepals), but may
be completely distinct.

The upper medial petal, called the labellum or lip, is always modified and
enlarged. The inferior ovary or the pedicel usually rotates 180 degrees, so that
the labellum, goes on the lower part of the flower, thus becoming suitable to form
a platform for pollinators. This characteristic, called resupination occurs
primitively in the family and is considered apomorphic (the torsion of the ovary is
very evident from the picture). Some orchids have secondarily lost this
resupination, e. g. Zygopetalum and Epidendrum secundum.

The normal form of the sepals can be found in Cattleya, where they form a
triangle. In Paphiopedilum (Venus slippers) the lower two sepals are fused
together into a synsepal, while the lip has taken the form of a slipper. In
Masdevallia all the sepals are fused.

Orchid flowers with abnormal numbers of petals or lips are called peloric. Peloria
is a genetic trait, but its expression is environmentally influenced and may appear
random.

Orchid flowers primitively had three stamens, but this situation is now limited to
the genus Neuwiedia. Apostasia and the Cypripedioideae have two stamens, the
central one being sterile and reduced to a staminode. All of the other orchids, the
clade called Monandria, retain only the central stamen, the others being reduced
to staminodes. The filaments of the stamens are always adnate (fused) to the
style to form cylindrical structure called the gynostemium or column. In the
primitive Apostasioideae this fusion is only partial, in the Vanilloideae it is more
deep, while in Orchidoideae and Epidendroideae it is total. The stigma is very
asymmetrical as all of its lobes are bent towards the centre of the flower and lay
on the bottom of the column.

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Pollen is released as single grains, like in most other plants, in the
Apostasioideae, Cypripedioideae and Vanilloideae. In the other subfamilies, that
comprise the great majority of orchids, the anther, carries and two pollinia.

A pollinium is a waxy mass of pollen grains held together by the glue-like alkaloid
viscin, containing both cellulosic stands and mucopolysaccharides. Each
pollinium is connected to a filament which can take the form of a caudicle, like in
Dactylorhiza or Habenaria or a stipe, like in Vanda. Caudicles or stipes hold the
pollinia to the viscidium, a sticky pad which sticks the pollinia to the body of
pollinators.

At the upper edge of the stigma of single-anthered orchids, in front of the anther
cap, there is the rostellum, a slender extension involved in the complex
pollination mechanism.

As aforementioned, the ovary is always inferior (located behind the flower). It is

three-carpelate and one or, more rarely, three-partitioned, with parietal
placentation (axile in the Apostasioideae).

Orchid Fruits and Seeds

The ovary typically develops into a capsule that is
dehiscent by 3 or 6 longitudinal slits, while remaining
closed at both ends. The ripening of a capsule can
take 2 to 18 months. The seeds are generally almost
microscopic and very numerous, in some species
over a million per capsule. After ripening they blow off like dust particles or
spores. They lack endosperm and must enter symbiotic relationship with various
mycorrhizal basidiomyceteous fungi that provide them the necessary nutrients to
germinate, so that all orchid species are mycoheterotrophic during germination
and reliant upon fungi to complete their lifecycle.

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As the chance for a seed to meet a fitting fungus is very small, only a minute
fraction of all the seeds released grow into an adult plant. In cultivation,
germination typically takes weeks, while there is a report of one paphiopedilum
that took fifteen years.

The main component for the sowing of orchids in

artificial conditions is the agar agar. The
substance is put together with some type of
carbohydrate which provides qualitative organic
feed such as banana, pineapple, peach or even
tomato puree or coconut milk. After the cooking
of the agar agar, the mix is poured into test tubes
or jars where the substance begins to jelly. The seeds have to be put in the dish
above boiling water, in the steam because that secures sterile conditions. The
test tubes are put diagonally after that.

Reproduction
Orchids have developed highly specialized pollination systems and thus the
chances of being pollinated are often scarce. This is why orchid flowers usually
remain receptive for very long periods and why most orchids deliver pollen in a
single mass; each time pollination succeeds thousands of ovules can be
fertilized.

Pollinators are often visually attracted by the shape and colours of the labellum.
The flowers may produce attractive odours. Although absent in most species,
nectar may be produced in a spur of the labellum, on the point of the sepals or in
the septa of the ovary, the most typical position amongst the Asparagales.

In orchids that produce pollinia, pollination happens as some variant of the

following. When the pollinator enters into the flower, it touches a viscidium, which
promptly sticks to its body, generally on the head or abdomen. While leaving the

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flower, it pulls the pollinium out of the anther, as it is connected to the viscidium
by the caudicle or stipe. The caudicle then bends and the pollinium is moved
forwards and downwards. When the pollinator enters another flower of the same
species, the pollinium has taken such position that it will stick to the stigma of the
second flower, just below the rostellum, pollinating it. The possessors of orchids
may be able to reproduce the process with a pencil, small paintbrush, or other
similar device.

Some orchids mainly or totally rely on self-pollination, especially in colder regions

where pollinators are particularly rare. The caudicles may dry up if the flower
hasn't been visited by any pollinator and the pollina then fall directly on the
stigma. Otherwise the anther may rotate and then enter the stigma cavity of the
flower.

The labellum of the Cypripedioideae is poke-shaped and has the function to trap
visiting insects. The only exit leads to the anthers that deposit pollen on the
visitor. In some extremely specialized orchids, like the Eurasian genus Ophrys,
the labellum is adapted to have a colour, shape and odour which attracts male
insects via mimicry of a receptive female. Pollination happens as the insect
attempts to mate with flowers.

Many neotropical orchids are pollinated by male orchid bees, which visit the
flowers to gather volatile chemicals they require to synthesize pheromonal
attractants. Each type of orchid places the pollinia on a different body part of a
different species of bee, so as to enforce proper cross-pollination.

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 Growing Orchids - Tips for Beginners

Orchids have always been considered difficult to grow. Once the cultural needs
of these fascinating plants are understood, growing orchids is relatively simple,
and it becomes a deeply satisfying activity. If given the right climatic and cultural
conditions, they can thrive anywhere and will flower regularly. Some species of
orchids may flower two or three times a year and some flower annually.

The following is a brief guideline of the role of essential and beneficial mineral
nutrients that are crucial for growth. Eliminate any one of these elements, and
plants will display abnormalities of growth, deficiency symptoms, or may not
reproduce normally.

Macronutrients
Nitrogen is a major component of proteins, hormones, chlorophyll, vitamins and
enzymes essential for plant life. Nitrogen metabolism is a major factor in stem
and leaf growth (vegetative growth). Too much can delay flowering and fruiting.
Deficiencies can reduce yields, cause yellowing of the leaves and stunt growth.

Phosphorus is necessary for seed germination, photosynthesis, protein formation

and almost all aspects of growth and metabolism in plants. It is essential for
flower and fruit formation.

Tropical orchids are no more difficult to grow than other plants, but because most
of them are epiphytes (tree dwelling plants) their culture is different from that of
other types of plants. British orchid growers failed in the early 1800′s when they
attempted to grow tropical orchids under dark, hot, and steamy conditions. They
succeeded only when they realized that most tropical orchids grew at higher,
cooler elevations and in the upper branches of trees where they got considerable
light and perfect drainage.

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Lighting
In the greenhouse, most orchids require some shading to prevent the leaves
from overheating. In the home, however, orchids need the maximum light
available. Placing them outside under the shade of tall trees during the summer
months is very beneficial. Do not place them in full sun, however, or the leaves
will burn. Also, do not place the plants on the ground, for insects and slugs
(snails) can enter the pots and damage the plants. Pot hangers can be used to
suspend the plants from tree branches, chains, strong trees, or other structures.

Temperature
In the home, placing the orchids in a room with relatively cool temperatures will
help guard against dehydration. Most orchids are actually most happy at
temperatures below the comfort level of humans, especially at night. Orchid
greenhouses are usually maintained at 55-65 degrees at night.

Soil
Potting mixes for tropical orchids are loose mixtures of organic material such as
fir bark (not pine bark), tree fern, osumda fiber, with small amounts of peat,
perlite, cork, or charcoal added. The object is to have a mix that drains well, but
holds some moisture. Most commercial orchid growers supply ready-to-use
orchid mixes in small quantities. Orchids usually need repotting only once every
two to three years.

Moisture
In watering orchids, it is best to soak the potting mix thoroughly and wait until the
surface is relatively dry before watering again. Most orchids in fir bark based
mixes will need watering no more than once every 5 to 7 days.

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Fertilizer
All plants can be fertilized safely with a water-soluble urea free fertilizer such as
Growmore 20-10-20 about once a month. Some orchid growers prefer to mix
water-soluble fertilizers weaker than indicated on the package instructions and to
use them every second or third watering. Always water before fertilizing and
remember that it is best to under-fertilize rather than to over-fertilize. With the
lower light and drier conditions in the home, orchids cannot use as much fertilizer
as they can use in the greenhouse. Some growers like to increase the humidity
around their orchids in the home by using “humidity trays” or trays of wet gravel
around or under the plants. Pots should not touch the surface of the water.

Water
One of the big mistakes that people make is over watering their orchids. People
assume that since they are tropical plants they need a lot of water and this is not
necessarily the case. While they do appreciate the humid environment, over
watering can kill them.

The amount of watering necessary depends on the temperature any type of

orchid a general rule of thumb is to water once a week. You may want to water
more frequently in the summer and a little bit less in the winter. The Cymbidium,
Miltonia, Odontoglossum and Paphiopedilum varieties like to be kept with the soil
a bit moist even between wanterings while the Ascocenda, Vanda and
Phalaenopsis prefer to have their soil become dry in between.

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 Which Orchid Plants Are Easy to Grow?

We have seen what orchids are and how to take care of them. The obvious
question is which of these orchids can I grow at home, and which ones are easy
to grow.

As a novice to the world of orchids, you only need to concern yourself with the
name of the genus. Most plants within the same genus will require similar
growing conditions, so if you want to keep things simple, don’t worry about the
species or variety at this point.

Orchid Genera for the Novice

Novice orchid growers should start with members of the following genera, since
these are relatively easy to grow orchids: Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum,
Dendrobium, and Oncidium.

Phalaenopsis Orchids
Phalaenopsis, or Moth Orchids, are one of the easiest orchids for beginners to
grow, as well as one that is commonly
found in stores. Members of this genus
have multiple large, showy flowers on
each spike; flowers that may remain
open for six weeks or longer. Often
when a spike is cut after its blooms are
gone, a secondary spike will develop
on the old stalk below the original
flower head, thus extending the
blooming season.

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Phalaenopsis is a genus of approximately 60 species of orchids. The
abbreviation in the horticultural trade is Phal. Phalaenopsis shows a monopodial
growth habit. An erect growing rhizome produces from the top one or two
alternate, thick and fleshy, elliptical leaves a year. The older, basal leaves drop
off at the same rate. The plant retains in this way four to five leaves. If very
healthy, they can have up to ten or more leaves. They have no pseudobulbs. The
raceme appears from the stem between the leaves. They bloom in their full glory
for several weeks. If kept in the home, they usually last two to three months,
which is considered quite a long time. Some Phalaenopsis species in Malaysia
are known to use subtle weather cues to coordinate mass flowering.

Caring For Phalaenopsis: In nature, they are typically fond of warm

temperatures (20 to 35 °C), but are adaptable to co nditions more comfortable for
human habitation in temperate zones (15 to 30 °C). At temperatures below 18
°C watering should be reduced to avoid
the risk of root rot. Phalaenopsis
requires high humidity (60-70%) and low
light of 12,000 to 20,000 lux. Flowering
is triggered by a night-time drop in
temperature of around 5 to 6 degrees
over 2 to 4 consecutive weeks, usually
in the fall.

Phalaenopsis prefer to be potted in

medium fir bark. They can also be
potted in sphagnum moss or mounted.
Keep them in pots with a lot of drainage.
Keep the potting media fairly moist but
not wet. Water when the potting media is just approaching dryness, but still a bit
moist and never allow the potting media to become bone dry. Do not let water
flow into the center of the plant or it can potentially die from crown rot. One of the

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most numerous blunders that new growers make is to rot the roots. Overwatering
and poor drainage cause the roots to deteriorate, therefore killing the plant. Being
careful to water when you feel the soil is dry through and through is the safest
thing to do.

Light is quite vital to the well-being of the phalaenopsis orchid. Keep it in indirect
light near a southern window but not under direct sunlight. Phalaenopsis grown in
poor dark areas tend to grow floppy dark green leaves and rarely flower.

Phalaenopsis roots are quite thick, and the green point at the ends signifies that
the root is actively growing. It is okay for them to climb out of the pots. Plant may
be fertilized with a 1/4 diluted strength balanced fertilizer three times out of four
waterings.

The flower spikes appear from the pockets near the base of each leaf. The first
sign is a light green "mitten-like" object that protrudes from the leaf tissue. In
about three months, the spike enlongates until it begins to swell fat buds.

Paphiopedilum Orchids
Paphiopedilum is a genus in the orchid family
(Orchidaceae) of approximately 91 species.

Paphiopedilum, the so-called Venus Slipper

orchid, is easily recognizable. Most have a
single flower per stalk, but there are varieties
with multiple flowers. They are relatively easy
to coax into bloom if you provide the plant with
the right temperature range: mottled leaves
need warmer conditions than do solid green
leaves.

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Paphiopedilum (sometimes colloquially referred to as "Paphs") are considered
highly collectible by growers due to the curious and unusual form of their flowers.
Most naturally grow in humus layers as semi-terrestrials on the forest floor, in
rocky outcroppings or in trees.

Caring For Paphs: Most paphs are intermediate

growers and do well in medium to medium-high
light. Most paphs should be kept evenly moist
year-round. There are exceptions to these
general guidelines, especially among the
Chinese paphs some of which encounter winter
temperatures near freezing, so it is important to
research the cultural needs of a specific paph,
especially if growing species. All paphs need a
fresh environment and benefit from good air
circulation and frequent repotting. The rule of thumb for paphs is to repot them
every year, usually after flowering or in the spring so they can establish
themselves before hot weather sets in. Paphs benefit from high humidity.

Dendrobium Orchids
Dendrobium, abbreviated as Den in horticultural trade, is a large genus of tropical
orchids that consists of about 1200 species.
Dendrobium inflorescences are loaded with blossoms
and are also long lasting. These plants can often be
split when mature, since small additional offset
plantlets are frequently produced. When an offset has
produced several aerial roots, it can be cut from the
parent plant and will frequently flower after one year of
growth.
The species are either epiphytic, growing on a tree, or
occasionally lithophytic, growing over a rock. They

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have adapted to a wide variety of habitats, from the high altitudes in the
Himalayan mountains to lowland tropical forests and even to the dry climate of
the Australian desert.

Caring For Dendrobium: Care depends on

specific species. Plants generally require a
reduction of watering or with holding of water
during the winter due to dormancy period. Plants
grow in a variety of temperature ranges and
lighting ranges which is dependent on the species.
Plants can usually be mounted.

Oncidium Orchids
Oncidiums, commonly referred to as the "dancing girls" orchid, are also easy to
grow. Abbreviated as Onc in horticultural trade,
Oncidium is a genus that contains about 330
species of orchids from the subfamily
Epidendroideae of the orchid family (Orchidaceae).
Since this is a large genus with different species
originating in a wide variety of climates, it is helpful
to know the growing requirements of the particular
species you select. Still, these hardy plants
generally flower well even under adverse growing
conditions.

The flowers of the Oncidium genus come in shades of

yellow, red, white and pink. The petals are often ruffled
on the edges, as is the lip. The lip is enormous, partially
blocking the small petals and sepals.

Caring For Oncidium: Oncs grow in cool to warm

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conditions with moderate to bright light. Water the plant right before the potting
mix starts to dry. Plants should be potted in a well drain medium such as medium
fir bark.

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 Tips for Choosing a Healthy Orchid Plant

Orchids are found in a variety of climates, so choose an orchid that closely

matches the growing conditions of your environment. This means assessing your
light sources, available space, temperature range, and humidity. Armed with this
information, do a bit of research to find out which orchid plants match your
environment. These will be the easiest types of orchid plants to grow and your
success will encourage you to develop more skills as an orchid grower.

Although you can find orchids at supermarkets and home supply stores these
days, it is still best to purchase one from a plant nursery where the plants will
have most likely received specialized care. A nursery may also have an
experienced orchid grower on staff, who can help you choose the best orchid for
the temperature and light level in your home.

Orchid Leaves and Roots

Wherever you end up shopping for your orchid, be sure to give the plant a good
once-over before you purchase.

Orchid roots are relatively thick and fleshy

for storing water and nutrients. Ariel roots
are also often visible above the growing
medium. These are covered with a layer
of white tissue, called velamen that acts
like a sponge and protects the root from
heat and water loss. The roots of the plant
you select should appear firm and
healthy, not dried up or rotted.

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There are many leaf forms, depending on the type of orchid. An orchid may have
thick, fleshy leaves, like Phalaenopsis, or thin elongated leaves, like Oncidium.
Regardless of the leaf type, avoid plants that have yellowing or black-spotted
leaves, which could indicate stress or disease.

Orchid Spikes and Blooms

When orchids bloom, most produce one or more flower spikes. These spikes are
typically each an inflorescence composed of several flower buds that open first at
the lowest point on the spike and progressively
bloom to the tip (similar to how gladiolas bloom).
The blossoms open over the course of weeks,
and if the orchid has multiple spikes, the plant
may bloom for months.

Choose a plant with multiple flower spikes and

mostly unopened blooms. The gorgeous plants
that are in full bloom at the store are nearing the
end of their colorful show, and the blossoms will
soon wither and die.

Orchid growing is one of the most satisfying hobbies in the world and that is why
it has remained so popular for more than 100 years. Empowered with the
information that you have acquired here, you can go ahead and start your
exploration into the world of orchids.
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