Growing Orchids Successfully
Orchids have evolved to be the largest and most diverse family of flower plants on earth. Orchids grow for five to seven years before they bloom and flower colors range throughout the spectrum except true blue or pure black. Orchids are not parasites but rather epiphytes (tree dwellers), lithophytes (rock dwellers) or terrestrial (ground dwellers). Almost all orchids like high humidity and good air circulation.
The key to successfully growing an orchid is to choose a plant that best matches your conditions: for example, an east window with good humidity and warm temperatures like over a kitchen sink would be ideal for a 'Moth Orchid' (Phalaenopsis) or 'Ladyslipper' (Paphipedilum). Buy your first plant in bud or bloom. Use this cultural guide of the most popular orchid genera and their preferred conditions to help you choose an orchid that will reward you with weeks to months of flower, one to three times a year.
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Fungus
Insects