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ORCHIDS
The Ultimate Plant Hobby
In the world of flowers, orchids are the undisputed champions.
Once the expensive interest of the wealthy, orchids today are
within the reach of all. One of the oldest, best organized of
plant hobbies, orchid culture now enjoys worldwide popularity.
Their incredible beauty and diversity captivate people of every
walk of life.
If you haven't grown orchids, you are missing one of nature's
finest offerings.
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YOU CAN GROW ORCHIDS
If you can grow house plants, you can grow orchids. Many
popular and satisfying species and hybrids of orchids do
well in London's climate. Like any other plant, an orchid
must have the growing conditions it needs to survive. But
they are amazingly sturdy and resilient.
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ORCHIDS ARE CHALLENGING
Because there are so many of them, there is always
more to learn about orchids. New discoveries are made
every day, giving the world of orchids an ever-widening
horizon. It is an interest that provides as much of a
challenge as you like.
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WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT ORCHIDS?
There are many excellent books available to help a
novice grower learn more. Most public libraries have or
can get copies of them. They are offered for sale by
bookstores, some commercial orchid nurseries and can be
borrowed from The London Orchid Society Library. You are
also welcome to join us at the regular meetings.
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ARE ORCHIDS HARD TO GROW?
No. They are no harder to grow than many flowering
plants popular here. Like any plant, an orchid needs
water, food, light and air. If you can grow other garden
and house plants, you can grow orchids. All it takes is a
little understanding and care.
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AREN'T ALL ORCHIDS PARASITES?
Absolutely not! Of the 35,000+ species of orchids that
grow around the world, not one is parasitic. In nature,
many orchids cling to trees and bushes as a growth habit;
but they take nothing from the host plant and do not
injure it in any way.
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DO YOU NEED A GREENHOUSE?
No,. Many popular orchids like the same conditions you
do. They can be grown in your home in front of a window
or under lights. Some may be grown outside and are able
to withstand cold weather. In selecting plants choose
those that will survive the environment you have to
offer. On the other hand, many orchid growers eventually
get a greenhouse because its controlled environment
enables them to grow species that would be unhappy in
their homes.
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AREN'T ALL ORCHIDS THE SAME?
To the contrary, orchids are the most diverse and
largest single family of plants in nature. Orchids take
amazingly different shapes, forms and growth habits; from
the thumb-sized Mystacidium caffrum to the 20-foot tall
Renanthera storei. Some orchids produce blossoms no
larger than a mosquito; some orchid flowers are as large
as a dinner plate; some produce 100's of flowers. Your
familiar corsage orchid is just one of thousands of
attractive types that can be grown locally given the
proper environment.
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DO ORCHIDS COME FROM THE JUNGLE?
Some do. But every country in the world and every
province in Canada has its species.
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DO ORCHIDS SMELL GOOD?
Some are so powerfully scented as to perfume your
whole home. Others have no scent; but, rely on shape and
colour to attract insects or birds for pollination.
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HOW LONG DO THEIR BLOOMS LAST?
It depends on the type, plus factors of culture and care.
Blooms of hybrids of the Cattleya family may last from one to
four weeks on the plant. Those of the Phalaenopsis family
commonly last from one to four months.
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WHAT SORT OF SOIL DO THEY NEED?
Most require none. In nature, orchids can be divided into four
types according to growing conditions. Most are classified as
epiphytes, or air plants which grow on trees. The rock
growers, or lithophytes, cling to the surfaces of rocks.
Saprophytes are those that grow in mulch, often on the forest
floor. Finally, there are the dirt growers, or terrestrials,
which anchor themselves in soil or sand. As most orchids are
epiphytes, they can be grown in tree bark, crumbled charcoal,
pebbles, or on wooden or cork plaques.
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AREN'T ORCHIDS TERRIBLY EXPENSIVE?
Not any more. Once a rich man's hobby, orchids are now within
reach of any income. Modern methods of tissue culture and
reproduction make it possible for growers to enjoy the finest
plants at modest prices. You can spend as much or as little
as you like. But you should be warned that trying to own just
one orchid is like trying to eat just one potato chip.
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SHOULD THEY BE PROTECTED FROM DRAFTS?
Orchids do best if provided with air movement. After
all, in nature, orchids are subject to all kinds of
weather. However, they should be protected from cold
blasts of air from opened doors during the winter.
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MUST ORCHIDS BE KEPT HOT?
Some warm-growing species can take hot weather; some
cool-growing orchids are not harmed by near freezing
temperatures. It depends on the plant. However, most of
the commonly grown orchids like the type of intermediate
temperatures and humidity we try to keep in our homes.
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ARE ORCHIDS SHORT LIVED?
Most are very long-lived. In fact some species are virtually
immortal, given the proper care. Divisions of orchids
discovered in the 19th century are still growing and blooming
today...a botanical heritage from an earlier century.
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HOW OFTEN DO ORCHIDS BLOOM?
It depends on the plant. Some bloom once a year; others bloom
several times a year; and some may even bloom continuously.
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WHEN DO ORCHIDS BLOOM?
Most orchids bloom in the winter and spring; but, orchids can
be found that bloom in any month of the year.
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CAN YOU TRANSPORT ORCHIDS?
Yes. That is one of their greatest assets. Orchids are
portable because they grow in pots or baskets. Many
growers use blooming plants as living centerpieces in
their home. Orchids are routinely mailed and shipped
across the country and around the world without damaging
the plants or preventing their timely blooming.
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WHAT ABOUT AN INTERNATIONAL
ORGANIZATION?
The American Orchid Society (AOS) invites everyone
interested in orchids to become a member of its growing
ranks. Whether you are an orchid beginner or an expert,
you should know about the many benefits you will enjoy as
a member of the AOS.
Each month, the AOS bulletin will bring you more than 100
pages glowing with stunning orchid photographs in full
colour. You'll also find priceless tips and articles on
orchid culture and follow new trends in orchid breeding.
You can share visits to natural orchid habitats and read
fascinating stories about orchid history. A special
advertising section will help you locate sources of
orchid plants, supplies, and whatever else you need to
become a successful grower.
Your membership also entitles you to the AOS Handbook on
Orchid Culture, which beautifully illustrates the most
popular orchid genera and outlines their cultural needs.
For the more advanced grower, the AOS publishes a variety
of illustrated Handbooks covering such topics as orchid
photography; diseases; and procedures for judging and
exhibitions. Their book department also serves as a
convenient source for many important orchid books and
videos. Catalogues are free to members and updated
quarterly.
Above all, when you join the AOS, you can begin sharing
your interests with thousands of orchid enthusiasts world
wide. The London Orchid Society is one of the over 400
local societies that is affiliated with the AOS.
Orchids aren't difficult, they're just different! Join
us. We'll do everything we can to help you grow and bloom
the most fascinating and beautiful plants in the world.
For more information contact:
American Orchid Society
16700 AOS Lane
Delray Beach, Florida 33446-4351
phone: (561) 404-2000
fax: (561) 404-2100
e-mail:
web page:
American Orchid Society
Last updated: January 23, 2016
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