Orchid Growing (Indoors) What does a beginner need?

[Graham]

Hi:

I've never bought anything for growing Orchids before, so where would one begin?

Is all Fertiliser/Fertilizer the same? Or does one brand do something a comparatively cheaper brand lacks?

Bark, Coco Husk, Compost, Sphagnum Moss...do you need all of them?

As someone who has successfully grown Orchids indoors; knowing what you know now, what would be your ideal "shopping list" of things you'd need (either the "bare-essentials" or "money no object" list).

[tuvoc]

Wow, that may be the hardest question of all to answer. I would say, go to your local garden center and find a book with lots of pictures. This will give you a reference point to start with, comparing what you have space wise, and what the plants you like need, and what you can easily provide. That's how I started. From there, ask a lot of questions of anyone you can; here is a Great place to do that. Trial and error is the best teacher of all. Good luck, and have fun!

Kim

[Becca]

There is a book by Ortho ....it is called Orchids, or All About Orchids.....it is a good buy for the money and for a beginner.

As far as potting medium....it really depends on what you want to grow. What orchids are you considering?

Fertilizer......everyone has their own opinion.....most recommended is a fertilizer that is Urea free.....Schultz has an orchid fertilizer, but it is not Urea free....some like it, some don't. I have used Dyna-Gro Products and they are good. I just started using MSU type fertilizer and have seen great improvement....I have to order it online....I think everyone who uses it orders it online.

Perhaps when I have more time, I might be able to help with a list.....but it is really one of those things where you buy an orchid and down the road, whether it be a few months or a year, somethimg comes to mind that would be really helpful so you just kind of buy things as you go along....or at least that is what I do!

[quiltergal]

Here's my short list of basics:

1. Attractive shelving makes the most of limited space
2. Good urea free fertilizer. I started out using DynaGro Grow and it was OK, I recently switched to GreenCare MSU which I like much better and so do my plants. As Becca says you can usually only get it online.
3. A min/max temp/humidity combo meter
4. A light meter
5. Medium depends on your conditions, and the plants you are trying to grow. Most everything I have is in coco husk, perlite & charc that I mix myself.
6. Lighting. Again this depends on your conditions. Where I live I need to supplement my natural light. I'm using T5 fluoros.
7. A good selection of pots so when something needs repotting you have the right size. I am switching everything over to translucent/clear pots so I can better see what's going on in the root zone.

If money were no object....a greenhouse!

[Buds!]

Hi Graham,
Welcome to the wonderful world of orchids!

Here's my 2 cents:
1. Decide on what you want to grow.
2. Location-Where in your house.
3. How do you want to grow your orchids- traditional: bark, spag moss, coconut husk etc, contemporary: semi-hydroponics.

4. Everything else will fall in place after you have made up your mind on the above.
5. Stick around the OB! We are here to help!

All the best!

[CodiMN]

This is really quite the loaded question here!
For cheap:
1. Molasses is a great help as a fertilizer.
2. Brita or Pur water filter pitcher (if you don't have rainwater access or RO system).
3. A "plant" light bulb.
4. Small fan to circulate air.
5. Some sort of Timer to regulate "sunlight" times for more consistent growing. This can either be you---personally shutting off the plant light each day, or run to your local store and get a timer to plug your lamp into.
6. Spray bottle for H2O, or H2O/molasses mix.

$ no object:
1. Greenhouse
2. Orchidarium (the Grand Cayman is soooo lovely)
3. Move to a tropical area!

[shakkai]

I think people are right in saying that what you need depends a lot on what you grow. I don't know where in the country you are, but it might help for you to visit one of the orchid nurseries. They could help you to choose orchids suitable for where you want to grow them, and advise you on their care (as well as things like repotting, etc.). If you are in the South, I would recommend Burnham Nurseries in Devon. They are very friendly and knowledgeable. If you're in the North, try the North of England Orchid Society - they've got loads of information on their website and could point you in the right direction.

One of the best tools that you'll need is one that you've already found! Orchid Board helps me so much, I find it an invaluable resource for growing orchids.

[Ray]

You might consider reading this:

Beginners Advice for Growing Orchids

[Graham]

WOW...this is GREAT stuff guys and girlies! Don't stop, keep 'em coming I'm thirsty for as many s as I can read!

@-}D (supposed to be an orchid in a plant pot)
_______
Graham

[GreggC]

See what books are available at your local library. Do some research so that you can answer some of the questions that you have posed to the board. When you are done reading, ask yourself some questions. For example, how often do you want to water? There are different growing mediums that require more or less watering. Also, when you are researching the orchids, find out which ones like more fertilizer than others. You can use a basaic throw and grow type for most orchids. That way, you don't have to worry so much about it. But then, there are orchids that like a bunch of fertilizer because they are heavy feeders. An example of this would be a vanda. In addition to the throw and grow type, you would probably want to use another liquid type on it when it is actively growing and maybe a less strong liquid on it at other times. Also, remember, everyone fertilizes differently. Then remember that their growing areas are different, too. I am not trying to confuse you, I just want you to be aware that there are many things to consider when you are thinking about growing orchids. this is way you might want to research things a little bit first.