Vegi grower wants to learn about growing orchids

[Greenhouse DIY Kits]

Hey folks, I want to start growing orchids. I have a 4 season greenhouses and have been growing vegetables, but this year I want to learn about orchid growing.

Can anyone suggest to me some varieties that would be good for a beginner? Any input is welcome.

Also, can anyone suggest a good reference book that I can get that will help me get started?

Thanks!

[orchidsarefun]

are you in the Chicago area ? cos I need space !

You will have to say whether you want to grow as a hobbyist or semi-commercially. Take a look at the big-box stores to get some idea of the competition.
Another idea for you is to act a an "agent" for a big grower - it seems like you have the space.
A greenhouse grower told me recently that he can only survive by selling species phals - and by that I can recommend phal bellina, violacea.
There is a lot of information on the web. I suggest you search the AOS website - that is geared towards the hobbyist.

[SlipperGirl]

There are lots of orchids that are great for beginners, it just depends on your growing conditions You could try a Phalaenopsis, paphiopedilum, Oncidium are all pretty easy

I would go to aos.org for info on caring for orhchids hope this helps

[james mickelso]

The heck with AOS, "we" will give you all the advice you'll need. We are the preminent authorities on growing orchids.

[RosieC]

If you are growing in greenhouses then you can set up the enviroment you want, and what you set up depends on what's good to buy.

Phals can be good windowledge orchids, but if grown in a greenhouse will need heating well over the winter. How much do you intend to heat the greenhouse as that could play a big part in deciding what to grow.

I grow cool loving orchids in my greenhouse because I only protect from frost in the winter, I don't heat it to house type temperatures. Because I don't heat it I can't grow Phals, Phaphs etc out there, even my house is a little cool for those in the winter.

[AnonYMouse]

I suggest you start looking at pictures and make a list of what orchids you like then research their preferred growing conditions (temps, light, watering frequency, etc.) Andy's Orchids has a selector tool where you input those criteria. You don't have to order from them but their site is a good reference for species orchids.

If you chose to get an orchid plant from a garden center, big box store, super market and the like, do a quick inspection of the plant. Look for healthy white to green roots, firm leaves, no odd colorations or spots. No point bringing home a sick plant.

Keep an eye out for orchid shows. Some shows can be a bit overwhelming but you can see all sorts of genera and talk to the vendors about their plants.

If you don't mind, please add your general location to your profile. It will give us an idea of your climate.

[katrina]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

The heck with AOS, "we" will give you all the advice you'll need. We are the preminent authorities on growing orchids.

Please tell me you're joking? I mean, yes, there is a lot of wonderful and very valuable info here but there is also (no offense) but a lot of misinformation. It's the nature of the beast...there is misinformation everywhere when it come to the web.

I'm not saying the AOS is perfect but it absolutely and w/out a doubt is one of the best sources for reliable and accurate information when it comes to all things orchid. For anyone to just dismiss the AOS like that...is...well...let me just say it's more of a disservice than anything even remotely helpful. So, I'm really hoping that you're joking.

To the OP...a great, beginner book would be Orchids for Dummies...an excellent intro to orchids. The Ortho books also have a great beginner book. Once you feel you'd like to expand beyond those basics...another excellent "first" book is Understanding Orchids by William Cullina. The Understanding orchids delves into greater detail and information and is more comprehensive in it's coverage of of a greater variety of genera w/in the orchid family. And, as already mentioned...the AOS website has some excellent information on the free level and should you opt to become a member you will have access to a wealth of orchid information.

[orchidsman]

This book helped me a lot in the beginning! It is Taylors guides "orchids" it has a lot of useful information

[dounoharm]

there are some insects with veggies that you don't want to share with your orchids....whitefly for one....also, I found that orchid pests need a good dose of systemic insecticide monthly....and you don't want that on your veggies....so you will have to segregate a portion you intend for orchids apart from your veggies....growing without systemic insecticide or harmful to eat chemicals in a greenhouse setting is pretty dang hard to do....also, your max/min temp settings are very important....I found that a 50 degree nite setting was as cold as I could go in winter months without doing damage to orchids....orchids need high humidity, VERY hi humidity, which is not great for most veggies...it causes leaf molds and other problems in veggies....orchids do not require the amounts of water that veggies require....you probably need to water every day for the veggies, but orchids will go for 4-5 days without water in a greenhouse...they NEED to dry out between waterings....you will drown your orchids if you aren't careful......all in all, my suggestion is to ditch the veggies, and grow only orchids!!! good luck!

[james mickelso]

My tongue was planted firmly between cheek and gum. AOS is where I learned most of my info. That is one of the worst things about the net. You can't hear or see the implied.