This is a first for me, imagine a blog writer. This is a topic I am pretty well versed in since I have been growing orchids since the early 1980's. I have been and are currently a member of the Connecticut Orchid Society and if you are at all interested in growing orchids here in the great state of Connecticut, it's a wonderful place to get lots of helpful information. Check it out at http://www.ctorchids.org/.
I am a retired Art teacher and avid gardener, not just orchids, and have two chocolate labs and a greenwing macaw. Keeps me busy in retirement. I also am a sculptor working in metal mostly.
Well today was watering and fertilizing day in my greenhouse. I built a 20' x 8' attached to the outside wall of my garage, greenhouse in the 70's. Originally to grow tomatos and start other veggies for my garden. More on that later. I will explain how I did it and it's evolution to what it is today.
I grow many different types of orchids but currently I have gotten into species orchids. Bulbophyllums are some of my favorites along with Angraecums and Aerangis. I currently also have several hybrid Vandas. Just give you an idea of the type of orchids I grow. I currently have over 200 different types. It has taken me many years and much trial and error to get to where I am today in my ability to grow these guys, here in not so tropical Connecticut. I will try to explain and discuss how and why I do what I do so you too can grow these strange and wonderful plants.
Most orchids require very specific growing conditions which are not found here in CT year round. I will say from the start that, that should not put you off growing orchids. Because many can grow on a window sill with moderate care that almost anyone can do. When I finally figured out what was required it was off to the races for me.
As I posted earlier today was watering and fertilizing day. I water some plants in my greenhouse every day and others weekly. Orchids require watering based on several factors due to their natural habitat.
Most come from tropical areas of the world and like to be kept moist but not wet all the time. Others like a wet and then dry style.
Think of summertime here in CT it rains in buckets during a summer thunderstorms and then dries out with lots of heat. I put my plants out during the summer just for that. Lots of them are found growing in or on trees. So they get real wet and then dry out. Modern orchid growers try to match this by growing their plants in or on some kind of bark mix. More on that later.
I will say this many times but if you practice beguine neglect, meaning don't over do it with watering or fertilizing you will have better success than if you try to do to much. Orchids in their natural habitat are very successful and grow like weeds. I have found that if I can get close to that they will grow well here in CT.
As with all things do your research and now there are lots of great places on line to get info and plants. Also don't forget about the CT Orchid Society web site they have lots of info and contact people to help you out. Please don't let that wonderful flowering plant wither and die because you were afraid to ask for help.
I fertilize weakly weekly for most of my plants. What that means is 1/4 strength of what ever fertilizer you use "weakly" every week. When the plants are in active growth they can use more so I do regulate my fertilizing schedule based on growth cycles. Winter usually requires less fertilizer and water because most of the plants will slow down their growth cycle as light levels and temperatures drop. Some finesse is needed here and you do need to know what your plant requires, research this and try to keep to the schedule.
Right now I have several plants in flower and some others in bud spike that will bloom in the near future. Orchid plants are not the sexiest or prettiest plants out there but we grow them for the flowers anyway.
Water first get the root system wet and then fertilize. I use a 5 liter sprayer to get the job done. Be careful to not over fertilize you don't want to burn the root tips. This requires measuring and doing the math to get the right mixture. Read the label carefully first. If in doubt it is better to not water or fertilize than to over do it, research, ask some one who knows, keep a schedule and watch carefully to see what your plant is doing. Early detection of a problem can save a plant that can quickly expire do to neglect or miss treatment.
I have lights in my greenhouse now so my plants will grow and flower better. They really made a difference for my high light plants like Vandas. I could grow them but they would not flower until they got the light they needed. Now I have to artificially time sun rise and sun set which is way cool.
I use high pressure sodium lights and they have been working great for a year now. My electric bill did reflect the extra juice needed but the flowering has been much better all around. They also make taking pictures interesting in that everything has a yellow orange tint. I have to filter it out when I use the photos. All of my cameras don't seem to like it.
Every morning is a trip to the tropical wonderland of my greenhouse. Soon there will be snow here and very cold temps that would be the death of all my plants. So my greenhouse is heated. I have an old but goodie propane gas over head heater. I set the thermostat for 58 degrees. Which keeps it running most nights now. Today, with the lights on, it hasn't come on yet. The lights do put out a good bit of heat so my propane bill has gone down. Little victory there for me. I do locate my plants in the greenhouse based on heat. The upper level is alys warmer so the warm growing guys go up there I hang them from the roof on two metal pipes that run the length of my greenhouse. Intermediate growers on tables in the middle zone and cool ones on the floor.
These micro climes seem to help meet the needs of my plants and they are happier and flower better. Well that's it for now. I an going to try to figure out how to post pics on here so you can see my set up. I also post my pics to Flickr so you can find me there. Also some shots on Facebook. Look for madfish1c on Flickr.
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