Highland Springs	UPDATED: Thursday, April 17, 2008
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Help—there’s a Phalaenopsis in the house!

Posted on Tuesday, April 01, 2008

By Patricia A. Martinelli
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Don’t panic if you come home one day to discover Phalaenopsis spread throughout the living room. Or if you walk into the kitchen to find Dendrobium lurking on the windowsill above the sink. It’s nothing contagious; they’re just varieties of the beautiful blossoms more commonly known as orchids.

For many people, orchids are synonymous with elegance. Their delicately colored, long-stemmed flowers are often associated with special events and occasions.

However, what most people don’t realize is that they come in an amazing spectrum of plant types and, with a little dedication, can be surprisingly easy to grow at home.

Not your garden varieties
There are literally thousands of different types of orchids, which often come from tropical climates. They include such species as the Macodes sanderiana, which features a sparkling vein through its leaves, and the Phalaenopsis schilleriana, best known for its mottled pink petals. Orchids range in color from soft white to vivid black, and the flowers vary in size from miniature sprays to full blooms.

In their natural habitat, many orchids grow attached to trees with their roots exposed to the air. This allows them to enjoy the nutrients provided by daily rainfalls and dry their roots immediately afterward. Keep this in mind if you do plan to try growing orchids at home. It is important to replicate their natural environment to make sure the plants stay healthy. That doesn’t mean adding any palm trees to your living room—just use a bed of natural sand, wood chips, or pebbles to provide proper drainage for the potted orchid’s roots.

News for newbies
Newcomers may want to pick up a mature plant that has already bloomed because orchids at this stage are strong and long-lasting. Two choices for beginners are the Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) and the Paphiopedilum (slipper orchid), whose beautiful flowers often last a minimum of two months.

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Since growers in Florida have become so proficient at propagating the plants, orchids are nowhere near as expensive as they used to be; many home supply stores carry orchids in their gardening departments that sell for less than twenty dollars. Once you’ve brought your plant home, it is important to remember the following:

• Check the thermostat. Some orchids grow best in a cooler environment, but others prefer temperatures between 65° and 80°.

• Use lukewarm or room-temperature water for watering. While it’s good to run water over the leaves, make sure the plant has drained properly when you’re through.

• Watch your watering. While moisture is important to maintaining a healthy orchid, over-watering can cause its roots to rot. Try misting the plant while the roots dry out between watering.

• Feed your orchids on a regular basis. Orchid food ranges from $2.95 to $24.95, depending on the brand.

• Light should be bright but diffused. Above all, avoid direct sun. Fluorescent lighting is often an acceptable alternative to regular plant lights.

Raising orchids requires investing time and attention to ensure the plants remain healthy. Incorrect lighting and over-watering are the most common mistakes made by inexperienced orchid growers.

Seasonal creatures
When the weather is warm, orchids should be fed a balanced fertilizer mix every other time they are watered. When the temperature drops, feedings can be more infrequent. Orchids are more comfortable in a cooler temperature at night, which can be addressed by simply placing the plants next to a window.

So, if you enjoy gardening or you’ve always wanted to find out if you have a green thumb, it might be time to succumb to the lure of the Ludisia discolor or the Aphyllorchis. Raising orchids might provide you with the opportunity to explore new horizons without ever having to leave home.

Orchid support
Pick up some books on the subject from your local library or visit the website run by the American Orchid Society (AOS) at orchidweb.org. The AOS can assist you with everything from basic information on growing orchids to finding a group in your area with whom you can share your interest. Membership in an orchid club can be a valuable learning experience. In addition, club members frequently plan special events or programs devoted to the history and the geography of the plants, which can help members provide better care for their orchids.

Growing at Highland Springs

Green thumbs don’t have to dig far for resources at Highland Springs—gardens and a greenhouse are right on campus. “It’s an outstanding greenhouse—very well equipped—and we’re all getting a great deal of enjoyment out of it,” says resident Dot Murray. “It was just one of the attractions that brought me here,” she says, “and I love it.”

While growing her own plants, Murray often meets others who love gardening. There is room for more residents to claim space in the greenhouse, she adds, and she encourages anyone interested to come see the beautiful plants she and her neighbors are growing. She says she’s happy she doesn’t have to worry about taking care of a huge garden anymore, and she believes the greenhouse provides another way to stop and smell the roses, to destress your life, and most of all, to let nature nurture you.