►What is an orchid ? 
►Growing orchids indoors
►Basic orchid culture
►Where to buy orchids in Montreal ?
 

►What is an orchid ?

Orchids belong to the plant family known as Orchidacae, with 25,000 to 35,000 species worldwide. It is probably the largest family of flowering plants on earth. Orchids occupy almost every conceivable habitat from tropical cloud forest to seashore scrub, from tundra to semi-deserts. Orchid flowers are some of the most beautiful and diverse on earth that can vary widely in shape, size and color. Floral fragrances are also diverse, from pleasantly sweet to most foul, while some are faintly exhilarating, others are potent enough to empty a room of people and pets.

Orchids are generally divided into three main categories:

• Epiphytes have adapted to the tropical jungle by clinging to tree branches in order to obtain light and air. Epiphytes often have aerial roots that dangle freely in the atmosphere.
   

• Lithophytes are also found mostly in the tropics. They can be seen covering the bases and forks of trees or filling crevices in rocks where they can absorb a maximum supply of nutrients from decaying mosses, humus and washed-down soil.
   

• Terrestrials can be found in a range of climatic regions from cool temperate zone to the warmer tropics. They are soil loving plants growing in the ground.

Phragmipedium Bel Royal

Epidendrum Miva Gingle Cordoba

Polystachia pubescens Gleynerie

The life style that most people seem to lead today needs some time for relaxation, and there is no better therapy at the end of the stressful day than to step in to the tranquil and peaceful oasis of an orchids house where you soon are entranced by the beauty, grace and the sweet scent  of the flowers. Growing orchids is a deeply satisfying and therapeutic activity.

Orchids are often considered difficult to grow and hard to bring into bloom as they require the extreme temperature and humidity of a tropical rainforest. Although some orchids do grow under these conditions, most grow under normal household conditions.

Growing a selection of orchids indoors is the most straightforward and least demanding method of cultivation.  Given the right climate and cultural conditions, they will adjust to habitats not created for them and often grow extremely well and require a minimum of attention in a less than ideal environment. They will also flower regularly and last quite a long time.
 

• Windowsill
  Whether you live in a city apartment, a garden apartment or in a house in the suburbs, growing orchids on your windowsill can be done very successfully and easily. Keep in mind when starting your collection of the conditions that you can provide to your orchids. Before considering what orchids you'd like to grow, remember that the same growing conditions apply to both species and hybrids orchids. Air circulation, fertilization, humidity, light, potting media, temperature and  watering are the key to success in orchid cultivation.
  
  Depending upon the position of the windowsill, there is an  orchid to suit every location. In general, the plants will thrive best on an east or west facing windowsill. South windows require a bit of manipulation in order to keep the plants from being sunburned, a net curtain will protect them from direct sunlight. Because of the relatively small place for perhaps 20 to 25 plants, windowsill growers should be selective in the type of orchids they acquire. Select only plants of compact growth habit. Try growing your orchids on gravel filled trays, this will increase humidity and moisture around your plants. It is important never to sit your orchids pots directly on the tray as the plants will rot if the roots get mushy and waterlogged.
   

• Artificial light
  Not every home has large, spacious windows for growing orchids, but most apartments and houses have a spot in which to set up a light table. Many people grow orchids under artificial light and the results are often superior to normal, as the grower is able to control both the intensity and duration of the light, so each day, the orchids will receive the maximum amount of light the setup can provide. By connecting your lights to a timer, you can program the hours of daylight your orchids receive to mimic nature without having to adjust the light constantly yourself.

  Shelves can be built to accommodate fluorescent lights. Each shelves can be mounted with four to six 48" long, 40W  fluorescent tubes. The light is strongest  at the center of the tubes so place those orchids that require the most light about 3 to 4 inches from the tubes. A few inches closer to the light will make a difference between a non blooming and a flowering orchid. You can adjust the light level of your light fixture by attaching them with chains at either end of the shelf, that will enable you to raise or lower the light fixture. Make sure to replace your fluorescent tubes every year as most fluorescent light possess an efficient life for horticultural purposes of no more than eight months.

  A vast number of species and hybrids of numerous genera can be successfully raised and flowered without natural light if the growers recognizes the need of the plants. There is no hard and fast rule regarding day length, and different growers have been equally successful with varying regimes. By maintaining the day length between 14 to 16 hours, with perhaps only slight seasonal adjustments, the orchids respond by growing vigorously almost throughout the year. The more regular supply of light and warmth also means that the orchids can be watered and fertilized at summer levels, with the inevitable result of steady, year round growth. Again, observe your orchids, if they don't seem to set bud or flower for you, try moving them closer to the light. If the leaves are dark green give the plants more light, if the leaves are pale and look desiccated, move them away from the light or decrease the number of daylight hours.
  
  Orchids grow under lights need basically the same conditions as those grown on a windowsill. They need good air circulation, which can be provide with oscillating floor fans, and considerable humidity, which can be promoted by misting or using a humidifier. As in nature, orchids growing under lights need a drop in temperature in the evening for buds to set. Try to decrease the night temperature in your growing area by opening a few windows. But do avoid a cold draft directly  on your plants.

In general, there are seven basic cultural requirements for growing orchids.

Air Circulation: In nature, orchids receive fresh air and gentle breezes daily. The hobbyist can recreate this condition by using a floor fan, positioned to blow gently on the orchids. Air movement around the plants will prevent fungus from the moist and stagnant air from destroying your plants.

Fertilization: Orchids do not require abundant doses of fertilizer. Most orchids can be fed with less than a  half-strength solution of fertilizer and water during or immediately following a normal watering. A balanced formula such as 20-20-20 (N-P-K) is appropriate for year-round use. Alternately, a grow formula such as 30-10-10 is used when the leaves or pseudobulbs are growing and a bloom formula such as 10-30-20 is used to instigate flowering. Each month, water thoroughly with plain water to flush out any accumulated fertilizer salts. If the tips of the leaves turn black you are over fertilizing.

Humidity: Generally, humidity around your orchids should be in the 50 to 70% range. This can easily be accomplished by placing the plants on a gravel tray that is partially filled with water, avoid having the pot sit in water. You can also use a house humidifier near the plant.

Light: For most orchids, bright and diffuse light is required for healthy growth. The color of the leaves is often a good indicator of the amount of light the plant is receiving. Dark green leaves usually mean not enough light, while yellow leaves mean too much light.   Medium green and firm leaves are ideal.

Potting Media: The majority of orchids in cultivation are epiphytes that need open, well drained compost. Proven media used in combination or alone include fir bark, redwood bark, charcoal, lava rock, osmunda fiber, tree fern, etc. Orchids like to be pot bound and to have their media changed at least every two years. Pots can be either clay or plastic, though clay is preferable because it dries out faster, and is bottom heavy, natural and attractive.

Temperature: Most orchids like normal daytime temperatures of 21-29 ºC and night temperatures of 14-18 ºC. A differential of about 10ºC is necessary for most orchids to flower. In the home this can be achieved by opening a window at night or by setting  the thermostat down.

Watering:   Orchids need a thorough watering once or twice a week. Pour water on top of media long enough to allow water to run out the bottom. During the warmer months in spring, summer and early fall, water should be freely given. During the cooler days of winter, water less often. If you are in doubt about watering, don't. More orchids die from over watering than from any other cause. Orchids grown in clay pots tend to dry out quicker those grown in plastic pots. Orchids mounted on cork bark need to be watered more often.

Dendrobium anosmum

P. Sweet Memory x P. tetraspis

Unfortunately, there are not many orchid vendors or growers in the Montreal area. My advice to new comers is to join the french Montreal Orchid Society, Les Orchidophiles de Montréal or the english Orchid Society Eastern Canada Orchid Society. Joining the society will provide you with a constant source of orchid information, you will meet other orchid lovers, learn and share from their experiences. At each meeting, you can admire beautiful orchids brought in by members. There is also sale table where vendors and members bring wonderful orchids for you to buy.

Orchid societies hold several orchid exposition throughout the year and you will be amazed of the quality, quantity and diversity of the orchids shown at these expositions. And of course you can spend all the money you want to purchase more orchids. But beware, orchids can become an obsession ;-)