How to Buy Orchids

Where and how can we acquire orchid plants? They are available in different places:

There are over 30,000 orchid species in the world and an even greater number of different man-made hybrids. Orchids grow in all parts of the world except Antarctica. There will be something for every growing environment.

For the general novice grower, the popular Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium hybrids are good choices because they usually bloom for 3 months or longer. There are many other choices for the home grower. It is always a good idea to pick plants that will fit into your particular environment – ask the seller.

Phalaenopsis need medium light and fairly warm temperatures as do tropical lady slippers - the Cypripediums, Paphiopedilums and Phragmipediums.

Masdevallias and most other Pleurothallids like it cool, moist and shady.

Cymbidiums want to be sunny, warm with lots of water and fertilizer in the summer, then in the fall, the temperatures need to be quite cool, but good light etc. must be supplied.

Dendrobium orchids need lots of light, as do Vandas, some need to be cool.

Oncidiums and Miltonias need medium light and medium temperatures.

Besides good ventilation and a little fertilizer, all orchids need to be kept moderately moist unless they are resting – observe your plants and let them rest when they have stopped growing fresh leaves or roots – but DO NOT dry them out! If the plants get too much sun, they burn and when they get too much water, they rot. Accordion-pleated leaves show root problems.

Most orchid plants need to be repotted into fresh mix every two years – there are of course exceptions.

When purchasing plants, including orchids, look for healthy foliage, well-staked stems with fresh buds and flowers; avoid wilted flowers, signs of insects and heavy black spots (a few small spots are ok). When a pot has light weight, it may indicate a need for water. It has been stated that it is a good sign to see many old flower stems; to me, it is a sign of an ungroomed plant. Good growers will groom (tidy up) their sales plants. Experienced growers will know how to look after small seedlings and difficult plants, but for the novice grower, I recommend that you don’t buy bargain plants without flowers or showing only yellow leaves with shrivelled pseudobulbs – don’t buy another person’s problems.

After you bring your plants home, examine them carefully. When all seems right, place your new charge in a draft free place away from direct sunlight – this will help the flowers to last longer. Water regularly and fertilize lightly. If you want to spray the plants, fine, but do not spray the flowers. If you see some ageing, yellow leaves, wait until you can pull them off easily. Old, spent flowers should be cut off with a sterile knife; old flower stems should be cut off at the base where they come from the plant. This will allow the plants to grow better. Some persons like to re-bloom the old stems but the flowers are inferior and I find it better to wait until the new spikes come.

It is not really necessary to hang on to an orchid plant for years and years if it won’t flower – we usually don’t keep Poinsettias or Azaleas around for too long. People with sunrooms or greenhouses may be able to re-bloom an orchid successfully. After a Phalaenopsis plant has finished blooming, cut the stem off, put the plant in a warm place with good light, water and fertilize it all summer long; in the fall, chill the plant (12C) for about two weeks, this may encourage it to bloom.

If you are really interested in pursuing the orchid hobby, it is certainly a good idea to join an orchid society to learn more. There are libraries with many good books (except most are written for other climates), and of course there is the Internet.

Ingrid Schmidt-Ostrander - Canadian Orchid Congress