Orchid Care Tips Blog

Orchids are said to be one of the most delicate plant in the world but you will be surprised to learn that orchids can be easy to maintain if you know the right technique about the proper way to care for them. There are actually various sources over the internet such as books including “The Complete Guide to Orchids” and “Orchids for Dummies”. These books contain valuable information that will aid you in caring for orchids. If you are looking for online resources though, there are also many informative websites can be very helpful to you.

1. www.orchidlady.com – this is Linda’s page where you will be able to browse tips, photos, and information about orchids.
2. www.orchidworks.com – you will be able to see an interactive demonstration here, you will also be able to browse incredible private collections of some growers.
3. www.orchids.org – this website is run by organizations that are dedicated to orchid growing.
4. www.orchid.org.uk – this site is maintained specifically for orchid growers all over the world who needs information about this plant.
5. www.phalaenopsis.net – if you want to have a more in-depth knowledge about orchids, then this site is the place to go.
6. www.millennium-orchids.co.uk – another great resource, you can find various tips, photos, and recommendations on this site.
7. www.orchidsasia.com - most of the information contained here are about orchid species found in Asia
8. www.orchid.or.jp/orchid/people/tanaka/indexe.html - this contains a lot of instructions about how you can grow, hybrid, and deflax orchids.
9. www.orchidenthusia.com – you can view some of the most beautiful orchids in Malaysia on this site.
10. www.botany.wisc.edu/Orchids/Orchids_of_Wisconsin.html - an interactive website that is centered on the naturalized orchids in Wisconsin.
11. www.sunbulb.com – contains a lot of information about how you can properly take care of common types of orchids.
12. www.miltoniopsis.com – this site actually specialized in a particular type of orchid, particularly the Miltoniopsis.
13. www.oneorchid.com/orchidsmain.htm - features different galleries, photos, and advice
14. www.orchidhut.com – useful guide for any orchid lover whether you are a beginner or a hobbyist.
15. www.orchidgreenhouse.com – learn how to cultivate orchids from this site and interact with other members as well.
16. www.retirees.uwaterloo.ca/~jerry/orchids - has FAQ and cultural notes to help any orchid enthusiast.
17. www.orchidkerala.googlepages.com – this is a great catalogue of orchids.
18. www.gardenweb.com/forums/orchids - communicate with other enthusiast about your passion to orchids
19. www.conbio.bio.uci.edu/orchid - has reference database about valuable information for different orchid species.
20. www.pbs.org/nova/orchid - this site investigates why some people love orchids so much.

It is not necessary for you to be an expert in gardening in order to grow orchids successfully. There are many species of orchids that are easy to grow and maintain even for a beginner. It is important to note though that there are certain types of orchids that require special care and attention for them to live and bloom. “Ortho’s All About Orchids” which is a book with description and tips about the proper care for orchids offers a guide for beginners and experts alike about the proper care for different types of orchids.

On the other hand, you may also want to look into the book, “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Orchids” to know the varied types of orchid species and choose the best orchid that is best for you and your level of expertise. But for you to successfully choose the right kind of orchid for you and your home, here are some things you might want to know first:

Orchid Nomenclature

All kinds of orchids have scientific names. This term is a two-part name in Latin that aids in letting everyone speaks the same language when they want to identify living things. Identifying orchids are the same because when you look at the names of orchids, you will notice that the plural genera (genus) will be capitalized and it will be followed by another name in lower case.

Orchid Hybrids

There are orchids that are mixed with each other, these kinds of orchids are called orchid hybrid. You can know if an orchid is a hybrid or not by looking at its name. For example, hybrid plants will have the term “X” between the names of each of its parent. Orchid hybrids are also sometimes cross-bred to create new kinds of orchids and it can be seen in its name.

Orchid Genus

If you are only beginning to discover the world of orchids, it is first essential for you to be familiar with the name of genus. This is because orchids with the same genus require the same growing conditions and techniques so you will know how to grow different types of orchids under the same genus.

Orchid Genera

Although being familiar with the orchid genus is very important for a beginner, there are also some genera that a beginner should be familiar with such as Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis, and Oncidium because these are common types of orchids.

The book “Flora’s Orchids” by Isobyl LaCroix also has contributions from twelve expert botanists who have created an outstanding, readable, and easy to understand specialized book on Orchids suitable for gardeners and growers at all levels. The book consists of 368 pages and presents more than 1,500 different genus of this versatile plant. There are about 1,300 wonderful color photographs accompanying some entries.

The best price we have found for Flora’s Orchids can be found by clicking here to go to Amazon.com

The flowers in the book are arranged in an alphabetical name format starting from A to Z. Each entry first lists the scientific name of the genus in Latin, accompanied by a Latin meaning of the name and wherever appropriate the translated common name being used. The book contains a handy reference table where one can find the required climate and cultivation information for each species.

Each entry also has information on the plant spread and height, which are listed both in inches and centimeters. The brief intro descriptions of each flower explains the type of genus, geographic area where commonly found and bloom and dormancy seasons. The book also provides valuable information, tips and advice on cultivation which includes propagating, mulching and treating dormant tubers. A detailed cultivation table for each of the species is found in the appendix section of the book.

At a very reasonable price, one can find additional information on pest and diseases from which orchids suffer, how to prepare orchids for exhibition and some step by step photographs of propagation, repotting, and transplanting.

The book provides in-depth information on Genus entries relating to:

• Natural distribution
• Characteristics and cultivation tips
• Description of species
• Type of plant - whether terrestrial, lithophyte, or epiphyte
• Average plant height and spread
• Ideal temperature and light requirements
• Natural growing locations
• Growing conditions
• Frost tolerance
• Preference of cultivation – pot or mount
• Type of flowers produced – color, size, petals

The book is an important and valuable resource especially for aspiring botanists and average gardeners providing background information of each flower and explains various orchid varieties, taxonomy, hybridization, history, cultivation and propagation. The history section of each flower throws light on the fascinating historical development of the plant for culinary and medicinal usage and also unfolds the use of orchids in myths and literature use centuries ago. Overall the book has well laid out photographs, readable text and is written in simple English with not much botanical jargon been used.