The orchid family consists of more than 30,000 different species, in a vast array of colors and sizes. Jeff Britt, orchid expert and president of the Rod McLellan Company, offers tips on how to successfully grow orchids. Many people believe that orchids are difficult to grow. That's a myth, Jeff says, and you don't need a greenhouse to grow them. Perhaps the easiest choice for the beginner is the moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) (figure A), which commonly blooms in the winter months. Its flowers open successively for 4 to 5 weeks. Once the flowers are gone, cut the plant just above the node (figure B) and enjoy more blooms in 6 to 8 weeks. Moth orchids require warm growing conditions (minimum 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day); fairly high humidity, which you can provide with a spray-mist bottle; and bright light but no direct sun. Water your orchids every 7 to 10 days, giving them a chance to dry out between waterings. The most common mistake people make is overwatering. Fertilize orchids once a month with a product created specifically for orchids (e.g., Peters Orchid Plant Food, a water-soluble formula). The best potting medium for orchids is ground bark. Some, such as slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum), prefer a fine grind; those that need to dry out between waterings perform better in coarse bark.
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