orchidspace

Know Your Space

The first step to success with orchids is deciding where you'll be growing them--and understanding the dynamics of that space. Many home orchid growers grow on windowsills. Others grow under lights or in specially constructed cases that help control environmental variables. Still others have the good fortune to grow in greenhouses. Regardless of your choice, it is important to be aware of what happens throughout the day in THAT place.

Many variables impact the micro-climate of the spot where you'llset that pot. Light, ambient humidity, air movement and YOUR needs all influence whether or not a plant will be happy.

Let that light shine...

Consider light. On a windowsill light changes minute-by-minute. At every time of day, its intensity is different. Overhangs, foliage outdoors and the windows themselves will conspire to reduce the amount of light reaching your plants. Day-to-day and season to season it will change. It is never constant. Getting a feel for it will inform you about the kinds of orchids that will appreciate the level of light at each location.

Under lights and in cases, light is relatively constant. You have the flexibility of increasing the strength of the lighting by using stronger bulbs or moving plants closer to them. Keep in mind that intensity fades as bulbs age.

A greenhouse provides the light closest to sunlight. Generally built in open spaces, greenhouses eliminate many of the obstructions faced by windowsill growers. Needless to say, even a modest greenhouse is an expensive proposition. If you can manage it, it's one of the best ways to grow a wide variety of orchids and companion plants.

Know your space.

Oooh, it's like a jungle in here...

Mention orchids and most people think of humidity. The FEEL of the jungle--thought of as a steamy, warm and very moist place, is what jumps to mind.

In fact, many orchids will be just fine at humidity levels that keep your skin, nasal passages and fine wood antiques in good fettle. The problem is that most home heating systems in temperate climates with cold winters, suck moisture right out of the air at a time when natural levels are low, reducing relative humidity to 25% or even lower.

Some plants demand high levels of humidity and may not be good choices for home growers. Hundreds of species and hybrids will be just fine.

Think about the space you intend to grow in. Some rooms in your house are naturally more humid than others. Keeping plants away from heating vents and grouping them together will have positive effects on moisture levels.

Know your space.

Sway with me....air movement for your orchids...

An important, but little considered factor for healthy orchids is air movement. Sure, it is ALWAYS moving whether we do anything or not, but in general there is too little of it.

Consider your space from the standpoint of air movement. Ideal conditions will result in a slight swaying of leaves and flower stems. Stagnant air is never good.

Fans can help. Drafts are not good despite the fact that they are also moving air. You want the air IN the space to move--not large intrusions of air from outside.

Know your space.

You live here too...

You live here too! Don't forget your needs when you consider where you'll grow your orchids. We all want our plants close to us so we can enjoy them, BUT.......

You'll likely engage in a little environment-altering activity and need to keep your comfort in mind. Heating and/or cooling, increasing humidity, and the need to sling water around on a regular basis (not to mention that a certain amount of "dirt", shall we say, accompanies any gardening activity) will all affect where you grow.

The pretty pictures of orchids on expensive side tables in living rooms and as decor in many other settings.....doesn't happen. When the photographer leaves the plants go back to their real homes awaiting their next turn in the spotlight.

Consider YOUR space when you think about THE space.

Know your space.

The first rule you'll break...

Here's the first rule you'll break:

#1 Know your space...then pick the right plants for that space.

The reality:

"It's gorgeous. I want it. Now where do I put it?"

Don't worry. It's O.K. There's a place for every plant--and there's always room for another one.

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