Orchids

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Orchids are always the star attraction, whether they appear at flower shows, growers' greenhouses, or garden centers. They seem to possess diva-like qualities -- outrageously exotic-looking blooms, seductive fragrances, temperamental dispositions, legions of obsessed fans .... You, too, are drawn to these prima donnas, but you've been afraid of growing your own. Don't worry, you're not alone. Many of us -- even experienced "plant people" -- shy away from the notoriously fussy orchids, but there are several varieties that are surprisingly easy to grow if a few basic requirements are met. Among the easiest orchids to grow, and the most readily available, are Phalaenopsis ("moth orchid"), Oncidium, and Cattleya.

Phalaenopsis:

Large blooms (white, pink, yellow, red, spotted, or striped) are arranged in a spray along the plant's arching stems. The flowers appear in late autumn-early winter and though not fragrant, they usually remain fresh-looking, with buds continuing to open, for about six weeks. Phalaenopsis should be grown in fir bark kept moist with regular watering; avoid watering near the plant stem, however, so as to prevent rot. Phalaenopsis like bright light (avoid direct sunlight), but you can also grow them under artificial light, moving the plants into bright natural light as the flower buds begin to develop. They are very sensitive to cold temperatures and cold drafts; temperatures should be 65°-70° at night.

Oncidium: 

"Dancing lady" is the oncidium's common name because its sprays of small, profuse blooms quiver in the slightest breeze. The fragrant blossoms are usually yellow with dark orange splotches, but they also may be pink, purple, or white. The blooms appear between December and April, following rapid growth from spring through autumn. Oncidiums require lots of filtered sunlight (5 to 8 hours per day) and 70°-80° temperatures during the day, 55°-65° at night. They should be grown in medium-grade fir bark and watered every 6-8 days (but allowed to dry out between waterings).

Cattleya: 

This is the well-known "corsage" orchid, whose richly fragrant blooms may be white, pink, or purple. Cattleyas need 5-6 hours per day of bright, filtered sunlight, and temperatures should be 75°-85° during the day, 55°-65° at night. The potting medium for cattleyas should be medium-grade fir bark, allowed to dry out between generous waterings (about every 5-6 days).

* Fertilizing: Because the fir bark in which the above orchid species are grown contains no nutrients, the plants need regular feeding. Every two weeks apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (i.e., a 3:1:1 ratio) diluted to half strength.