Growing Orchids in the Greenhouse

To select orchids that are easy to grow, it is important to understand a little about the plant type. It wouldn't make sense to take a plant that grows in tree debris near tree roots in deep shade, and put it in the highest brightest corner of your greenhouse! But the careful management and control that a greenhouse allows us to ensure the range of plants that can be successfully grown will be increased.

Orchids prefer about 60% humidity. Indoor-growing orchids prefer anything from no direct light to full light most of the day - choose an orchid that's right for you and if you get the orchid bug, make sure you stick to species that share a love of the same conditions. Ventilation is also very important and you need to ensure you open vents or use fans.

Lift your orchid and feel the weight, this tells you when to water. If it is light in weight, water it. Filtered water is good but not essential, it’s more important to ensure water is at room temperature, not chilled from the tap. You can also test with a sharpened pencil by pushing it into the growing medium about an inch, when it comes out you can tell how much moisture is in the mix depending on the colour of the shaved wood. If it has absorbed lots of water, then your plant is well watered, if it has not changed colour, there is not much moisture in the mix.

Fertilize with a very weak solution and do this little and often. Every third or fourth watering is best to add fertilizer or you might get fertilizer build-up which can give your plant swollen roots. Some plants like it warmer than others, but if your orchids get too hot during the day, water and mist them.