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David E. Ross · 22-11-2007, 11:23 PM posted to rec.gardens

On 11/22/2007 12:30 PM, wrote:
"Compost",
"Coco Husk",
"Sphagnum Moss",
"Orchid Focus Feed",
"Superthrive vitamin-hormone",
"Mineral Magic clay powder organic matter",
"Diamond Nectar Fulvic Acid",
"Bio Essentials micro nutrients",
"Clonex rooting gel",
"Hydroton Clay Pellets",
"Superdrive natural additive",
"Humic Acid Concentrate Liquid"

"AAAAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGGGHHHH!"... I read orchids were easy to grow; this
list I've found complicates it all... My idea of growing plants was
'seed/bulb', 'dirt', 'water', 'light' & 'time'...

Is the above list necessary? What are their merit?

For feeding, use any commercial orchid food that has equal N-P-K numbers
and that dissolves easily in cool water. For each use, mix per the
instructions. Be careful not to make the mix too strong, or you will
burn the roots. I feed my Phalaenopsis and Cymbidium every other
weekend. On the weekends that I don't feed them, I water them; I also
give the Cymbidium extra water mid-week.

Tropical orchids are generally epiphytic, growing in the leaf debris
that accumulates on tree branches. In flower pots, they are usually
planted in either something fibrous (e.g., tree fern bark) or chunky
(e.g., small pieces of fir bark). In any case, the medium should absorb
water but have perfect drainage, allowing air to reach the roots.
Sphagnum moss in strands is okay, but don't use screened sphagnum
because it holds too much moisture and blocks air.

Temperate orchids are generally terrestrial, growing in the ground. But
they too need excellent drainage. My do-it-yourself potting mix (see
http://www.rossde.com/garden/garden_potting_mix.html) with an equal
amount of partially composted wood chips and without added nutrients
would be a good medium.

Most orchids need strong indirect light without direct sun shine. They
also prefer high humidity. I meet that need by setting their pots on
top of pebbles in saucers and keeping water in the saucers up to the top
of the pebbles. The bottoms of my pots might touch the water, but
they're not sitting in water. Humidity is also provided by having my
orchids surrounded by other house plants.

--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening pages at http://www.rossde.com/garden/