Hur har orchids anpassat
Most species can be grown mounted, and smaller species can be grown in pots. They will not grow in subtropical or tropical climates. The growing requirements depend on the origin, habitat, and altitude of the particular species. Cultivated plants must have drainage that is unimpeded, and they can be mounted or grown in pots using a coarse bark-based medium.
Constant moisture is required throughout the warmer months, but the plants should be kept drier in winter. Most marsh orchids are frost hardy, although they do appreciate protection from the most severe frosts. In cool to temperate climates, these herbaceous perennials can be grown in pots or in the garden. Paphiopedilum species prefer low to medium light levels and are best grown in part-shade, although some tolerate sunny positions.
Some species do not have a dormant period. This very complex genus is allied with other genera, such as Miltonia and Brassia, and intergeneric forms are common. These orchids require warm, humid, and damp conditions, or a well-ventilated greenhouse, with filtered light, constant moisture, and rich but well-drained compost. Easily grown in moist humus-rich soil, marsh orchids do best in a position in dappled sunlight.
Most Laelia species require bright, warm, and moist conditions while the plants are in active growth during the summer months; cool dry conditions are best during winter, when most species are dormant. Some epidendrums can tolerate very light frosts, but most require at least frost-free conditions, preferably with winter minimums above 10°C. They are best grown in containers, with a well-drained bark-based potting mix.
Propagate by breaking up established clumps when dormant.
Adaptable, tough, drought tolerant, and able to survive extended periods with overnight temperatures of 4°C or lower, it is very hard to kill a cymbidium but they do so much better when looked after. The large pseudobulbs endow them with reasonable drought tolerance, and they prefer to dry out between waterings. However, they do resent disturbance. Spectacular and reasonably tough plants, cattleyas are easy orchids for beginners.
Cultivation requirements vary with the species. They should be kept moist throughout the year, with routine feeding during the growing season. Propagate by division. The plants can be grown in porous pots or hanging baskets with suitable coarse fibrous compost. They like bright, lightly shaded conditions.
Propagation is by division or cuttings, depending on the species. In general, they like a position in full sun or part-sun. Many species may be grown in a free-draining bark-based medium or tied onto slabs of cork or tree fern. Plant in a bright position and water and feed well while actively growing and flowering.
Propagate by dividing the clumps down as far as single pseudobulbs. The reed-stemmed species are propagated by removing pieces with aerial roots and growing them on, while the smaller species are divided.
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In winter, allow the soil to dry out before watering, but keep the plants moist when in active growth and feed regularly. Divide when dormant into clusters of 4 or more pseudobulbs. They are generally best grown in pots and, once established, should be left undisturbed. Cymbidium is the ideal choice of orchid for the beginner. Propagation is by division.
Compact sunpatiens
Oncidium species and hybrids require bright conditions and winter lows of not less than 10°C. Plant in a bright but shaded position with coarse, very free-draining growing medium and allow to dry before watering. The delicate appearance of the plants belies their resilience they are able to withstand long periods of drought.
Most require warmth in winter, though some will stand cooler winter temperatures for short periods of time while dormant if kept dry. They prefer a sunny or partly shaded position and do best when planted in orchid compost. The cultivation of particular species varies dramatically, though generally a very well-drained mixture of bark and charcoal, often with a bit of added sphagnum moss, is the ideal growing medium.