Orchid Greenhouse

Example of an Oncidium orchid

Orchid Gift

We received a gift of an orchid plant from friends. Orchids represent flowers of love, beauty, and luxury. That one orchid created a hobby passion. 

We got caught up in the beauty of these flowers and kept buying without thought to their maintenance. This reckless purchasing style created problems in orchid care.

Our purchasing may have been haphazard, but we learned about all the things that one should not do. These were costly mistakes, but we learned valuable lessons. 

Other orchid enthusiasts introduced us to orchid shows. These shows allow people to take advantage of on-site knowledge work shops. The classes help to become familiar with the different orchid plant families and how to care for them. 

We kept speaking with different vendors at these shows gathering more tips for plant care and for building a greenhouse.

We also visited commercial orchid houses to get their ideas for our backyard orchid building.

There are many assorted types of greenhouse plans. We have found that after you build the first one there will be changes for future buildings.

As you gain knowledge working with your orchids, the building will need to suit the plant types and your personal needs for a sturdy, friendly, and workable building that suits both plant interests and personal working habits.

There is the option of ordering manufactured greenhouses or building your own. It is a personal and financial choice. 

Potted Lady Slipper in a greenhouse.

Eleven Tips for Raising Orchids:

1. Orchids are easy to raise.
2. The most common mistake is to water too often and too much. 
3. Some orchids are air plants and some require a base of soil or growing medium.
4. Learn everything about your favorite variety. Gain experience in their care. After which, try other varieties.
5. Gain knowledge to save a plant from illness or dying.
6. Gain on-hands experience.
7. Gather knowledge and tips from professionals.
8. Maintain a reference library.
9. Log each plant with care instructions and correct name. 
10. Photograph flowers and plants.
11. Orchid enthusiasts use biological names, not common names. 

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Orchids growing in their natural setting of a rain forest.

Growing Orchids

Hanging and potted plants of orchids growing in a greenhouse.

Orchids are naturally found growing in rain forests around the world. However, conditions can be created indoors, outdoors, or in greenhouses regardless of where you live. 

There are thousands of species. Most people will specialize in one category, possibly another two or three. Orchid growing interests are determined by affordable artificial setups and availability of supplies to keep plants happy and thriving. 

South America is known to be the largest arena for a variety of orchids. Many of us are familiar with tropical islands having many varieties. Tourists are welcomed in Hawaii by receiving orchid leis. Leis are necklaces of fresh flowers placed around the neck of visitors to the islands.  

Our favorite vendor brings orchids from Thailand. We always look forward for her supplies at the orchid shows.  

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