Getting started with orchids

The orchid family is a big one. With nearly 30,000 species, and countless cultivars, the Orchidaceae family offers something for everyone – including beginners.

Orchid life cycle

First, let’s look at the life cycle of orchids. Most types follow a distinct annual growing cycle. There is the growth phase, when new leaves and shoots are produced. Then comes the flowering stage, with the production of flower spikes and blooms. This is followed by a period of rest before the cycle starts over again. The timing of each stage depends on the particular orchid species.

Types of orchids

Next is the matter of epiphyte versus terrestrial orchids. Most of the popular orchids are epiphytes. In nature, these cling to trees and rock faces with fully exposed roots or a light covering of leaf litter. They may grow from a single stem or have multiple stems with distinctive swollen bases called pseudobulbs.

Terrestrial orchids grow in soil, preferably moist and free-draining. While they’re not as well known as the epiphytic types, they include some exquisite species and cultivars. These orchids often die down completely during their resting phase.

Both orchid types can be grown in pots filled with specialty potting mix. If orchid roots are wet for extended periods, they rot, so orchid mixes are made with chunky pieces of bark to ensure water runs through quickly, and roots have plenty of air around them. Mixes for epiphytic orchids have the largest pieces of bark and are used in hanging baskets and regular pots. Mixes for terrestrials have smaller pieces and added compost to help them hold more moisture.

How to care for orchids

Some orchids thrive in full sun and some prefer deep shade, but for the most part, orchids do best in bright, dappled light. Place them in spots that give them good light without exposure to harsh, burning sun. Also ensure good airflow around them to minimise fungal infections.

Frequency of watering depends on the type of orchid, its growth cycle and weather conditions. Broadly speaking, during the hotter months you should water 2–3 times a week, even daily for tropical orchids and in regions with low humidity. Reduce watering to weekly or less during the cooler months, when many orchids are resting. If your orchid is still actively growing at that stage, keep the water up to it, but remember to allow the mix to almost dry out between waterings.

Orchids need feeding, and respond best to low doses of nutrients applied regularly. A liquid organic fertiliser given every two weeks is ideal, but only during their growth period. Stop during their resting phase.

Potted orchids that produce pseudobulbs become congested over time. To improve vigour and flowering, divide orchid plants every 3–4 years into smaller pieces, and re-pot. Do this at the end of the resting phase in late winter, just as they’re about to move into growth mode. Read more about repotting orchids, here.

Orchids for beginners

Cymbidium orchid (Cymbidium spp. and cultivars)
Loved for their long sprays of winter flowers, cymbidiums are a great place to start a collection. Plant them in pots and place in a well-lit spot. This can be either gentle morning sun with afternoon shade or all-day dappled light. Under a deciduous tree is perfect. Suitable for a broad range of climates except the tropics and regions with extremely cold winters, they tolerate neglect, but will, of course, grow better if fertilised and watered well.

Crucifix orchid (Epidendrum spp. and cultivars)
This virtually indestructible orchid produces canes up to 1m long, with clusters of small blooms at the ends. Its traditional colours are orange, red and purple, but modern cultivars come in white, pink and yellow. They are epiphytes, so they can be tied to trees or grown in pots. Older varieties can handle full sun, but most prefer dappled light. In climates with mild winters, they flower all year. Protect from frost, and thin out the older canes every few years. Read more about the crucifix orchid, here.

King orchid (Dendrobium speciosum syn. Thelychiton speciosus)
This magnificent native orchid (also called Sydney rock orchid) forms large clumps on rock faces and in trees along the east coast, from Victoria all the way to tropical Queensland. It has masses of perfumed, creamy yellow flowers in spring, and the foliage reaches 60cm long. Give it a very bright position, and protect from frost. If space is limited, try the smaller pink rock orchid (D. kingianum), which grows up to 20–30cm, and thrives in similar conditions.

Header image credit: Brent Wilson