Orchids are one of the easiest families of plants to grow.  If you follow a few basic rules, you can become successful in a very rewarding hobby.

Lighting and Shade

Ideal lighting for maximum growth is a full day of unobstructed sunlight (away from buildings or tall tress) with a shading of about 60-65%.  This can be accomplished with shade cloth, wooden lath, Phylon or Dyna-glass (similar to fiberglass), or glass.  Some orchid growers may use different combinations of both.  Certain species may require more or less shade.  Seedlings may also benefit from more shade.

When growing orchids indoors or on a lanai, it is really important to maximize the length of time the orchids receive light.  If the light intensity is strong then it still needs to be shaded the proper amount.  Remember, orchids need sunlight to photosynthesize.

Temperature and Humidity

In Hawaii we are fortunate to have near ideal temperatures and humidity for most tropical orchids (low 60's to upper 80's in temperatures and 60 to 90% humidity).  We do need to be aware of heat stress in the summer months especially if you are in the leeward areas.  One way to avoid heat stress is to water your orchids in the morning.  The evaporation will cool the orchids and increase the humidity.  In hot and dry climates, you can place your orchids on evaporation trays (trays filled with gravel and water) and this will accomplish the same thing.  Good air circulation is also very important in keeping the orchids cool.

Watering

Watering is usually taken for granted and often misunderstood.  Most orchids are killed by over watering or by fungal and bacterial infections associated with over-watering.  Orchid roots need air as much as they need water.  Allow the media to dry slightly, before watering again.  When it is time to water, it should be done thoroughly, allowing water to flush through the pot's drainage holes.  This removes accumulated salts from the media.  Salt damage to roots can really weaken and even kill an orchid.  The sign of salt build-up is the white residue around the rim and drainage holes of the pot.  If you see this, repot the orchid and discard the pot.

Watering Rule - When in doubt don't water.  After all when was the last time you killed an orchid by under-watering!

Air Circulation

​Orchids do not like stagnant air.  Good air circulation will reduce fungal and insect problems.  Too accomplish this, stake up all orchids, keeping larger plants from covering smaller plants, and try not to overcrowd them.  Keep areas around and below your growing benches plant and weed free.

To be continued....... (hold please)