I wish to start a collection, what species grows easily?

Among the huge variety of species, there are two orchids  easier to acquire and to grow indoors;  these are Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum. In fact, both could be classified into a same category of growing requirements.  Humidity and temperatures conditions are basically the same except for some Paphiopedilum and their hybrids which require a diffèrent type of lighting.

What kind of lighting is the best?

No mistake, the best one is supplied by Nature : sunlight.  Most species need to be protected from direct sunrays, that is particularly more crucial for Paphiopedilums and Phalaenopsis. Generally speaking, orchids tolerate morning  and late afternoon sun.  Midday sunrays  (between 11 : 00 a.m. and 3 :00p.m) must be avoided.  When natural light is not available, fluorescent light , "cool white" type, is the best option (quality/price) among artifical light choices for a smaller collection.  For a larger one, high intensity  sodium type lighting will meet the needs.

When and at what rate should I water my plants ?

To answer this question, one must consider two aspects :  what is the species?  And, what is the degree of humidity in the room?  Generally, orchids with no pseudobulbs, like Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilums, will need more frequent waterings than those for Dendrobiums because the latter have pseudobulbs.  In a house heated with an electrical system with no humidifier or air conditioned, Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilums can be watered  twice a week ; some species like Phragmipediums need a more frequent watering …  For the majority of other species and for places where the degree of humidity is higher than 60% a weekly watering will provide.  The substrate has also an impact on waterings.  A plant all potted in New Zealand sphagnum moss  needs less watering than a plant in a lose mix of large size sequoia nuggets and perlite. A Vanda potted in a wooden basket needs a daily watering, same rule applies for a plant mounted on a plaque.  As a rule of thumb, let the mix slightly dry between waterings, except for Phragmipediums; orchids love to have their roots in a slightly dry mix between waterings.   The quantity must be abundant enough to let the substrate completely wet. 

When and How fertilize?

Two major rules must be respected with fertilization  so as to give food to the plant at the right time and pace. When a new pseudobulb or a new leave shows, it means the plant is developping, generally in spring and summer, less frequently in autumn.  Most plants need to rest in winter, therefore, fertilization is slowed down. When in summer plants are fertilized two or three times a month,  in winter this must be reduced to once a month. Orchids love acid medium, so a 30-10-10 fertilizer is alternately used with a 20-20-20.   The recommended dosage on the label product must be diluted to four. Make sure, by reading on the label that the product contains some mineral traces (like Iron, Manganese, Magnesium) along with the Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium percentages indicated; those percentages correspond in the same order to the numbers indicated on the label (for instance :  7-9-5 or 30-10-10).   It is crucial to water correctly the substrate with water before fertilizing, in order to avoid major damage to the roots.

What Should I do with the spike after the blooming ?

Usually the spike is cut with shears or a blade well desinfected with alcohol. Two exceptions apply, yellow Phalaenopsis  bloom twice on the same spike  and if you wish to promote a new branching for a second blooming or to grow a keiki on the Phalaenopsis.   In both cases, you want to make sure the plant is mature so as not to have it exhausted.

Where could I get Hormone paste to promote keikis?

I found this address on Internet and I ordered the product by fax.   The product was sent through the mail.   Here is the address :

Dr. James D. Brash
Box 354, McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario
Canada L8S 1C0
the URL address: PLANT HORMONES CANADA

On the site you may find all the business terms to ordering as well as the instructions for the product and useful tips.  A site to be visited!

I bought a Cattleya and I want to place it under a  "cool white" type fluorescent.  What is the right distance to place it?

4 inches (10cm) should separate the fluorescent tube and the highest leave.  Don’t forget to change the tube every year.  Make sure the spike is not touching the tube because it could severely burn it.

How long an orchid flower lasts?

It all depends on the species;  a Cattleya flower could last between a week and a month whereas for a Phalaenopsis, it varies between a month and four.  Hybrids acquire the characteristics of the species crossed.  Stanhopea has a once a year bloom and it lasts only a day.

Is there some orchids more fragrant than others?

Yes.  Some species are not fragrant at all and some have the sweetest fragrance.  Among them, there is  the Brassavolas (glauca, nodosa,dybyana and perrinii) , the Catasetums, some Cattleyas and their hybrids, some Dendrobiums (nobile, chrysantum,densiflorum, and superbum) all Epidendrums. In the Phalaenopsis, violacea is very fragrant.  All Rhynchostylis and Saccolabiums are as well fragrant.  Some species of the Vanda family are too; most of the time, Paphiopedilums are not fragrant. When speaking of orchid fragrance, you must know that some have the most exquisite scent, when others exhale despicable odours reminding rot meat.

What is the best method to promote a keiki?

A keiki can appear spontaneously on a Phalaenopsis spike or roots, particuliarly if  it is a Phal. schillerana or Phal. cornu-cervi. Stressing cultural conditions could trigger such a situation.  But if you wish to provoke a keiki, you may use hormones paste.  The paste is sent with the proper instructions by Plant Hormones Canada.   The treatment must be done with asepsis and the instruments should be desinfected with rubbing alcohol.  Desinfect each bud; do not treat the first bud at the bottom of the spike for it is sterile. It is recommended to work on a spike with the last bud open.  Dissect delicately the thin tissue layer  covering the bud and with a toothpick place a small amount of paste on the bud.   Reapply some more paste every 10 days.  With a little luck you will see after 4 weeks some little roots and leaves.  When two roots are 5 centimeters long, the plantlet can be removed from the mother plant and be potted individually.  This plantlet will bloom in the following year, identical  its mother plant.  There is no guarantee to obtain a keiki for each hormone treatment; sometimes it rather promotes a new branch on the spike with a second blooming, and sometimes, nothing at all.

I bought an orchid for my friend ;  what kind of care needs a Doritaenopsis?

The Doritaenopsis orchid is the result of a cross between a Phalaenopsis and a Doritis; so it must receive the same care as for a Phalaenopsis.  (See cultural notes)

My mother and I each have a Cymbidium.  We have been told that it is practically impossible to get this species blooming indoors and that we had rather throw them away after their blooming;  we live in Blainville (Quebec province).  Is this information correct?  If not, what could we do to get them bloom again?

These plants should not be thrown away.  By sitting them outdoors in summer until late autumn will give them a bust to rebloom. (See Cultural Note on Cymbidium)