Care Of Orchids - Five Ways To Get Started Caring For Orchids At Home

Care Of Orchids - Five Ways To Get Started Caring For Orchids At Home
By Suzanne Atkinson

Are you intimidated by the thought of buying your first orchid? Are you afraid that you will be unable to take care of your orchid once you bring it home? There are plenty of online resources and articles about orchids care. But sometimes you need more than words on a page to get you started. Try these five simple steps to get started with your very first orchid.

1) Visit a local plant store

Small local shops offer personal service and expertise that you won't find in the big box stores. In addition, the orchids in stock are usually grown at a nearby local greenhouse, rather than a large commercial orchid greenhouse that services the large retail distributors. The last time I went into a local flower shop, I was greeted immediately with a smile and an offer to help answer any questions I had about the plants. It's unlikely that you'll get this kind of personal attention in a Home Supplies store.

The owner of the shop will know all about the orchid varieties in the store and can give you individualized recommendations regarding the orchid care once you get the plant into your home or apartment. While much of this information is available online, you'll save yourself hours of searching by going directly to the expert from the beginning. Buy purchasing from your local grower, you support local small business and have a built in orchid growing consultant just about any time you need one.

2) Go to an orchid show

Orchid shows are going on all the time throughout the country, just do an internet search for "orchid show" and add your city name to the end of the search string. At a local orchid show , you will meet dozens of hobby growers and orchid enthusiasts who were all beginners at one point, just like you. Ask a few questions about their orchid collection and you'll have a new orchid buddy for life! By talking with people at the show you'll learn just how easy it is to get started growing orchids at home.

Almost all orchid shows also have orchids for sale, potting mediums, pots and hanging baskets along with orchid watering supplies, misters and humidity trays. Many shows even have a pest and disease specialist who can help diagnose your orchid problems. Do you have an orchid that is in need of re-potting? Check the schedule for the show and see if there is a potting class. You may just be able to re-pot your orchid while learning from experts in the field.

3) Subscribe to an Orchid Magazine

...like the one published by the American Orchid Society. Not only will you be inspired by seeing colorful photos of orchids in bloom, but you'll have regular excellent articles on caring for orchids delivered right to your mailbox. there is nothing like a great magazine and a cup of Earl Grey at a sunny breakfast nook to start off your day. You'll have visions of orchids in your head all day and be ready to go shopping for your own before the weekend is over!

4) Join your local orchid club

Local orchid shows are frequently hosted by your local orchid club. If you can't find an upcoming show, try the nearest greenhouse or conservatory; they should have contact information for any nearby orchid societies. if you live in a rural area that is far from any nurseries, greenhouses or conservatories, check in the nearest major city. If the club meets once a month, plan to attend the next meeting. You'll meet a number of new friends that will all be more than happy to help you get started.

5) Talk to other orchid growers

If you've done steps 1 through 4, you will have met many people in your community that are growing orchids and taking care of orchids in their own home. All of them are most likely very interested in seeing you succeed with your first orchid experience.

If you've followed these five tips on becoming an orchid owner, you'll have discovered that orchids are surprisingly easy to care for by meeting just a few basic needs of the plants. You'll probably discover that orchids are the easiest houseplant you own! Learning to take care of orchids and buing your first plant is a simple matter of staring with baby steps and meeting a few people who share your passion. Soon you will be the expert that others are calling!

Suzanne Atkinson, called GuruOrchid by her friends, has been growing orchids at home for over 10 years. She got her start by visiting local plant stores and talking orchid growers with experience. Suzanne write a blog that contains orchid care tips for beginners at http://takingcareoforchids.blogsome.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzanne_Atkinson