BEGINNERS GUIDE TO ORCHID GARDENING: THE ART AND SCIENCE OF GROWING BEAUTIFUL ORCHIDS

The history of orchid growing dates back to the late 18th century when British horticulturist became fascinated with these plants. At that time, many ships were sent to explore the tropics. Among the discoveries were many orchids that were quite different from the native European forms. Soon, wealthy plant collectors commissioned explorers to gather orchids from tropical and subtropical areas. These plants were then boxed and sent back to Europe where a large demand was created and plants were sold for high prices. Only the hardiest plants survived the long trip back in crates. Once they arrived, growers put them into dark, hot greenhouses which they believed mimicked the tropical conditions where they were collected. Few plants survived these growing conditions which added to the fascination and mystery of these plants. Knowledge about growing orchids became closely guarded secrets and only the wealthy, who could afford greenhouses, were able to fully enjoy the diversity of this plant family.
Orchid blooms are among the most delicate and interesting flowers in the plant world. Early study of orchid flowers revealed their complexity in form and specialized mechanisms for attracting insect pollinators.
Charles Darwin was one of the first scientists to observe the pollination of orchid flowers by insects. He suggested that many flowers resemble potential insect pollinators and postulated that they are attracted by this mimicry and smells given off by the flowers.
Nearly one in 8 plants of the known plant species in the world today is an orchid. We recognize over 30,000 species of orchids with new ones being discovered each year. The majority the species grow in tropical climates of Central and South America, Africa and Asia with 150 species native to North America. Orchid culture changed dramatically in the early 1900s, when orchid growing expanded through the discovery of how to germinate orchid seed. Up to this point, orchid growers relied upon collections from the wild to supply plants. Thousands of plants could be grown, hybridized and new types produced. Now, many home gardeners are enjoying the hobby of raising and growing orchids. Much of the renewed interest and success can be attributed to more home gardener greenhouses, use of artificial lights and increased accessibility of information about how to raise orchids.