Though people around the world create greenhouses with high humidity to especially grow orchids, I have tried only natural ways of keeping them happy like water sprays and fountains
and a green net. Luckily for me, they are thriving and blooming too! The blooms have been a constant source of encouragement in my journey and have kept my ”orchid fever“ alive.
In this section, I will be sharing characteristics of different varieties (genus) of orchids you can grow here and also where to buy them.
1) Dendrobiums -They are called ” Beginner’s orchids “ because of the ease with which you can grow them. They are hardy and bloom profusely and the flowers last for almost a month! Do try as many species/ hybrids of dendrobiums as you can.
2) Cattleyas – These are called ”Queen of orchids “ because of their massive flower size and their spectacular colours and fragrances. They are more exotic than Dendrobiums and hardy too.
3) Phalaenopsis – These orchids seemed like fluttering butterflies from a distance to explorers and hence came to be known as the ”Moth Orchid “. They can sit prettily on your windowsill and do well indoors too.
4) Vanda and relatives- These are magnificent orchids with thick leathery leaves and exquisite, long-lasting flowers. They do well only in baskets as their roots get suffocated in pots. Very hardy.
5) Oncidiums – These are the most spectacular of all orchids when in bloom because of the numerous flowers. Also called the ”Dancing lady “ orchids because of the shape of their flowers. Mine are yet to bloom. You can try.
Please Do Not buy orchids that are cool growers as they will not survive the Delhi summers. They are slow growers but truly mesmerising and delightful plants to have.
You can buy your orchids online from:
1) orchidtree.com 2) pots n petals
3) Sandhya (Kerala)mob no 99955 87068
Happy orchid growing.
by Abha Batra (98114 17012)
