OrchidsThe favorite of many, orchids are beautiful, exotic, of delicate appearance, and an obsession with some people who go to enormous lengths, and vast expense in pursuit of special blooms and the correct habitat for their prime growing requirements.A special greenhouse with the correct temperature and humidity is required for some of the more exotic species. But some will grow in a normal household environment with the correct care.You will require the correct pots, orchid fertilizer and the proper compost for the species you buy [or are given]... watering is best done with pure rainwater, just be sure to follow all growing instructions which you received when you obtained your plant. Another option is to obtain, from specialist wildflower nurseries, plants or seeds of the wild species from your own area to cultivate outside. Be sure that you can provide the plants with the conditions which they require before deciding to buy... all responsible nurseries want their plants to grow and will advise you on the requirements of any plants you want to purchase. [You could find some helpful notes within our Wildflower Section.] For those living within the UK, and interested in the wildflowers, why not check our Organizations page which has a useful link to the county wildlife trusts. Another useful page is the Wildflower Section page which has links to many pages of interest. It is a true delight to see some of the wild orchids growing in their natural habitats... obviously some are easier to locate, but it is well worth the extra effort needed to visit sites where the rarer blooms can be found. The correct flowering times, and places where they can be seen can be obtained from local wildlife trusts, who monitor and protect the sites from undesirable attentions. [Some sites may require special permits for viewing.] It is well worth the trouble... just remember the addage... leave only footprints, [also remember to be careful where you walk] take only photographs. I remember with great pleasure [and the excitement at the time] seeing bee orchids growing wild for the first time! You will find Down Under Orchids a veritable GOLDMINE of useful information... please don't miss it... just click the link now to visit.
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