Regal Orchids FAQ

Welcome to our orchid FAQ. We hope you will find answers to some of the many questions we get asked right here. If not then please drop us a line or email and we will do our best to respond. We also have an expanding list of downloadable PDF culture notes on our main website guide pages (www.regalorchids.co.uk/guide/guide.htm). Note: this FAQ will continue to develop so check back often.

Q) Are orchids easy to grow?

A) Yes, the majority of orchids we sell are designed really as pot plants to grow in centrally heated homes.

Q) What is the best variety to start with?

A) Usually Phalaenopsis (Moth orchid) or modern hybrids (often termed DTPS) as they are happy in warm rooms and flower for long periods. Also Cymbidium and in our experience Cambria varieties. However problems can occur with Phalaenopsis (see below)

Q) What is the easiest variety to start with?

A) Shops would suggest Phalaenopsis as they are most common, but we disagree. 90% of the time, beginners have most problems with Phalaenopsis (see below). We would recommend any variety with pseudobulbs such as Cambria, Oncidiums etc as they are tougher to survive in the home sometimes than others.

Q) I have an orchid but don't know what it is called. Can you help?

A) Most likely if it has a few wide flatish leaves then it is a Phalaenopsis or if it has tall sword-like leaves and heavy pseudobulbs a Cymbidium. There are 1000+ commercial varieties available now so naming each one is nigh impossible.

Q) How do I look after my orchid?

A) Generically, houseplant orchids must not be over-watered!! We cannot stress this enough. They are growing in a compost mixture that simulates the wet/dry periods of their wild habitat and should be allowed to almost dry out before re-watering. Orchids can be said to (nearly) thrive on neglect! Again, please refer to our PDF downloadable culture notes available on our main website guide pages.

Q) What is my orchid growing in?

A) Most houseplant orchids are Epiphytes (that is, they grow on trees) and thus their roots grow in the air and are adapted to storing the rainwater they receive. We like to say these plants thrive on AIR as much as WATER, so again do not drown your orchids in water. The bark-based chunky compost is a match to the tree bark the plant would naturally be happy growing on.

Q) Why is my orchid in a clear pot?

A) Orchids in clear/transparent pots are usually Moth orchid derivatives and like Vandaceous orchids need sunlight to reach their roots where green chlorophyll produces energy for the plant. Blocking the sunlight by putting your clear potted orchid in a ceramic vase or container is bad news for the plant unless it is very mature or has plenty of aerial roots (see below). Other varieties do not have the same level of chlorophyll and thus can be put in any opaque pot.

Q) What are these worm-like things coming out of the pot?

A) Being tree growing epiphytes, many orchids will produce aerial roots to seek out moisture in the air or secure the plant to the tree. Good aerial roots is often a sign of a healthy plant however it can also be the sign of a badly troubled plant when (especially if over watered) the roots in the pot die off, the plant tries to survive by living on the surface and sending out questing roots into the air.

Q) Should I cut these aerial roots off?

A) Not at all unless they have shrivelled. See above for further explanation. Check the state of the roots inside the pot first. You might have to repot if the plant is suffering.

Q) When should I repot an orchid?

A) It depends on variety but generally orchids will flower better and more often if pot-bound. They can stay in the same compost for 2-3years or more. It also depends on state of the compost however (see below)

Q) What sort of compost should I use? and how often?

A) Depending on thickness of roots, orchids like a course chunky mix or medium chunky mix. Seedlings require a finer flakey compost. We only ever recommend orchid compost from expert nurseries such as our own. Current data shows bark-based organic compost can start to break down in a pot within 6mnths. We recommend re-potting every 2 years or so in an organic mix.