None. Orchids do not grow in soil. In the wild, most orchids are found high above the jungle floor, in the tree canopy. For best results, orchids should be grown either in New Zealand sphagnum moss, fine orchid bark mix or medium orchid bark Mix. Orchids must be grown in pots with good drainage. Soil is bad for the plants because it cuts off air circulation at the roots and blocks the drainage of water.

No. Many orchids thrive under normal household temperatures. For best results, provide nighttime temperatures of 60 to 65?F and daytime temperatures 75 to 85?F. Other orchids, such as Cymbidiums, Miltonias and Odontoglossums, tend to prefer cool temperatures. For best results, provide nighttime temperatures of 50 to 55oF and daytime temperatures of 60 to 80oF. Place the plants near a cool window in the home. In temperate regions, the plants may be grown outside under a protected patio.

No. Contrary to popular belief, orchids are not difficult to grow. Orchids just have a different set of cultural needs. Like any other type of plants, orchids need water, fertilizer, light and air. Orchids adapt well to the environment of the average home.

I mainly grow in two indoor locations; the first is a long expanse of windows with a southern exposure, partially shaded by a large Jonquil Tree. The plants receive some direct sunlight, which is appreciated by the Phragmipediums and Paphs. of the subgenus Corypetalum. The other large growing area is a large expanse of industrial shelving, retrofited with flourescent shop lights.

A general answer to your question would be a soil that is moist and well drained. However, that only tells part of the story. You see, there are many types (species) of conifer. If you look, you can find a type of conifer for every type of soil. Some conifers grow only on sandy, well drained soils. Some only on soils that are wet most of the year. It's also important to find a soil with the right pH balance (pH tells whether the soil is acidic or basic).

Yes, but...Orchid seed is very fine and dust-like, without the nutritive endosperm present in almost all more-commonly-grown flowering plants. For this reason, orchid seed can only be grown under a very specialized set of conditions usually beyond the capability of home growers. Orchid seed must be grown in a sterile culture, not unlike that used in hospitals.

Yes, in some areas. Especially if you live in a frost-free or nearly frost-free area, there are a wide variety of orchids that will grow very happily with light shade out-of-doors year round. Where winters are cold, orchids can be grown on the patio or under trees in the warmer months when frost does not threaten. This if often a wonderful solution for orchid growers in colder climates, and enables the plants to grow so much better than they would if left indoors all year.

The simple answer: Yes. Especially if you live in a frost-free or near-frost-free area, there is a wide variety of orchids that will grow and flower with light shade outdoors year round. Where winters are cold, orchids can be grown on the patio or under trees in the warmer months when frost does not threaten. This is often a wonderful solution for orchid growers in colder climates, and enables the plants to grow so much better than they would if left indoors all year.

Orchids must be fertilized on a regular basis! For best results, use Norman~s Optimal Orchid Nutrients every other week. It is recommended to pre-water plants before applying the diluted nutrient solution if the potting media is dry.

Paphs are such a diverse group that you should have no problem adding some hybrids or even species to almost any collection, regardless of your growing conditions, even if you are already growing just other non-orchidaceous plants.

I actually raise my Paphs on tables with humidity trays along an expansive run of windows (they're almost like a greenhouse) which have semi-shaded southern exposure which I'm told is too much light. However, I have not had problems with "sunburn". The Phrags (with the exception of the terrestrial caudatum types) are grown in trays which collect the irrigation water and allow the Phrags to "soak" for a day or two before the water evaporates; THEY LOVE THIS.

Conservatories can have extreme environments as they can be very hot in the day and cold at night, this is not ideal for orchids. To make it 'orchid-friendly' shade it and keep well ventilated in summer and provide warmth and insulation for winter.

Yes, but they will perform best in slightly acid (6.0 to 6.8), rich in organic matter, loam soil, with excellent drainage. If your soil is sandy or clay it can be improved with the addition of organic matter. Soil pH can be raised with the addition of lime beginning with an application 6 lbs. per 100 sq. ft. or lowered beginning with 2 lbs. of sulfur per 100 sq. ft. If your soil is extremely poor, consider building 18" raised beds or removing and replacing existing soil to a depth 18 inches.

You need a good space for squash to grow. (5-10 feet between hills) They vine out in all directions. You don’t have to have sandy soil, but it should be loose.

Soil does not make plants grow. It is merely a medium that supports the plants roots. It is the nutrients within the soil and photosynthesis that make the plant grow. In hydroponics, you provide all nutrients to the plants through a nutrient and water solution. And support to the roots through the use of a medium.

It is messy and unnecessary. People who say that soilgrown wheatgrass has more minerals do not realize that plants do not absorb minerals from the ground until they have a taproot. Sprouts and wheatgrass are not grown long enough to have a taproot. I use kelp liquid as a foliar feeder and that adds all the minerals you need. Another reason not to use soil is that you can actually juice more of the whole plant when you don't have to worry about soil contamination in your juice.