"US: "Tough and showy orchids are tropical beauties"
Ghiz started raising orchids 15 years ago after he retired as a chemical engineer for Conoco. He became smitten quickly. Now he spends about three hours a day tending - and enjoying - his 3,000 plants, one of which is more than 100 years old.
But, he points out, you don't need an 1,800-square-foot climate-controlled greenhouse like his to be a successful orchid grower. All that's required is a spot out of direct sunlight and the ability to resist fussing over the plant.
"Leave them alone, and they'll do just fine," he said. "(The) words 'benign neglect' are perfect."
Over-watering is the quickest way to kill an orchid, he says. Water needs vary depending on such factors as temperature and humidity, but he generally recommends watering indoor plants once weekly until water flows through the bottom of the container. Plants outdoors or in greenhouses should be watered once weekly in winter and twice weekly in summer.
Click here to read the complete article at www.chron.com.
