Once reserved for the wealthy and privileged, orchid cultivation is a pasttime which anyone may indulge. This happened as a result of studying these plants both in their native habitats and in greenhouses, gardens and even the laboratory.

A crucial discovery was the finding that some of the most ornamental species need less heat and less elaborate growing equipment than previously thought necessary. This understanding opened up orchid growing to anyone willing to spend the time to learn its ins and outs.

In the 1800s, when the craze for orchids really boomed, many would-be growers were at first discouraged by one big problem. Travelers were sending back home the most exotic plants they could find, but usually without detailed information as to their local growing conditions. Orchids vary greatly in their needs, such as for light, heat and water, and not knowing a particular plant’s unique requirements could and often did lead to disaster. “The want of some such information has been a source of extreme vexation to many lovers of these plants,” complained one author in 1885.

Today we are more fortunate with our understanding of the orchids. We can stand on the shoulders of past orchid devotees who meticulously jotted down everything they learned about each type and species of the plants that they encountered.

Yes, it is important to understand the habitat and climate from which an orchid comes. Having said that, though, here’s a cautionary note. Generally, you shouldn’t try to completely re-create the conditions of a plant’s natural habitat. Done carefully and with the right knowledge, it is possible for us to cultivate better orchids than nature can by tweaking the plants’ enviroment. This is an art as well as science.

To again quote that writer in 1885: “We admit that we should by all means take nature as our guide for the production of good plants but it should be nature in her best garb only and then looking as we do upon cultivation as a help to nature the result can only be an improvement if success in the object aimed at has been attained.”

So what should a novice orchid grower do? How do you strike a balance between imitating nature and improving on it with the tools of modern horticulture? The answer: Get knowledgeable. You can successfully grow orchids if you know what you’re doing up-front.

One of the best and most complete guides to modern orchid growing is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which may be downloaded online. Now, there are lots of books about orchids but Mr. Howard’s guide is a complete education in itself, suitable for beginners as well as the more experienced. Also, be sure to visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing database of articles on many aspects of orchids.