So you want to grow orchids? Becoming an orchid grower can be a pleasurable and rewarding hobby. Nothing else in nature can rival the pure beauty and variety of the orchid. Becoming an orchid grower however isn’t as easy as it may seem. While beautiful, orchids can be quite difficult to grow. Orchids require much more time and effort than the average house plant does. Making key contacts with other orchid growers and orchid specialists can make the different between a failed experiment and a lasting and gratifying pastime.
National Orchid Grower Society
The first thing you can do is to join a national orchid grower society such as the American Orchid Society. National organization such as this one can be one of the best sources of current and accurate information for orchid growers. Its monthly magazines offer a wealth of information for orchid growers and will help keep you up to date on new techniques and plant varieties. Additionally, becoming a member of the American Orchid Society will also afford you a 10% discount in their online gift shop which is full of useful books and gifts for others.
Regional and Local Orchid Grower Support
In addition to joining a national orchid grower society, you should also consider joining a state or local orchid grower support system. Many states have societies available to those interested in growing orchids. Examples include the Hawaii Orchid Growers Association, the Delaware Orchid Society, the Florida West Coast Orchid Society and the Kentucky Orchid Society. These organizations allow you to take your orchid growing to the next level by promoting close to home meetings of the orchid growing minds.
What Can You Learn?
So what can you learn if you join an orchid grower organization? Many of these organizations hold monthly, quarterly or annual meetings that allow members to join together in search of more information and growing methods. Often, the groups meet to discuss a certain species of orchid and share details on how best to make the species bloom. In addition, you can learn how to control the pests that may prey on your beloved orchids.
Regardless of your choice to join or not to join a local, state or national orchid growing organization, enter your orchid growing experience with the knowledge that your time, patience, and proper care can overcome even the blackest thumb!