Sharyn Altman holds one of her indoor orchid varieties. She recommends that orchids grown indoors should rest on a drainage system like the tray of pebbles she's holding. JONATHAN ERNST/STAFF

Orchids easy to grow indoors

Web posted January 15, 1999

By Katie Throne
Staff Writer

If you miss the beauty of your spring garden during the cold drabness of winter, feed your soul by growing orchids indoors.

Phalaenopsis, or the moth orchid, and Paphiopedilum, commonly called lady slipper, are easy to grow indoors and produce beautiful, long-lasting blossoms.

``Most people think that they couldn't possibly grow orchids because of the misconception that they're such delicate plants,'' said Augusta resident Sharyn Altman, a master gardener. ``They are actually very hardy and easy to grow.''

Mrs. Altman, an orchid lover and greenhouse owner, fills her home with blooming orchids, bringing the beauty of nature indoors during the dreary winter months.

The mystique orchids have about them shouldn't scare the beginning gardener away. Mrs. Altman contends that if you can grow an African violet, you can grow an orchid.

Mrs. Altman recommends buying a moth orchid or lady slipper that is already in bloom so that you'll know what it's going to look like. Most orchids only bloom once a year, but the blossoms last for months and the foliage is pretty.

Moth orchids and lady slippers grow easily in a bright window with little or no direct sunlight, according to the American Orchid Society.

The temperature in your home should be between 60 and 80 degrees.

``If you're comfortable, then the plant will be comfortable,'' said Mac Holmes of Carter and Holmes Orchids, Newberry, S.C. If it is really cold outside, move the plant away from the window into the center of the room.

Orchids should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer, like 20-20-20, said Mr. Holmes. It's safe for any plant in your home, he said.

Orchids require moderate humidity. No expensive equipment is needed to supply this, just a saucer or pan large enough to hold your potted plant. Fill it with pebbles and water. Make sure the plant's pot rests on top of the pebbles without touching the water. As the water evaporates, the humidity will rise and surround the plant.

Mr. Holmes suggests potting orchids in a fine fir bark mix for lady slippers, and a peat-based mix for moth orchids. When repotting, use the smallest pot that will accommodate the root system.

An Orchid Repotting Seminar will be held at Green Thumb West nursery in Martinez from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13. Members of the Aiken-Augusta Orchid Society will be on hand to help with repotting and provide growing tips.

Moth orchids range from $17.99 to $29.99, according to Barbara Botts of Green Thumb West. Lady slippers range from $15 to $20 dollars at Carter and Holmes Orchids.

``Orchids are the price of a dozen roses and last a whole lot longer,'' said Mrs. Altman. ``They make wonderful gifts for Valentine's Day.''

Katie Throne is the gardening reporter for The Augusta Chronicle. She can be reached at (706) 823-3351.

Orchid Society

What: Aiken-Augusta Orchid Society Meeting

When: 3 to 5 p.m., Feb. 7

Where: Sweetheart Cup Co., 1550 Wrightsboro Road, 737-7000.

What: Orchid Repotting Seminar

When: 1 to 4 p.m., Feb. 13

Where: Green Thumb West

What: Greenville Mall Orchid Show

When: Feb. 20

Where: Greenville, S.C.