Orchids come in many varieties and are vibrant and hardy plants. However, many people do not know of this curious fact, but orchids do not grow in soil.

Epiphytes are orchids that cling to trees, supporting themselves on the bark. They receive all the water they need when rain water runs or drips down the tree. Other nutrients they receive from the air.

Lithophytes are a variety of orchids that grow on rocks. Saprophytes grow in leaf litter, and terrestrials are found growing in sand.

Orchids, like other plants, prefer certain conditions when growing in the wild. This is the information you need to know in order to grow them in your greenhouse. By knowing what natural conditions they thrive in, you can successfully simulate the environment at home.

For orchids, it’s not very difficult at all to create a natural setting for them to grow in. It is simple to obtain volcanic rocks or fir bark chips. Regular light watering is sufficient for most orchids. Allow enough time between watering for them to dry. Drainage should not be a problem with the loosely packed growing medium.

Your orchids should be re-potted every two or three years. They will begin to be too big for the pot and the material they grow in will usually show signs of disintegration. This is caused, mainly, by insect activity and repeated watering. If your plant’s roots are beginning to grow over the side of the pot, it’s time to replant.

The good news is that re-potting these types of plants is much easier than those grown in soil. However, great care should be taken no matter what type of plant you’re dealing with. This procedure should only be undertaken when the plant is at it’s lowest level of activity. An example would be early Spring, before the most growth takes place.

Carefully remove the plant from the pot and remove any remaining material clinging to the roots. To give the plant the best chance of surviving in it’s new pot, clip off any damaged or unhealthy looking roots.

Many times this move will be made to a larger pot. Refill the pot with the proper growing media, whether it’s bark, lava rocks or something else. There is also a special orchid sphagnum moss that works quite well for some types. Clear a place to insert your plant and refill up to the crown (rhizome).

Stake the plant for extra support, if need be. Only use this method temporarily, until the plant is able to grow freely without falling over.

Always remember that the orchid will get most of it’s nutrients from the air and water instead of the growing media. Make sure you provide proper airflow.

The amount of air available to the roots is dependent on the chip size. Make sure you have the right potting material for your specific plant. When the plant begins to grow new leaves, you can fertilize with a small amount of 18-18-18.

Visit the links to find more tips and guide on orchids garden tips, Orchid Soil Preparation and Common Orchid Diseases Symptom.