[kmarch]

A Note on Cultural Advice

When taking growing tips from an international forum such as this one, it is quite important to keep in mind that cultural advice (the kind of mixes we use, how often we all water, how much light we give our plants, etc., etc.) is heavily dependant on our geography, where we grow our orchids (in a green house, shade house, on a porch, in a sun room, on out kitchen windowsill, etc., etc.), and what our growing habits are. What may work brilliantly for one person may be a complete disaster for another. For example someone could say "Leave your Paphs outdoors all year round." but what they didn't say was that they live in Florida where they have warm winters and lots of humidity. Here in Melbourne Australia that would spell disaster for the warm growing multi-florals. A Cattleya (for example) needs to be watered heavily then allowed to dry out. This is true regardless of where it is grown. the trick is to find out how you can give the plant what it needs in your conditions.

Happy Growing!