| Well it is as simple as doing your research, which I assume everyone does on the orchids they have or want to get to know how they grow in the wild.
If they are Epiphytes (grow on a host plant), then they will prefer to be mounted, but some Lithophytes (grow on rocks, fallen tree stumps) can be mounted on flat surfaces to imitate their natural surrounds.
Epiphytic orchids have "air-roots" which are accustomed to drying out in between periods of rain. These orchids need an open medium in which to grow and the roots should be allowed to become moderately dry between waterings. Cattleyas, vandas, phalaenopsis, and dendrobiums are common examples.
Examples of lithophytes include several Paphiopedilum orchids, the pitcher plant Nepenthes campanulata, and several Utricularia species.
Hope this helps shed some light on it.
Message here is research your orchids so that you can give them as close to natural conditions as possible.
Far too many people buy orchids "because they look good" without knowing their culture and wonder why they have problems with them.
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Anton
On the box it said Windows XP or better so I bought a Mac. |