It’s orchid season!

Orchids may look like prima donnas but there are scores of easy-to-grow, low-maintenance jewels for indoor flowering, according to one of New Zealand’s largest nurseries, Tucker Orchids.

In the first of a series introducing growers to varieties with which they may not be very familiar, we have sought the advice of expert orchid grower Ross Tucker. A long-time orchid grower, Ross says three of the best to grow are zygopetalums, cymbidiums and dendrobiums.

“Zygopetalums are among the easiest to grow. These eye-catching orchids have a sweet, slightly musky perfume that permeates the house for many weeks.

“They like a fairly bright light, out of direct sunlight, with a minimum night time temperature of 10-12 degrees C."

“If you do get a problem of spotting on the leaves move them to a warmer place,” says Mr Tucker.

It is recommended they are watered and fed regularly while they are actively growing – in the cooler months- and when they finish growing towards the end of summer, cut back on the watering until new growth appears.

Cymbidiums are widely grown in New Zealand and are the easiest orchid to start out with.

“They need good light to flower well. About 25% shade, either under a shade cloth or trees that will give filtered light, or indoors in a brightly lit spot."

“Short periods of full sun won’t do any harm as long as it’s either early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t strong.”

These orchids are the fastest growing and are heavy feeders, needing a weekly feed during the growing period. In summer they should be watered every day or two, but in winter only once or twice a week.

Dendrobiums are one of the largest families of orchids.

“The Australian dendrobiums are well suited to cooler temperatures compared with the more subtropical orchid varieties. Most grow best in cool to intermediate temperatures between 5 to 25C.”

These orchids need to be watered regularly during the growing season (they generally flower in spring) but let the roots dry out slightly between watering. Increase lighting to the maximum during the winter
months to encourage good flower production.

Tucker Orchids is based in Albany, Auckland and sells and exports orchids worldwide from New Zealand.