January 11, 2020 - Issue #443

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You're about to enter the wonderful world of orchids. You're in store for an exciting adventure! This is the largest plant family on our planet with an estimated 30,000 wild types (species) and many more man-made varieties. No other plants can compete with orchids for their power to seduce and bedazzle the most jaded plant lover with their fantastically beautiful flower colors, shapes, and textures, and heady and sensuous perfumes.

Probably one of the most intimidating hurdles that the beginning orchid grower faces is the complex names given to orchids. When you realize what an immense groups of plants this is, you'll soon come to realize why most orchids are referred to by their Latin name rather than a common name. Actually, very few orchids even have a common name. I always use the Latin name, because that's the universally accepted name, and I add a common name, when there is one.

Although orchids are relatively pest-free plants, an invasion of some bug or disease will inevitably be something you will have to deal with. Insect and disease problems can be greatly reduced by good plant sanitation. Fortunately, there aren't many pests to contend with and they are not that difficult to identify.

Snails and slugs are at the top of most people's list as being one of the most revolting of all orchid pests. They have rasping mouth parts that scrape the surface of plant tissue. They can do extensive damage to the green tips of young orchid roots and stems and developing and maturing flowers.

Lady's slippers are some of the easiest orchids to grow and among the most rewarding orchids you'll find, making them a great orchid for beginners. They present a wide range of strikingly colored, frequently glossy flowers in a myriad of shapes. Some have petals that are elegantly twisted, while others are marked with hairs and warts. All slipper orchids are noted for very-long-lasting blooms — the flowers usually last six to eight weeks. Many slipper orchids have gorgeous marbled foliage, which makes them stunningly beautiful, even when they aren't in bloom. Collectors of slipper orchids tend to be a fanatic lot — and it's easy to see why.

I don't mean to be bringing you more doom and gloom. Orchids are actually very tough plants, and if you grow them in the correct cultural conditions and take the preventative measures mentioned, they'll rarely suffer from fatal diseases. Still, being aware of what can happen when things go wrong is a good idea.

Editor's Note: This is the 9th of a 10 part series of articles about orchids. These articles are written by Steven Frowine, who collaborated with National Gardening Association and Wiley & Sons to produce the highly popular book Orchids for Dummies. We hope you enjoy this series of articles!