Overcoming obstacles to orchid growing | Bangkok Post: feature

Lynda Smit wrote that she would like to learn more about orchids. ''We live in Bangkok and I would like to fill our home with orchids. But where do I purchase them?'' she asked. ''And how do I look after them? I did a lot of researching and found different information.''

PAIR OF PLANTERS: Above, some orchids are best grown in hanging pots, while others, left, do well mounted on wooden slabs. PHOTOS: NORMITA THONGTHAM

It is not surprising that Mrs Smit found loads of different information as there are thousands of species of orchids and each has different requirements depending on where it originated. Even in the wild, different orchids prefer different habitats: Some grow on small branches overhanging streams, others on the underside of a big branch where it is dry. Some prefer high altitudes where the climate is cool, while still others are happier in the hot lowlands. Some species can be found only in limestone areas; others prefer the deep leaf litter of the forest floor. There are no hard and fast rules for orchid growing.