-Remember to put a layer of small pebbles or stones on the bottom and a layer of small charcoal over. All plants don't like to stand in water or have "wet feet".

-Water sparingly, especially if covered. Take the top off every so often so fresh air and breathe into the terrarium.

-Buy small plants when first establishing your terrarium. Over time these plants might need to be moved out or pruned as they overtake other plants. Editing is the key to successful small container gardening.

-Most any glass container will do for your terrarium. Tall cylinders work best, and I prefer topless terrariums.

-Desert scenes with cacti and succulents, add sand and some rough rocks as an easy first attempt at terrarium gardening.

If you live in the Northern part of the US you definitely will need a heat source for your growing plants. This could be gas fired small furnaces or electric heat. Remember, when you turn the heat on humidity goes down.

Good ventilation and humidity are very important. Most plants including growing orchids depend on air circulation. A fan can do this very easily. Be sure to keep the fan clean to avoid cross pollination of disease from one plant to another.

Growing orchids in greenhouses will allow you to grow plants year round. You plant what you want, when you want to, and how you want. You can control the light, temperature, watering and humidity so you will have a healthy, viable greenhouse for your hobby.

Most orchids require no soil. In nature orchids are divided into 4 classes;

Epiphytes air plants (majority of orchids) grow on trees

Lithophytes air plants grow on rock surfaces

Saprophytes air plants grown on decaying vegetation

Terrestrials ground plants grow in soil

#3 Do orchids only last a short time?

On the contrary most species can last for years if taken care of. There are some plants which were propagated in the 18th century and continue to live today.

#4 How often do they bloom?

It varies according to the variety and hybrid but they can bloom from once to 2 - 4 times a year. The blossoms can last for weeks to months which is a real plus.

#5 How old is my plant?

Orchids can take years to come to maturity and bloom. Typically, the plants are anywhere from 5 to 8 years old.

#6 Is conservation of orchids important?

According to the American Orchid Society this is a priority. Threats to orchids come primarily from loss of habitat and collecting. The AOS encourages the purchase of only artificially propagated orchids.

#7 Should orchids be protected from a draft? This could be another orchid myths, but the answer is no, orchids prefer moving air but should not be over a heating or air conditioning vent.

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