Planting garden orchids: when and how?

Planting garden orchids: when and how?

The planting stage is a key step for growing garden orchids successfully and gradually obtaining beautiful flower beds.  Not only is it important to choose the right time for planting - neither too early nor too late - and the right location, but they must be carefully planted by respecting a few basic principles.

When should garden orchids be planted?

In general, we recommend planting garden orchids at the end of their annual cycle (autumn, winter) or before they have started to regrow (spring). It is very important to avoid periods of strong heat or intense cold.  In addition to the fact that orchids recover better when planted at average temperatures, sending orchids by parcel post is also less stressful for plants when too hot temperatures are avoided. Finally, when orchids are delivered during dormancy (or pre-dormancy), the plant's natural cycle is not disturbed. On the contrary, a delivery that is sent during the growth phase could result in developmental and flowering problems due to the different stresses that the plants are subjected to during transport or planting (heat, darkness, ...).

To avoid certain specific problems (late frosts, damaged leaves, ...), it is preferable, whenever possible, to order garden orchids at the end of the growth period (end of August to end of December). This way they have the time to gradually settle into the garden and will develop in spring during the period corresponding to the beginning of the regrowth phase: in the more Southern regions, they will develop a little earlier; if you live in a colder Northern or higher altitude region this development will occur later. Autumn planting, therefore, helps to limit the dangers of late frosts which can be risky when buying species in the spring that are already growing and are planted in a colder region ...

Can garden orchids be kept in their original pot?

As a general rule, we recommend that garden orchids are planted as soon as they are delivered. Indeed, most garden orchids appreciate cool, wet soils. They should, therefore, be planted as soon as possible, except if you are experiencing extreme heat or intense cold at the time of delivery. Please note that we generally do not deliver during extremely hot or cold periods to ensure optimal recovery.

If, however, you can not plant them immediately, care should be taken to keep the substrate moist and cool. We STRONGLY ADVISE AGAINST keeping garden orchids in a house, apartment, or porch that is warm in the winter while waiting until spring to plant. Most species (Cypripedium, Epipactis, Dactylorhiza, Bletilla, ...) need a cold dormancy period. Without a cold period your plants will be less vigorous, may not bloom, and above all, may completely disappear in the long term. Only Pleione orchids can be kept in a cold room during the dormancy period. However, the ideal temperature should be close to 4-5° C (garden shed, cellar, ...)

However, if you do not want to plant your orchids directly in the garden, it is still possible to grow at least some species in pots on a terrace or balcony. You will, however, have to replant them in a larger pot (ideally at least 20 cm in diameter). For this, we invite you to read our newsletter: 'Can I grow my garden orchids in pots on a terrace or balcony?'.

Where and how should garden orchids be planted?

The majority of garden orchids appreciate the summer heat far less than the winter cold. But they do like soils that remain cool, especially in summer. That's why we recommend a spot that is out of the sun during the hottest hours of the day. Wooded environments should also be preferred. The coolness of the evening or night allows the plant to 'recover' even when the day has been extremely hot. For more information, read our newsletter: 'Shade or sunshine? Where should garden orchids be planted?'

Which potting soil should be used for planting garden orchids?

Cypripedium, Dactylorhiza and Epipactis orchids adore soils that are sandy or clayey but do not like peat or pure potting soils.

When you are planting your orchids, we advise you to dig a planting hole about 20 cm deep and 20 to 30 cm in diameter. Mix 1/3 of fine lava rock (pumice), 1/3 of aquatic plant potting mix (which usually contains sand and clay) and 1/3 of soil from your garden to make the optimal substrate.

The pumice, which has the characteristic of being very absorbent, will help to keep the substratum moist (and therefore cool) during the summer period while ensuring the necessary drainage during rainy periods (and thus avoiding excess water).

Phytesia also offers ready-to-use substrates that you can find on our website. (potting soil link)

Dig a large planting hole, remove the growing pot and place the plant and its root ball in the hole. Make sure that the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface. Make sure the root ball is in contact with the surrounding soil and then water copiously. Ensure that you water regularly for the first two weeks following planting, especially if the climate is hot and/or dry.

Which mulch should be used for garden orchids?

Many types of mulch for preventing weeds in flowerbeds are commercially available. Some of these mulches also help retain more soil moisture.

We generally do not recommend that you use pine bark or RCW (Chipped wood) for your garden orchids, but rather advise the use of neutral materials such as lava stone (Pumice) or argex.

Mulching with dead leaves should also be avoided during winter, at least for species that are most sensitive to winter moisture.

Other useful information on our blog ...

-       Substrates for perennial orchids ...

-       Shade or sunshine? Where should garden orchids be planted?

-       Can I grow my garden orchids in pots on a terrace or balcony?

-       How should you look after your Bletilla garden orchid?