How to grow butterfly orchids

[lottie lou]

Just received my tubers from T&M however the instructions for growing them aren't that in depth.  Do I cover the tuber with growing medium.  Do I block light from the top of the pot and/or do I put it in a propagator.  Thanks for any advice.

[lottie lou]

[rugbypost]

HI, first you need a good orchid compost this is a mixture of moss charcoal and a few other things. Fill a 6 inch pot with the compost soak and drain it off poke finger into the compost make 3 small holes place the corns in and fill with a further  half inch of compost a bit more water on top and leave to drain again. You need a  plant saucer make sure you keep the plant damp and in a humid place. Best of luck with it I have been growing them for a while and its still trial and error with me . After three years repot and under neath you will get your own corns to repot or pass on to others. All the best fingers crossed

[lottie lou]

Thanks for advice.  Do I need to cover with poly and/or place in propagator to start them off

[rugbypost]

No I start mine in the backbedroom out of direct light with orchids you have got to think of humid, wet conditions like the amazon jugle where most of these plants come from. Have a water bottle wih a fine nozzel on it always keep water in the saucer, and spray the top so that it stays moist. I planted mine in febuary only 2 have come up so far out of the 3 corns but they took weeks between the first 2. SO dont worry you have to sit back its a waiting game. Keep in touch if i learn something to help i will pass it on