Orchids are said to be one of the most popular plants on Guam. However, there is a local fear that a lot needs to be done in order to grow and maintain them. Guam Nurserymen’s Association President Steve Martinez assures there isn’t much to it.

One of the easiest to grow is the Dendrobium orchid. Steve says you’ll want to start out with either a clay or plastic pot with holes in it. Another option is to mount the orchid on a piece of wood.

If you decide to put your orchid in a pot, then Steve suggests mixing orchid bark, charcoal and lava rock together. After filling the bottom of the pot, you place your orchid inside being sure to wrap the roots around it and then you fill the pot with the growing medium until it’s nice and snug. Be sure not to cover the crown of the orchid (the top) because orchids will tend to rot if wet all the time.

Next, simply place the pot in a nice sunny, breezy location and watch it bloom. Now because orchids are generally easy to care for, this means you don’t need to constantly water or feed them. Steve says watering your orchid once a week will do or if it rains, don’t even bother! As well, you only need to fertilize your orchid once a week (he likes to use Miracle Grow All-Purpose because it’s water soluble).

And there you go…so what are you waiting for? Get out there and start growing!

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