The delicate beauty of orchids causes some gardeners to regard them as difficult plants to grow. They are not, especially here in 91直播. In fact, we see them everywhere. Some thrive in backyard gardens. They can be found growing in the crotches of trees or in pots outdoors as well as indoors.
Orchids are used to add lovely blooms to special displays. orchid flowers can be made into lei, found in a fancy hairdo or decorating a tropical drink. They are special flowers but are neither rare nor exotic. Maybe you’d like to try growing some orchids yourself.
According to orchid grower and expert, Phoenicia Zeller, “They key to orchid success, is to choose a plant whose climatic preferences match your growing environment.”
An orchid that is native to a cool and misty environment will likely not grow well at hot, sunny lower elevations in Kona. For successful orchid growing, choose a plant that is native to a place with a climate similar to your location.
Considered the largest plant family in the world, the Orchidaceae includes more than 700 genera and some 20,000 species. We may recognize several species by their generic names including cattleya, cymbidium, dendrobium, oncidium, phalaenopsis, vanda and vanilla. but that is only scratching the surface of the orchid family.
Orchids grow in every climate on earth except in the frozen Antarctic. Nearly ten of the fourteen climate zones on earth can be found on 91直播 Island. It is likely that an orchid is native to an area with a climate similar to yours. Look for an orchid that is well suited to your location. All you need to do is ask or do a little research.
Flowering orchids come in a plethora of sizes, shapes and colors and are available in many local nurseries and shops. When they are well maintained in a suitable location they may flower several times a year.
Some produce fragrant inflorescences, some feature a single showy bloom while others may support small flowers on multiple sprays. All are beautiful. Most will hold blooms for several weeks or months. Select ones you like but be sure they will do well in your environment.
Once the flowers die back, you may want to move them to a partially shaded spot outdoors. Keep them watered and wait for them to bloom again.
Most orchids are epiphytes or air plants. This means that they prefer to grow in a loose media that holds moisture but is not compacted. It is important that the growing media drain well. They’ll do well in a pot filled with orchid bark and can even grow attached to a tree branch or stump as long as the roots have something to anchor onto and a get a frequent supply of moisture. Netting or nylon stockings can be used to attach the plant until it is securely in place.
Orchids should be repotted when the growing medium breaks down and no longer drains well or when the plant has outgrown its container.
Many orchids grow best in partial shade and a humid environment. Their roots are covered with a spongy outer layer called velamen that retains water for the roots. When it is fully hydrated it is bright green and turns white when dry. Noticing this color change can help you determine if your orchid is getting enough water. Most orchids also have large water storing pseudobulbs, which can hold enough water to allow the roots to dry out a bit between waterings.
Orchids are not usually salt or wind or drought tolerant. They do best with regular watering but can suffer from over watering. Allow a few days for roots to partially dry before watering. Occasional misting can increase the humidity in dry weather but should not be a substitute for watering. Do not overwater as it can cause root rot.
You can prevent most diseases by maintaining good air circulation around your plants. If you see bacterial rot or fungal spots on the leaves, isolate the plant, cut way infected leaves and in advanced cases, apply a fungicide or other suitable product once you have identified the problem.
You can encourage your orchids to grow and bloom by regular additions of a low concentrate fertilizer.
Follow the package directions for best results. Do some research on the best growing conditions for the orchids you’d like to grow. This knowledge plus following good care and maintenance recommendations, will likely help you grow orchids successfully.
An opportunity to learn more about orchids, view many orchid varieties and purchase plants from knowledgeable growers is available today at the Kona Orchid Society’s annual Mother’s Day Orchid Show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Makaeo Pavilion at Kona Old Airport State Recreational Area. Admission is $2 cash. Several informative presentations will take place starting at 10 a.m. with orchid specialists available throughout the event at their respective booths.
According to event organizer Bob Zeller, “In addition to all kinds of orchids, attendees can choose from air plants, anthuriums, cactus and succulents, bonsai, protea, bedding plants, bamboo and fruit trees. Orchid growing supplies and pots will also be available. Seventeen craft vendors will round out the offerings.”
Good luck learning about orchid care and growing some beautiful orchids yourself.
Gardening events
2026 Coffee and Orchard Crops Webinars with live Q&A. If you missed his or any previous presentations you can find them on the Kona Extension YouTube channel.
Information on flooding and farm food safety: View on UH CTAHR Google Drive at tinyurl.com/3m6upwdm.
Current: “Kona typica” grafted trees available for purchase. First come, first served basis. 20 “Kona typica” grafted (on C. liberica rootstock) trees are available for $15 each.
Tissue cultured “Ito” trees available at $15 each. Contact Andrea at andreak@hawaii.edu if you are interested.
Still available: CLR Resistant Coffee Trees. Go to youtu.be/11-vtPT2jRU or call (808) 322-4892.
Continuing: Ka‘u Coffee Farm Field Day Events, in person in Ka‘u, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• May 14: Coffee tree nutrition and fertilization field day.
• June 2: Mid-season sanitation and desuckering field day.
All are free events. Lunch included for registrants. Spanish translator on site. Register at www.91直播CoffeeEd.com/kau. Contact Matt at (808) 322-0164 with questions.
Saturday, May 2: Big Island International Fruits Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Kona at Hale Halawai Beach Park on Ali‘i Drive. Free family-friendly event featuring local arts and crafts and food vendors. Contact Randyl Rupar at randyldna@earthlink.net or at (808) 936-5233 for more information or go to hawaiianwellness.com/events.
Farmer direct markets
Wednesday: Ho‘oulu Farmers Market at Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay.
Saturday: Keauhou Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon at Keauhou Shopping Center. Information on their online market at keauhoufarmersmarket.com/onlinemarket.
Kamuela Farmer’s Market, 7:30 a.m. to noon at Pukalani Stables.
Waimea Town Market, 7:30 a.m. to noon at the Parker School in central Waimea.
Waimea 91直播stead Farmers Market, 7:30 a.m. to noon at the Waimea Middle and Elementary School playground.
Sunday: Pure Kona Green Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook.
Hamakua Harvest, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hwy 19 and Mamane Street in Honoka‘a.
Plant advice lines
Anytime: konamg@hawaii.edu
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES in Kainaliu, (808) 322-4893. Or walk in Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays 9 a.m. to noon at UH CES at Konohana in Hilo, (808) 981-5199.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living on Oahu and working part time in Kona.
