Resources
Native Orchids
In Ontario we have over 60 native orchid species, the lady slippers being the most showy. Please enjoy them where they are. Do not pick the flowers and, above all, do not try to transplant them. The native orchids are very sensitive to their habitat and depend on a variety of fungus for their growth. They do not survive transplanting for very long. Look, admire, but don't touch or trample.
For more information, have a look at:- Orchids of Ontario
- Native Orchids of Canada compiled by the Orchid Society of Royal Botanical Gardens
- Orchids of Quebec - really nice photos
- Jewels of the Biosphere PDF
Culture
Orchids form a very diverse family with a wide range of cultural requirements. Some orchids are grown very easily on a windowsill and some require great skill to match their needs. An orchid society is the place to meet other growers and get the advice to grow and bloom that special plant.
Good sites for the basics on growing orchids:
Orchid Growing for Beginners: The Definitive Guide
Excellent advice on growing Paphs
When getting advice on growing any kind of orchid, be aware of what the advisor's growing environment is like. Growing in a greenhouse is different than growing on a window ledge. The conditions in hot Florida are different than indoors in a cold Canadian winter. Growing under lights differs from on a window sill. Basically it all reduces to how much light is needed, the desired temperature range, and what the roots need to survive. The plant will eventually tell you whether it is happy or not.
AOS Videos
The American Orchid Society has a vast collection of videos on all aspects of orchids and their culture.
AOS Videos
YouTube Videos
There are many, many YouTube videos on the culture of orchids. They vary in the quality of advice coming from different levels of experience. They also come from different parts of the world and different growing conditions.
Canadian Resources
The Canadian Orchid Congress maintains lists:
Importing Orchids
The rules are complex and hard to track down. Up to 50 greenhouse grown houseplants, including orchids may accompany you from the USA according to this directive. Ordering plants from the USA or elsewhere, or carrying them in from elsewhere requires paperwork. For more help see here.
Orchid Pests & Diseases
Common pests are mealy bugs, scale insects and spider mites. A plant may suffer due to a virus, bacterial rot, or a fungal infection. There may also be a culture problem.
The Orchid Board
Visit The Orchid Board "The Source For All Your Orchid Needs" - forums, club listings, events calendar, articles, blogs, etc.
Orchid Culture Sheets
One page sheets covering basic culture for various genera are available.
Orchid Register Search
Find the parents of your hybrid or see if your cross has been named by searching at the Royal Horticultural Society Orchid Register.
COOS Affiliates
The Canadian Orchid Congress is an association of Canadian orchid societies dedicated to serving the Canadian orchid-growing public.
COC On Facebook.
The mission of The American Orchid Society is to promote and support the passion for orchids through education, conservation, and research.
AOS On Facebook.
Toronto Judging Centre of the AOS
TJC On Facebook.
The Mid-America Orchid Congress sponsors six American Orchid Society judging centers in central US and Canada. They cooperate with the American Orchid Society in training orchid judges, supporting the judging centers, and providing information to individuals who grow and show orchids.
