Starting Orchids from Scratch: Why Seeds Aren't Practical and How to Source Young Phalaenopsis Plants

Growing Orchids for Wedding Favors: A Practical Guide

Planning to give homegrown Phalaenopsis orchids as wedding favors is a lovely idea, but timing and method are critical. If your wedding is in September 2009 and you're starting now, growing from seed is not feasible. Orchid seeds are microscopic, require sterile laboratory conditions, and take 3–5 years to reach flowering size—far too long for your timeline.

Skip the Seeds, Source "Compots" Instead

The smart approach is to purchase young plants. Commercial growers sell Phalaenopsis in "compots" (community pots)—groups of seedlings from a single seed pod grown together in one container. These plants are genetically similar, so they'll flower uniformly, perfect for cohesive wedding favors. Larger plants in the compot can be potted up individually now; smaller ones can mature a bit longer before separating.

Finding Compots in the UK

• Search for "Phalaenopsis compots UK" or "orchid nurseries UK" to locate local suppliers.
• Check the Orchid Mall online directory for mail-order growers who ship internationally.
• The American Orchid Society's magazine Orchids lists many advertisers selling compots.

Caring for Your Young Plants

Once you have your compot, provide bright, indirect light (east or shaded south window), temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C), humidity above 50%, and good air circulation. Water when the media is nearly dry, and feed weakly with a balanced orchid fertilizer. Repot into individual small pots with fresh bark mix as they grow. With proper care, many will reach flowering size by September 2009.

Bottom line: Don't start from seed. Buy compots, pot them up, and nurture them. It's the only realistic way to have blooming Phalaenopsis for your wedding.