My greenhouse is now 13 years old and I’ve learned a lot about what orchids like the conditions I’m able to provide. By focusing on the orchids which grow best under my conditions I’ve expanded my collection to include a range of hybrids related to my best growers. I’ve also made a few critical mistakes and will discuss the good, the bad and the compost.

Ed Lysek has been growing orchids for 40 years. He grows the majority of his 700 orchids in an intermediate greenhouse in Templeton, CA with a few hardy types grown year round in sheltered locations on his property. He has been a member of Five Cities Orchid Society for the last 12 years and credits his success with orchids to the many ideas and recommendations given to him by fellow FCOS members and speakers.