Useful Orchid Growing Information
There is a wide range of orchid care information available online. Below is a selection of websites that provide clear, reliable guidance on various aspects related to growing orchids.
First Rays LLC
Website: www.firstrays.com
There is a wide range of orchid care information available online. Below is a selection of websites that provide clear, reliable guidance on growing orchids. One notable resource is First Rays, founded by Ray Barkalow in 1994. Ray began his orchid journey as a ceramic engineering student at Georgia Tech. He later lost his entire private collection in a greenhouse freeze. To replace the loss, he launched First Rays as an internet-based orchid business. He developed and introduced the Semi‑Hydroponic™ orchid culture system to simplify plant care during his frequent travels
His site offers detailed free guides on basic culture, watering, nutrition, potting, pests, and his signature semi‑hydroponic method.
Saint Augustine Orchid Society
Website: www.staugorchidsociety.org
The St. Augustine Orchid Society, founded in 2006, serves orchid enthusiasts in northeast Florida. It grew to over 100 members within a few years, uniting both novice growers and experienced collectors
The society publishes free guides on general orchid culture, beginner tips, repotting, pests, diseases, and monthly growing advice tailored to Florida’s climate
Its website includes detailed sections such as “Orchid Growing for Beginners", “Basics of Orchid Culture”, and a library covering orchid genera and seasonal care
In addition to written content, the society hosts monthly meetings, virtual show tables, and repotting clinics for hands‑on support in growing orchids successfully in the local environment
Return to the Orchid Culture page.
Tuckers Orchid Nursery
Their Website: www.tuckersorchidnursery.co.nz
Tucker’s Orchid Nursery is a family-run specialist nursery located on Auckland’s North Shore. The business began in the early 1970s and today benefits from over 70 years of combined expertise from owners Ross and Sue (Susan) Tucker.
They operate as New Zealand’s largest specialist orchid nursery. They offer a wide range of orchid genera—such as Cattleyas, Cymbidiums, Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, Phalaenopsis (moth orchids), Sarcochilus, Zygopetalums, and more
They serve orchid growers and enthusiasts with high-quality plants. Their website also shares orchid care resources, including cultural notes, guides on growing orchids from flasks, repotting tips, and insights into “the language of orchids”
Ross and Sue bring deep passion and knowledge to the nursery. They support customers with advice and practical guidance, leveraging decades of experience.
Ross is a Past President of the New Zealand Orchid Society and both are NZOS Life Judges.