Orchids in the home

[bradmoor]

We have been given an orchid for Xmas and have been told by a friend that it should be grown in a transparent container - our friend said it was in order that the roots benefited from a symbiotic fungus on them that needed light to prosper.Does anyone know if this is true or just a tale?

[Hawkwalk]

Usually only true when propagating from seed. The Orchid you have will be fine in whatever container it is in. The symbiotic fungus works as an exchange of nutrients between the fungus and the plant of which they will both benefit. If you use an orchid feed and have the correct growing media then this will not be required on a mature orchid. If kept correctly you should have flowers for 6-12 weeks and be able to get it to flower again easily in the home.