Growing Orchids
There are many varieties of these exotic plants that can be grown quite easily at homeGrown for their beautiful, long lasting flowers, orchids have long been considered the domain of the expert gardener. This however is not necessarily the case. There are many varieties of these exotic plants that can be grown quite easily at home, given the right conditions and usually no more care than you would give an ordinary house plant, although there are exceptions.
Cattleya orchids:
Cattleya orchids have the large flowers that are often used for corsages.
Cattleya orchids have the large flowers that are often used for corsages. They come in many colours and several sizes. Older varieties bloomed once a year, but newer hybrids bloom several times a year. Cattleyas require a bright window and watering when quite dry in the summer, and very little water but bright light during the winter dormant period.
Cymbidium orchids
CYMBIDIUM orchids have grass-like leaves and the flowers grow on a tall spike in the winter and early spring.
CYMBIDIUM orchids have grass-like leaves and the flowers grow on a tall spike in the winter and early spring. They like a sunny, warm place in the summer and can grow outdoors in a container. In the fall they should be left outdoors until they have had a degree or two of frost, as the difference in temperature between night and day is what stimulates blooming.
Dendrobium orchids
DENDROBIUM orchids have clusters of smaller, long-lasting flowers on long stalks in spring or summer.
DENDROBIUM orchids have clusters of smaller, long-lasting flowers on long stalks in spring or summer. They need a dormant period in the fall and winter, with little water but direct sun, until new flower buds form. In spring and summer they need a moist growing medium and good drainage.
Phalaenopsis (moth orchid)
PHALAENOPSIS - moth orchid. This orchid is the easiest of them all.
They like a warm, humid atmosphere, which is not exactly what our homes are in the winter, but seem to adapt to less than the best conditions and bloom for a long time several times a year. When all the flowers have died, do not remove the stem. It could grow more flower buds on the same stem. When the stem turns yellow, remove it and a new stem will grow.
FAST TIP 1
Watering can be a bit tricky...
because its generally done by soaking, but if your water is been standing it can cause problems… To be certain of not transferring diseases water your orchid so that it has clean water and that it drains completely. Orchids should never be left in standing water.
FAST TIP 2
Generally speaking, orchids like bright indirect light.
If you're not sure where to place them, find a place that has this kind of light in your home. They natively live in and on trees which block the direct light.
FAST TIP 3
Fertilize you Orchids once a month.
Use an orchid mist fertilizer like Orchid Love to make it fast and easy!
FAST TIP 4
When your Orchid finishes flowering,
trim the stem as close to the base of the leaves as possible without disturbing the leaves. Carry on with good care and it should flower again. However, one should be patient.
There are two main types of orchids:
Epiphytic and Terrestrial.Epiphytic orchids are the type grown most often as a houseplant; they grow naturally in trees and on rocks. In addition to having roots at their base epiphytic orchids have aerial roots and require a special orchid container for proper growing conditions. Terrestrial orchids have their roots wholly underground and are less common as houseplants.
When selecting an orchid there are a few factors that you should consider. First you should decide what variety of orchid you prefer. There are many flower shapes, sizes and colours. Many people also consider when the flowering period occurs when selecting a variety, often for certain events or holidays. The second thing that you should consider is the area you wish the orchid to grow. Light, temperature and air circulation are all-important factors to consider. Lastly, what level of care do you want to provide? Orchid care ranges from simple and undemanding to complicated and finicky. greengate has a superior selection of orchids and our experienced staff can help you with plant selection, requirements, fertilization or even a pot.
Cattleya orchids
Cattleya orchids have the large flowers that are often used for corsages.Cattleya orchids have the large flowers that are often used for corsages. They come in many colours and several sizes. Older varieties bloomed once a year, but newer hybrids bloom several times a year. Cattleyas require a bright window and watering when quite dry in the summer, and very little water but bright light during the winter dormant period.
Cymbidium orchids
Cymbidium orchids have grass-like leaves and the flowers grow on a tall spike in the winter and early spring.CYMBIDIUM orchids have grass-like leaves and the flowers grow on a tall spike in the winter and early spring. They like a sunny, warm place in the summer and can grow outdoors in a container. In the fall they should be left outdoors until they have had a degree or two of frost, as the difference in temperature between night and day is what stimulates blooming.
Dendrobium orchids
Dendrobium orchids have clusters of smaller, long-lasting flowers on long stalks in spring or summer.DENDROBIUM orchids have clusters of smaller, long-lasting flowers on long stalks in spring or summer. They need a dormant period in the fall and winter, with little water but direct sun, until new flower buds form. In spring and summer they need a moist growing medium and good drainage.
Phalaenopsis (moth orchid)
This orchid is the easiest of them all.They like a warm, humid atmosphere, which is not exactly what our homes are in the winter, but seem to adapt to less than the best conditions and bloom for a long time several times a year. When all the flowers have died, do not remove the stem. It could grow more flower buds on the same stem. When the stem turns yellow, remove it and a new stem will grow.
FAST TIP 5
Orchids are now considered to be a staple of flowering houseplants.
Once thought to be the domain of the master gardener, orchids of several varieties can be grown indoors. One of the easiest is the Phalaenopsis or Moth Orchid. This common orchid comes in many colors, and is by no means the only orchid that can be grown indoors.
FAST TIP 6
Let your orchid media dry before watering and use tepid water.
With a little care some of your orchids will bloom for moths and re-bloom when the time is right.
FAST TIP 7
Watch your temperatures.
Generally, orchids like a temperature of about 70F, or 21C in summer dropping to about 60F, or 15.5C in winter. Cool night temperatures are important. Good light about 10-12 hours a day is also important along with humidity, a pebble tray, grouping or misting the leaves are way in which you can add humidity around your orchids.
FAST TIP 8
Repot Orchids into fresh media every year or so as needed.
Try and use the same media as they were in originally. If you can, go one pot size up from the original container your orchid is outgrowing. Be gentle with the roots but know that they are fairly robust.