Posted by admin on October 22, 2011
Purple Vanda Orchids are some of the most showy orchids to grow. Vanda orchids like lots of light, humidity, and air movement. As you can see this Vanda has flowers that are 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Vandas can grow in a large fir bark mix or with very little mix around the roots, provided that humidity is high. Humidity can be attained with misting, trays of rocks with water in them, etc.
See the photo below, a beautiful large purple Vanda Orchid.
Posted by admin on
In the San Francisco Bay Area and many other areas in California (also Hawaii) Epidendrum Speciosus can be grown outdoors or indoors. As you can see in the photo below, this Orchid gets to 2 or 3 feet in height. It blooms for a long time and is hardy. Epidendrum Speciosus can be grown in a fine for bark or other loose mix. This Epidendrum likes a lot of sun, warm temperatures, humidity, and air movement. You can find Epidendrum Orchids in many colors, including orange, red, pink, yellow, and more.
Posted by admin on May 12, 2011
When growing Orchids at home, it can be helpful to think about how they grow in nature. Some Orchids grow naturally sitting on tree branches in the rainforest. It is very humid, warm, and frequently rains. Other Orchids grow sitting on rocks. Yet other Orchids grow beneath trees in leaves and other matter. There are many other ways Orchids grow throughout the world.
Relating Orchids at home to their natural habitat, it becomes easier to understand how to grow them. For example, Phalaenopsis Orchids are used to tropical rainforest conditions. They don’t like weather colder than 65 degrees F. They like humidity and to mostly dry out between waterings.
Dendrobiums are generally used to brighter conditions in nature than Phalaenopsis Orchids. They like to dry out briefly in between waterings.
The photo below shows examples of a number of kinds of Orchids growing naturally. If nature can be mostly simulated at home, then Orchids will be very happy in your home!
Posted by admin on July 8, 2009
The California Plants Discussion Forum is now live! Click here to either go there and learn, ask questions, or share information to help others. Indoor plants, outdoor plants, shrubs, trees, and more are discussed.
Posted by admin on January 10, 2009
Taking care of Orchids can be easy or difficult depending on the Orchid you choose and location you will grow the Orchid. The best way to select an Orchid is first choose where in your home you will grow the Orchid. Note if you will have bright light, shade, and when the light will come through to the plant. If you like to water more often, note this. If you are ok neglecting plants, note this. If you want an Orchid to bloom for months, note this. If you want an Orchid that will bloom for a couple weeks, note this.
To take care of the Orchids you choose to buy at home, first either get a humidity tray, choose a humid location such as the bathroom or kitchen, or place rocks in a saucer around the plant. This ensures your Orchid has proper humidity. Next make sure you have Orchid fertilizer, and use this at least once a month. Some Orchids like to dry out between waterings and others don’t. Depending on which kind of Orchid you have, lift the pot to decide by weight if the Orchid needs to be watered. Ensure to locate your Orchid without any direct sun on the leaves, no matter what kind of Orchid. The more appropriate your care conditions are for needs of a particular Orchid, the more blooms, healthy foliage, and healthy roots you will have.