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 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 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.
Posted by admin on January 8, 2009
These are the three easiest Orchids to grow in bright light indoors. There are many varieties of each of these kinds of Orchids.
- Oncidiums - These Orchids light bright indirect light, almost drying out between waterings, like to be potted in fine bark, and can take temperatures as low as 55 and as high as 85.
- Vandas - These Orchids love when they can briefly dry out between waterings, like temperatures between 65 and 90, like very bright indirect light, and like to be potted in medium or large bark.
- Dendrobiums - These Orchids like to dry out briefly in between waterings, enjoy very bright indirect light, and like to be potted in fine bark.
For all of the Orchids above, use a humidity tray or tray with rocks and water. All above Orchids should be misted when it is hot.
Posted by admin on January 2, 2009
Phalaenopsis Orchid plants are the easiest Orchid to grow for the beginner grower. They are not only the easiest Orchids to care for, but they are also ideal for growing indoors. This post has information to help you shop for, buy, grow, and care for Phalaenopsis Orchids.
- When buying a Phalaenopsis Orchid, choose one without all blooms open. This will give you more blooms to come.
- When shopping for Phalaenopsis Orchids, choose the Phalaenopsis Orchid with the strongest leaves, and biggest roots and leaves. Look for leaves and roots that look like they are active and growing.
- Buy your Phalaenopsis Orchid somewhere that will stand behind the plant if it does not do well. Good stores offer a return or exchange policy.
- Phalaenopsis Orchids are epiphytic. This means they grow on trees and rocks. They get their nutrients and water from items that fall to them. They are very used to having their roots dry out at times because of this.
- Most Phalaenopsis Orchids can bloom 2-6 months in a row. To have your Orchid bloom this long, you need humidity around the leaves and flowers. The best way to get humidity is purchase a humidity tray and grow your Phalaenopsis Orchid on top of the tray.
- Phalaenopsis Orchids do not like to sit in water for days. Water the plant over the sink well, let the mix drain, and then don’t water again until the mix is almost dry. You can tell when to water by lifting the pot. If the pot is light, water.
- Fertilize 2 out of 3 waterings with a very weak solution of Orchid fertilizer.
- Repot your Phalaenopsis Orchids every 2-3 years when the plant is growing out of the pot.
- When caring for leaf problems, only cut off a leaf with fungus.
- Care for your Phalaenopsis in the right location in your home. Choose a location with low indirect light, good air movement, and no temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.