As a large, diverse orchid family, Dendrobiums are popular choices for hybridizers. While larger Dendrobium varieties are more common, there are also many miniatures. I couldn’t resist the charms of this mini when I found it for sale at this year’s Orchids in the Park. Named Dendrobium Aussie’s Hi Lo, this hybrid combines traits from […]
Orchids take many forms, some of them familiar. With these unusual blossoms, it’s easy to see how Anguloas earned the nickname Tulip Orchids. In the wild, they hang onto steep cliffs in the Andes Mountains of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. I don’t see them in cultivation often, and don’t have any in my own […]
Autumn colors include the vibrant hues of orchids. For many varieties, shorter days and cooler temps spur new growth and blooms. The change in season requires changes in orchid care, so check these autumn reminders: Bring outdoor orchids inside before temps fall too much. Remove any leaf and flower debris, and check for pests. Closely […]
With record-breaking heat waves and droughts the new normal, orchid growers need to adapt. High temperatures can damage or kill plants, and prevent most types from blooming. Adjust orchid care during excessive heat to keep them healthy and growing. Most importantly in high temps, maintain good humidity and air movement. Warm growers, like Phals, Vandas, […]
Orchids have been staples of office decor since supermarkets and garden centers began selling mass-produced plants in the 1980’s. Tough, modern hybrids can survive, and even thrive, in work environments which often have less than ideal growing conditions. Check the following tips to keep your office orchid blooming: As always, it helps to know what […]
Orchid care changes with the seasons. On top of summer’s warmth, the sun is highest in the sky and hours of daylight are at a maximum. Even on cloudy days, plants are working overtime to photosynthesize. On top of your regular watering schedule, water more during periods of active growth, warm weather, or windy conditions. […]
Sure, orchids are great, but wouldn’t it be nice to just stick one in the ground like a regular plant? Well, you can do just that with the Chinese Ground Orchid, or Bletilla. If you can grow a tulip or a daffodil, you can grow a Bletilla. Resembling Cattleyas, their charming flowers have ruffly ridges […]
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As winter winds down, it’s still the dry season in the native homes of many orchids. They often take the opportunity to flower before the wet season begins. Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, and others need this dormant period to bloom. Even when dormant orchids spring into bloom, resist the urge to water more. Many dormant types, […]
Orchid care changes with the seasons. Growers need to adjust for winter’s approach in the Northern Hemisphere. Orchids with pseudobulbs are entering dormancy. If they sport swollen stems like those in the first photo below, they may only need water once or twice per month over winter. Too much water can cause rot, or mess […]
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