Pruning orchids is easier than pruning roses or hydrangeas, because orchids don’t need shaping. Instead, pruning serves to remove dead or damaged parts of the plant. Dead leaves, flowers, or roots should be removed before they attract pests or disease. Pruning is sometimes necessary when dividing and repotting an orchid. Start by cleaning sharp garden […]
Growing orchids in cold northern climates brings extra challenges in winter. First, cold temps mean that heaters run frequently, drying the air in the process. Low humidity can cause lots of problems for orchids, such as wilting blooms, pests, and disease. Tried-and-true methods to raise humidity include: Grouping plants together Placing orchids in humid areas […]
Blooming orchids make wonderful holiday gifts, and smart shoppers start by checking out these buying tips. Even after you’ve picked the right orchid, however, you may have a problem. Some people are terrified of orchids. I’ve seen an orchid gift provoke such fear in a friend’s eyes that it made me wonder if he would […]
If long Latin orchid names aren’t your thing, you’ll be happy to know that Odontoglossums are nicknamed Odonts (which rhymes with “no fonts.”) The Odont family includes over 100 species and countless human-made hybrids. Many varieties have long-lasting flowers. I’ve had this first one for years, and its brilliants pinks and yellows always take my […]
Last week’s wacky weather wasn’t limited to a mini heatwave; we also had a hailstorm. San Francisco’s mild weather seldom falls below freezing, but winter storms occasionally bring hail. It rarely does damage in our garden. After a powerful storm was punctuated by noisy hailstones, I saw that the leaves of the Brugmansia had been […]
Last week, before Dave and I went to Philly to visit family, I’m glad I gave my neighbor George last minute instructions to “water everything!” We’ve had November warm spells before, but when I heard Bay Area forecasters using the words “offshore flow,” I knew it was going to be a mini heatwave. Most of […]
Some orchid growers rely entirely on artificial light, while others, like me, use it to supplement lower sunlight levels in autumn and winter. No matter which category you’re in, you’ll find essential lighting info in Growing Orchids Under Lights. This American Orchid Society book focuses on practical light solutions for your home, office, or greenhouse. […]
How can an orchid be sinister? Orchid descriptions usually include words like beautiful and elegant, hardly the stuff of Halloween. Ghost Orchids, dead orchids, and weird orchids can spook you, but it’s the creepy Draculas that can scare you. Some Dracula varieties have a strange flower lip which looks, well, fleshy. You almost expect it […]
Most people prefer to keep their orchids alive, but some people are dead-set on killing them. If that’s you, then you’ll enjoy this handy list of tried-and-true orchid destruction tips. If you prefer to keep your orchids alive, avoid these common mistakes: Overwatering — This is a quick, easy, and common assassination method. Excess water […]
To celebrate the arrival of fall, here are some garden beauties: Autumn arrives in the Northern Hemisphere with a chill, shorter days, and some orchid chores. As temperatures drop, bring warm growers inside. Remove any dead leaves or weeds. Check for pests, especially those hiding on the undersides of leaves. I spray orchid plants and […]
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