With the incredible size and diversity of the orchid family, surprises abound. So when basic orchid care info says that orchids are epiphytes, or air plants, keep in mind that there are exceptions to the rule. Some orchid varieties are terrestrials, or ground orchids, and grow in soil. Terrestrials grow in forests, meadows, grasslands, marshes, […]
Phals, or Moth Orchids, are the most popular orchid varieties in the world. One of their fascinating traits is that healthy Phal plants can rebloom. While some Epidendrum and Oncidium varieties can bloom again from broken flower spikes (the stems that holds the flowers,) this process is most reliable with Phals. Their flowers last for […]
Summer has been heating up the northern half of the planet, and it’s important to remember that orchid care instructions are always subject to change. If you follow a too-rigid watering schedule, then you may notice your orchid suffering about now. On hot summer days, orchids need extra water. Plants in homes and offices may […]
A keiki is a baby orchid that grows as an offshoot of its mother plant. Keiki is the Hawaiian word for baby or child, and it’s pronounced “kay-kee.” Besides their Hawaiian name, they’re sometimes called aerials or plantlets. By growing keikis, orchids can reproduce without flowering and seeding. Some orchid varieties are more likely to […]
If you saw a Thunia without flowers, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a cornstalk. When it’s in bloom, however, there’s no doubt that it’s an orchid. Thunia flowers look like Cattleyas that haven’t opened completely. The 5 inch (13 cm) wide blooms hang in clusters, pulling down the tops of their 4 ft. […]
When trying to fight insect pests, remember that some of your best allies are other insects. For every aphid, mite, or beetle munching on a flower bud, there are hungry ladybugs, dragonflies, and spiders looking for lunch. These and many other beneficial insects work for free, have no toxic side effects, and only wish to […]
When local meteorologists use the phrase “offshore flow,” it’s going to heat up here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Orchid growers on the coast, like me, normally take advantage of the cool fog flowing off the Northern Pacific to maintain good humidity. Those moderate conditions allow many orchid varieties to grow outdoors all year. […]
My own orchid collection has species and hybrids from all over the world, but only one that’s native to San Francisco. It may be less glamorous than its tropical relatives, but this Epipactis, or Stream Orchid, really enjoys the local climate. This species has a large range over western North America, spanning from Canada south […]
Some varieties of orchids need direct morning sun to grow well and bloom. Morning sun is better than afternoon sun because the afternoon sun is usually hotter, and also dries the air more. Dry air can stress orchid plants. They can make better use of the cooler morning sun for photosynthesis. For the same reason, […]
Motherhood can bring many joys to one’s life, but an orchid gift for Mother’s Day may feel a little daunting. Sure, it’s a beautiful token of appreciation, but if your maternal instincts cause you to fret about its care, that orchid may cause you some anxiety. Take a deep breath and relax. Caring for orchids is much easier than caring for children. With […]
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