Archive for the 'Growing' Category

Eurychone – A Tropical African Orchid

Saturday, July 5th, 2014

These unusual flowers belong to a fascinating orchid. This species has beautiful blooms, a pleasant scent, and a hard-to-pronounce name. Eurychone is Greek for “broad funnel,” which describes the wide, round flower lip. To pronounce Eurychone, say “you-rye-CONE-ee.” Eurychones are native to equatorial rainforests in West and Central Africa. They are related to the Angraecum […]

Orchids Love an Outdoor Vacation

Sunday, June 15th, 2014

Who doesn’t love a summer vacation? Orchids sure do. Many growers move their plants outdoors to take advantage of pleasant summer weather. Indoor orchids will thrive with fresh air and refreshing rain showers. Check out these tips to plan an outdoor orchid vacation: When moving plants outside, keep them in a shady spot for two […]

Orchids on Mother’s Day

Sunday, May 11th, 2014

Orchids have become such popular Mother’s Day gifts that moms are becoming orchid addicts as a result. They’ve discovered what many already know — orchids are easy and rewarding with a few basic care tips. Many orchids can sport their glorious blooms for weeks or even months. To get the most life out of your […]

Let Orchids Dry Before Watering

Wednesday, May 7th, 2014

It’s important to let orchids dry between waterings. Roots and potting material need time to dry out. This period helps prevent roots from rotting or developing disease. Cattleyas and Oncidiums need to dry well, since damp conditions can kill them. Moth Orchids, Masdevallias, and Lady Slippers want to dry just a little, and need water […]

The Best Orchid Pots

Monday, February 17th, 2014

The Wall Street Journal has taken an interest in orchid pots. As air plants, orchids love a moist breeze across their roots. Flower pots with holes in their sides, in addition to bottom drainage holes, have better air circulation. With small openings, lattices, or slits, these pots are ideal for many orchids. Whether a container […]

Caring for a Valentine Orchid

Friday, February 14th, 2014

With their beauty and elegance, it’s easy to see how orchids are challenging roses as valentine favorites. If you receive one as a valentine gift, check the care tips below the eye candy to help your orchid grow and thrive. What kind? –  Identifying your orchid can help you understand its care needs. Most orchids […]

Cutting Off Orchid Roots

Monday, January 20th, 2014

As air plants, many orchids grow roots outside their pots. Popular varieties like Phals and Vandas prefer to grow this way. However, some people find exposed roots unattractive. “Can I cut off my orchid’s roots?” is a common question. Usually the query includes an explanation that the roots stick out of the pot, look ugly, […]

Odonts: Hardy, Cool Growing Orchids

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

If you think all orchids need warmth, then these beautiful Odonts will surprise you. Odont is a conveniently shortened nickname for Odontoglossum. The pink hybrid pictured in the first row and the yellow hybrid pictured in the second row are great examples of this cool growing orchid family. They are reliable bloomers on our back […]

Holiday Orchid Care

Thursday, December 26th, 2013

Orchids have become favorite holiday gifts. Moth Orchids are as common as Poinsettias. So if you receive an orchid gift for the holidays, what should you do with it? Fortunately, orchids are easy with a few basic guidelines. Check the tips below to help your orchid thrive and bloom for years to come. What kind? […]

Why Moth Orchids Are Great for Beginners

Monday, December 9th, 2013

Moth Orchids, or Phals, are some of the most popular houseplants in the world. Thanks to their beauty, elegance, and toughness, Phals now live in countless homes and offices. If you’re buying an orchid gift, especially for an orchid beginner, there’s no better choice. Here are few reasons why: Moth Orchids have very long lasting […]