Archive for the 'Growing' Category
Thursday, October 9th, 2014
Grammatophyllum orchids make a big impression. These large beauties are native to hot, steamy jungles in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Dave and I have seen them in Hawaii before, but never in bloom until our recent visit to Foster Botanical Garden in Honolulu. We not saw only one, but three different Grammatophyllum varieties flowering […]
Categories: Botanical Gardens, Fragrant Orchids, Growing, Photos, Warm Growers
Comments: 6 Comments
Monday, September 22nd, 2014
Welcome today’s change of seasons with the Tiger Orchid, the biggest orchid in the world! Dave and I spotted this jumbo beauty during our recent visit to Foster Botanical Garden in Honolulu. This was the first time we’ve ever seen one in bloom. The Tiger Orchid’s Latin name, Grammatophyllum speciosum, seems to fit this large […]
Categories: Fragrant Orchids, Growing, Photos, Warm Growers
Comments: 4 Comments
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 […]
Categories: Fragrant Orchids, Growing, Mini Orchids, Photos, Warm Growers, Watering
Comments: 4 Comments
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 […]
Categories: Growing, Photos
Comments: 1 Comment
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 […]
Categories: Growing, Photos
Comments: 2 Comments
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 […]
Categories: Growing, Watering
Comments: 1 Comment
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 […]
Categories: Growing, In the News
Comments: Comments Off on The Best Orchid Pots
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 […]
Categories: Growing, Photos
Comments: 2 Comments
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, […]
Categories: Growing, Photos, Problems
Comments: 1 Comment
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 […]
Categories: Cool Growers, Dormancy, Growing, Photos, Watering
Comments: 3 Comments