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, […]
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 […]
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? […]
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 […]
You may not like spiders, but you’ll like Spider Orchids. Brassias’ long, delicate petals resemble arachnid legs, and their muted color patterns help complete the effect. (Note that these Spider Orchids are different than the Australian Caladenia orchids with the same common name.) Many Brassias are fragrant, and sport large, graceful blooms. The flowers of […]
Orchid care changes with the seasons, and many orchids begin dormancy as winter approaches. During this rest period, they need less water and fertilizer. Winter dormancy mimics a dry season in the orchids’ native habitats. Orchids like the Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Oncidium in the pictures below won’t bloom without a dry period. Cut back on watering […]
Autumn is a good time to check orchid light levels. As days grow shorter and the sun weakens, natural light levels fall sharply. Low light can prevent orchids from blooming. To compensate, growers in temperate latitudes should increase illumination during fall and winter. Your orchids will reward the extra care with strong growth and blooms. […]
Autumn’s chill brings changes to orchid care. Check these tips to keep plants healthy. Many orchids begin to enter dormancy in the fall. Start to reduce watering frequency for Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Epidendrums, Oncidiums, and Odonts. Begin to cut back fertilizer, too. Moth Orchids, Lady Slippers, and Pleurothallids do not go dormant, but with autumn’s shorter, […]
These magical gems are Pleurothallids, a large, diverse orchid family from Central and South America. They’re popular with orchid growers who enjoy their brilliant colors, fantastic shapes, and compact sizes. Many have names which seem larger than the plants themselves. Masdevallias are the best known Pleurothallids. The first row of photos below shows just a […]
Considering its tiny flowers, this unusual Domingoa can really put on a show. Its thick, speckled leaves produce long stems with tiny purple blossoms. This plant can stay in bloom for more than two months, putting out successive flowers over late summer and early autumn. I’ve had this Domingoa growing outdoors and blooming well for […]
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