Archive for the 'Watering' Category

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? […]

Brassia

Tuesday, November 26th, 2013

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 […]

Dormant Orchids

Thursday, November 21st, 2013

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 […]

Boat Orchids

Sunday, November 10th, 2013

Cymbidiums, or Boat Orchids, are some of the most popular orchids in the world. Their beauty and hardiness have helped turn them into favorite houseplants, cut flowers, and corsages. This current popularity is merely the latest chapter in their long history, since Cymbidiums have been cultivated in East Asia for thousands of years. There are […]

Orchid Care in Autumn

Saturday, October 12th, 2013

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, […]

Domingoa

Friday, September 13th, 2013

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 […]

Yellow Pine Orchid

Wednesday, August 21st, 2013

From forests in the mountains of Japan and Taiwan, the Yellow Pine Orchid boasts clusters of colorful flowers. This cute mini orchid is Gastrochilus japonicus, a Vanda relative. This species blooms with tiny flowers dangling beneath its leaves. The entire flower cluster is only 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide. Since the blossoms hang below the […]

Shrinking Orchids

Sunday, August 11th, 2013

Are your orchids shrinking instead of growing? Changing your orchid care can help your plants grow larger. Healthy plants expand over the years. Added leaves can translate into added flowers. While bigger isn’t always better, it’s often an indication of vigorous plants. Address any of these potential problems which can cause orchids to shrink: Low light […]

Summer Warmth

Friday, June 21st, 2013

With today’s solstice, summer arrives in the northern half of the globe. Celebrate the arrival of the season with these orchid beauties: Summer’s warmth and long hours of daylight kick orchid growth into high gear. Check out these care tips so your plants can thrive: Increase watering during warm or windy weather. Plants with actively […]