With their incredible diversity, orchids take many forms. These Thunia flowers may resemble Cattleyas, but this large Thunia plant looks more like a cornstalk than an orchid. Possibly the fastest growing orchid, new Thunia stalks grow 3 feet (0.9 m) or more during spring. This fascinating species has lived in a west-facing room of our […]
Who needs flowerpots? Orchids can grow attached to wooden mounts or trees, mimicking how they live in the wild as air plants. Despite this more natural look, mounted orchids aren’t as common as potted ones, since mounted orchids need extra care. Potted plants are usually better choices for orchid beginners. For gardeners in tropical and […]
Two recent news articles help demystify orchids. Wisconsin’s Journal Times and New York’s Chronogram magazine bring good news about basic orchid care. Both articles make the same point often made on this site: orchids are easy with a few key care points. The Journal Times covers Phals, or Moth Orchids, the most common orchid sold […]
Spathoglottis, or Philippine Ground Orchids, are hallmarks of the tropics. This great terrestrial orchid family offers a range of colors and sizes for tropical gardeners. The best known member of the family is the species Spathoglottis plicata. Shown in the first photo below, its purple and yellow flowers are a common sight in moist tropical […]
Orchid myths are nothing new. Some myths cause problems for growers, so I’m going to bust these common misunderstandings about orchid care. Myth: Orchids are only suited for gardeners with greenhouses or tropical climates. Growers who have an understanding of basic care can make orchids thrive anywhere. With diverse choices from cool growers to warm […]
With the change of seasons, orchid care changes, too. Even if your thermometer still shows winter, it’s time for some spring orchid chores. Move plants into shade. Move orchids from their brighter winter homes to shadier areas for spring and summer. Many types enjoy morning sun. Orchids leaves should be a light green color. Dark […]
If a beautiful orchid gift is making you worry about caring for it, take heart. Despite their difficult reputations, most orchids are as easy as other common houseplants. With the basic care tips below, some orchids can stay in bloom for months. All orchids need high humidity. Dry air wilts flowers, damages leaves, and attracts […]
“Alba” is Latin for white or pale. With lighter leaves than its close Jewel Orchid relative, this beautiful variant from Vietnam is known as Ludisia discolor alba, or the Alba Jewel Orchid. Instead of dark green leaves with bright pink stripes, it has light green leaves with white stripes. Ludisias are easy to grow. These […]
Many orchid beginners are afraid of winter dormancy. Withholding water seems like a risky proposition, a surefire way to kill a plant. But don’t worry — dormancy actually mimics normal seasonal changes for orchids in the wild. Humidity and light levels stay high, but rains become infrequent. Many orchids take advantage of these dry spells […]
Here on the California coast, the winter chill helps to create a perfect home for this unusual Arpophyllum. Tall spikes with small purple flowers give this species its nickname, the Hyacinth Orchid. It blooms reliably on our back deck in late autumn, and usually stays in flower for a couple months over winter. This season’s blooms […]
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