Does anyone know anything about Orchids?

[battricia]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone could direct me on buying orchids. How do I know if the plant is a good one at the store? Should the stems be light green, dark green?

Are there any good orchid sites with message boards/instructions/tips etc.?

thanks for your help!

tricia.

 

[Maleficent2]

It really depends on the Orchid but the leaves and stem should be firm not limp....

Where do you plan on growing them?

I grow several different varities in my house in TN and have had great success with all in reblooming.

right now I have Phals, paps, and several others but you probably should start with

Phalaenopsis

One of the most popular orchids is the Phalaenopsis or Moth Orchid. The Phalaenopsis have dramatically beautiful flowers of vivid colors including white, pink, lavender and yellow. The flowers are long lasting with individual blooms that can persist as long as three months. The long arching sprays of flowers are thought to resemble a flight of pale moths in moonlight earning the plant the common name of Moth Orchid.

Moth Orchids are less fussy about their environment than many orchids. They aren't foolproof, but even if the plant doesn't thrive in the long run, you will still enjoy the first blooms for many weeks.

Moth orchids like bright but indirect sun. An east window is ideal. A south facing window may be fine in the winter though in the summer the light may be too intense and bleach out the leaves. You may need to move the plant around the house to get the best light at different times of year.


Moth orchids do not like to be dry to the point of wilting. They should be watered thoroughly and then not again until the media is nearly dry. Never let water touch the flowers or stand in the centerfolds of the leaves as doing so may cause rot.

You can often coax a second flowering from each flower spike with timely pruning. When the last flower of the spike fades, examine the spike, looking for small fleshy bumps or nodes.

From the base of the spike count out 3 nodes (only the fleshy green nodes) and cut the spike one inch above the third node. If the plant is healthy and it's not too late in the blooming season, this process will wake up one or two of the nodes and it may produce a new spray of fresh blooms.



I water them in the sink about once a week and use a good orchid food I like Dyna-Gro 7-9-5 but Peters will do. I also give my orchids vitamins from time to time Horms Superthrive.


Mal

 

[Maleficent2]

American Orchid Society

UK orchid Society

DYNA-GRO


superthrive just a link I have never ordered from them, bought my bottle years ago and still have it.



Mal

 

[battricia]

Thank you so much for all the information, I really appreciate it!

tricia.

 

[amid chaos]

My dentist has orchids all over his ofice...i love them, but don;t know the first thing abotu them...good luck,.

 

[DebºoºS]

Wow Mal,
Thanks for the great advice. I am in awe of your orchid expertise. I have been trying to get my moth orchid to bloom for the longest time. Very helpful. Wish me luck.
Do you have any pics of your orchids? I'd enjoy seeing them.

 

[Maleficent2]

my pap just finished blooming. I take some shots and try to post them, it is not a very impressive one it is rather young so only has 4 blooms on the stem.



Mal

 

[DebºoºS]

If I can get this one to bloom I might be encouraged to get another.
I'm impressed Mal that you got one to bloom. I'd be happy with one flower a year

 

[Maleficent2]

they should only bloom once a year off the main plant and with a cut back bloom again.

So that said your plant should be in bloom 4-6 months of the year being that the blooms last about 3 months each flower spike

"To initiate spiking, the temperature must remain consistantly below 82 degrees. A temperature of 90 degrees, even for a short time, will prevent spiking.

To have more flowers on a spike, from the time the spike is 2 inches, until it is 8 inches, the temperature must remain consistantly between 65 degrees and 77 degrees. Day and night difference is not involved. " took that from a web site

I have never had any trouble with Phals reblooming as long as they are fed well. If I get lazy I pay with no blooms

Good Luck.

Mal

 

[Maleficent2]

PHALAENOPSIS (fal-en-OPP-sis) - These plants are commonly referred to as "Moth Orchids" and are considered among the easiest of the orchid family to care for as well as the most recognizable. The long-lasting flowers bloom perfectly for up to three months, providing you ample return on your investment. The flowering intervals vary with each plant, and you may be treated to a bloom as often as twice a year. Phalaenopsis have become one of the most popular variety of orchids because of their low maintenance and delicate balance of poise and elegance.

Temperature: Phalaenopsis enjoy much the same temperature range as we do. The minimum temperature at night is 60-65 °F, while the average daytime temperature should be around 75-85 °F. Occasional deviations will not harm your plant, except when it is in bud - chilly temperatures may cause the plant to stop budding.

Light: Phalaenopsis will flourish indoors under normal lighting conditions, with indirect sunlight being the most advantageous. Caution should be used when placing a Phalaenopsis in direct sunlight due to the fact that its leaves burn easily from too much exposure to the sun.

Water: Water often enough to keep continuous moisture just below the surface of the medium, but be cautious of over-watering. Watering once a week is normally sufficient to keep your plant healthy and happy.

Humidity: Phalaenopsis enjoy moist air, with a humidity level of 55-75% being ideal. Placing your plant over a tray or dish of water can increase moisture. Separate the pot and tray with pebbles or small stones to raise the height of your plant and ensure that it does not sit directly in the water.

Feeding: Good results may be obtained by using a high-nitrogen fertilizer year-round at 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Feed your plant once a month. In this instance, less is more. So be sure not to overdo it.

Repotting: Plants should be repotted every other year and, because they grow upwards without spreading, can go back into the same sized pot. A medium-grade wood bark works well with the base of the bottom leaf at the surface of the medium. Water sparingly until new roots are well established.

Note: When the last flower drops, cut your flower spike halfway down the stem. Continue caring for it and wait for a possible rebloom

 

[Maleficent2]

Congrats on your reblooming!






Mal