Orchids
Orchids are an extremely varied group of plants. Most orchids fall into two categories; those requiring intense light such as Phalaenopsis and Cattleya, and those preferring medium to bright light such as the Paphiopedilum. Those requiring bright intense light would be best placed on a south facing window ledge with some shading from direct midday sun in summer. Those of medium to bright light would be best suited to an east or west facing window ledge. They would also do well under fluorescent lights.
Varieties with thick leaves should be watered thoroughly , then allowed to dry out before the next watering. Those with thin roots and smaller leaves generally need water as soon as the potting mix starts to dry. Most orchids need a short period of dry conditions in autumn to stimulate new flowers.
Although some orchids tolerate average humidity, it's best to offer them high humidity indoors. You can provide humidity by placing a saucer with pebbles and water covering the pebbles under your orchid pot.
Allow roots to extend beyond the pot as long as the plant continues to grow. When growth is inhibited, repot into a container one size larger in diameter than the original container, using an appropriate orchid potting mix.
Fertilize year round, full strength during the growing season of spring and summer, half strength during fall and winter according to directions on your fertilizer.
By Doris Koop
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses
Varieties with thick leaves should be watered thoroughly , then allowed to dry out before the next watering. Those with thin roots and smaller leaves generally need water as soon as the potting mix starts to dry. Most orchids need a short period of dry conditions in autumn to stimulate new flowers.
Although some orchids tolerate average humidity, it's best to offer them high humidity indoors. You can provide humidity by placing a saucer with pebbles and water covering the pebbles under your orchid pot.
Allow roots to extend beyond the pot as long as the plant continues to grow. When growth is inhibited, repot into a container one size larger in diameter than the original container, using an appropriate orchid potting mix.
Fertilize year round, full strength during the growing season of spring and summer, half strength during fall and winter according to directions on your fertilizer.
By Doris Koop
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses
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