Pansy Orchid

Pansy Orchid
Miltonia

Pansy orchids are so named for their striking resemblance to the common pansy. Their gorgeous colors and fairly long bloom time though, are anything but common. With their flat faces that can be up to 2-3" across, and colors in reds, whites and pinks with various face markings in contrasting colors, and a bonus of wonderful fragrance, these beauties will bring many weeks of enjoyment to your home.
Miltonia orchids flourish best in bright indirect light, well drained soil, and high humidity. Water when the soil is dry about an inch into the soil, then water thoroughly. Fertilize with half strength all purpose houseplant fertilizer every two weeks during the spring and summer months while they are doing most of their growing. They do prefer to be slightly root bound, but if necessary they can be transplanted into a slightly larger container of well draining orchid soil. The best time to do this is shortly after blooming is finished. If your orchid is refusing to produce any flowers, try placing it in a cooler temperature at night for a few weeks, then return it to a warm area and patiently wait for the flowers to appear.
These orchids, as with most orchid varieties, are not difficult to maintain as long as you supply the conditions they prefer. Try this variety for an unusual look, and you will be pleasantly surprised at the compliments you will receive from friends and neighbors.

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Martha Washington Geraniums

Martha Washington Geranium
Pelargonium domesticum

Martha Washington geraniums are not true geraniums, but the flowers and foliage very much resemble summer garden geraniums. They are typically found in garden stores in early spring, as that is when they show off their beautiful blooms. They need cool temperatures at night in the low 50's F in order to set bloom, and once temperatures reach the high 70's to 80's will stop blooming. If placed in the garden in a cool shady place for the summer though, they will reflower again in the fall when the temperature cools down into the 50's and 60's.
The blooms on these plants range from red to pink to purple, and also white, frequently in bi- color with the centers a contrasting darker color. Their foliage is a crinkled dark green, much more serrated than the garden geranium. They prefer to be slightly pot bound, in a well drained soil, and only watered when dry. Fertilize with a general purpose fertilizer in spring and summer, but not at all in the fall and winter.
Once fall temperatures dip into the upper 40's at night, bring them inside, cut them back quite a bit, and place on a sunny windowsill for the duration of the winter. Water sparingly during this time. You can begin acclimating them to the spring cool temperatures by placing them outside in early spring during daytime temperatures in the low 50's. This will encourage them to set flower once again. Don't forget to bring them in at night if the temperature is going to drop into the 40's, and begin fertilizing at this point.
With proper care, these cool weather beauties will be around for your enjoyment for many years to come!

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses