Cyclamen

Cyclamen persicum

Cyclamen are among the most beautiful and popular flowering plants. This winter blooming houseplant with butterfly shaped blooms comes in a range of colors, from Christmas reds, electric fuchsia pink, maroons and purples, to a very bright white. They have equally attractive variegated heart shaped leaves in deep green. They prefer bright light and a cool location such as a windowsill, and should only be watered when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. With proper care, cyclamen can bloom for up to four months.
In the spring, the plant can be moved outdoors to a semi shaded spot and watered occasionally. When it begins to show new growth in August, begin fertilizing it and watering more frequently. Move the plant indoors before the first frost and continue it's care indoors in a bright, cool location. Blooms will begin again in late November.

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Vanda Orchids

Vanda Orchid

Of the many varieties of orchid species, the Vanda is one of the easiest to grow, and has one of the most long lasting blooms. Flower colors range from vivid purple to bright fuchsia, yellows and reds, and even bright blue as seen in the photo above. Some are very fragrant, and the bloom time is quite long. Foliage is strap like green leaves growing in layers opposite each other.
Vanda Orchids are, of course, tropical, and love high humidity, bright but not direct sunlight, and thrive best when they receive proper air circulation. They do not excel in a crowded wet space and will pick up many diseases and insect pests if left in this situation. Water when the surface is dry to the touch, less in winter or after repotting, more frequently during spring and summer when they will really put on lots of growth. They are heavy feeders during the growing season, preferring a balanced formula fertilizer of 20-20-20. Follow directions on your fertilizer for frequency of application. If fertilized with too high a nitrogen content, they may not bloom for you. To increase humidity around your orchid, try misting the foliage every morning. This allows the foliage to dry off before dark, thus avoiding possible fungal problems.
Once you have the optimum conditions for your Vanda, sit back and enjoy the beautiful display it offers you.

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses