Caring for Orchids
Orchids have an undeserved reputation for being difficult to grow and care for in the home. This probably stems from the early years of orchid cultivation when orchids imported from the tropics died so frequently in English greenhouses that botanist John Lindley referred to England as "a cemetery for orchids". While it is difficult to grow orchids from seed - it requires a specialized growing medium and 3-4 years worth of patience - once mature, most orchids are as easy to care for as any other houseplant - and easier than most.
Growing Medium Most orchids are epiphytic - that is, they take their nutrients from the air. They may grow on bark, sphagnum moss, cork plaques or in gravel or charcoal. With very rare exceptions, do NOT pot orchids in potting soil.
Watering The best rule of thumb is to mist plants every few days with distilled water, and only water when the potting medium is nearly dry. Because there are so many varieties of orchids, it's important to consult an orchid book or follow the plant's watering directions.orchid care
Light A sunny windowsill is a good place for your orchids. In winter or in northern states, natural sunlight may need to be supplemented with gro-lights or other fluorescent lights to ensure that your orchids get enough light. In midsummer or in southern states, many orchids may require some protection from the bright sun. Watch leaves for signs of sunburn or lack of light and adjust accordingly.
Circulating Air is an often overlooked necessity for orchids. Because most orchids take their nutrients directly from the air, they do best when there is a steady, constant stream of air around them. A small fan or an open window will provide enough air flow to keep them happy.
About the author:
OrchidGeeks.com is a leading authority in orchid information, http://www.orchidgeeks.com Join a community of fellow orchid enthusiasts today!
Written by: Orchid Geeks
Home Improvement with Flowers - Tips for Longer Lasting Color
Outside it may be getting cooler but inside, you can always have a tropical garden, just add some flowers. Orchids and bromeliads are a great addition. The moth orchid can give months of color and beautiful flowers, plus it's easy to care for.
Focusing on orchids: The Blue Grass Orchid Expo and Mid-America Orchid...
Focusing on orchids: The Blue Grass Orchid Expo and Mid-America Orchid Congress is at the Ramada Conference Center, 2143 North Broadway, through Sunday. The orchid show and sales are open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Shedding Their Fussy, Hard-to-Care-For Reputation, Orchids Zoom in Popularity
Medieval herbalists considered orchids to have aphrodisiac properties, a concept amusingly explored in the 2002 movie "Adaptation," in which Meryl Streep, playing "The Orchid Thief" author Susan Orlean, sniffs orchid powder and falls in love with orchid collector John Laroche, played by Chris Cooper.
[1 800 FLOWERS] ORCHID IN PAISLEY PITCHER ($64.99)
Orchids are prized treasures that flourish in exotic tropical grasslands or in the home or office of a special friend! Weve selected a lush, blooming orchid known for its multiflowered branches and accented it with this rich, blue ceramic pitcher ... Price: $64.99
Ann Arbor Downtown Home And Garden
Love by design mission organization The gardening products page for orchids of sites that sell orchids contains links to a diverse rank 30 lb 4695 inc bag is
Wild orchids of the Pacific Northwest and Canadian Rockies / Paul Martin Brown ; with drawings by Stan Folsom.
Author: Brown, Paul Martin. Publisher: Gainsville, FL : University Press of Florida, c2006. Subjects:Orchids Northwest, Pacific Identification., Orchids Canadian Rockies (B.C. and Alta.) Identification.
In Search of an Orchid as Big as a Plate
One day, not long ago, I sat at the round table in front of the Yellow Rose, drinking a cold Iquitena with my good friend, Ryan, talking about the many beautiful orchids and epiphytes we have observed...