Lately, every window of every flower shop we pass seems to have a stunning display of blooming orchids. Despite our fear of killing the notoriously finicky plants, their beauty finally won us over and we brought one home. We found that perhaps their difficult reputation isn't so warranted after all...
How To... Care for an Orchid
We got our Phalaenopsis from Plant It Earth on Divisidero, and the staff there was very helpful in giving us the lowdown on what our new plant would require. Of course all species of orchids are different, but here's some general advice for the easier to grow indoor types, such as Lady's Slippers, Cattleya, and Moth (Phalaenopsis and Doritis) Orchids.
- Light In general, orchids thrive on bright, indirect light. At home, the best position for the plants would be near an East, West, or shaded South-facing window. If the foliage becomes dark green and limp (leaves should stand semi-erect), this is a good indication the plant isn't receiving enough light.
- Temperature Mature orchids like a fluctuation of about 15 degrees between night and day, with nights around 60-65º F and days in the 75-85º F range.
- Water Plants should seldom dry out between watering. Check often to see if the soil is damp, and water about twice a week.
- Fertilize A growing orchid requires a mix of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, provided by regular fertilizing. Go for a balanced version (a fertilizer with "10-10-10" or some other similar ratio on the front) and use a weak dose with water about once a week.
- Potting In general, orchids do best when their roots are confined in a tight container. Repot once every year or two when soil has almost completely broken down, using a well-drained but water-retaining mix. Do so in the Spring, after the main flowering season has ended.
Any orchid lovers out there who'd like to share some tips? We'd love to hear.
posted originally from: AT:San Francisco
Comments (5)
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My husband bought me an orchid when we first started dating. That Phalaenopsis was doomed to failure. The florist he bought it from had it situated to drown and told him it would be fine. Since we lived in south Florida at the time we started attending orchid shows and eventually had them dotted around our garden hanging from trees and any free spot we could find. They are simple once you get the hang of them.
view kmarie's profile
What kind of fertilizer do you recommend?
view ktoth04's profile
The book Understanding Orchids has tons of great information about dealing with orchids, and beautiful pictures.
view peshue's profile
I agree that orchids are not as difficult to care for as one might think. However, I've found that the source of the plant does matter. The ones I purchase from a nursery always seem to do better than the cheaper ones from Trader Joe's. Don't get me wrong; I love TJs, but for some reason, I can never get thos plants to bloom again.
Anyone else have a similar experience or a solution?
view sjh100's profile
Orchids are really easy, once you get the hang of them. They're great indoor plants, because they like the temperature ranges we like.
One trick is to water just the roots, and use baby bathwater-temperature water. Orchid soil has really good drainage, so rather than try to bring water to them and have it run all over the place, I bring them to the water. I fill a deep pot with water in the sink, stick the pot in, and soak their bottoms in it for about 10-15 minutes. Then let them drain and stick 'em back on the windowsill.
For fertilizer, you can get orchid fertilizer.
If they're not re-blooming, make sure they get a little chilly at night, down to 60 or even 55 is good. And then warm during the day.
I HIGHLY recommend the "chocolate" orchid, oncidium sharry baby. It doesn't just have pretty flowers, it has an amazing smell! If you put it in your bedroom, when it's in bloom you will wake up to the most amazing chocolate-vanilla-flowery smell. There's other members of the family that have a more vanilla or a more chocolate smell...they're just wonderful. Not cloying.
And very easy to grow, just stick it in a bright, sunny south-facing window (that's for people in NY-type latitudes; others may need to move the plant to a place with a little less light if it starts to burn).
view mckate's profile