Growing and Caring for Orchids

Growing
orchids and caring for orchids
is in itself not very difficult. After all most kinds of orchids
survive in the wild, where mother nature takes care of them and human
hands are not needed. Growing and taking care of orchids does not take
much time during the year. The only time they need more care is after
the blooming period. Then caring for your orchids requires a bit more
time, as pot-bound plants have to be divided and re-potted and other
pots will need some fresh orchid growing mix and fertiliser. They can
then take care of themselves except for some watering and perhaps a
change of position when sunlight is too strong or too weak. Only when
new spikes appear, must they be cared for a bit more. Growing orchids
then needs some work. But the result of growing
orchids and of looking after them
is then soon apparent, when spikes grow into blooms, to be admired by
you and all your friendsFor
more detailed instruction and information, turn to the posts below.
As
you see, the
care of orchids is a year round
business, but caring for orchids definitely is very rewarding when the
orchids go into bloom.

I
recommend:

Orchids: Everything You Need to Know

Copyright © Eram Publishing LLC – All Rights Reserved. SiteMap

Repotting an Orchid

Do take the time to learn to repot orchids. They don’t develop in dust! We love to repot orchids, to look at them slowly and revel in their new roots. Orchids resent being left in the identical media forever. Do your self a favor and pick a media that suits your environment and your habits. In case you like to water your plants, put them in a medium that drys out quickly. If you do not have alot of time for watering, do the opposite. Work out what works for you. The plants will inform you when they’re happy. There are few exhausting & mounted guidelines and that’s exhausting for learners with only a few plants. Don’t let that cease you. In the event you acquire a few plants you’ll probably buy ones in bark, moss, rock, peat moss, etc. See which medium works best for you in your circumstances and begin to transition related vegetation into the identical mix. Repotting when the plant is in energetic progress helps it to reestablish itself very quickly. Still, the crops might sulk a bit when you change media and repot but don’t let that fear you, loosen up and they’ll probably recuperate, by & large they are fairly tough. If you take the time to study to repot your orchids they’ll reward you
with years of enjoyment and blooms. Repotting orchids is absolutely fairly straightforward and fun. With minimal preparation and a few fundamental steps, you may provide your prized plants with the atmosphere they need to thrive.

Orchids can not stay in the identical combine ceaselessly, actually, depending on the sort and age of the plant an orchid needs to be repotted every 6 months to 3 years. Youthful crops and Paphiopedilums require extra frequent repotting, older plants will do happy with less. Once you buy a new plant it could have been in the identical medium for a long time already. An excellent rule of thumb is to repot a new orchid as soon as sensible after it is purchased. Usually this implies when it goes out of bloom. Orchids must be repotted before their media breaks down and smothers the roots. Orchids do not grow in pots in the wild, they’re in pots for our convenience so we have to do our best to make it a positive environment. Without well timed repotting an orchid will slowly decline with its growth price and flower count reducing.

Orchids are best repotted when they’re in active growth. Orchids are often in active progress shortly after blooming  when they ship out new shoots and/or leaves and new roots start to form. Ideally, repotting is best achieved while the brand new roots are less than a number of inches long. Repotting at this time will enable the plant to settle into the new media quickly. The best time to repot an orchid varies from one type to the next. Most Phalaenopsis are very forgiving and will be repotted just about any time they don’t seem to be in bloom. On the other extreme, Dendrobiums desire to be repotted solely as new growth appears. There’ll always be cases when an orchid have to be repotted immediately (for example if the pot breaks, or the media is severely decomposed) in which case be as light as you can. The objective is to reduce harm to the roots, especially the new, young ones.

I recommend:

Orchids: Everything you Need to Know

A Ghost Orchid

The first Ghost Orchid was discovered in Cuba in 1844 by a Belgian named Jean Jules Linden. The Ghost Orchid is native to Cuba and the West Indies – in particular the Bahamas, but it is also found throughout Southern Florida in State Reserves such as the Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve and the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. Biologists believe seeds from ghost orchids and other tropical plants in South and Central America were carried across the ocean by air currents and migrating birds until they reached Florida. Within the U.S., the ghost orchid does not exist outside south Florida. Other common names include Palm Polly and White Frog Orchid.

The Ghost Orchid is an exceptional monocot, as it lacks a stem and the leaves have been reduced to scales. It consists only of flat, cord-like, green roots. The roots of the Ghost Orchid are used for moisture absorption and their chloroplasts for photosynthesis. The outer layer, the velamen, takes care of acquiring the nutrients and the water uptake. It also protects the inner layers.

This Ghost Orchid blossoms between June and August, Ghost orchid flowers are breathtakingly beautiful. Orchid flowers are divided into 6 visible sections, 3 sepals and 3 petals, however it is the third petal where most of the action takes place. It is highly modified, and unfailingly different from the remaining 2 petals, so much so that it has its own name – the labellum. In the case of the ghost orchid, the sepals and 2 petals are straight and gently tapering – about 2 inches long. The labellum however, is comparatively enormous. It branches out in a triangular shape, roughly 1 inch wide at the base, and 1 inch high. Protruding from each side of the base of the triangle are two thin, spiraling attachments. The entire flower can grow up to 5 inches long and 3 1/2 inches wide. It is a ghostly, beguiling shade of white – providing the plant with its most common name. The twisting extensions to the labellum also resemble the legs of a leaping frog – leading to another of its common names, the frog orchid. Since the roots of the Ghost Orchidd blend so well with the tree, the flower often seems to be floating in midair, hence its name of “Ghost Orchid”. The ghost orchid’s appearance is quite unusual in that it resembles a flying white frog. The stunning, stark-white blooms appear to float in the middle of the Fakahatchee Forest. When the wind blows, the frog-like orchids seem to come alive and dance alongside the trees.

All attempts to cultivate the ghost orchid have been unsuccessful. Aside from its rarity, the ghost orchid is unique in that it does not grow in soil, as do conventional plants. It is a species of leafless orchid that grows on trees. Exposed to the elements, the flat, green roots are no thicker than a pencil and wrap themselves around a tree.

The ghost orchid blooms just once a year, typically in June, July and August. While the orchid is in bloom, Florida’s largest moth, the giant sphinx, pollinates the flower. This moth is vital to the survival of the ghost orchid because it is believed to be thensect with a proboscis long enough to pollinate the ghost orchid. The moth’s soda-straw proboscis is a perfect fit for the flower’s four-to six-inch spur-nectary, which is located at the end of the orchid’s bottom spur.

I recommend:

Orchids: what You Need to Know

Orchids and Anthuriums

Orchids are well-known for the interesting beauty and unusual varieties but they are also loved for their wonderful fragrance. Whether used in corsages, bouquets or planted right in your garden, orchids have a wonderful scent that can sue the savage beast. There are many orchids that have marvelous smells but here is a list of some of the most fragrant orchids on the market today.

Aerangis:- These are smaller sized orchids that are very fragrant in the evening hours.

Aerides:- These tall lanky orchids can have good fragrance that need to be careful because some of them do not.

Ancistrochilum Rothschildianum:- This is a small species that is deciduous during winter.

Brassia:- Not only smells good but it is striking to with its large spiderlike flowers.

Brassidium:- These brassia hybrids are nicely scented and very popular today

Brassocattleyas:- A cross between cattleya and barcarole, these files can be very strongly scented.

Catasetum:- This large deciduous plant bears male or female flowers and has many species that are quite fragrant concluding the tenebrosum and pileatum. There are also many popular hybrids that are very fragrant as well.

Cattleya:- The most fragrant species this orchid can be iricolor, bicolor, dowiana, labiata, maxima, schilleriana, warscewiczii and mossiae. Some of the hybrids can be intensely fragrant.

Clowesia:- These orchids lose their leaves during the winter time and have many species which are scented.

Dendrobium:- A popular genus of orchid having tall canes which those leaves in winter. Most of this species of orchid or scented and you might recognize some of the more popular ones which include monoliforme, speciosum, nobile, kingianum, loddigesii and parishii.

Dendrochilum:- These orchids have chains of tiny flowersand many of the species assented including the magnum, glumacaeum and cobbianum.

Gongora:- These small and highly fragrant species can be rather short-lived.

Haraella Odorata:- These of a popular miniature orchids which are very fragrant.

Sedirea Japonica:- Cultivated in Japan these orchids can be on the small side and rather long but are highly fragrant.

Vanda:- These orchids are harder to grow in northern regions and a big long a real roots. The smaller scented species include suavis, denisonia, cristata and tessellata.

Zygopetalum:- Consisting of complex hybrids the species are highly scented with wonderful fragrance.

I recommend:

Orchids: Everything you Need to Know

The Black Orchid

Do they really exist? Where is the black orchid? These questions and others have on orchid hobbyists minds for centuries.

Orchid growers and hobbyists have been trying to grow this orchid for a very long time. They have tried many different orchid plants and hybrid varieties to get to this orchid.

There seems to have been a fascination for black anything. You have people striving for black gladiolus, black canna- lillies and yes even black corn. (I’m not sure if they ever got the black corn.)

There are many other references to “black orchid” in detective mysteries, in names of clubs and restaurants as well as on the stage. In fact, go on to Amazon and look at the book “Black Orchid” by Dave McKean.

As far as I can judge from the reviews growers were close but still didn’t accomplish what their goal was. Some of the orchids that do come close include the Laelicattleya Lc Mem. Robert Strait “Blue Hawaii” which has a black lip.

The Vanda David Gardner #1 has purplish areas under black speckles. There is a black tongued orchid, the Epigeneium amplum. Another example is the Liparis nervosa, a Japanese version of this orchid plant but when you look at it you can seen it is not really black.

There are still a lot of misconceptions about orchids. Some of the myths that still persist include that orchids are difficult to grow. This can’t be further from the truth. In fact today orchids like the phalaenopsis or cattleyas are very easy to grow.

Another misconception is that all orchids need to grow in a greenhouse. Once again, some of the best places for orchid plants is in the home where there is bright light. Some of the orchids do well near a West facing window.

It seems that all the hard work by hybridization specialists still have been alluded them and the orchid has not really been developed. It remains a hope for any grower or hobbyist to get the crown that says, “I did it”.

I Recommend:

Orchids: All You Need to Know

Cattleya orchids are commonly called “corsage orchids” because the blooms are frequently used in corsages due to their exceptional beauty and fragrance. Cattleya orchids, commonly called “corsage orchids”, are among the most beautiful and fulfilling of the orchid species to grow and care for. Their care and culture is easily learned by the beginner, and with simple growing conditions most of us can obtain outstanding results. Adding additional Cattleya orchids to your collection is easy, since their care and culture varies only slightly among most of the hybrids. Once you learn how to grow, bloom, and care for Cattleya orchids, then you can easily learn to grow any other genera of orchids.

William Cattley of Barnet, England, is credited with blooming the first Cattleya orchid in Europe in 1818, and Cattleya orchids are named after him. Legend has it that his first Cattleya orchid plants were actually used as packing material for other plants, and that he potted them up out of curiosity. One of the Cattleya orchids bloomed, and it started his life-long obsession with collecting and cataloging the Cattleya orchid species.

Cattleya orchids can be hard grown. Cattleya orchids (and other orchid species) that have been hard grown will have bigger, brighter, sturdier blooms and the inflorescence will be stronger and not require staking. Hard grown means that the orchid plant was not babied in any way. Temperatures were allowed to be above the maximum and below the minimum. The orchid plants are given outside conditions to toughen them up, and all of the orchid fertilizer they can handle. This makes them able to withstand extremes, and it shows up in the orchid blooms. Unlike the orchid plants you normally are offered, these Cattleya orchids have very sturdy leaves. Bright light to some sun must be given to the plants, but no direct sun in the middle of the day. This means an east or west window in the home, and 30% to 50% of full sun in a greenhouse . Leaves should be a medium green color.

Temperature ranges from 48 degrees in the winter to over 95 in the summer. The orchid plants are open to the environment and thus can tolerate the temperature range. More orchids are killed by over watering than from lack of water. Mature Cattleya orchids need to dry out thoroughly before being watered again. In winter I water once a week., in summer twice a week. In both May and September, use a bamboo skewer to check before watering. Pick an average pot, push a dry bamboo skewer into the middle, and let it set for 10 seconds. pull it out and touch your cheek with it. If the skewer is cool to the touch, wait a day before watering. Cattleyas need 50 % to 80 % relative humidity. This can be provided in the home by placing the plants on trays of gravel, partially filled with water so that the plants stand above the water. Misting the plants in the morning only is helpful in dry climates.

When in active growth, plants need fertilizer every two weeks, and when not growing, once a month. Fertilizer can also be applied with every watering at 1/4 recommended dilution. Thorough flushing with clear water every month is recommended to prevent buildup of fertilizer salts.

Potting is necessary when 1) the rhizome of the plants protrudes over the edge of the pot, or 2) the potting medium starts to break down and drain poorly (usually after 2 to 3 years). It is best to repot 1) just before new roots sprout from the rhizome, 2) after flowering, or 3) in the springtime.

Cattleyas are usually potted in medium-grade potting material, with seedlings in fine-grade. Until a plant has six mature pseudobulbs, it generally should be put into a larger pot and not divided. If dividing a plant 3 to 5 bulbs per division are required. Select a pot that will allow for 2 to 3 years of growth before crowding the pot. Place a small cone of potting material in the bottom of the pot, cut off any rotten roots, and spread the firm, live roots over the cone. Fill the pot with medium, working it in the roots. They should be potted in a porous, free-draining medium. Keep out of cold, dry air while in bloom. Pack firmly; stake if necessary. Keep the plant humid, shaded, and dry at the roots for a while to promote new root growth. When the last flower drops, cut your flower spike all the way down the stem. Apply a pinch of cinnamon powder or melted candle to seal the wound. Continue caring for it and wait for a possible rebloom.

For more details on the growing and caring for orchids ,

I recommend:

Orchids: All You Need to Know

For more details on the growing and caring for orchids ,

I recommend:

Orchids: All You Need to Know

Orchid_Cleistes

Orchid flowers have a magical beauty and allure, with incredible colors, shapes, and scents. Maybe this contributes to the belief that orchids are difficult to grow and bloom. In reality, most orchids are not difficult plants. As a matter of fact, some are practically indestructible. With a few basircc tips for orchid care, you can make your orchid grow, thrive, and bloom.
Orchids Grow All Ove r the World

Over 30,000 species of orchids inhabit every corner of the planet except for the driest deserts and Antarctica. Humans have crossbred these species to create 140,000 hybrids, with more appearing all the time. Most are grown for their beautiful flowers, but the seedpods of the Vanilla orchid provide the popular flavoring. And unlike most plants, they do not grow in soil, but in the air. Their roots attach to trees or rocks where they capture moisture and nutrients that wash over them in the rainforest.
Orchids are Ancient Plants

Evidence of orchids appears from the age of the dinosaurs, 120 million years ago, making them some of the first flowering plants. Orchids are one of the largest and oldest families of plants in the world. For centuries, people all over the world have fallen in love with their flowers. Their bright colors, bizarre shapes, and enchanting smells have evolved to attract pollinators. Many have a relationship with a single type of insect or bird that can pollinate their flowers.
Habitat Destruction Endangers Many Orchids

Orchids in every part of the world face dangers from pollution, habitat destruction, and global warming. Do everything you can to stop these threats. We are already losing many of these wondrous plants forever. Reduce what you use and recycle. Take action to stop rainforests from being cut down or burned, or wetlands from being paved over. Only buy plants from legitimate vendors, and never take plants from the wild.
Learning About Your Orchid

AboutOrchids.com offers information about basic care for common orchids. They are very diverse plants that grow in wide varieties of environments all over the world, but this site focuses on the most common kinds of orchids available for sale and which are best suited for a beginner. If you find that one of these tips or techniques is not working for you, check our resources to help you do some more research about your plant to find more advanced care information.

The first step to taking care of your orchid is learning what kind of orchid it is. Most of the orchids commonly found for sale are hybrids that have been created specifically for their flowers and ease of care in homes and offices.

(from www.aboutorchids.com)

Orchids: All You Need to Know

Cymbidium

Cymbidium orchids rank as one of the best known and widely popular of all orchids. The Cymbidium orchid genus consists of about 50 species and thousands of hybrids have been bred from these. The wild varieties of Cymbidium orchids are found growing naturally in China, Japan, the Himalayas, South East Asia and Australia. In habitat, Cymbidium orchids may be terrestrial, epiphytic or lithophytes i.e. growing on rocks. Cymbidium orchids usually grow in cooler climates at high elevation. Cymbidium orchids are one of the oldest cultivated orchids, and there is evidence that they were grown in China almost 2500 years ago in records from 500 BC at the time of Confucius. Growing and caring for Cymbidium orchids is relatively easy and they will flower year after year when being cared for.

Cymbidium orchids are sympodial. They have a specialized lateral growth pattern in which the terminal bud dies. The growth continues by development of new shoots sprouting from or next to the ones of previous years. The base of the stem may be thickened to form what is called a pseudobulb. These contain food reserves for drier periods. At their end appear one or two leaves, or sometimes four or more. In warm and humid climates, many terrestrial orchids do not need pseudobulbs. Cymbidium orchids grow to a height of 60 cm and the racemes as high as 90 cm. The raceme (also known as spike) grows from the base of the most recent pseudobulb. Each flower can have a diameter of 5 to 10 cm, according to the species.
Cymbidium orchids bloom during the winter, and each plant can have up to fifteen or more flowers. The fantastic range of colors for this genus include white, green, yellowish-green, cream, yellow, brown, pink, and red (and there may be markings of other color shades at the same time), with the exception of blue and black. The flowers last about ten weeks. They have a waxy texture. The rounded sepals and petals have about the same dimensions. They show very diverse color patterns, different for every species. Cymbidium orchids tend to grow more leaves than most orchids. Roughly eight long, green, narrow leaves originate from the sheath of each pseudobulb. The plants should not be allowed to dry out and always keep the compost moist. Normally, caring for these orchids means watering once in a week  but, during the summer months it is advisable to water twice weekly. It is wise to water in the morning to avoid the possible loss of new growths. If possible, use rainwater. Use a well-balanced fertilizer throughout spring and summer.

The best time for repotting and dividing Cymbidium orchids is between the end of February and until the end of June. Never over pot them. Only do repotting into plant pots where there is enough room for the next year’s growth. Do not water for at least three weeks and moisten with a hand-spray just to keep the leaves, bulbs and compost from drying. Start watering when the newly potted divisions start to root. The Cymbidium orchid is one of the most popular and desirable orchids in the world because of the beautiful flowers. These plants make great houseplants, and are also popular in floral arrangements and corsages.

I recommend:

Orchids: Everything You Need to Know