Orchids
By Sandy Woods,
Few will deny the exotic beauty of blooming orchids. If you have been given one as a gift or
bought one yourself, you will also know they can last for weeks and even months
if properly cared for. Unfortunately,
when the flowers die many will throw the plants away, convinced they will have
no luck in ever getting them to bloom again.
I have been the lucky recipient of many such discarded orchid plants
over the years. With very little effort
on my part, many have flowered again. There
is nothing more rewarding than watching a beautiful orchid blossom as a result
of ones own care. Here are some simple
tips to remember if you decide to try.
If you are a beginner, it is probably wise to stick with some of the easier
genera to grow such as Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, Paphiopedilum,
and Cattleya. While specific
needs may vary among species, there are three general factors to consider;
water, light, and temperature.
Problems with orchids usually result from extremes in temperature and dryness. Orchids should be watered once a week with
room temperature water, free of sodium. During
their growing period, they should be fertilized every other week with 7-9-5
(i.e., seven percent nitrogen, nine percent phosphorus, five percent potassium)
or any commercial orchid fertilizer according to directions. Orchids are tropical plants that love warm,
humid conditions. Placing orchids on a
gravel-filled planter dish and keeping the rocks wet helps provide humidity
while keeping their roots from sitting in water, something they will not
tolerate.
Light requirements vary, but orchids generally do not like direct sun. Indoors, place them where they will get
indirect sun and watch their leaves. If
the leaves turn yellow (and you have not been over watering), they are probably
getting too much sun. If the leaves are
very dark green, they may not be getting enough and should be moved closer to
the window.
Temperature requirements also vary but orchids generally need a variation of
10-15 degrees from day to night. Without
this variation, many will not bloom. Phalaenopsis
thrive when nighttime temperatures approximate 65 degrees Fahrenheit and
daytime temperatures range from 75 to 80.
Oncidiums prefer cooler conditions of 45 to 50 degrees at night,
and the low 70's during the day. Cymbidiums
on the other hand are adaptable to most outside conditions if protected from
extremes of hot and cold.
Contact the local Orchid Society at 438-5441 for more information on specific
varieties. Give orchids a try; they may
prove well worth the effort!