Orchids!

Pink Phalaenopsis currently blooming. I purchased it with one blooming stem.

This time it has 2 stems.

While I enjoy my African Violets and find Bromeliads interesting, Orchids are my true houseplant weakness. I currently have 9 orchids; 3 Cattleyas, 1 Dendrobium, 2 Vandas and 3 Phalaenopsis.

 I will occasionally buy plants in full bloom from a store, especially if they are priced under $15.00, though I would make an exception for something which doesn’t come along very often, such as a Cymbidium or Oncidium. My favorite way to purchase orchids is to find the juveniles that are packaged in mesh bags. My cattleyas, vandas and dendrobium were all bought that way. They may take a couple of years to bloom, but for someone who has a bit of patience it’s the most economical way to buy orchids. Plus, you can choose your own pots instead of being limited to what the growers select.

Here are a few tips if you decide to try orchid culture. General Care: Most orchids prefer bright, indirect light. Mine are positioned before an East-facing window. They shouldn’t stand in water. Usually water once a week is fine. However, it’s always a good idea to wiggle a finger into the pot. If the soil still feels damp, wait on the water and check again in a few days. Orchids usually appreciate a bit of humidity. There are different ways to provide it. My plants are in close proximity to each other on a table. The volume of moisture evaporating seems to keep them happy. These plants are likely to send roots out over the top of their pots. It’s natural so leave some out when repotting (For those who find the roots unsightly, there are perforated orchid pots available, but I prefer not to spend the extra money on them). Commercial soils often come with time release fertilizer. When the fertilizer is gone the plants could be repotted again. However, it’s more economical to add fertilizer a couple of times a month when watering. Most orchids are happy in their pots for 2-3 years. For commercially potted, blooming orchids: As soon as the flowers are spent, plan to re-pot the plant with fresh orchid soil mix. Sphagnum moss is often used for potted orchids, and it’s usually packed very tightly around the roots. Many orchids are Epiphytes, and are sometimes referred to as air plants. If a potting medium is too tight around the roots they will rot, and the plant will eventually die.

How often an orchid blooms depends on species. When healthy and happy many of them can bloom 1-3 times a year. It may not seem like very much. Just bear in mind that the flowers can last at least a couple of months. Some species, like Phalaenopsis or Cymbidium, have long, blooming stems covered with several flowers. Cattleyas might have 1 or more depending on plant size. All are worth the wait.

Before making an orchid purchase, it’s definitely a good idea to research their care so you don’t find yourself disappointed. Some species can require very specialized care and are best left to experts or very dedicated hobbyists. The plants most commonly found in stores are usually good entry level plants. Phalaenopsis in particular are very easy to find, which is why I prefer not to spend a lot of money on them.

Go, embark on an Orchid adventure. May your plants give you many years of pleasure.

The Project Queen