Why should I repot orchids? Great question, and there are good reasons for the process to happen. Orchids need change to continue in a healthy manner. When we buy new orchids at the big box store or nursery, the plant may have been in this pot for quite some time and the medium may have already started to break down. This is not good since the potting medium needs to be a certain consistency. When the medium starts to come...more
Orchids are sturdy plants and can survive many mistakes. However, when a new orchidologist looks at the prospect of propagating his or her prize plant they might break into a sweat. As they might until they get the orchid facts of life talk. It is normal to allow a mature plant to produce other orchids. This is part of the way orchids happen. Division is the word and methodology of creating new and more orchids. New...more
Caring for indoor orchids is easily understood when given the correct information. Information on orchid pruning is in abundance on the internet. So I will focus on the most common of the indoor types, the phal orchid or phalaenopsis. However, let's establish that we do not need hard hats, gloves or chain saws. Quite the contrary, working with your orchids will be far easier and with a whole lot less effort. Time to Prune: Picking the right time to prune is based on two things. The plant needs to be rid of old blooms and to prepare itself for the next bloom cycle. Look at the plant and watch for changes in appearance. This from a time perspective is in the fall to late fall but before winter. Blooms will cease to appear and the flower spikes will turn yellow. How to Prune: Look closely at the orchid's flower spikes. You should see something called a node on the spike. In fact you should see more than just one. These nodes are small bumps on the spike. Most times they are referred to as fleshy green bumps. It is important to recognize these for counting up from the bottom three of theses you will make a cut. When making the cut, be up...more
I need help in the identification of this orchid. It's Mother's Day or your birthday and you have received this most gracious gift of a stunning orchid and no clue of who it is. Well, I don't believe Mr. Holmes is available but there are others who are, first of all you. Take a deep breath and remember to exhale. There are many...more
There are a lot of things to consider when growing orchids. The choice of pot to use, the potting medium, watering, fertilizing and the location are just some of the most important aspects involved in successfully growing an orchid. It is a no brainer that with regards to the location, you have to consider the adequacy of the sun and the heat that...more
Orchid repotting is simply moving your orchid to another pot, usually a better and a bigger one. As the orchid grow bigger it eventually needs a larger place to live healthy and thriving. Although orchid repotting in general is similar to the repotting of common house plants, but there are some aspects that you should attend to carefully.Your orchid should be moved to another pot if your plant does not fit in its old container anymore. Not only the roots, but the whole body of the plant exceeds the pot edges. Another reason to repot your orchid is due to the broken down of the growing medium in the old pot. The medium is no longer useful for effective air and water circulation. A mushy medium could cause rotten roots.The best suitable time to do repotting is when the orchid starts to produce new growth, while the roots are still short. Avoid to repotting when your orchid is blooming or just producing a spike.You may need some tools to do repotting, which include old newspapers, scissor or small plant clipper, a knife, lighter or rubbing alcohol to sterilize the knife and scissor, your plant that will be repotted, a new pot with an appropriate size and last but not...more
Here is one fact that you should know about orchids......There are only two types of orchids! Although we see several different hybrids and species of this flower, this is 100% true. Orchids are categorically defined in places where they grow....more
Actually both organic and chemical fertilizer can work well for orchids. In general, orchids need nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and some trace elements to do well.Potassium is necessary for flower development, phosphorous helps with...more
When you commit to buy your first orchid for your home, fear often arises about making a good choice.Today, making a good choice is almost a slam dunk. There are numerous varieties and type of orchids to buy. Orchids are basically a very hardy...more
You worshipped this gorgeous and sexy office mate from afar. You are so in to her but you just don't know how to make the first move. Then you learned she has a penchant for exotic orchids. What should you do? If you are like most members of the male...more
Orchids, same as with all plants, are not maintenance free. You have to constantly take care of them for them to survive and for the ornament to continuously beautify and add appeal to your abode. A positive feature for the orchid is that it is less...more
Once your orchids start blooming, orchid pruning is one important task that you should not miss. Especially if your aim is to promote new and healthy orchid growth that provides you with constant blooming. But for most beginners, orchid...more