FAQ

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Are orchids hard to grow?

Aren't orchids terribly expensive?

Do orchids come from the tropics?

Are orchids short-lived?

How often do orchids bloom?

Are orchids fragrant?

How often should I water?

What Is the best orchid for the home?

Should I be using a fertilizer?

When should I repot?

Where do I cut the flower when it’s finished?

Are orchids hard to grow?

No. They are no more difficult to grow than many popular flowering plants. Like any plant, orchids need these essential requirements-water, fertilizer, light and air. If you grow other ornamental plants either in the garden or indoors, you can grow orchids

Aren't orchids terribly expensive?

Not any more. Once a hobby for the wealthy, orchids are now within the reach of any income. Modern reproductive methods make it possible for growers to enjoy plants for a reasonable price. You can spend as little as you like from several thousand to around $20.

Do orchids come from the tropics?

A great deal of orchids make their home in tropical environments, however orchids have been found on every continent with the exception of Antarctica.

Are orchids short-lived?

Most are long-lived. In fact, some species are virtually immortal, given the proper attention. Divisions or propagation's of orchids discovered in the 19th century are still growing and flowering today.

How often do orchids bloom?

Again, it depends on the plant. Some bloom once a year, others bloom several times a year and some even bloom continuously. The Phalaenopsis orchid can bloom up to three times each year. How long do orchid blooms last?
It depends on the type as well as on cultural treatment. Blooms of hybrids of the genus Cattleya may last from one to four weeks on the plant. Those of the genus Phalaenopsis commonly last from three to four months.

Are orchids fragrant?

Some are so powerfully scented as to perfume an entire greenhouse or living room. A few orchid fragrances defy description, while others mimic familiar aromas - raspberry, coconut, lilacs and citrus. Others have no scent, but rely on shape and color to attract insects or birds for pollination, thereby continuing the life cycle of the species.

How often should I water?

Allow the plants to approach dryness, gauged by pot weight or by the pencil trick (the point of a sharpened lead pencil will darken with moisture if the plant has enough water), and apply enough water that it runs freely through the pot. Never allow any potted plant to "sit in its own water." Flowering plants may require more frequent waterings to make up for the greater burden of the flowers. Plants will require less water when not in active growth (generally winter months), and more while growing (generally spring and summer months.) Increased frequency of watering will not make up for a poor root system. If roots are not plump and alive, repotting may be called for (see later), or the plant may have been recently repotted by the vendor, in which case it will require raised humidity to compensate for the lack of supporting root uptake. Last, plants will thinner, softer foliage will generally require more water than those with harder, more succulent leaves. Plants with pseudobulbs (as dendrobiums and cattleyas) generally like to dry out more between waterings than will those without (as phalaenopsis.)

What Is the best orchid for the home?

Phalaenopsis. Many homes have insufficient light levels for the re flowering of most orchids. However, there are a few orchids that prefer lower light and will re flower under home light conditions. Home light means light provided by a slightly shaded south window, or an east or west window. One of the most widely available orchids of the mass market types is also the best for the home -- the phalaenopsis or moth orchid. These plants will grow easily under the same conditions enjoyed by African violets. Another good choice, but usually only for those already initiated in orchid appreciation, are the paphiopedilums or lady’s-slipper orchids. These, like phalaenopsis, have relatively attractive foliage, and will re flower in home conditions giving weeks of floral display. Both need to be kept evenly moist. Don’t allow to fully dry out, and regularly fertilized with a weak dilution of just about any available fertilizer.

Should I be using a fertilizer?

Yes, if anything, flowering plants need extra feed. Your plants will need to be fertilized with a product appropriate to the media in which they are grown. In general, plants in a bark-based mix will need a fertilizer high in nitrogen ( usually in a 3 - 1 - 1 ratio), while a balanced food will do for all others (usually a 1 - 1 - 1 ratio.) If in doubt, feed with the same balanced fertilizer you use for your other container plants. Orchids will do far better with too little fertilizer than with too much. The old adage, "feed weakly, weekly" is very appropriate. Feed every week with a dilute solution. It is far easier to remember than "Did I feed last week, or not?"

When should I repot?

When fresh rooting activity is expected (generally in the spring) or is very evident, generally every one or two years. Fresh rooting activity is best shown by the nice green root tips on plump white roots. Often, the main "flush" of rooting will come from the base of the plant (in the case of phalaenopsis), or from the developing newest growth (in the case of dendrobiums and other orchids with pseudobulbs.) Orchid plants need repotting for one or a combination of two main factors: Potting mix breakdown, often evidenced by dead roots; or plant over-growing the pot, growing over the edge. In the first case, a larger pot may not be required, simply replacement of the growing media. In the second case, the plant may require dividing or may simply be shifted into a larger pot. Fresh media should always be used. A good general rule of thumb is to pot for the bottom of the plant, the root system, and not for the top, the foliage. Freshly repotted plants should be placed in a shady, humid area until continued new root growth is observed. In general, if in doubt, pot in the spring.

Where do I cut the flower when it’s finished?

The simple answer: In most cases, cut at the base of the spike with a sharp, clean tool. Of all of the more commonly available orchids, only phalaenopsis -- the moth orchid -- will re bloom from its old spike. When most orchids have finished blooming, the spike should be cut off with a sharp and clean blade as close to the base of the spike as is practical. Phalaenopsis will generally re bloom given a little extra care. The spike should be cut between the scar where the first flower was and the last node on the stem. One of the lower nodes will then initiate and generally produce flowers within eight to 12 weeks. Younger or weaker plants may not re bloom It is also a good idea to cut the spike off entirely by midsummer to allow the plant to grow for next year’s bloom.