Grow Orchids for pleasure

Orchid Tips - The Fall Season is Here

2007-10-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

by Rob Roy

The fall season for orchids is an important one. It is one where a great number of the orchid plants need care as well as the change in the basic requirements. Most orchids use this season as a "rest period" to get ready to produce blooms in the winter or spring.

From the summer season to the fall there is a less a requirement for water as the temperature decreases. You will need to monitor this closely. Don't forget it you see wrinkling on the leaves this means that you need more H2O.

As a general rule this time of the year requires the use of an orchid fertilizer richer in phosphorous is needed to boost the bloom potential. This means that there is higher percentage in nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium in the fertilizer mixture. As you use fertilizer on the orchid plants use it as half strength and generally once a week.

I like to fertilizer after I have watered the plant. Once again be sure that you allow the water and fertilizer to run out of the pot. Leaving water and fertilizer in the pot allows root rot to destroy the orchid - very quickly.

The temperature is also getting cooler in most parts of the country during the fall. So if you have plants outdoors you may start to think about getting them indoors. Most orchids can do well in with temps in the 50's and few do ok into the forties. I like to suggest that your plants come inside when the night temps are in the mid fifties.

Now let's get to some specifics for some of the different genera. For cattleyas there growth rate will tend to slow as the fall progresses. The sheaths on the catts will show some changes indicative of blooming over the next six months. Don't forget the fertilizer and watering. These plants do well in bright lighting.

Also, if you are bringing your orchid indoors from being outside check carefully for any pests that may be clinging to the plant. Cymbidiums may start blooming in the fall and they need to be in shaded cool areas. Cyms have a genetically based warmth tolerance but for the best blooms they need an area that is shaded and somewhat cooler. The spikes with the flowers, called inflorescence, needs to be staked to prevent the heavy flowers from weighting down the spike.

Phalaenopsis are just starting to go through the next stage to ready for blooms in the late winter and spring. They need the cool difference in daytime and nighttime temps. It is recommended that there be about a 10 - 15 degree Fahrenheit difference. Phalaenopsis also need to be watered and fertilized less often during this first few months of fall. They are resting. It would helpful to give them a fertilizer with a higher phosphorous percentage to help boost the blossom potential. This fertilizer is also called "blossom booster".

Dendrobiums also need a "blossom booster" as well at this time of the year. Remember their flowers are usually plentiful and grow toward the top of the spike making them top heavy. Use a stake to help hold them erect and be sure that the pot is heavy enough to keep itself upright.

The green leaved Paphs are also getting ready to have flowers. The shafts are displaying the spikes. Be careful with these orchids as a sudden heat spell will prove disasterous to the new blooms. Keep them in a cooler area and with good air circulation.

Paphs don't like to get dry so be careful with watering. If you were watering twice a week try cutting down to once. But while doing this test your medium with the dry tip of a pencil. Stick it down about an inch or two into the pot, if the tip comes out wet your fine.

This should help you to have great orchids both in the fall season and beyond.

Resource:

Get the Guide to Growing Great Orchids, Mastering Orchids, a 70 page guide for half price ($9.95) Just subscribe to our monthly free orchid newsletter, Orchidaceae. http:www.orchids-plus-more.com/orchid-newsletter.html

About the Author

This site http://www.orchids-plus-more.com is devoted to these wonderful orchid plants. Did you know they are the second in popularity only to the poinsettia plants? You will find a good deal of information on how easy orchid care really is. They are wonderful to have around your home or for that special gift. Orchid flowers are beautiful and can last for years. Your plant will be appreciated for years and years.

Why Are My Orchid Leaves Turning Yellow?

2007-03-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

by Rob Roy

This month I want to talk about yellowing orchid leaves. There are many reasons why leaves turn yellow. This is a common question that we receive. Orchids like all other plants age and during that aging process the older leaves will turn yellow and die. Remember we are saying the older leaves of the orchid plant, those toward the bottom.

Let's turn our attention to leaves that are not old and not on the bottom of the plant but newer leaves on the orchid. Some of the other reasons include: 1. Bacterial or fungal disease 2. Too much light 3. Too much water 4. Enviormental

Bacterial or fungal disease on orchid leaves will show itself as irregular yellow spots on the leaf. In other words it will not involve the whole leaf but just spots on the orchid leaf. If there is a black growing edge to the yellow spotting then this is caused by a fungus.

The treatment for the bacterial infection is with Physan which can be purchased at a nursery. For the fungal infection a fungicide for plants or orchids will do fine.

Yes, yellow leaves on orchid plants can be due to too much light. In fact, in the mid day summer sun orchids can actually get burned spots on their leaves. This may be one of the more common reasons for yellowing of leaves.

Place the plant in indirect bright light for a while and it will recover just fine. The leaves will remain yellowed and will not turn back to green.

Although, not usual, too much water can will also cause the leaves to turn yellow. But in addition there will be evidence of "rot" as well. Too much watering can cause a fungal infection and this is seen with black areas within the yellow area as seen in this picture.

Stop watering for a week or two and then only once a week after. You need to treat for a fungal infection.

What sort of enviormental issues cause yellowing of orchid leaves? The biggest is cold weather. Yes, when orchids are sbject to cold weather their leaves can turn yellow due to the damage caused. This can affect the whole leave(s) or parts of them.

Also, certain enviormental toxins can create this condition such as paint fumes or cleaning fumes. When these are being used be sure to get air circulation moving around the orchids.

As you can see there are quite a few causes of yellowing leaves. Treat the easy ones first unless you suspect a more serious problem like a fungal or bactierial infection. If you have questions consult a good nursery or your local orchid society.

Resource and Bio: Get the orchid guide, Mastering Orchids, a 70 page guide for half price ($9.95) Plus a 15 % discount on an orchid. Just subscribe to our monthly free orchid newsletter, Orchidaceae. http:www.orchids-plus-more.com/orchid-newsletter.html

This site http://www.orchids-plus-more.com is devoted to these wonderful orchid plants. Did you know they are the second in popularity only to the poinsettia plants? You will find a good deal of information on how easy orchid care really is. They are wonderful to have around your home or for that special gift. Orchid flowers are beautiful and can last for years. Your plant will be appreciated for years and years.

The article may be reproduce
About the Author

This site http://www.orchids-plus-more.com is devoted to these wonderful orchid plants. Did you know they are the second in popularity only to the poinsettia plants? You will find a good deal of information on how easy orchid care really is. They are wonderful to have around your home or for that special gift. Orchid flowers are beautiful and can last for years. Your plant will be appreciated for years and years.

The article may be reproduced

Orchid Care by Clark Covington

2006-04-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

Any flower or plant will require a good amount of looking after, none more so then the orchid. The orchid is a tender flower that must be carefully looked after for maximum growth potential. The orchid must be planted correctly, with the right feed, the lights must be correct, and temps must also be accurate. After all that you must know when and how to water the orchid. All of this is worth it for the simple beauty an Orchid can provide.
Low light is necessary for certain orchids to grown and mature. The orchids that will need low light are called warm weather orchids. Typically they should be put in a place in the house that isn't too sunny. Warm weather orchids are usually the Paphiopedilum or Lady Slipper, Phananelposis, and the Oncidium. These orchids should be behind the curtains, blinds, or even in a corner of the house. The leaves of the orchid should be a bright green color, if the color is different it probably means the orchid is getting either too much, or not enough light.
Another set of Orchids need larger amounts of light, these orchids are called high light orchids. The high light orchids are ones that grow best with plenty of sun light, so you most likely want to place them in direct view of the sun in your house. The high light orchids are also healthy when they have the vivid green color leaves, if the color is off it probably means they need more light. The high light orchids are called the Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Vanda.
Temperatures must fluctuate for each type of orchid in order for it to stay healthy. Static temperatures, like you would find in an incubator will hurt, and eventually kill orchids. Temperatures should range from 80 degrees during the day, to as low as 55 degrees during the evening hours. In order for the orchid to bloom it needs to store carbohydrate energy during the day, to survive the cold nights. If it is able to do this it will blossom into a robust flower full of color.
Make sure to water the orchids early in the day so they are able to dry out by night. Orchids are tender flowers when it comes to watering and must be treated carefully in order to achieve the best results possible. Orchids should be watered as early in the morning as possible to gain the best chance for dry out by evening.
The type of water used with orchids is extremely important. Orchids are best fit for rain water, because tap water typically has chemicals in it such as chlorine. Rain water will help the orchids reach its full growth potential each day, without compromising its colors, and natural beauty.

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Clark Covington is a successful author who provides information for Gift of the Month Clubs. Find more on orchids and flowers in our flower of the month club and plant of the month club sections.

Greater New York Orchid Society - New York 2006 - don't you just long to be there!

2006-04-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

Here are the basic details:-

The 26th New York International
Orchid Show
Rockefeller Center
April 20-23, 2006.

The show is apparently held in a marquee on the Ice Rink.

Gold Coast Cymbidium Growers, Santa Barbara

2006-04-11T02:17:00.000-07:00

Gold Coast Cymbidium Growers will be holding their next Orchid Show & Sale in San Mateo, California on Saturday, April 22, 2006, from 10AM - 4PM. It promises to have many of the top quality plants on display that will receive high acclaim from the Society's Exhibition Display at this year's Santa Barbara International Orchid Show.

Orchid exhibitions in Pennsylvania - 2006

2006-03-19T05:29:00.000-08:00

March 25-26
Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania Show,
Phipps Garden Center,
1059 Shady Ave.,
Pittsburgh.

May 6-7
Central Pennsylvania Orchid Society Show,
Ag Arena,
Penn State Campus,
State College,
PA.

May 12-14
Longwood Gardens Orchid Show,
Longwood Gardens,
Kennett
Dreshertown Rd.,
Dresher, PA 19025

July 29-30, 2006
Orchid Fest Saturday and Sunday,
Parkside Orchid Nursery,
Ottsville,
Pennsylvania

Orchid exhibitions in Oregon - 2006

2006-03-19T05:22:00.000-08:00

March 25 & 26, 2006
Willamette Orchid Society Show & Sale
Oakway Center, Eugene, Oregon
Sales Hours:
March 25 & 26, 10 A.M. - 5 P.M.

April 8 & 9, 2006
Rogue Valley Orchid Society Show & Plant Sale
Padgham Pavillion at the Jackson County Fairgrounds & Expo Park
Central Point, Oregon
Admission

May 13 & 14, 2006
Oregon Orchid Society Show & Plant Sale
Washington County Fair Complex, Cloverdale Bldg.
873 NE 34th Ave., Hillsboro, Oregon
Show Hours:
May 13, Sat. 1 P.M. - 5 P.M.
May 14, Sun. 10 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Sale Hours:
May 13, Sat. 11 A.M. - 5 P.M.
May 14, Sun. 10 A.M. - 4 P.M.
Admission

If you know of more Oregon Orchid Shows or exhibitions - or masterclasses, please contact me and I will add them to the list.

Thanks
Margaret

Master the art of Landscaping your Garden and save a ton of Money

2006-03-16T02:14:00.000-08:00

I know this is slightly off topic for an orchid blog, but it's probably of interest to keen gardeners.

If your home's landscape is designed properly it will be a source of enjoyment for your entire family, it will enhance your community and add to the resale value of your property.

Landscape design involves much more than placing trees, shrubs and other plants on the property. It is an art which deals with conscious arrangement or organization of outdoor space for human satisfaction and enjoyment.

In Homeowners Guide To Landscaping you will learn how to:

Organize and develop your yard for maximum use and pleasure
Create a visual relationship between the house and the site and
Reduce maintenance to the minimum

Enjoy!

Pairing Orchids with other flowers

2006-03-10T00:56:00.000-08:00

We recommend you read Orchids to Brag About - where you can pick up a whole lot of useful Orchid Care information.

Pairing Orchids with other Flowers by Orchid Geeks

Because there are so many varieties of orchids, you'll also find that there are lots of unique pairings of orchids with other plants. One of the most striking ways to grow and display your orchids, in fact, is in a naturalistic setting in a terrarium where their unconventional beauty is complemented by other plants that are native to the same habitats. By including gravel, charcoal or bark chips in the growth medium of your terrarium, you can happily grow a wide variety of orchids that will suit and complement other plants chosen for your terrarium.
Orchids are quite happy sharing their environment with other flowers and plants. Generally, orchids have the same temperature, humidity and light requirements as most popular houseplants, so they don't need a specialized environment set apart from your other houseplants. Because orchids are epiphytic (taking their nutrition from the moisture in the air), you'll find that they work very well in dish gardens when provided with a layer of moist sphagnum moss or loose bark in which to root.

One of the most common pairings for a terrarium are carnivorous plants and orchids. The exotic foliage and showy blooms of the two kinds of plants not only look spectacular together - the two plants also 'help' each other. While the relationship isn't quite symbiotic, the blooms of the orchid help attract the insects on which a Venus fly trap or other carnivorous plant feeds. It's a popular pairing that is often promoted by the sellers of exotic plants.

About the Author

OrchidGeeks.com is a leading authority in orchid information, http://www.orchidgeeks.com Join a community of fellow orchid enthusiasts today!

Orchid Care

2006-03-09T01:22:00.000-08:00

Caring for Orchids
by OrchidGeeks

Orchids have an undeserved reputation for being difficult to grow and care for in the home. This probably stems from the early years of orchid cultivation when orchids imported from the tropics died so frequently in English greenhouses that botanist John Lindley referred to England as "a cemetery for orchids". While it is difficult to grow orchids from seed - it requires a specialized growing medium and 3-4 years worth of patience - once mature, most orchids are as easy to care for as any other houseplant - and easier than most.

Growing Medium Most orchids are epiphytic - that is, they take their nutrients from the air. They may grow on bark, sphagnum moss, cork plaques or in gravel or charcoal. With very rare exceptions, do NOT pot orchids in potting soil.

Watering The best rule of thumb is to mist plants every few days with distilled water, and only water when the potting medium is nearly dry. Because there are so many varieties of orchids, it's important to consult an orchid book or follow the plant's watering directions.

Light A sunny windowsill is a good place for your orchids. In winter or in northern states, natural sunlight may need to be supplemented with gro-lights or other fluorescent lights to ensure that your orchids get enough light. In midsummer or in southern states, many orchids may require some protection from the bright sun. Watch leaves for signs of sunburn or lack of light and adjust accordingly.

Circulating Air is an often overlooked necessity for orchids. Because most orchids take their nutrients directly from the air, they do best when there is a steady, constant stream of air around them. A small fan or an open window will provide enough air flow to keep them happy.

OrchidGeeks.com is a leading authority in orchid information, http://www.orchidgeeks.com Join a community of fellow orchid enthusiasts today!

Orchid Care

Orchid Pot - How To Choose The Right One

2006-03-08T04:49:00.000-08:00

Choose the right orchid pot

The choice of orchid pot you use, the potting medium, watering, fertilizing and location will all have an impact on the success of your orchids. Let us have a look at different containers that you can choose from. The choice can be bewildering if you are a beginner to orchid growing. These are most commonly made from either plastic or terracotta clay.
Plastic Orchid Pot
* A lightweight plastic pot, which may have several drainage holes is more suitable for indoors, where it is far less likely to be blown over. * The growing medium tends to dry out more slowly than in a clay pot. * The best plastic pot has a thick wall that does not break easily, it is light in color, and does not heat up too much in strong sunlight. Clear polythene pots are becoming popular as they allow more light to reach the roots.
Terracotta Orchid Pot
* It is heavier and therefore more stable. * It has one drainage hole in the bottom, although some specialist orchid pots also have drainage holes on the sides. * A succulent drought-tolerant epiphytic orchid fares better in a clay pot, as there is less chance of the growing medium becoming waterlogged.
Pots or large planters made from terracotta, wood, ceramic or plastic make ideal containers for large spreading orchids such as "Cymbidia".
A terrestrial like the "Chinese Cymbidium" requires a tall orchid pot which can accommodate the very long roots (up to a meter!) that it can produce. Unrestricted root growth allows the orchid to store nutrients and water that can then sustain the development of superior flowers.
"Jewel" orchids such as "Ludisia" and "Anoectochilus" should ideally be grown in a shallow, broad pot as they spread over the surface. A glass terranium would be ideal, where the orchids can wander in whatever way they like. There are also varieties of orchid that are best grown and displayed in baskets at eye level.
Basket Orchid Pot
* A basket is very suitable for orchids with pendant flowers, or heavy- rooted, sprawling orchids. * A basket container is made of wire, plastic, mesh, wood or pottery. * It allows air to circulate around the compost and roots. * A mesh orchid pot is essential for the successful blooming of Draculas because the inflorescences find it easy to grow through the underside of the container. * Orchids like "Stanhopea", "Gongora" and "Acineta" should be grown in open baskets so that their pendant flowers can be enjoyed to the full. * You will need to take care that the orchids do not dry out in a basket.
As an orchid pot, the basket will need support blocks for your orchid. The most suitable materials are cork, or the bark of pine or oak. To do this, place the plant compost in front and behind the roots. Tie the plant to the piece of bark in such a way that no water is able to run into the centre of the plant. You can tie up the plant with strips of ladies tights!
One tip is to be aware that the fine roots of some orchids may penetrate the support block and make it difficult to re-pot your orchid.
When a plant becomes overgrown or begins to fall apart, just tie a new piece of bark to the old one so that the orchid grows onto this. Some orchids like Oncidiums have slender roots that rapidly travel over the surface of the bark.
"Lady-of-the-Night" is the popular name for "Brassavola nodosa", a night-fragrant white flowering orchid that grows well in a hanging basket. Position it where its night fragrance can be appreciated. It is drought-tolerant, but prefers additional water during dry spells.
The orchid "Cattleya skinneri - Hettie Jacobs" can grow to enormous size in a basket and needs strong support. But it does produce clusters of lovely purple flowers between March and May.
The popular "Bee" orchid, produces a wealth of golden yellow flowers even from a modest plant. A 20inch (50cm) wire basket with substantial pieces of bark will support a large plant of this kind.
You might like to plant a selection of moth orchids in a large basket for a superb show of long-lasting blooms, but these do not like strong sunlight. Or maybe vanda orchids, that provide flowers in all colours of the rainbow with huge blooms, some of which can be the size of a saucer. Vanda will produce a mass of lengthy roots hanging below the orchid pot, which you will need to spray with water daily. Do not be tempted to cut back these roots.
Be aware also that many orchids thrive on being pot-bound. It may look as if the roots are smothering the pot, but it is their thick root system that nourishes spectacular blooms. So do not be in a hurry to re-pot too soon!
Whatever type of orchid pot you want, there is a wide range from which to choose. If you love growing orchids, there is great pleasure in matching an orchid with an appropriate orchid pot, choosing the right compost, light and temperature, water and fertilizer. The careful balance of these will lead to your ultimate success.

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Helen Wall is the owner of http://www.plantergardening.com, an informative website especially created to help you get the most out of growing container plants, choosing the right pots, bulbs, seeds, plants, shrubs, bonsai trees, gardening tools and accessories. For your success there are tips and techniques for both indoor and outdoor container gardening.

Orchid growing tips

Orchid Growing Tips

2006-03-08T04:07:00.000-08:00

Amazing Orchid Growing Tips

I'm going to post some articles for beginners who would like to grow orchids - check back in a couple of days and see the first one!

Grow Orchids for Pleasure.