I was just wondering if anyone has orchids, I don"t know a lot about them, so any input would be greatly appreciated. Roxanna
rksmith
True Blue Farmgirl
858 Posts
Rachel
Clayton
GA
USA
858 Posts
Posted - Oct 31 2012 : 4:21:35 PM
I have a couple that I have managed to not kill in almost 1 year of having them. I got some of the miracle grow orchid mix and food and I water them (with the orchid food) about 1 time per week. I put mine in my bedroom--it stays pretty dim in there and they have done really well so far.
Rachel Farmgirl Sister #2753
True enlightenment is nothing but the nature of one's own self being fully realised-- His Holiness the Dali Lama
I have a few Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid) and Paphiopedilums (Lady Slipper Orchid). Different types of Orchids have different growing requirements but in general they prefer dappled shade or indirect sunlight and consistent moisture. They don't need alot of water but you can't let them dry out completely bone-dry between waterings either. Most Orchids enjoy being misted once or twice a week. The soil medium depends on whether they are epiphytic (grow on trees) or terrestrial (grow in soil but most of the species available in the nursery trade need to be grown in a course textured bark mix so they get plenty of drainage and air circulation around their roots. I've had trouble getting mine to bloom for the last few years in our current house but I'm pretty sure it's because they don't get enough light in our long gray winters so I just moved them under the plant lights with my Ephiphllums (Orchid Cacti) so hopefully that will help. Most are native to warm climates so they need to be kept at room temperature year round.
I have two phalaenopsis orchids that I got on clearance from Kroger. They are doing very well in my kitchen (south facing, but not extremely sunny) window. I water them using 3 ice cubes once a week. Other than that I don't really tend to them. However, I need to re-pot them very soon.
Ditto ! I brought my 3 orchids up with me 5 1/2 years ago from SO. CAL... I have them sitting on a railing away from direct light... they have lots of "roots" and I re-pot them 2X a year with fresh orchid bark mix. They have not bloomed in the past 4 years.... not a problem,,, I actually like the way they look.. tall, thick & green. I mist the leaves & roots once a week and I make sure the bark never really dries out... in the summer I actually soak the bark every 3-4 weeks for 1/2 an hour..... cuz these little teeny tiny white bug things burrow down in the bark.... Orchids really are easy peasy plants to maintain.... and you can find a wealth of info on the inter-net about them. Mature plants with 'baby shoots' can be seperated and the baby can be repotted.
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
Growing Orchids
Posted - Oct 30 2012 : 8:11:28 PM
