ORCHID GUIDE

Orchids represent the largest family of flowering plants on Earth, with more than 25,000 species and over 200,000 hybrids.

Most orchids bloom annually, but if well-maintained they may bloom more often.

Orchids usually remain in bloom for six to 10 weeks.

Starting tips:

Start with a mature plant.

Buy your orchid from knowledgeable vendors.
Examine the plant for sign of disease, weakness, or infestation.
Signs of unhealthy orchids include:
- Black spots or crust
- White webbing
- Limp leaves
- Yellow leaves
- Yellow or brown spots
- Damp black spots
- Leaves or petals with tiny holes

Decide where you want your orchid and then pick a species that will grow in the light available in that location.

LIGHT

Orchids are very particular about light, especially indoors. Research the orchid you are interested in for the lighting specifications.

TEMPERATURE

Since most orchids sold as houseplants are native to tropical regions, they can be sensitive

to drastic temperature changes. if you are too hot or cold, your orchid is likely too hot or too cold as well.

WATERING ORCHIDS

Since Orchids are often planted in a bark mix rather than soil. Water once a week, thoroughly each time so the roots have a chance to absorb the moisture DO NOT ALLOW TO SIT IN WATER. In order to keep your orchid healthy, place your potted plant on top of pebbles and add water to increase the humidity. Air flow is also very important.

RE POTTING

Most orchids bloom annually, but if well-maintained they may bloom more often. Orchids usually remain in bloom for six to 10 weeks. Many orchids deal poorly with re-potting, and usually will not flower for at least a year after they have been disturbed

Suggested for repotting to be done every 2 to 3 years. Best time of the year is August. Remove from the pot and shake off what old medium easily falls away from the roots, trim any dead roots. Select a pot that drains well and allows for plenty of room for the new roots. Use a Fir Bark orchid mix, moisten and firmly but gently pack the mix around and in between the roots. Allow medium to dry before the first watering.

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Cattleya (CAT-lay-ah)

These classic corsage orchids are showy and often fragrant.

Because they need to thoroughly dry between waterings, they are

a great choice for people who sometimes forget to water. These

come in oranges, purples, pinks, reds, yellows, and whites.

Cymbidium (sim-BID-ee-um)

These are large, cool growing orchids with grass-like leaves from

the Himalayas. They grow well on the US Pacific coast and other

Mediterranean-type climates. Some miniature varieties need

warmer temperatures. They come in reds, browns, yellows, pinks,

greens, and whites.

Dendrobium (den-DRO-bee-um)

This is a large genus of orchids with varied growing needs. Many

come in pinks, purples, yellows, whites, oranges, and reds.

Epidendrum (ep-ih-DEN-drum)

These are some of the easiest orchids. Some kinds can bloom

continuously for years. They come in reds, yellows, oranges,

whites, pinks, greens, purples, and whites.

Masdevallia (mas-dah-VAL-ee-uh)

These small triangular beauties grow on the cool, moist, and

breezy slopes of the Andes. They need daily care. These come in

bright reds, oranges, whites, yellows, purples, and pinks.

Miltoniopsis (mill-toh-nee-OP-sis)

These beautiful orchids resemble pansy flowers. They come in

pinks, reds, yellows, and whites.

Odontoglossum (oh-don-toh-GLOSSum)

Growing at high altitudes in the Andes, these cool growers need

constant moist, breezy conditions. Many come in yellows, pinks,

purples, whites, and browns.

Oncidium (on-SID-ee-um)

This large family of orchids has varied growing needs. Many come

in yellows, browns, and pinks.

Paphiopedilum (paf-ee-oh-PED-ih-lum)

This orchid is frequently referred to as a "Paph", and their long lasting, fascinating lady-slipper flowers are good for shady

locations. They can be grown under fluorescent lights. Paphs come

in whites, pinks, greens, reds, and yellows.

Phalaenopsis (fal-en-OP-sis)

This orchid is often referred to as a "Phal" or a "Moth Orchid."

They are popular and easy to grow. Happy Phals can continue to

bloom for months. They can be grown under fluorescent lights.

Many come in whites, pinks, purples, yellows, and reds.

Vanda (VAN-duh) or Ascocentrum (as-koh-SEN-trim)

Vandas are large plants that need full sun. Ascocentrums are

smaller, and need a little less sun. These come in blues, purples,

whites, reds, oranges, and yellows.