Saturday, March 15, 2014

Sunday Orchids

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While everyone else is looking forward to the Spring blooms, may I remind you that this is the time for orchids, at least for Phalaenopsis.  I purchased mine about a month ago, two doubles in fuchsia and another two in white.  The former have it all over the whites although, in all fairness, they are hogging the best spot in the house, the East window in the kitchen.   If they stay there, they will continue blooming for another month or two.  I am torn between keeping them there or giving the white ones equal time.  They need it the most.





An East exposure is the best place to put your orchids.  They get the morning sun and good light throughout the day.  Water them once a week, always in the morning.  Put them in the sink and run water through them for about 15 seconds.  Leave to drain for about 15 minutes, or until they are completely drained.




When they are done, cut them about half an inch above the second node from the bottom.  Fertilize every two weeks with 1/4 tsp. per gallon of water and chances are they will bloom again.  Continue caring for them, watering every week and fertilizing as above and they will bloom again in the late Fall...almost in time for Christmas.  That's all.

If you are hesitant at the cost, think twice.  A bunch of tulips for about $ 8 dollars will last you, with luck, a week.  These doubles were each $12 and they will last at least 2 months.  I don't have to do the math for you.




In my opinion. the white phalaenopsis are the prettiest and they go with everything, including tulips, daffodils and all the other Spring blooms. I find they are more temperamental than the other colors, but maybe that is all in my mind.  These purple color ones seemed to be the sturdiest ones at the store and they have proven me right.  They sit in my kitchen counter and are just thriving.





The addition of succulents to the bottom of the pot seems to be a new decorating idea.  I love it.  Now while they are dormant, I just water the roots when I water the rest of the plant.  The pot is covered in moss and placed in a wicker basket.  I also have a blue Chinese porcelain pot to display some of  the white ones in the great room.




Look at the leaves in your plant and they will tell you a lot.  Unlike other indoor plants, if the leaves  are a dark green that means they are not getting enough light.  You want the leaves a medium to light green as above.  If the flowers and the leaves are droopy, that means they are in need of water.  You don't need to talk to your orchids...just give them a loving look each day and they will let you know what they need.  That's all.  








 

10 comments:

  1. I love orchids and yours are outstanding! I like your reasoning as to purchasing them. They DO make a lot of sense!

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    1. A good friend of mine told me that years ago when I balked at the price. Then they were about $40 each!

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  2. One of ours is just reflowering now after a few months. We don't always have that success, but cheat those odds by going and buying another one.

    Yours look stunning, and I agree that the white is very pretty, (although too funereal here). Sometimes all of them look too perfect to believe that they are not imitation.

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    1. Well, you do live in orchid heaven. I imagine the prices are really reasonable there although ours have come down quite a bit in the last 20 years since I started buying them. As to success I think the health of the plant when you buy it has a lot to do with it.

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  3. Thank you so much for all of these great tips. I have a three year old orchid which is doing great, although I must admit I left it with an expert to baby it through the summer. Your tips will help me get it through the summer on my own. I am amazed how much bigger orchids get each year.
    Sam

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    1. Sam, once you get the hang of it they are easy to grow. If they like where they are and get plenty of light the rest is easy. Don't overthink it, as my daughter would say! Once the weather gets better, bring them out every once in a while and put them in the shade for a few hours; or if you have a covered porch leave them there but don't forget watering and fertilizing them!

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  4. Just beautiful! I've never bought or had orchids, but I DO look at them at the store. Ok, maybe maybe. And I think the white is just stunning. I have nice Eastern light in my kitchen, just above the sink so they would be perfect there. Will let you know if and when I make the purchase...

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  5. You have the perfect place. Go for it! you won't be sorry.

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  6. I love orchids, and am amazed at how inexpensive they are today, relative to twenty or so years ago when they were (what I considered at the time at least) only available at specialty flower shops and wildly expensive. Very easy to tend, belying their reputation for being fussy, and their blooms last forever. They are definitely worth the investment (vs other flowers such as you note), given the pleasure they provide. Reggie

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    1. You have beautiful containers to put them in at DH.

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