Sunday Orchids

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.