Awkward Orchids

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One of the most commonly asked questions on GOY is about the care of Orchids – usually meaning ‘Moth Orchids’ – or ‘Phalaenopsis’.

I thought it might be helpful to write a blog on the care of these beautiful plants. I’ve built up quite a collection of them over the years – my windowsills are full now, so I can’t buy any more!

I also have four Cymbidiums – which are not as co-operative as the Phalaenopsis when it comes to flowering! This is what one of them looked like in its third year – the other three refused point blank to produce flower stems. :-(

I have one Dendrobium, too – and that is easy to grow, like the Moth Orchids. It likes the same conditions.

Dendrobium flower stem

Dendrobium flower

But back to the Phalaenopsis. They need a light warm position, but not in direct sun. They are happy in a bark compost – don’t try to repot them in ordinary compost, will you! It’s normal for the roots to grow outside the pot – and for a leaf to turn brown and fall off, occasionally.

They will not survive if their roots are left in water, so it’s better either to take the pot and run tepid rainwater through it, then put it back, or to water it ‘in situ’ with the rainwater (or condensed water). I only water mine about once every two weeks. They should also be fed – you can buy little pots of powder, to mix into the water. I only feed them every six weeks or so. They also like being sprayed occasionally.

Well – the time will come when the flowers fall – and what then? Wait until the very last flower on the stem has fallen off.

The look for the lowest ‘flap’ (node) on the stem – and cut the stem off above the node.

If you leave the stem on the plant, as some people do, a new stem may grow from it – but it’s more likely that it will just dry up and look unsightly – so I cut them off. Normally, a new stem will appear in a few weeks, either from the node, or from between the leaves.

But sometimes, a plant will turn awkward – and sulk! No flowers? What then?

Use a trick I picked up – it works for me!

Take the plant into another room, where the temperature is 5 – 8 degrees cooler than its usual place. Leave it there for three weeks, then bring it back! You should find the beginnings of a new flower stem with this ‘shock’ treatment!

Back to Cymbidiums. I almost threw my non-flowering ones out last spring, but I decided to persevere, as the flowers are just so beautiful.

I do what the Nursery suggested to care for my plants, which is to have them in a cooler environment than the Phalaenopsis. In the summer, they go outside in the shade, and I have to remember to water them! I bring them back indoors in September, and check each pot and plant for unwanted visitors. Then I begin the feeding routine again. This year – it has worked!

new flowering stem emerging

I have two plants which are going to flower – and I’m hoping that the others will grow flowering stems as well, later.

new stem almost ready to flower

I have a different Orchid food for when the flowers appear – from the specialist Nursery. Well, with flowers like these, I have to do my best for these gorgeous plants, don’t I?

Fingers crossed for a beautiful display!

25 Oct, 2009
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Comments

Drc726

Lovely photos must take some care to get the blooms like that.

25 Oct, 2009

Sanbaz

lovely pics barbara, so beautifull, dont think i would have the patients to look after them unfortunatly, so i will just admire yours instead :o)))

25 Oct, 2009

Simbad

Beautiful orchids,love the cymbidiums, I have a couple of Phalaenopsis and don't they flower for a long time, much better than a bunch of flowers, but bought an Oncidium around 18 months ago which has grown into quite big plant but flippin thing won't flower.

25 Oct, 2009

Valadel

Gosh you are so patient, I have tried in the past but gave up!
Your photo's are so inspiring might have to try again!!!

25 Oct, 2009

Awkward Orchids

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