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Awkward Orchids

98 comments


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!

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Comments

 

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

25 Oct, 2009

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Thanks - I think they're worth it!

Yes - they all flower for ages. I have a white Phalaenopsis which has been in flower without a break for more than 2 years! All that for about £8. :-))

I'd love to grow other species of Orchids, but their growing conditions are so different!

25 Oct, 2009

 

Thank you Spritz for such a concise and informative blog. I feel like I might get ours to stay alive now! :~)))

25 Oct, 2009

 

You're welcome, Ian! Good luck with it - they're so lovely...addictive, too.....sorry!

25 Oct, 2009

 

I kind of get the idea that most flowery things are! :~))

25 Oct, 2009

 

LOL.

25 Oct, 2009

 

;~))

25 Oct, 2009

 

beautiful blog and orchids are so pretty.

25 Oct, 2009

 

Spritz you are a gem,I have one which is growing beautifully but flatly refuses to flower for me so its being given your shock treatment ,as of today its going in other room. I`ll let you know how it gets on........Yours are gorgeous..

25 Oct, 2009

 

Beautiful, Barbara!

25 Oct, 2009

 

What a good blog :-)
It probably answers a lot of questions for a lot of people !

26 Oct, 2009

 

thank you Spritz, that was very informative :) Lovely flowers BTW :)

26 Oct, 2009

 

Thanks - :-)

I do hope it helps. Good luck, Lincslass!

Yikes, Ian!!! Scary!

26 Oct, 2009

 

Invaluable advice again Spritz. Thank you.
Although I adored the 2 I had, I managed to kill them off. Probably with kindness, after reading this blog.
I will try another one. You never know 3rd time lucky.

26 Oct, 2009

 

Super blog, Spritz....just what was needed here as some of the books one finds at the garden centres etc are too complicated and confusing.....and NOBODY mentions the shock treatment either...LOL
My Oncidiums are a real tonic I must say and a total surprise to me....and so dainty/pretty with it.
There is no doubt however - Orchids are very addictive!

26 Oct, 2009

 

I shall have to look into them, Alz. If they're a window sill plant, I haven't got a hope! NO space left. :-(( Where do you grow yours?

26 Oct, 2009

 

Hi Spritz...all on windowsills..the flowering ones are on the kitchen windowsill - as you will see in my pics - facing north (NO sunshine - just light!!) and a few on the bathroom one - again no direct light but they love it! The "resting" ones are also on a windowsill in an alcove facing east....but that window faces out into my sitootery - so again no direct sunshine. The oncidiums just keep on coming back - no special treatment..well none so far...but I guess they will run out of steam some time!!

26 Oct, 2009

 

Shame - in an old house, the walls are 2'6" thick - so the light is a problem. Several rooms have no windowsills, they have window seats instead! I'm left with two sills - and they're full!

26 Oct, 2009

 

Aha - we have a lot in common...this old cottage is 155 years old with walls like yours.....even the phones and computers have a job "communicating" LOL I DO envy you the window seats though....had them in a previous house and miss them! My trees are all SO close too that no window could be said to admit "full" sun I guess !! Poky might be an apt description really come to think about it !!

26 Oct, 2009

 

Ha - ours is 500 years old!!!!!! Sorry - not trying one-upmanship here. It does make phones and wi-fi difficult, though. We had to get a special device that plugs into the mains so I can use my laptop in another room from where the hub lives.

We were soooooo lucky to find it. I can't believe the history it must have seen! :-)))) We had a historical survey done by the Somerset Vernacular Buildings group, and they were able to tell us who lived here in 1608 - they apologised for not finding the records for the first 100 years! Shame, but if they couldn't, we certainly couldn't!

26 Oct, 2009

 

Blimey....how fantastic.... I hope somebody famous slept there??!! Any blue plaques on your walls outside...LOL
How romantic though...no wonder your garden is SO mature too!!
I can't hope to compete but our one has never been on the market and has been in the family since it was built.....by the same chap who built our local poorhouse on the other side of the town ..now a row of listed flats...of course!
Happily I am not listed ...yet....just on the cusp..as the local planning office told me when I renovated it 3 years ago... narrow squeak!!! Still wouldn't let me put in solar panels though...grrr.

26 Oct, 2009

 

Thanks for this blog Spritz...great info...I'm waiting to see if my orchid needs the shock treatment or will flower again where it is!

26 Oct, 2009

 

I'm sure it'll work, Fluff! Glad you found it useful!

Yes, Alz. We are listed grade 2 - which can be awkward! I can't put hanging baskets up, for example.

LOL. The garden isn't 500 years old! LOL. Our predecessors did most of the hard landscaping. They must have got weary of doing the garden, as it needed a lot of work. when we came.

It used to be a farmhouse - built by a rich Yeoman farmer...a longhouse. Then it was altered to three cottages in the early 17th century, and to two in the early 1900s. You can still see where the three doors were!

No blue plaques!! Famous people? No idea - but one family who lived here had connections to Thomas Hardy. I don't think that 'Queen Elizabeth slept here!'....lol.

26 Oct, 2009

 

OMG...no hanging baskets...I would be at a loss without mine.
As you may have seen in some of my pics...I have these four-armed hanging-baskets "trees" all around the place...6 of them at the last count...and about another 24 baskets on hooks - not including the greenhouse!!!
What a history ..fancy it being a longhouse....I seem to remember something about Dartmoor Longhouses...but apart from that I am not too familiar....presumably that is similar? Absolutely fascinating...what a pedigree...even if you will be limited in what you can do....without permission at least. I nearly bought a listed house a few years ago.....but glad I didn't as the poor guy that did was driven nuts trying to please the powers that be....well done you....still..a labour of flove I am sure.
Right then- time to roost methinks!!
Catch you again Spritz...I have enjoyed this chat ..thanks!
Cxx

26 Oct, 2009

 

And me! Goodnight. xx

26 Oct, 2009

 

Excellent timing with this blog for me, Spritz. I'm at the "look for the lowest flap on the stem" stage. I didn't know that and all my flowers have fallen off. Very welcome info. Thanks.

27 Oct, 2009

 

Great blog Spritz,I could not of put it better myself! I have recently started a new post at Kew working with the orchid collection.Its quite daunting, we have about 6,000 species. I will be putting orchids on my blog-there are so many stunning flowers that I want to share.

27 Oct, 2009

 

Oh please do - I for one would be delighted to take a look!

Thanks for the kind comment. :-))

27 Oct, 2009

 

Yes PLEASE...here's another orchid addict that would enjoy it Rbtkew !

27 Oct, 2009

 

Damn how did miss this... great blog Spritz - all the info anyone could possibly need!

27 Oct, 2009

 

Thank you its come just at the right time - I got mine from a supermarket that was having an offer and thought I would try something different - so thank you for your blog its been really helpful. :-)

28 Oct, 2009

 

Thanks, Mg - and Genuisscuffy, good luck with your new plant! Enjoy...

28 Oct, 2009

 

A lovely collection Spritz, you have some beautys there i usued to have lots more than i do now, there is only one place they seem to like in this house which is the bathroom.. i do have a phale on the window sil in the lounge but it is not doing it's best there, and i have a dendrob in the kitchen but again not doing fantasic, i have 2 phales and another vareity.... you know what not sure on the name but it has small flowers that are tiger like and orange apparently... it has never flowered, and i am usually quite good with orchids... i have had cymbids before now but they are just so big and bulky arnt they... but when i did have them i did manage to get them back into flower with doing just what you have said here... you have to be careful not too leave them out too long though, i had a lovely lime green one that i forgot about and by the time i remebered it we had already had a few frosts and it turned to mush :-( have'nt bothered with them since... if i had a nice big conservitory i would defo have some though....

30 Oct, 2009

 

Eeeeuuggghhhh! You're right - you do have to get them back in on time, Angie! I look at the two without buds every day - in the hope of spotting one on its way - I do hope so! Do you remember the beautiful colours I had?

30 Oct, 2009

 

mmm they were lovely... we have'nt had a proper frost yet though so you should be alright... when i say i forgot i mean it was mid december before i remembered lol :o(

30 Oct, 2009

 

Oooohhhhhh dear. I try to bring mine in in early September - this year, I left them a bit longer as it was so mild.

30 Oct, 2009

 

the key is cold nights but no frost is what shocks them, the guy from Ivans orchids told me this trick....shame i am just too scatty to do it properly.. lol

30 Oct, 2009

 

Uh - oh. I should have risked leaving them out longer, then, maybe.....though we did have a few chilly nights a couple of weeks ago.

30 Oct, 2009

 

your probably about right Barb... we have had some cold nights now for a good few weeks... it does'nt have to be subzero i don't think just colder than they like...

30 Oct, 2009

 

Thanks Spritz... some good hints. I put my Phalaenopsisis outside for a while and the snails made some of the leaves look rather interesting! I have 3 producing new shoots. Two are still Flowering and one is sulking. Do they have a season or just do their own thing? Before I had the orchids I had stroppy streptocarpuses/i. They made more and more leaves and less and less flowers. Two of my orchids were nursery cast offs, el cheapo, One is small and yellow and has 2 shoots......people say ooooo you have a yellow one. Is that so unusual?

31 Oct, 2009

 

Ooops! I don't put my Phalaenopsis outside - too many hungry snails out there! No - I don''t think a yellow one is all that unusual? I have a yellow-ish one. They're pretty!

They don't seem to have a season, not like Cymbidiums do. I usually have several in flower at any one time, while the others are producing new stems.

Well done for nurturing them! Had they stopped flowering? Was that why they were cast-offs?

31 Oct, 2009

 

I think they had not sold before the flowers were drying off, as they seem to. The yellow one is such a tiny one no one wanted it, I was buying quite a few other bits, I saw them on the floor under a bench and asked if I could take them off his hands. He added £1 to the bill. I fancied a challenge, as I was just getting rid of my stroppy Streps, changing over gently, to occupy the window ledge. I wonder if a couple of nights out on the table might jog the sulky one into budding a shoot.

31 Oct, 2009

 

Heard something the other day that orchid growers among you might want to know about - only trouble is, I havent yet managed to establish the name of the feed. I'm reliably informed that one of the orchid feeds available on the market will be withdrawn early next year because it is being used by people as a recreational drug - its effects, apparently, when ingested, are not dissimilar to ecstasy, and of course it works out much cheaper. Therefore, it will be withdrawn. I should have the name early next week, if anyone's interested in case you want to stock up (for your orchids, of course) before it disappears;-)

31 Oct, 2009

 

You got a real bargain there! I'd have done the same in your shoes. :-))

Oooohh! I don't think I'll try eating mine, though, Bamboo!

Thanks - I'd like to know the name of the food.

31 Oct, 2009

 

Likewise Bamboo....and no I don't need "trip" thanks!! Just curious!

31 Oct, 2009

 

Well I don't know about not needing a trip, I'm beginning to think it'd save the NHS a helluva lot of money if pensioners started taking recreational drugs - ecstasy is less dangerous than aspirin, and you'll feel a lot more cheerful than you will on prozac, it seems to me. I have long thought that the time to try "fun" drugs is when you're old, not when you're young, to risky when you're young. Haven't done it yet though, too much of a control freak - and not quite a pensioner either!

31 Oct, 2009

 

Fair point Bamboo.....and I have very good reason to hate Prozac....a beloved niece of my late husband....a gorgeous and talented 22 year old Uni student with top honours was worried about an exam...was prescribed Prozac by a lazy Students' GP .who hadn't the time to listen to her concerns ..and one week later she committed suicide.
I'll stick to an extra cuppa caffeine thanks very much!!!

31 Oct, 2009

 

That's so sad, Alz!

31 Oct, 2009

 

did you know MDMA (aka ecstasy) was originally perscibed by doctors to couples in need of marrige guidence?....i'll say no more than that lol..... but as with everything, what goes up must come down, and lets just say the come down can be a bit like a plane crash....and the side effects are not so nice either. It can cause depression, - hense then needing prozac, panic attacks, heart attack, drains the spine fluid so can cause back problems and not to mention a whole host of phscyilogical problems, as it messes with the brain chemistry and can sometimes cause perminent damage... hense being classified as a class A drug and being banned....maybe not such a good alternative to prozac bamboo.... personally i think it is very wise just to stick to the caffee guys.... well maybe the odd glass of something nice too ;-) and let the orchids have the feed... lol....

31 Oct, 2009

 

Yes - a dreadful waste of a life - and such a wonderful lass she was too - so much adored by the whole family.
Drugs - heaven help us - sometimes they do more harm than good..and that wretched GP who just didn't have more than the "5 mins allowed" per student to listen or council her...which was all she needed.

31 Oct, 2009

 

Well Maj...as I am strictly TeeTotal...no objection to others enjoying it.....I will stick to the coffee thanks!!

31 Oct, 2009

 

sorry Alz did'nt meant to dismiss this, it is dreadful, sounds like a good counceller is all that she needed.... these idiots should not be allowed in these jobs...

31 Oct, 2009

 

lol very wise ;-)

31 Oct, 2009

 

Teetotal here too, virtually, no hope there for me! Looks like it might have to be the ecstasy and yes, I do know about the come down, I had teenage sons, once!

31 Oct, 2009

 

I know - I have no vices - that show LOL
It's a sad life.... (ahem!!)....nowt but dogs and gardens ...or gardens and dogs...depending how you feel about things ,eh;>>>))))
A nice cuppa in my sitootery and I'm a happy bunny ....well maybe a Xword or the laptop to keep me amused these days !!

31 Oct, 2009

 

thank god for the internet, is all I say, well, that and tobacco;-)

31 Oct, 2009

 

EEEK..I don't even smoke...at least your nicotine will keep the white-fly out of your greenhouse Bamboo!!!!!

31 Oct, 2009

 

Funny, that - I don't drink, either - or smoke! My 'vice' is being a plantaholic - I confess. Is there a Group for us? (Yes -GOY!!!)

31 Oct, 2009

 

Spot on Spritz!!!!

31 Oct, 2009

 

:-D

31 Oct, 2009

 

must admit plantaholism is my vice too... and the odd glass of wine...does that count?... is it still a vice if it is just the odd one? wine that is not plants...I know I have a serious problem with plant buying.lol

1 Nov, 2009

 

All things in moderation Maj!!! Not a problem with the odd glass - it is supposed to Prolong Active Life ...LOL

1 Nov, 2009

 

...well thats what i though ;-)

1 Nov, 2009

 

i was brought up as a strict Methodist, Angie - there was no alcohol in the house at all. I've never had any - so I don't miss it!

1 Nov, 2009

 

I was I suppose a social drinker - like most folk of my generation and could take it or leave it ....preferably leave it as I never really liked the taste!! Then - about 35 years ago I had a seriously bad reaction to an innocent glass of sherry - very well known variety in very good company - so no spiking possible. I vowed then never to touch a drop ever again ....and I haven't!
I know - right old spoil sport!! But like you Spritz - but for a different reason -I don't miss it ....and am happy always to be the nominated driver....LOL

1 Nov, 2009

 

Isn't it funny how threads can move from one subject to the next? I guess it's just like being in a group of friends meeting up for lunch, the subjects can swap around very easily.
I have to admit to once being a very heavy drinker (every night) but now don't bother that much. I probably have a couple of pints twice a week.

1 Nov, 2009

 

LUNCH?? What's the time? Ooohhh -- got to dash! Bye!..........................................................

1 Nov, 2009

 

LMSO, Spritz come back it was only a scenario!

1 Nov, 2009

 

No, really, I just caught sight of the time on the PC - the weather is so bad, I should leave a few extra minutes to get to church - it's an exposed road along the coast!

P.S. Thank goodness the 'real' Ian's back! Hated that red person picture! Sooorrrryyy......

1 Nov, 2009

 

Lol, OK see you soon!

1 Nov, 2009

 

Yes WELCOME BACK our Ian!!! :>>>)))

1 Nov, 2009

 

I'm relieved too, Ian, it really was quite horrific - I'm not very good with ghosties, ghoulies, blood and gore, so it's nice not to flinch whenever you come on;-)))

1 Nov, 2009

 

Thank you Alz and Bamboo, it was only make up ......... honest! ;~)))

1 Nov, 2009

 

Now then isn't that a relief to know!!!! LOL

1 Nov, 2009

 

Lol ;~))

1 Nov, 2009

 

Stay yourself, now, please Ian! MUCH nicer to look at.

1 Nov, 2009

 

oh yes you can take that mask off now Ian... it's not halloween anymore lol ;-)

1 Nov, 2009

 

Thanks Spritz
Very funny Majeekahead! Lol :~)))

1 Nov, 2009

 

lol....

2 Nov, 2009

 

Thanks again for this blog SP I have just read this again now I have one it means a lot more and much more confident that I can care for it.

10 Nov, 2009

 

You're welcome. :-)))

11 Nov, 2009

 

have just read this for the first time.I love orchids too.I only have one white Phale,which I had bought 5 years ago,and is in a North facing window,and performs well every year.I had 42 flowers this year on 2 stems,and would have had a 3rd stem if I hadnt knocked the growing tip off---twice,when taking into the kitchen to water in sink.! I won't repeat what I said lol.The good news is,that it is a tryer,and has another new stem,so am trying to be very careful.
I wish I had room for as many as you have,as your pictures are stunning,but no other suitable window sills I'm afraid. Sandra.

11 Nov, 2009

 

Well, you've seen that I've also run out of space, Sandra! I knocked a stem off a few months ago - and was soooo upset....Silly, really - the plant did send another stem up quite quickly! :-)

That plant you have sounds quite something! :-)))

11 Nov, 2009

 

Thanks for your informative blog Spritz......I am going to try the "shock treatment" for my non-flowering Phals.
Your orchids are fabulous. You certainly have not just a green thumb but two green hands.!! :o)

26 Dec, 2009

 

Glad you found it useful, Gilli - I wish I had room for more Orchids! :-)))

27 Dec, 2009

 

Hi.

I have 4 very akward orchids that will not flower. i have tried so many different ways to ,make them flower, to no avail. Do you put wax on the tip of the flower spikes when you cut them? I read in a book that this was supposed to help. I still have 4 akward orchids that refuse to flower....... Dont know what else to do.

19 Jul, 2010

 

No, I've never used wax, Jules. The 'shock' treatment I've described in the blog has always worked for me. How long is it since you cut the stems back?

19 Jul, 2010

 

must be about a year since i cut back the stems on 2 of them, but the other 2 in the last few months. im at my whits end. these are beautiful flowers, so delicate. i would love to get them to flower again. they are still alive tho because they are still growing leaves. so i have 4 pots with just the foliage. its very frustrating, but i dont want to give up on them

23 Jul, 2010

 

No, don't. Try the shock treatment again.

I'm also wondering if you're feeding them with the correct food??? I have two kinds, one to be used when the orchids are in flower, the other for when they're not. Maybe the second food would help...it's worth a try.

23 Jul, 2010

 

thanks for your advice. i do have 2 different feeds for them. i will try the shock treatment and let you know how they get on. thank you

23 Jul, 2010

 

OK. I'd like to know - but be patient a bit longer. I 'do' realise how annoying it is, but they will flower again eventually.

23 Jul, 2010

 

Well you have a wonderful selection of Orchids Barbara, they are so beautiful! Yes I wonder if GW did read your blog....Lol, I hadn't heard it before, we'll have to email them and ask where Toby Buckland got his info from....that would put GoY on the map!!.....:o)))

24 Oct, 2010

 

Thanks, Janey....but I don't want to be famous, really. Just look at the date I wrote this, and remember that I said it first, though! LOL.

24 Oct, 2010

 

nice one....looks like I don't over feed....in bark....no over watering......we have a north facing kitchen & south facing living room.....all are on the dining table at present......roots are up....no flowering ones tho.......got 5 common ones......in the old days my daughter was given one & when it finished flowering we threw it away........gaaa

27 Oct, 2014

 

Ooops!!! Glad you found your way here, Bram. :-)

28 Oct, 2014

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