Popular Types of Orchids - Cymbidium
The original hybrids were large ungainly plants; these have now been replaced by the mini varieties as house plants which are available in a wide range of colors.
June 29, 2007
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Popular Orchid Flower - Cattleya
The white Cattleya bloom is the Corsage Orchid; the largest of all orchid flowers in cultivation.
June 28, 2007
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Popular Orchid Flower - Cambria
You will find the name Cambria on the label of long-stemmed plants which are available wherever orchids are sold, but you will not find it in most books!
June 27, 2007
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Popular Orchid Flower - Brassia
It is not difficult to see why B. verrucosa is called the Spider Orchid. The thread-like petals and sepals give it a most unusual appearance for an orchid, and yet it is one of the easiest to grow!
June 26, 2007
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In the Beginning: Orchids
In 1731 the plant collector Peter Collinson received a dried plant from the Bahamas. He planted it and it grew - this was the first exotic orchid (Bletia verecunda) to flower in Britain.
June 25, 2007
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Propagation of Sympodial Orchids
Most orchids belong here. At the base there is a creeping rhizome which joins together the pseudobulbs.
June 22, 2007
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General Orchid Repotting Requirements
Don’t be in a rush to repot; this should take place about every 2 years when the pseudobulbs have reached the rim of the container.
Repotting
Spring is the recommended time. The new pot should not be much larger than the old one and you will need to buy special orchid compost. This will be a bark mix, a rockwool mix, or sphagnum peat plus perlite. Gently pull the plant out of its pot, and cut away any damaged roots. Pot up in the usual way, taking care not to press the compost down too tightly. Lightly water from the top to settle the orchid into the new pot before returning it to its home; use tepid water.
June 21, 2007
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General Orchid Dead-heading Requirements
In this post I give the general dead-heading requirements for orchid plants. But please keep in mind that each orchid has its own cultural requirements (see the many posts I’ve created on this blog for plant specific growing guidelines).
June 20, 2007
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General Orchid Plant Food Requirements
In this post I give the general food requirements for orchid plants. But please keep in mind that each orchid has its own cultural requirements (see the many posts I’ve created on this blog for plant specific growing guidelines).
Food
Orchid compost does not contain fertilizer. Avoid the temptation to overfeed; as a general rule feed with an orchid fertilizer or half-strength pot plant fertilizer with every third watering, decrease in the spring and autumn and stop in the winter. Do not feed a newly-potted plant for at least a month!
June 19, 2007
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General Orchid Air Humidity Requirements
Orchids need a moist atmosphere and that can be a problem in a centrally-heated room. (see the many posts I’ve created on this blog for plant specific growing guidelines).
(Read on …)
June 18, 2007
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