Orchids Plant Care

Growing Orchids Outdoors

Growing Orchid Plants Outdoors Information Overview

Properly selected and cared for, orchid plants can be among the showiest and most exotic of all garden or patio plants. There are many areas throughout the southern and central United States where temperatures for a good portion of the year are compatible with the needs of many orchids. Some coastal areas are nearly frost-free year round and make perfect climates for growing orchid outdoors. In these areas, with some protection from excessive sun, wind and rain, lovely orchid plants can be successfully cultivated and cared for on the patio or as a part of the landscape. In frost-free areas, the plants can be left in place all year. Where frost or temperatures below 40º threaten, plants can be brought into the home to be grown on windowsills, under lights or on an unheated patio where the coldest temperatures are avoided. The trick is in selecting orchid plants that are already adapted to your particular area. It is also a good idea to consider some basic care and culture needs of the orchid plants.

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June 2, 2006 comment TrackBack-URI
     

Orchid Plant Pollination By Man - Part Two

The paphiopedilum is difficult because the pollinia are in an awkward place behind the staminode and the stigmatic surface; the plate at an angle to the column with three lines radiating from it at an angle of 120 degrees is even more inaccessible.

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July 27, 2007 comment TrackBack-URI
     

Orchid Plant Pollination By Man - Part One

The procedure by which man pollinates an orchid is mechanically identical to that by which an insect pollinates it, except that man has advantages.

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July 25, 2007 comment TrackBack-URI
     

Fertilization Of A Dendrobium Orchid Flower - Part Two

The process of germination varies considerably with different genera and species.

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July 23, 2007 comment TrackBack-URI
     

Fertilization Of A Dendrobium Orchid Flower - Part One

In the case of Dendrobium, such as Dendrobium nobile, the task, for an insect, is much simpler and less hazardous.

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July 20, 2007 comment TrackBack-URI
     

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 comment [1] TrackBack-URI
     

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).

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June 20, 2007 comment TrackBack-URI
     

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 comment TrackBack-URI
     

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).
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June 18, 2007 comment TrackBack-URI
     

General Orchid Water Requirements

You can water either by the immersion method or in the traditional way with a watering can. (see the many posts I’ve created on this blog for plant specific growing guidelines).
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June 15, 2007 comment TrackBack-URI
     

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