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Orchids

Orchids are beautiful, easy to grow tropical houseplants.  Native to Indonesia and Java, Orchids can add drama and a touch of the exotic to your home with their graceful, arching stems heavily laden with flowers.  Orchids generally bloom for a few weeks in the early spring, with an occasional second flush of bloom within the year.  To encourage a second flower spike to form, try cutting back the spent flower spike to about 8 inches.


Home Environment

When you bring your Orchid home, your first decision will likely be where to place it.  Orchids generally prefer moderate, indirect light, and are ideally situated in front of an east-facing window.  Normal home temperatures are fine for orchids, and cooler night temperatures will help aid flower formation, especially during the fall and winter months.  Orchids also thrive with a bit more humidity than is normally found in the home.  Try misting occasionally, or placing your Orchid on a tray of water with pebbles to elevate the orchid above the water level.

 

Culture

Proper watering and fertilizing are essential to healthy Orchid growth.  Orchids should be allowed to dry slightly between watering.  Water thoroughly once the potting mix has dried to a depth an inch or so.  Fertilize with a balanced houseplant or orchid fertilizer once a month at half strength during the spring and summer, and one quarter strength in the fall and winter.

 

Fertilizing

In order to perform at its’ best, turf grass requires good nutrition.  For optimum growth, a high-quality lawn fertilizer should be applied every 6 to 8 weeks, beginning in early spring.  There are many fertilizers to choose from, with some tailored for particular seasons and others which are useful at any time.  To apply the fertilizer, use a spreader for easy, even application and the best results.

 

Orchid Troubleshooting

You may notice roots growing up and out of the pot as time passes.  This is perfectly normal and the roots should be left alone.  Orchids are adapted to obtain moisture and nutrients from the air through these epiphytic roots.  If you notice yellowing or wilting leaves, check your potting mix to see if it has broken down or if the roots are rotting.  Orchids should be repotted after blooming if the potting mix has begun to decompose.   Check yearly to determine if this is necessary.  When repotting your Orchid, remove any rotten parts and choose a new pot that will just hold the Orchid’s roots.  Repot using a coarse mixture such as the Orchid mixes found at TERRA.