Paphiopedilum bellatulum cvs. (tropical lady’s slipper orchid), such as Joanne’s Wine (‘Siren’), Maudiae types
Description: From Asia; related and similar in appearance to our native lady’s slipper. Look for ones with mottled-green-and-silver-grey leaves, as they prefer warm growing conditions; avoid green-leaf types, which require cooler than average household temperatures.
Light and temperature: Low intensity and duration; 50 cm from an east- or west-facing window or 1 m away from a southern exposure. Nighttime low 15ºC, daytime high 30ºC.
Water: High requirements; these mostly terrestrial orchids store much of their water in their leaves; irrigate regularly (two or three times a week); do not allow roots to dry out completely, but avoid letting the plant sit in water; do not mist leaves.
Fertilizer: Orchid fertilizer (19-31-17), or plant food (20-20-20) at one-quarter strength, every second watering while plant is in active growth; reduce to once every four weeks in winter.
Phalaenopsis cvs. (moth orchid), such as ‘Allegria,’ ‘Doris,’ ‘Esme Hennessy,’ Golden Horizon (‘Sunrise’) and ‘Yukimai’
Description: Widely available and arguably the easiest to grow; long-lasting sprays of white, pink, purple or yellow flowers, often striped.
Light and temperature: Moderate intensity and duration; place in an east-facing window or 50 cm from a south- or west-facing window. Nighttime low 12ºC, daytime high 30ºC; can tolerate up to 35ºC for short periods. To initiate flowering, consistently expose plants to three to four weeks of 12ºC nighttime temperatures by placing them outdoors in early autumn.
Water: High requirements; water thoroughly one or two times a week, but allow plant to dry out between waterings; avoid getting the base of the leaves wet, as this can promote rot; mist plants lightly every morning to increase humidity.
Fertilizer: Orchid fertilizer (19-31-17), or plant food (20-20-20) applied at half-strength, every second watering when plant is in active growth. To further encourage flowering after a period of cool nights, use a high- phosphorus fertilizer (10-60-10) at half-strength for four to six weeks.
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8 Comments
love orchids..... the flowers last so long many people have asked if it was a plastic plant!!!!! thanks for the info. Great article.
after initial blooms have faded, any luck getting them to rebloom?
Where do you cut the stem after blooming?
Hi Cecica and DHWarren, I have posted your questions in the forum, please take a look: http://canadiangardening.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=14952
I've been growing orchids indoors for many years... oncidiums and their hybrids are VERY easy. Sharry Baby's scent is very strong and can perfume a whole room for a good month or more.
I have a beautiful Phalaenopsis orchid which bears huge white flowers with dabs of violet and wish to propagate another plant. Could I cut it down the middle keeping some roots, some aerial roots, and some leaves? Or could I just start with some roots. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hi everyone out there, I desperately need some help to save my favorite white purple orchid. It is about 4 to 5 yrs old. It had been very healthy & blooms twice a yr & has 2 to 3 inch(in diameter) size flowers last for over half an year. it truly worth all the hard work i ever did my my entire house plants. Two to three month ago, when the others begin to have grown flower buds, it didn't have any, I transplant it. After that it didn't grow any but lost two to 3 big fat leaves. Today, as i want to save it by transplanting it again, I found the root does not look too good.(pic taken for this reason) I want to know if my favorite orchid can be saved according the pic. If it can be saved, can anyone teach me how to do it. You don't know how much i will appreciate your help. Sincere Jennies
Hi Stephen & everybody out there, I desperately need some help to save my favorite white purple orchid. It is about 4 to 5 yrs old. It had been very healthy & blooms twice a yr & has 2 to 3 inch(in diameter) size flowers last for over half an year. it truly worth all the hard work i ever did my my entire house plants. Two to three month ago, when the others started to have flower buds, this one didn't have any, I transplant it. After that it didn't grow any but lost two to 3 big fat leaves. Today, as i want to save it by transplanting it again, I found the root does not look too good.(pic is the profile picture) I want to know if my favorite orchid can be saved and how to save it. Would you please help me? Your help is very much appreciated!