Orchids

Orchids

As short a time as a decade ago orchids were considered a very exotic plant, expensive and hard to look after. All that has now changed, although there are 100,000 named varieties only a fraction are suitable as 'house plants' but that fraction has become almost common.

Some orchids are as easy to keep and to get to flower again as keeping Geraniums in the glass-house over winter. They each have certain requirements and it's simply a case of providing them.

Cymbidiums
Amongst the most popular varieties are cymbidiums, being one of the easiest to look after, it is possible to get these to re-flower yourself.

The secret to successful cymbidium growing is to keep your plants in cooler temperatures. Once the threat of frosts are over, they can be kept happily outdoors, being careful to avoid heavy rains or direct sunlight as either may damage flowers and leaves.

They are easily identified with their long strap like leaves and flower spikes of arching sprays with double rows of blooms; their colours ranging from green through to cream and white, yellow to tawny and rusty brown and also pink shades.

They need cool nights and warm days to encourage flowering. They also require regular watering throughout the year; however in the winter months they can be left 2-3 weeks between waterings. When the plant shows any signs of a flower spike you should begin feeding with an appropriate fertiliser.

Phalaenopsis
Another popular variety that can quite easily be kept in the home is phalaenopsis, or commonly known as the Moth Orchid. They are easily recognised with their large flattish blooms ranging from 2" to nearly 5" in diameter. The colour variation of the phalaenopsis is vast, with white, pinks, reds, lavender and yellow as single soild colours or mixed up with spots or stripes. The longevity of the flower spikes can last as long as three months and sometimes they can flower twice in the same year.

Orchids require a specific compost to thrive, most orchid media contain bark and coconut fibre chips, others may contain rockwool or perlite. All are intended to keep the roots warm, well aerated and to retain moisture. In most cases you will know when to re-pot as the plant will have out grown the pot it's in. Another reason would be if the bark compost has degraded as it will then hold too much water, which can be detrimental to most orchids. When re-potting a tip for drainage is to put polystyrene chips in the bottom.

Orchids also need humidity, especially in the winter with radiators on. A good idea is to fill a saucer with gravel and stand your pot on top, then water the gravel, as the water evaporates it provides humidity, however, you musn't allow the orchid's roots to sit in the water.

There are various feeds available especially for orchids, some high in Nitrogen for general growth and others high in phosphates and potash to help boost the flower spikes and blooms.

You will find that most orchids you buy are in clear see through pots, this is because the roots also need the light. If the roots are green they don't need water, when they are a greyish colour they are ready for a drink.

The best time to buy most orchids is whilst they are in flower and there will be lots available leading up to Christmas time, so why not have a go.