GARDEN FANATIC:Care for orchids indoors and out

“Flowers . . . are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty out values all the utilities of the world.” “” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“You can’t just... think it’s going to get on by itself. You’ve got to keep watering it. You’ve got to really look after it and nurture it.” “” John Lennon

Of all the flowers I count as friends, it is clear orchids are the fairest of them all. It is a large family; perhaps 500 genera and over 15,000 species, with many more waiting to be discovered in a lonely jungle.

They are found nearly everywhere we might travel; however, they are the showiest and occur in the greatest numbers in tropical and subtropical forests of Asia, and South and Central America. Major cultivated groups of orchids include phalaenopsis, cymbidium, cattleya, odontoglossom (including miltonia and oncidium), and dendrobium.

Although these orchids have dissimilar origins, they have surprisingly similar culture. All but the cymbidium may be grown as houseplants. However, unless you have a greenhouse, orchids grown in Laguna would probably prefer being in a protected patio during late spring through summer. Our mild temperatures and moderate humidity are ideal for their culture.

Select a location where the light can be controlled. A sunny southwest window with drapes is ideal. Leaf color is the best indication of an orchid’s health. Dark, verdant leaves are a sign they are not receiving enough light. Conversely, leaves that are yellowish green or red are in too much light.

Temperature is an important consideration, particularly during the summer and winter. Most orchids would prefer daytime highs of 75 to 85 degrees, with lows of 60 to65 degrees during the evening. As a group, orchids are quite tough. Cattleyas will tolerate heat to 95 degrees, while cymbidiums will survive temperatures down to a frosty 32 degrees.

Orchids grown solely indoors will benefit from cultural practices to increase surrounding humidity to 50 to70% (the average home in Laguna is in the 30 to40% range). One effective technique is placing the orchid atop a tray filled with pebbles to raise humidity. Another is growing your orchids in sunny bathroom or kitchen locales where abundant use of water creates a more humid environment.

I recommend the use of plastic pots. They seem to accumulate less salt, which manifests itself by brown tips on leaves. It also allows a more predictable watering schedule for plants, as the planting medium will dry out at the same rate. Orchids planted in 6” pots should be watered about once a week, those in 4” pots about every 4-5 days. Keep the medium evenly moist, never soggy or dry.

Orchid bark is the planting medium of choice for orchids. Generally, 1/8” to1/4” bark is best up to 6” pots, while 1/4” to1/2” bark is used for larger pots. Replanting generally occurs in a cycle of 2 years. Transplanting is warranted when the planting medium has broken down, a plant has outgrown its pot, or the orchid is deteriorating in health or flowering performance.

Orchids are heavy feeders. Specialized orchid food should be applied every two weeks. Many orchid experts recommend a 30-10-10 fertilizer during the active growing season of February to October, with a 6-30-30 fertilizer applied during the blooming period. Although there are exceptions, my father’s rule was, “If you don’t fertilizer, you won’t be rewarded with flowers!”

There are a few tips to help avoid problems with diseases and pests. Plan on watering early in the day to prevent sunscald and bacterial/fungal spots on leaves and botrytis on flowers. Select a location with good air circulation. Regular inspection and application of mild pesticides will keep pests like scale, mealybug, snails, slugs and aphids under control.

All of us have secret longings... among the purer kind is the pursuit of beauty. I have always desired beautiful flowers, and if not for lack of space and budget, I would have transformed our home into a greenhouse full of orchids.

Happily, Catharine selects and cares for our numerous orchids, and I am simply able to enjoy. See you next time.