Question:
I received an orchid as a gift that came from a home improvement store. The roots were packed in a material that was soaking wet. Should I repot
it? Sara N?
Answer:
Rarely do orchids like to keep their roots 'soaking wet' for very long since, for the most part, they are epiphytes and grow on the sides of trees in the wild. In captivity, the plants are happiest when potted in an airy mixture of bark or moss which allows the roots to breathe between watering intervals.
The normal course of action for the plant in question would be to change the potting medium immediately. However, since the gift orchid is 'blooming', the owner has a dilemma - continue to enjoy the flowers and risk long term damage to the plant or cut off the flowers and repot. The normal course of action for the plant in question would be to change the potting media immediately. However, since the gift orchid is 'blooming', the owner has a dilemma - continue to enjoy the flowers and risk long term damage to the plant or cut off the flowers and repot.
Perhaps a compromise can be reached in which the root ball is carefully removed from the existing plastic pot and delicately placed into a clay pot. The porous clay will help to offset the soggy media and provide a stable growing environment until the plant can be correctly potted.
At the very least, all watering should cease until the sogginess evaporates.
Question:
My mother-in law gave me an orchid for my birthday - Dendrobium Emma White. Can you tell me a little about this plant? Renee M
Answer:
Dendrobium Emma White is one of my all-time favorites because it is time tested and practically idiot-proof. The plant itself is quite stocky and robust and never gets excessively tall as dendrobiums can do. The flowers are plentiful, often emerging as two or more spikes from both old canes and new, and the petals are as white as snow. In addition, this hybrid is easy to grow and can bloom anytime of the year so it is always available to enjoy.
Dendrobiums, also known as ‘Hawaiian Lei’ orchids, last for 2 months in bloom and require filtered sunlight all day to thrive.
The winter months pose a challenge since the sun is low in the sky and only present for a short time. The home grower has to adapt to these less than optimal conditions by providing the brightest room of the house then moving the plants outside when the warm weather returns. Watering the bark media twice a week thoroughly is recommended.
Question:
For only the second time since 1999, my chocolate smelling Oncidium is blooming. It has 4 beautiful flowers spikes and I would like to take it to the local orchid society meeting. What is the process? Ann A.
Answer:
Orchid growers have to be patient since flowers may not appear every year. But then again, the blooming could be overwhelming and prompt a public display. Such is the case here.
Oncidium Sharry Baby is the hybrid that smells like chocolate and has dozens, perhaps hundreds, of small burgundy and white flowers. The plant can bloom anytime but Christmas is especially nice with the festive coloring and fragrance.
The Virginia Orchid Society would be the perfect venue to show off this specimen. The 100+ member group meets at the Science Museum of Virginia on the third Sunday of each month at 2pm. Competition is stiff but entering the orchid in the 'novice grower' category will increase the chances of a blue ribbon.