Question:
The growing instructions that came with my new orchid say to ‘throw the plant out’ when the blooming is over - that the farm will ‘grow more’. What kind of advice is that? Joan B
Answer: While some might advocate discarding a Poinsettia after the holidays, I find it hard to believe that a commercial grower would recommend composting such a highly prized plant as an orchid. To begin with, the plant is roughly 5 years old and has taken an incredible journey from seed pod to laboratory to greenhouse. The best should be yet to come given the life expectancy of an orchid is endless and, under proper guidance, the plant usually gets larger and more floriferous each year.
The farm has sadly underestimated the horticultural ability of the general public and the relative ease in which orchids will re-bloom. In the next few years, orchids are expected to become the most popular houseplant in the United States with more and more hobbyists learning the cultural practices. Furthermore, everyone has the growing conditions for low light orchids like Phalaenopsis and paphiopedilums.
If your orchid requires more light than you can give it, you can always give the plant to a neighbor or friend who will thank you for your thoughtfulness. There are also orchid professionals who will ‘board’ the plant until it re-blooms and local orchid societies who will gladly take the plant off your hands. But throw it out? Never!
Question:
I have a Vanda in a basket that is hanging in my sunroom. I mist the roots every day but the leaves look dehydrated. Should I put the plant outside for the summer? John H
Answer:
I have a Vanda in a basket that is hanging in my sunroom. I mist the roots every day but the leaves look dehydrated. Should I put the plant outside for the summer? John H
The best place for most orchids during the warm months in Virginia is outside where the climate is nothing short of rainforest-like. New leaves and roots are immediately triggered by hot and humid growing conditions and good clean air circulation; all of which is the perfect cure for your orchid’s winter blues.
Vandas are one of the showiest of the orchid family with some flowers the size and roundness of softballs – in vivid colors such as magenta and blue (yes, ocean blue). There is a technique to growing vandas, however, that is different than other orchids. The plant grows best in a slatted wood basket with the roots exposed to the air. The grower must mist the roots heavily for at least 1 minute until the normally white roots turn green. Then repeat the process once or twice a day, every day, forever!
Without a doubt, Vandas are a high maintenance orchid, but the flowers are, as they say, ‘to die for.’