Taking Care Of Your First Orchid

Marilyn H.S. Light

WHAT KIND OF ORCHID IS IT?

Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid) (long sprays of round white, pink or yellow flowers)

Dendrobium (sprays of white or purple blooms)

Cymbidium (upright stems of blooms in various colours)

Cattleya (Corsage Orchid) (white, purple or sunset shades)

Knowing what kind it is will assist those helping you care for it.

WHEN WILL IT BLOOM?

Most orchids bloom in a particular season. Your orchid will generally re-bloom in the same season each year.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE WITH THE SPENT INFLORESCENCE?

Once flowers have faded and the flower stalk has yellowed, it can be removed using scissors or a sterile blade. Phalaenopsis frequently rebloom from the old stem if it remains green. In this case, only remove parts that have yellowed or dried.

HOW MUCH LIGHT DOES AN ORCHID REQUIRE?

Bright, filtered sunlight is best for all kinds. Phalaenopsis thrive under African Violet conditions.

WHAT TEMPERATURE IS APPROPRIATE?

Room temperature or warmer by day, cooler at night.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD THE ORCHID BE WATERED?

Once or twice a week depending upon the humidity. Water thoroughly, letting the water flow through the pot. Use deionized or rain water once a month.

SHOULD FERTILIZER BE APPLIED? WHAT KIND AND HOW OFTEN?

Use very dilute liquid flowering houseplant fertilizer with regular watering once every two weeks in summer, once a month in winter. Use one-quarter of the recommended strength.

THE HOME IS DRY IN WINTER. HOW CAN HUMIDITY BE SAFELY MAINTAINED?

Pebble trays are not very effective. Leaves can be misted using a sprayer several times daily.

WHEN SHOULD THE PLANT BE REPOTTED? DIVIDED?

Once the potting medium has deteriorated or about every 18 months to two years, you should repot the plant. Orchids can be divided at the same time if desired.

LOCAL SOURCES AND RESOURCES

Ottawa Orchid Society Show at Nepean Sportsplex in late April http://www.ottawaorchidsociety.com

Canadian Orchid Congress Great source of information http://www.CanadianOrchidCongress.ca

Laboratoire Orchidexpert - Mario Mongeon http://www.orchidexpert.on.ca/

1057 Chemin Bord de l'Eau, Conc. 1, Le Faivre ON K0A 1J0

Phone: 613-679-1373 Email: orchidex (-at-) orchidexpert.on.ca

Nepean Orchids - Hans Bode

Address: 15 Elterwater Ave., Nepean ON K2H 3J1

Phone: 613-829-3447 Email: hbode (-at-) igs.net

Slide List

Chasing the Winter Blues with Orchids

1 Laeliocattleya Mildred Rives Orchidglade AM/AOS

2 Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis) Florida Stripe

3 Pansy Orchid (Miltoniopsis) Braise Philippe Lecoufle

4 Lycaste consobrina

5 Rhyncholaelia digbyana

6 Masdevallia Marilyn Light Delight HCC/AOS

7 Spider Orchid (Brassia) (Memoria Fritz Boedecker x longissima)

8 Asian ladys-slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum) Sanders Pride

9 Catasetum tenebrosum Delight HCC/AOS

10 Scaphosepalum grande Lincoln Green

11 Display of orchids

12 Caularthron bicornutum growing on a tree

13 Tree laden with epiphytes including orchids (Mexico)

14 Encyclia citrina growing on a branch (Mexico)

15 Display of Oncidium and Cattleya orchids

16 Display of Pleione orchids

17 Display of Dendrobium orchids

18 Display of Asian ladys-slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum)

19 Display of Pansy orchids (Miltoniopsis)

20 Steps to choosing an orchid: 1) Know your growing conditions; 2) Know about an orchids requirements; and 3) Match the choice of an orchid to your conditions.

21 Cymbidium Bud March Rosetta

22 Dendrobium nobile

23 Colmanara Wildcat

24 Odontocidium Susan Kaufman

25 Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis) Queen Stripes Anns Pride AM/AOS

26 Moth Orchid (Doritaenopsis) White Chiffon

27 Zygopetalum Helen-Ku

28 Jewel Orchid (Ludisia discolor)

29 Stress Factors: 1) Insufficient or too much light; 2) Temperature too high at night; 3) Temperature too low; 4) Drought or too much water; 5) Poor air quality; 6) Poor water

30 Sunburn on orchid leaf

31 Crinkled orchid leaves because of too little water

32 Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis) Hawaiian Fascination

33 Vuylstekeara Islers Feuerstern Orchid Man AM/AOS

34 Display of Pleione

35 Asian ladys-slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum) chamberlainianum