Orchids

My wife introduced me to, and has enlightened me on the fabulous world of orchids. There are countless species and varieties. There are plenty from which to choose to start your collection.

Most of what we see out there in most of the stores is Dendrobium Orchidaceae. Most of the ones you will find in your local grocery store or home improvement center are basic varieties. I don't really know why the nurseries that supply these retail markets only supply one or two basics. There are thousands of colors and sizes and leaf structures out there. A good nursery will have many choices. I am amazed by the colors and delicate flowers on some of what I see. Don't buy the blue or green orchids sold at some stores. These are just basic white dendrobium that have been fed water with dye in them. They will not bloom that color again. Plus...they're tacky.

Maxillaria tenuifolia orchidaceae. This little beauty has the most wonderful fragrance that some say smells like coconut cream pie and its leaves are more grass-like than some of the broader leaves of the dendrobium. Blooms once a year.

Oncidium orchidaceae.  Often referred to Dancing Ladies, it has small dainty flowers that fill the tall thin stalk. This one blooms 2-3 times a year for us.


We let our orchids live outside during the summer. They are kept on a bench that gets dappled sun all day and we water them regularly. We had a problem this year with a passing dog who proceeded to take one of our orchids out of the pot and chew it up. I was able to find one small piece, which I am nursing back to health. Before the first frost, we bring in the plants to a cool room to adjust themselves. A week or so later they are placed in their various spots around the house. They like the light from windows and need moisture. Don't put them in dry hot areas. They love bathrooms, especially bathrooms that are heavily used for showering and have a good light source. The steam in the shower is just the ticket for these plants.

Orchids are very easy to take care of. Orchids don't require soil. They breathe and drink through their roots. The roots shrivel up and look like dried grass when it is time for some moisture. After a long slow drink, the roots are greenish white and engorged. Orchid pots are usually found with holes or slits down the sides. You can either use spagnum moss or orchid bark (basically small pine bark) as the planting medium. I like to water them all at the same time in the shower using a light, room temperature shower. I will do that for a few minutes, let that soak in for an hour or so, then do it all over again. Deep watering they love, and then you can fertilize. The fertilizer will take hold better with medium and roots that are already moist.

If you purchase an orchid from a grocery store or home improvement center, you will need to also get a few things to help it live. They are shipped in a pot without a hole in it. You will need to get an orchid pot at a nursery or other retailer that sells a variety of pots. Believe it or not, Home Depot only sells one size of a tera cotta starter pot. You will need either spagnum moss or orchid bark. You will need to re-pot right away. When purchasing an orchid, look for ones that have many unopened blooms, not ones that have many opened blossoms. It will last longer once you get it home.