|
SEABREEZE EDUCATION
How We
Ship Plants
Fire Your Lawn Guys
Protect Your Home
PALMS
Palm Trees 101
Palm Trees 201
Climates
Avoid Tropical Palms
Cold
Hardiness 101-
Temperature
Cold Hardiness 201-
Duration
Cold Hardiness 301-
Humidity/Protection
Indoor Palms- What to Look For
Indoor Palms- Care and Maintenance
Palm Tree ICU (Intensive
Care Unit)
Florida
Native Palms
Palms Native to USA
Variegated Palms 101
Photo Gallery-
Variegated Palms
Hybrid Palms
ORCHIDS
How to Care For Orchids
Watering Orchids
BROMELIADS
Save Money with Bromeliads
Care for
Bromeliads
Site Map
|
How to
care for orchids
There are basically
two types of orchids. Most orchids are air-plants and are epiphytic
(plants that grow on other plants), while some species are terrestrial
(plants that grow in the ground).
SOIL
-Epiphytic orchids
do not need to be planted into traditional potting soil, but instead
prefer to grow in bark, perlite, coal, or moss. A mixture of any of
these ingredients makes an ideal mix. Some epiphytic orchid species
include phalaenopsis, dendrobiums, cattleyas,
and vandas.
-Terrestrial
orchids can be planted in the ground using a well-draining potting soil or
sandy mixture. A popular terrestrial orchid is
Spathoglottis plicata
from China.
LIGHT
Most orchids will
do best with strong filtered light. This type of light is usually
found underneath hardwood trees, pool screens, patio covers (with
separated cross beams), and inside the house next to windows with a
southern exposure.
AIRFLOW
Orchids need
airflow in order to stay healthy. Without airflow, tiny fungal and
bacterial particles land on an orchid's leaves and may begin to grow.
This will produce spotting, yellowing, and later death. If grown
indoors, make sure your orchid is next to an open window, ceiling fan, or
air conditioning vent. Keep the ambient humidity between 40% and 80%
for optimal health. Orchids DO NOT like cold or dry air.
WATER
-Epiphytic orchids
draw most of their water right out of the air as long as the humidity does
not drop too low. They will benefit from a light spray once or twice
a week. If an orchid becomes severely dried out, soak the entire
plant in a bucket of fresh, warm water for about 20 minutes- this will
re-hydrate it.
|
