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Orchid
Tips Page 1
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Rolling
ferns in the rainforest that
grow with Orchids |
Orchid
Tips Page 2 >>
In the Orchids
are Easy section we talked about how most
Orchids grow in the lush, tropical rainforest or similar
areas. When caring for orchids in our home it is best
to research what environment an Orchid came from and recreate it
as much as possible at home. The best thing to do is
to try to choose an Orchid that comes from an environment
that is already similar to that you have in a location
in your home. |
Selecting
an Orchid for Your Home
This
is talked about in more depth in the Orchid
care section. If you have a bright, sunny,
warm location, choose: Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Oncidiums
or Vandas. If
you have medium bright indirect light choose Miltonias. |
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Phalaenopsis
are the easiest
Orchids to Grow |
If you
have a shady location without much direct light choose Paphiopedilums (Ladyslipper orchid) or Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid).
Miltonia
with wilting flowers |
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Choosing
the Best Orchid in a Store
Choose
a plant with strong flowers. If a plant's flowers
are already drooping, like the photo at the left,
choose another plant! The photograph in the section
above shows a flower with more strength. Often if
a flower is drooping or weak it either doesn't have
enough humidity around it or it has been in the store
too long and is almost done blooming. Here's a good Miltonia you can buy online if you like. |
Miltonia
close up photograph showing wilted flowers |
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How
to Tell if an Orchid Flower is in Good Shape
Gently
feel the petals and leaves of the Orchid between your
thumb and forefinger - if they are slightly hard,
the orchid flowers are opening. When opening, flower
color is brighter and the flower has a distinct look.
If the flower is too old, and starting to wilt, don't
buy the Orchid. The only time I would buy an Orchid
like this to the left is if I don't mind waiting until
it blooms again. |
Books
we Recommend
Orchids
Magazine - Great
magazine, yearly subscription. This magazine is full of
great articles, resources, information, photos and more.
Our
Favorite Orchid care book, "Orchids" - Our favorite for
the beginner! Very basic.
Taylor's
Guide to Orchids - Very good book. Our choice for the beginner
with need for an additional book other than Orchids (the
book just above).
Orchid
Growing for Wimps - Very good book for the beginner and this
book is the most basic we recommend. Excellent!
The
Orchid: From the Archives of the Royal Horticultural Society - Great resource book.
Wow.
Orchid Tips Page 2 >>
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