Understanding Orchids, by William Cullina, is a comprehensive guide to growing orchids. It is clear, directional and extremely thorough. Obviously passionate about horticulture, Cullina says of his first experience with an orchid plant,
"My first orchid was a rootless Dendrobium Phalaenopsis hybrid that was on the brink of dying in a crowded greenhouse of a small local nursery. I bought it because I thought I could save it. But try as I might, I could not...Had I known what I know now, I might have been able to save the plant, but even so, starting out with a cheap weakened plant, I was hooked." (Page 2 of Understanding Orchids)
Sharing his vast acquired knowledge, this book could certainly be helpful to an amateur orchidist, but it would be a more appropriate purchase or gift for an experienced gardener.
Understanding Orchids is now available at Flowers on Chestnut.
ORCHID TIPS
PLANTING
Many orchids naturally grow off of trees, therefore they should never be planted in soil. They prefer a bark mixture specifically formulated for orchids. Choose a container with good drainage and replant with new orchid bark biannually.
WATERING
Water orchid plants generally just once a week, or twice if the orchids are in a dry heated or air conditioned
environment. Use a stream from the faucet, just until the bark has soaked through. Let the plants sit in the basin of the sink and thoroughly drain. Orchids thrive on humidity, misting them or allowing them to absorb the steam of a shower is advised.
LIGHT EXPOSURE
South or southeast sun exposure is ideal for optimal orchid health. They also make a nice addition to outdoor gardens during the summer months. Place your orchids outside in a partly shady area and allow the rainfall to water for you.
OVERALL HEALTH
A healthy orchid plant is not always flowering, but it does have dark green, plump leaves with silver-colored roots. Regularly remove any brown or shriveled stems and leaves that develop.
"My first orchid was a rootless Dendrobium Phalaenopsis hybrid that was on the brink of dying in a crowded greenhouse of a small local nursery. I bought it because I thought I could save it. But try as I might, I could not...Had I known what I know now, I might have been able to save the plant, but even so, starting out with a cheap weakened plant, I was hooked." (Page 2 of Understanding Orchids)
Sharing his vast acquired knowledge, this book could certainly be helpful to an amateur orchidist, but it would be a more appropriate purchase or gift for an experienced gardener.
Understanding Orchids is now available at Flowers on Chestnut.
ORCHID TIPS
PLANTING
Many orchids naturally grow off of trees, therefore they should never be planted in soil. They prefer a bark mixture specifically formulated for orchids. Choose a container with good drainage and replant with new orchid bark biannually.
WATERING
Water orchid plants generally just once a week, or twice if the orchids are in a dry heated or air conditioned
environment. Use a stream from the faucet, just until the bark has soaked through. Let the plants sit in the basin of the sink and thoroughly drain. Orchids thrive on humidity, misting them or allowing them to absorb the steam of a shower is advised.
LIGHT EXPOSURE
South or southeast sun exposure is ideal for optimal orchid health. They also make a nice addition to outdoor gardens during the summer months. Place your orchids outside in a partly shady area and allow the rainfall to water for you.
OVERALL HEALTH
A healthy orchid plant is not always flowering, but it does have dark green, plump leaves with silver-colored roots. Regularly remove any brown or shriveled stems and leaves that develop.
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