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Orchids
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Orchids are always the star attraction, whether they appear at
flower shows, growers' greenhouses, or garden centers. They seem
to possess diva-like qualities -- outrageously exotic-looking blooms,
seductive fragrances, temperamental dispositions, legions of obsessed
fans .... You, too, are drawn to these prima donnas, but you've
been afraid of growing your own. Don't worry, you're not alone.
Many of us -- even experienced "plant people" -- shy away
from the notoriously fussy orchids, but there are several varieties
that are surprisingly easy to grow if a few basic requirements are
met. Among the easiest orchids to grow, and the most readily available,
are Phalaenopsis ("moth orchid"), Oncidium, and Cattleya.
Phalaenopsis:
Large blooms (white, pink, yellow, red, spotted, or striped) are
arranged in a spray along the plant's arching stems. The flowers
appear in late autumn-early winter and though not fragrant, they
usually remain fresh-looking, with buds continuing to open, for
about six weeks. Phalaenopsis should be grown in fir bark kept moist
with regular watering; avoid watering near the plant stem, however,
so as to prevent rot. Phalaenopsis like bright light (avoid direct
sunlight), but you can also grow them under artificial light, moving
the plants into bright natural light as the flower buds begin to
develop. They are very sensitive to cold temperatures and cold drafts;
temperatures should be 65°-70° at night.
Oncidium:
"Dancing lady" is the oncidium's common name because
its sprays of small, profuse blooms quiver in the slightest breeze.
The fragrant blossoms are usually yellow with dark orange splotches,
but they also may be pink, purple, or white. The blooms appear between
December and April, following rapid growth from spring through autumn.
Oncidiums require lots of filtered sunlight (5 to 8 hours per day)
and 70°-80° temperatures during the day, 55°-65°
at night. They should be grown in medium-grade fir bark and watered
every 6-8 days (but allowed to dry out between waterings).
Cattleya:
This is the well-known "corsage" orchid, whose richly
fragrant blooms may be white, pink, or purple. Cattleyas need 5-6
hours per day of bright, filtered sunlight, and temperatures should
be 75°-85° during the day, 55°-65° at night. The
potting medium for cattleyas should be medium-grade fir bark, allowed
to dry out between generous waterings (about every 5-6 days).
* Fertilizing: Because the fir bark in which
the above orchid species are grown contains no nutrients, the plants
need regular feeding. Every two weeks apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer
(i.e., a 3:1:1 ratio) diluted to half strength.
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