Orchidaceae Newsletter
"Your best online source of orchids plus more"
August, 2006
Hi Friends:
It's hard to believe that summer is on the down swing. The end is unfortunately in sight. If you are still one of the lucky ones that have a vacation coming up, we hope that the weather is great for you.
In this months article I decided to answer some questions that we get from customers. I hope you will find them helpful.
Coming this Fall our complete orchid book, Mastering Orchids. This will answer your questions about orchids! You WILL be able to grow fantastic orchids.
Our September newsletter will not be sent until after Labor Day.
Please drive carefully during these summer months. Don't forget to wear your seatbelts AND stay safe.
Just a reminder that we offer free second day FedEx delivery for you on any orchid plant you choose.
This month newsletter includes:
..Our Monthly Specials
..Our Monthly Tip - Q & A
..Again a beautiful orchid picture
Thanks again,
Bob
Specials of the Month - to Sept 2006
We also have a wide variety of "Fresh from the Grower" bouquets and our Very Special Engraved Roses
Here are some stunning Orchids for any special occasion. How about one for your home?
Maroon Lady Slipper This is a sparkling maroon-purple paph or Lady Slipper orchid and only $57.95 with Free Shipping
Ctna Rounda About Cattleya This fragrant cattleya is a beauty to see and just as nice to get as a gift. With free shipping it is only $42.95 - That's rock bottom pricing.
Double Spike Yellow Phal with Deep Red Lips, this is a very erogenous orchid and the blooms last up to 3+ months.
Did you know we have access to orchids which bloom nearly all year long. Yes, you read that right.
Check them out
Tip of the Month
Q
Q What are good
orchids for the beginner?
A The
Phalaenopsis species are very good
if you have a low light situation. If
you have very high or bright light (but
NOT direct sunlight), you may consider
growing Cattleyas. These are
the two easiest to grow.>
Q I have some leaves
growing off my Phalaenopsis flower
spike. What should I do? A This shoot could be pruned off
but I would suggest you let it grow. If you
do it will begin to produce roots. After it
does produce at least 3 roots it can be cut
at the junction where it started growing off
the flower spike. And like magic there is
new orchid ready to be planted in a pot with
some very fine bark.
Q Are orchid plants or
blooms poisonous?
A No they are not although
there are a few that can cause an allergic
reaction like poison ivy. In fact, in Hawaii
and Asia orchid blooms are used as garnishes
on food dishes. Before you do this remember
that if you sprayed insecticide on the plant
there may be some remnants.
Q I have an air
conditioner in my home, is that a problem?
A Most air conditioning
units not only lower the temperature but
also take out humidity. Orchid plants need
humidity between 40 - 60%. I would recommend that you
use humidity trays or place your orchids in
the bathroom. You could also turn the air
conditioner off in the room that has your
plants.
Q My phalaenopsis was recently left in a
very hot car (not on purpose, of course). I
removed the dead leaves, flowers, and spikes
that resulted from this. The base of the
plant where I removed the leaves is still
green and most of the roots appear to be ok.
Is it possible for an orchid to grow new
leaves at this
point?
A I suggest that you wait about a week after
you did all your trimming. If the roots and
leaves still are green and look firm then
your plant will make it.
Q I have a south facing window box that
sticks out from my kitchen. What should I
use to diffuse the light. With that should I
keep my orchids there?
A There are any number of sun diffusing
glazes that can be used. Any glass store can
help you. Also a sheer curtain would do the
same. I would also recommend that if you have
shelves the orchids that like more sun,
e.g.., vandas be on the top shelf. This can
give shade during the summer to those
orchids that do not need direct all day sun.
Q I have a phal which has finished blooming.
Now I see the bottom leave seem to be
drooping or wrinkled. I have watered the
plant a little more but nothing has
happened. Would misting help?
A Personally, I don't think misty makes much
of a difference. You might just be seeing
that these are old leaves that will die as
the new leaves take over, some phals do
this. Also, you may try allowing a little
less light.
Be careful watering so you don't get water
in the crown of the plant where the new
leaves are coming from. Water that stays in
the crown is not good for the orchid plant.
You can get crown rot. Use a paper towel to
soak up any water left in the crown.
Q I have several orchid plants, phals, that
were in bloom when I bought them but after
16 months there are still no blooms. What
should I do? Also, I fertilize every other
month with an orchid fertilizer, 7-8-6.
A There are several things that will help
phals re-bloom. These include fertilizing
"every week with a weak mixture". I suggest
a 20-20-20 fertilizer and use half the
amount of fertilizer that is suggested (the
weak part).
Another thing very important to phals is for
3 weeks let them experience temperature
variations of 15 degrees but not lower than
50 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be done in
the fall by leaving the orchid plant out on
nights when the temp drops. Or if your plant
is indoors crack a window near the plant.
Please don't allow a draft directly on the
plant.
Q: Can I grow orchids
from seed?
A Yes you can but it
is a long and arduous process. It will
take about 3+ years before you see the
beautiful results of your labor.
Starting from seed also requires some
special equipment. It also requires
growing the seedlings in a flask for a
period of time.
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Picture of the Month
Dendrobium Rigidum - A Beauty

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