did you know?

The pansy orchid folds its leaves like an accordion when humidity is too low or when it needs water. The leaves will not recover once right moisture level is restablished, but new growth will resume proper habit.

general maintenance:

Remove entire stalk once flowers have faded. Carefully repot once potting media breaks down, about every 2?3 years.

pests/diseases:

Aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, slugs and snails, spider mites, and whiteflies may occur. Fungal disease and viruses often occur.

controls:

To control aphids, spray with a directed stream of water or apply horticultural-oil spray, following label directions. To control mealybugs and scale, swab with rubbing alcohol. Handpick slugs and snails. Control spider mites and whiteflies with horticultural-oil spray. To treat fungal diseases, remove infected leaves, stems, and roots; increase air circulation and temperature; and reduce watering. Remove and destroy any virally infected plants.

how to sow/plant:

Plant in a free-draining, orchid potting mix of coarse bark, pumice, and sphagnum moss. Place in a shaded location with low, diffused light. Pansy orchids thrive in cool (44°F?55°F) night temperatures and warm (80°F?85°F) day temperatures.

water and fertilize:

Allow potting mix to dry completely between watering. Mist daily to maintain high humidity levels. Fertilize with a general, balanced, soluble fertilizer at half strength biweekly during spring and summer and monthly in fall and winter, or use a specialized orchid fertilizer, following label directions.

garden hint:

While orchids resent direct sunlight, bright, diffused light helps them thrive. Check shadows throughout a single day to test your location. If your plant casts a very defined shadow, you have strong diffused light. If the shadow is fuzzy, you have low diffused light. If there is no perceptible shadow, choose an alternate location.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage

garden uses:

• Indoors

other uses:

• Cut Flower