did you know?

To grow and bloom successfully, orchids require cool nights and warm days. While each genus has specific preferences, there are three general temperature ranges. Cool growers prefer night temperatures of 45° F?55° F and day temperatures of 65° F?75° F; intermediate growers prefer night temperatures of 55° F?75° F and day temperatures of 75° F?85° F; warm growers prefer night temperatures of 60° F?80° F and day temperatures of 85° F?95° F.

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, or 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, moderate humidity, and good air circulation. This orchid thrives in night temperatures of 55F°?60F° and day temperatures of 90F°?95F°.

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:

Low humidity (below 50 percent), may cause flower buds to open and fall off the stems before flowering. Place orchid pots on a tray of stones filled with water to increase humidity levels.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage

garden uses:

• Indoors

other uses: