did you know?

Although the genus includes some 60 species and countless horticultural hybrids. The flowers, which range from green-brown, red, yellow, pink, and white, always have large waxy pouches and stiking upper sepals, variously colored with spots, stripes, veins, and swirls. The flower stucture is so unusual that some taxonomists believe they warrant a new orchid category.

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 55° F?60° F and day temperatures of 70° F?85° F.

water and fertilize:

Maintain uniform moisture. Mist daily to maintain high humidity levels. Apply a soluble high-nitrogen fertilizer biweekly during active growth and monthly at half strength in fall and winter, 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: