Orchids - The Eye...Steven A. Frowine. first started growing orchids under lights when he was in...

OrchidsFOR

DUMmIESpermil

by Steven A Frowine and the National Gardening Association

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C1jpg

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OrchidsFOR

DUMmIESpermil

Orchids For Dummiesreg

Published byWiley Publishing Inc111 River StHoboken NJ 07030-5774wwwwileycom

Copyright copy 2005 by Wiley Publishing Inc Indianapolis Indiana

Published simultaneously in Canada

No part of this publication may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or byany means electronic mechanical photocopying recording scanning or otherwise except as permittedunder Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act without either the prior written permis-sion of the Publisher or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the CopyrightClearance Center 222 Rosewood Drive Danvers MA 01923 978-750-8400 fax 978-646-8600 Requests to thePublisher for permission should be addressed to the Legal Department Wiley Publishing Inc 10475Crosspoint Blvd Indianapolis IN 46256 317-572-3447 fax 317-572-4355 e-mail brandreviewwileycom

Trademarks Wiley the Wiley Publishing logo For Dummies the Dummies Man logo A Reference for theRest of Us The Dummies Way Dummies Daily The Fun and Easy Way Dummiescom and related tradedress are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley amp Sons Inc andor its affiliates in the UnitedStates and other countries and may not be used without written permission All other trademarks are theproperty of their respective owners Wiley Publishing Inc is not associated with any product or vendormentioned in this book

LIMIT OF LIABILITYDISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY THE PUBLISHER AND THE AUTHOR MAKE NO REP-RESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CON-TENTS OF THIS WORK AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES INCLUDING WITHOUTLIMITATION WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE NO WARRANTY MAY BE CREATEDOR EXTENDED BY SALES OR PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS THE ADVICE AND STRATEGIES CONTAINEDHEREIN MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR EVERY SITUATION THIS WORK IS SOLD WITH THE UNDER-STANDING THAT THE PUBLISHER IS NOT ENGAGED IN RENDERING LEGAL ACCOUNTING OR OTHERPROFESSIONAL SERVICES IF PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED THE SERVICES OF A COMPE-TENT PROFESSIONAL PERSON SHOULD BE SOUGHT NEITHER THE PUBLISHER NOR THE AUTHORSHALL BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES ARISING HEREFROM THE FACT THAT AN ORGANIZATION ORWEBSITE IS REFERRED TO IN THIS WORK AS A CITATION ANDOR A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF FURTHERINFORMATION DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE AUTHOR OR THE PUBLISHER ENDORSES THE INFORMA-TION THE ORGANIZATION OR WEBSITE MAY PROVIDE OR RECOMMENDATIONS IT MAY MAKEFURTHER READERS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT INTERNET WEBSITES LISTED IN THIS WORK MAY HAVECHANGED OR DISAPPEARED BETWEEN WHEN THIS WORK WAS WRITTEN AND WHEN IT IS READ

For general information on our other products and services please contact our Customer Care Departmentwithin the US at 800-762-2974 outside the US at 317-572-3993 or fax 317-572-4002

For technical support please visit wwwwileycomtechsupport

Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats Some content that appears in print maynot be available in electronic books

Library of Congress Control Number 2004117701

ISBN 0-7645-6759-4

Manufactured in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

1BRQQSQVIN

01_567594 ffirsqxd 12405 850 PM Page ii

About the AuthorsSteven A Frowine first started growing orchids under lights whenhe was in high school Since then his love and sometimes obses-sion for orchids has continued to grow He has tended orchids pro-fessionally as a horticulturist when he worked in Hawaii at theNational Tropical Botanical Garden and at Missouri BotanicalGarden where he was Chairman of Indoor Horticulture and man-aged one of the largest orchid collections in the United States mdashover 10000 plants Steversquos greatest pleasure from orchids thoughhas been growing them in his own home under lights and in win-dowsills which he has done now for over 40 years

Steve has a BS and MS in horticulture from Ohio State Universityand Cornell respectively He has had a long and rich career workingas a professional horticulturist for premier botanical gardens in theUnited States and as an executive at top horticultural businessesincluding W Atlee Burpee Company White Flower Farm andInternational Gardening Products Steve is sought out as a lecturerand has delivered hundreds of lectures throughout the country Hispresentations are noted for his excellent photography his knowl-edge of the subject and his sense of humor He has appeared onvarious national TV shows and writes extensively authoring manyarticles for horticultural trade and consumer magazines Hissecond book Fragrant Orchids will be released in the fall of 2005

Steve is now president of his own horticultural consulting firmwhere he works with various horticultural companies on marketingand public-relations issues

The National Gardening Association (NGA) founded in 1972 is anational not-for-profit leader in plant-based education Its mission isto promote home school and community gardening as a means torenew and sustain the essential connection between people plantsand the environment For more information on the NationalGardening Association visit its Web site at wwwgardenorg

01_567594 ffirsqxd 12405 850 PM Page iii

DedicationTo my mother Janet and my late father Samuel who encouragedme to pursue in my life and work what I loved and believed in

To my loving wife Sascha who shares my passions and toleratesmy obsessions

Authorrsquos AcknowledgmentsMany thanks are extended to Glen Decker who served as the tech-nical editor for this book It is comforting to have someone withGlenrsquos extensive experience and knowledge pore over my manu-script and lend his constructive helpful criticism as well as makesure the information presented rings true To my Project EditorElizabeth Kuball who greatly helped to mold and shape this bookto be the best it could be and to Tracy Boggier my AcquisitionsEditor who helped me pitch this book to the folks at Wiley morethanks

I am also appreciative to the National Gardening Association whichdoes admirable good works and specifically to Larry Sommers andCharlie Nardozzi of this organization for giving me the opportunityto produce this book

The American Orchid Society The Orchid Digest and theInternational Phalaenopsis Society deserve a round of applause forthe world-class publications they produce and the information theydisseminate to the legends of new and veteran orchid lovers I havemade frequent use of all of them for many years

The orchid community of amateur and professional growers andorchid societies who inform members and put on orchid showsget accolades for their dedication and efforts Many have beenimmensely helpful to me

Lastly I want to thank my wife Sascha for her patience in puttingup with me pounding away at the keyboard for seemingly countlessdays evenings and weekends and to my dogs Ginger and Zoewho always provided pleasant company and never complained(unless I didnrsquot feed them on time)

01_567594 ffirsqxd 12405 850 PM Page v

Publisherrsquos AcknowledgmentsWersquore proud of this book please send us your comments through our Dummies online regis-tration form located at wwwdummiescomregister

Some of the people who helped bring this book to market include the following

Acquisitions Editorial and Media Development

Project Editor Elizabeth Kuball

Acquisitions Editor Tracy Boggier

Technical Editor Glen Decker

Editorial Manager Michelle Hacker

Editorial Supervisor Carmen Krikorian

Editorial Assistants Courtney AllenNadine Bell

Cover Photos copy ChromaZone ImagesIndex Stock ImageryPictureQuest

Cartoons Rich Tennant wwwthe5thwavecom

Composition

Project Coordinator Adrienne Martinez

Layout and Graphics Karl BrandtAndrea Dahl Joyce HaugheyStephanie D Jumper Barry OffringaJacque Roth Heather RyanBrent Savage Rashell Smith

Proofreaders Laura Albert Leeann HarneyJessica Kramer TECHBOOKSProduction Services

Indexer TECHBOOKS Production Services

Publishing and Editorial for Consumer Dummies

Diane Graves Steele Vice President and Publisher Consumer Dummies

Joyce Pepple Acquisitions Director Consumer Dummies

Kristin A Cocks Product Development Director Consumer Dummies

Michael Spring Vice President and Publisher Travel

Brice Gosnell Associate Publisher Travel

Kelly Regan Editorial Director Travel

Publishing for Technology Dummies

Andy Cummings Vice President and Publisher Dummies TechnologyGeneral User

Composition Services

Gerry Fahey Vice President of Production Services

Debbie Stailey Director of Composition Services

01_567594 ffirsqxd 12405 850 PM Page vi

Contents at a GlanceIntroduction 1

Part I Welcoming Orchids into Your Life 7Chapter 1 Getting the Lowdown on Orchids 9Chapter 2 Choosing the Right Orchid for You 23Chapter 3 Having the Right Tools on Hand 33Chapter 4 How I Love Thy Orchid Enjoying the Orchidrsquos Beauty 47

Part II The Basics of Orchid Parenthood 57Chapter 5 Providing the Right Growing Environment 59Chapter 6 Watering and Fertilizing Orchids 77Chapter 7 The ABCs of Potting Materials Containers and

Repotting 91Chapter 8 Two Four Six Eight Let Your Orchids Propagate

Multiplying Your Orchids 103Chapter 9 Keeping Your Orchids Pest- and Disease-Free 111

Part III The Best Orchids for Rookies 123Chapter 10 Moth Orchids and Their Relatives The Best Choice

for Beginners 125Chapter 11 The Quintessential Orchids Cattleyas and Their

Relatives 147Chapter 12 Slipper Orchids 169Chapter 13 Dancing Ladies Oncidiums and Their Relatives 191Chapter 14 Significant Others 213

Part IV The Part of Tens 227Chapter 15 The Ten (or So) Easiest Orchids to Grow 229Chapter 16 The Ten Most Common Ways Orchids Are Killed 233Chapter 17 The Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions about

Orchids 237Chapter 18 The Ten Most Common Reasons Why Orchids

Donrsquot Bloom 243

Appendix Resources 247

Index253

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02_567594 ftocqxd 12405 852 PM Page viii

Table of ContentsIntroduction 1

About This Book 1Conventions Used in This Book 2Foolish Assumptions 2How This Book Is Organized 3

Part I Welcoming Orchids into Your Life 3Part II The Basics of Orchid Parenthood 3Part III The Best Orchids for Rookies 3Part IV The Part of Tens 4Appendix 4

Icons Used in This Book 5Where to Go from Here 5

Part I Welcoming Orchids into Your Life 7

Chapter 1 Getting the Lowdown on Orchids 9Understanding What Makes an Orchid an Orchid 9Knowing Where Orchids Come From 11Seeing Why You Should Grow Orchids 12Deciding Which Orchids to Bring into Your Home 13Getting to Know Your Orchids by Name 14

Species orchid names 15Hybrid orchid names 16

Growing Orchids Easy As One Two Three 17January 18February 18March 19April 19May 20June July and August 20September 21October 21November and December 22

02_567594 ftocqxd 12405 852 PM Page ix

Chapter 2 Choosing the Right Orchid for You 23Figuring Out Where to Shop 23

Specialist orchid growers or suppliers 23Your local garden center 24Orchid shows 24Online orchid suppliers 24Home centers and discount stores 25

Considering Your Environment 25Taking temperature readings 26Measuring your light intensity 27Other questions to ask yourself 30

Knowing What to Look for in an Orchid 30Choosing a healthy plant 30Deciding between a blooming plant and a

young plant 31Choosing seed-grown orchids or orchid clones 32

Caring for Your New Orchid 32

Chapter 3 Having the Right Tools on Hand 33Cutting and Pruning Tools 33

Pruners 33Knives and blades 34

Potting Tools and Supplies 35Potting tools 35Potting supplies 36

Watering Accessories 39Water breakers 39Water-flow regulators 40Hoses 41Watering cans 41Sprayers and misters 41Fertilizer injectors 42Deionization and reverse osmosis units 43

Humidifiers Heaters and Ventilation Equipment 44Humidifiers 44Ventilation 45Heating 46Thermometers and hygrometers 46

Chapter 4 How I Love Thy Orchid Enjoying the Orchidrsquos Beauty 47

Caring for Orchids in Their New Home 47If the plant is in bloom 48If the plant is not in bloom 48

Orchids For Dummies x

02_567594 ftocqxd 12405 852 PM Page x

Staking and Grooming Your Blooming Orchids 49Figuring out how to stake 49Helping your orchids look their best 51Displaying orchid plants in your home 52Arranging orchid flowers 53

Part II The Basics of Orchid Parenthood 57

Chapter 5 Providing the Right Growing Environment 59

Let There Be Light 59The ins and outs of light 60Listening to your orchids 62No natural light No problem 65

Humidity Orchidsrsquo Favorite Condition 68Fresh Air Please 71

Ceiling fans 71Oscillating fans 71Muffin fans 72

Some Like It Hot Some Like It Cold Orchid TemperatureRequirements 72

Too-low temperatures 73Too-high temperatures 73

Giving Your Orchids a Summer Vacation 73A shade house 74A portable greenhouse 75Some orchids enjoy hanging out 76

Chapter 6 Watering and Fertilizing Orchids 77Water Water Everywhere Understanding the Art

of Watering Orchids 77The type of pot 78The type of potting material 78The age of the potting material 78Whether the orchid is pot-bound 79The growing environment 79The temperature 79The amount of ventilation 79Whether the orchids are growing or dormant 79The type of orchid 80

Proven Watering Techniques 80Over- or Underwatering Roots Tell the Story 82

Figuring out whether watering is the problem 82Mission Orchid rescue and resuscitation 83

Table of Contents xi

02_567594 ftocqxd 12405 852 PM Page xi

Fertilizers Not Magic Potions 85What to look for in orchid fertilizers 86Types of fertilizers and how to use them 88

Chapter 7 The ABCs of Potting Materials Containers and Repotting 91

Choosing Potting Materials 91Knowing your potting material options 92Figuring out which potting materials are best 93Psst Getting your hands on some not-so-secret

recipes 94If mixing your own is not your thing 95Getting your potting material ready to use 95

Giving Your Orchids a Home Potting Containers 96Repotting Orchids without Fear 97

Knowing when you should repot 99Orchid potting mdash step by step 100

Chapter 8 Two Four Six Eight Let Your Orchids Propagate Multiplying Your Orchids 103

Dividing Your Orchids 103Giving Babies a New Home 105Producing New Plants from Cuttings 107Growing Orchids from Back Bulbs 108

Chapter 9 Keeping Your Orchids Pest- and Disease-Free 111

Preventing Problems Before They Start 112Besting the Bugs 113

Identifying common orchid pests 113Finding safe pest-control measures 117

Is There a Fungus Among Us 120

Part III The Best Orchids for Rookies 123

Chapter 10 Moth Orchids and Their Relatives The Best Choice for Beginners 125

Mirror Mirror on the Wall The Beauty of Moth Orchids 126

Leaves 126Flower shapes 127Flower colors 127Scents 131Size 134Answering the call of the wild 136

Orchids For Dummies xii

02_567594 ftocqxd 12405 852 PM Page xii

Oh Give Me a Home Cultural Requirements 138Relatives of Moth Orchids 138

Africarsquos gift to orchid lovers The Angraecoids 139Vandas and some of their close cousins 142

Chapter 11 The Quintessential Orchids Cattleyas and Their Relatives 147

From the Jungles to Your Home 148Some selected cattleya species 149Some selected laelia species 151Other cattleya relatives 152

The Queens of the Ball Cattleya Hybrids 157Pristine whites 158Purples pinks lavenders and blues 158Hot reds and oranges 159Sunny yellows 160Cool greens 161Bring out the clowns Splash petals and flares 162Fashionable art shades 163

Minicatts 164The key players 164Some of their prized children 166

Chapter 12 Slipper Orchids 169Slipping into a Ladyrsquos Slipper 170

Seeing what ladyrsquos slippers have to offer 170Giving your ladyrsquos slipper a good home 171Getting ladyrsquos slippers to bloom 171

Straight from Nature Bumps Warts Hairs and All 171Paphiopedilum bellatulum 172Paphiopedilum callosum 172Paphiopedilum delenatii 173Paphiopedilum dianthum 173Paphiopedilum fairrieanum 173Paphiopedilum glaucophyllum 176Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum 177Paphiopedilum spicerianum 177Paphiopedilum sukhakulii 177Paphiopedilum venustum 178

One Step Removed from Nature Primary Hybrids 179Some superior primary hybrids 180Marvelous Maudiaes 183Huge and round Modern hybrid ladyrsquos slippers 186A different kind of slipper orchid 187

Table of Contents xiii

02_567594 ftocqxd 12405 852 PM Page xiii

Chapter 13 Dancing Ladies Oncidiums and Their Relatives 191

Taking a Closer Look at the Ladies 191Oncidiums from the wild 191Hybrid oncidiums 194Miniature oncidiums or tolumnia 195

Pansy Orchids Miltonias and Miltoniopsis 197Miltonias 198Miltoniopsis 199

Other Members of the Club The Oncidium Alliance 202Orchid spiders Brassias 202Butterfly orchids Psychopsis 202Sigmatostalix 204Trichopilia 204

Mixing It Up 205

Chapter 14 Significant Others 213A Huge and Interesting Lot Dendrobiums 213

The most popular dendrobiums 213Some other Dendrobiums worth considering 217

Weird and Wonderful Relatives Bulbophyllum 219Orchid Miscellanea All the Rest 222

Catasetum 222Cochleanthes 222Coelogyne 224Cymbidiums 224Lycaste 226Zygopetalum 226

Part IV The Part of Tens 227

Chapter 15 The Ten (or So) Easiest Orchids to Grow 229

Twinkle Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis Twinkle) 229Lady of the Night (Brassavola nodosa) 230Maudiae Ladyrsquos Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum

Maudiae) 230Cockleshell Orchid (Epidendrum cochleatum) 230Sharry Baby Oncidium (Oncidium lsquoSharry Babyrsquo) 231Bird-Beak Orchid (Oncidium ornithorhynchum) 231Marirsquos Song (Laeliocattleya lsquoMarirsquos Songrsquo) 232Fan-Shape Orchid (Cochleanthes amazonica) 232Pansy Orchid (Miltoniopsis santanei) 232

Orchids For Dummies xiv

02_567594 ftocqxd 12405 852 PM Page xiv

Chapter 16 The Ten Most Common Ways Orchids Are Killed 233

Overwatering 233Underwatering 233Too Much Light or Heat 234Leaving Orchid Foliage Wet Overnight 234Too Much Fertilizer 235Improper Use of Pesticides 235Insects 235Purchase of Sick Plants 235Poor Water Quality 236Inadequate Ventilation 236

Chapter 17 The Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions about Orchids 237

Are Orchids Difficult to Grow 237Why Should I Grow Orchids 237Do I Need a Greenhouse to Grow Orchids 238Are Orchids Expensive 238How Long and How Often Will Orchids Bloom 238What Makes an Orchid an Orchid 239Are Orchids Fragrant 239Where Can I See the Best Collections of Orchids 239Are Any Orchids Hardy 240Are Orchids Parasites 241

Chapter 18 The Ten Most Common Reasons Why Orchids Donrsquot Bloom 243

Not Enough Difference between Day and Night Temperatures 243

Too Moist during the Winter 244Too Little Light 244Excessively High or Low Temperatures 244Not Using a Fertilizer or Using One with Too Much

Nitrogen 245Immature Plants 245Too Low Humidity 245Disease Insects or Mice 245Not Enough Water 246Recently Transplanted and Divided 246

Appendix Resources 247Plant Suppliers 247Growing Supplies 250Orchid Societies 251

Index 253

Table of Contents xv

02_567594 ftocqxd 12405 852 PM Page xv

Orchids For Dummies xvi

02_567594 ftocqxd 12405 852 PM Page xvi

Introduction

Believe it or not orchids mdash the most glamorous and spectacularflowering plants in the world naturersquos true masterpieces mdash are

easy to grow You just need to give them what they need And theirrequirements are not difficult to meet mdash adequate light humiditywater and ventilation Sure there are other nuances like fertilizingrepotting insect and disease control but none of these are daunt-ing Irsquove been growing and blooming orchids in my home for almost40 years mdash mostly not in a greenhouse but under lights or on thewindowsill

Helping you achieve success with these glorious plants is mypleasurable mission If you follow the steps I lay out in this bookyou will grow orchids that thrive Everything in this book comesfrom many years of my own trials and errors mdash not from theoriesabout what should happen or what orchids might need Sure Irsquom aprofessional horticulturist but probably more importantly Irsquom ahands-on sometimes fanatical home orchid grower I donrsquot sharewith you anything in this book that I havenrsquot tried myself or amsure that works

Years ago the methods of orchid culture were well-guarded secretshoarded by commercial growers and private estate gardenersThatrsquos not the case here This is a tell-all book where all secretsare revealed So you can now enter this wonderful world of orchidswithout fear knowing that yoursquore armed with the information youneed to be successful and enjoy one of the most rewarding and fas-cinating lifelong hobbies that yoursquoll ever experience mdash growingorchids

About This BookThis book gives you all you need to know to grow appreciateand bloom orchids in your home mdash in a concise easy-to-readmanner This family of plants is so humongous that you may beoverwhelmed by the prospect of choosing and growing one of yourown so I show you only the groups of orchids that are the easierones to grow I also make a point of adding lots of illustrations andphotos (most of which were taken by me) to show you what Irsquomtalking about

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 1

I want you to feel comfortable with these dazzling plants and get toknow them on a personal basis Then yoursquoll be eager to discover alltheir mysteries by slowing down your busy life to savor orchidsrsquoinimitable flowers inhale their sensuous perfumes and observethe unique construction of their roots and leaves

Conventions Used in This BookOrchid names are in Latin which is a challenge for most people(except your high school Latin teacher) to pronounce and remem-ber Donrsquot worry about it Just get into these names graduallyTake some solace in knowing everyone else is struggling withthem too

With such a complex group of plants come names and jargon tomatch This aspect of orchid growing is what scares most peopleoff Donrsquot let this happen to you Theyrsquore just names and wordsthat scientists have assigned to plants because they had to callthem something Think of orchid names as another language thatyou can figure out as you go along mdash with my help In this book Imake the jargon as simple as possible and explain each term in away that is easy to understand

Foolish AssumptionsIn writing this book Irsquove assumed a few things about you andyour experience with orchids At least one of the following appliesto you

Yoursquove seen orchid plants in bloom for sale in the garden sec-tion of your local home-improvement store or garden centerand yoursquove always wanted to give them a try

You purchased your first orchid and are wondering ldquoNowwhatrdquo

You saw orchids at a flower show and you wonder if you cangrow these exquisite flowers in your home

Yoursquove had some orchids for a few years but they donrsquot seemto be doing well and you canrsquot get them to bloom again

Yoursquove grown some other houseplants successfully and arenow ready to move up to orchids

Orchids For Dummies 2

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 2

How This Book Is OrganizedThis book is organized into parts each of which contains severalchapters

Part I Welcoming Orchids into Your LifeIn this part I show you how orchids are different from other plantswhat makes them so appealing and where theyrsquore found in natureYou get tips on how to select the right orchid for you which toolsyou need to grow them and how you can fully enjoy their beautyin your home

Chapter 1 tells you what makes an orchid an orchid where theygrow where theyrsquore found and how theyrsquore named Chapter 2 helpsyou select the orchid thatrsquos just right for you and tells you how togive it basic care for its first days in your home Chapter 3 givesyou a rundown of the tools yoursquoll need to be an amateur orchidgrower Chapter 4 helps you get the most out of displaying yourorchidrsquos beauty in your home

Part II The Basics ofOrchid ParenthoodThis is the nitty-gritty on the basics of orchid care

Chapter 5 gives you the information you need to provide yourorchids with the growing environment that they need to thriveChapter 6 addresses the important topics of watering and fertiliz-ing Chapter 7 eliminates your fears of repotting by giving youthe detailed information you need Chapter 8 guides you throughvarious methods of multiplying the orchids you have Chapter 9shows you simple and safe ways to keep your orchids healthy

Part III The Best Orchids for RookiesHere I introduce you to the most popular and easiest orchid togrow Irsquove included plenty of pictures so you can see what theyactually look like

Introduction 3

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 3

Chapter 10 deals with the easiest of all the orchids the mothorchids I also introduce you to some of its recommended rela-tives Chapter 11 covers the colorful and favorite cattleyas andtheir relatives Chapter 12 covers slipper orchids These areamong the easiest to grow with handsome foliage They have oneof the largest groups of ardent admirers Chapter 13 is about theoncidium group which is rapidly rising in its popularity becauseitrsquos easy to grow and because it produces many fantastically pat-terned flowers Chapter 14 tells you about more orchid gems thatare not quite as common but are worth the search to find

Part IV The Part of TensThis wouldnrsquot be a For Dummies book without a Part of Tens Thisis where you can turn when yoursquore short on time but still want a lotof useful information

Chapter 15 helps you select the easiest orchids to start withChapter 16 tells you the ten most common ways orchids are killedand how to prevent these plights Chapter 17 gives you answers tothe ten most common questions asked about orchids and their cul-ture Chapter 18 informs you about the ten most common reasonsthat orchids donrsquot bloom

AppendixYou may be fortunate enough to be close to an orchid grower orsupplier but if you arenrsquot donrsquot despair mdash I list some excellentmail-order providers in this appendix Some have paper catalogsand others offer their plants online

Although more home centers and garden centers are carryingorchid supplies you may have trouble finding some of these materials For this reason I include some resources that aredependable

Orchid societies offer valuable services from providing placesto meet talk about and display orchids to producing excellentpublications and sources for information In the appendix I alsolist contacts for the key organizations Theyrsquoll lead you if yoursquore soinclined to others

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 4

Icons Used in This BookI use the following icons throughout the book to point out particu-larly important information

When you see this icon you can be sure to find information thatwill make you a more successful orchid grower

This icon points out some common pitfalls you want to steer clearof when growing orchids

This icon highlights information worth remembering when yoursquoreworking with your orchids

Take it or leave it This icon points out information that may helpyou win your next game of Trivial Pursuit or convince you that youcould be the next Jeopardy champion but itrsquos not essential to yourunderstanding the topic at hand

When you see this icon you can be sure to find a particularly fra-grant orchid

Where to Go from HereThis book is set up in digestible stand-alone pieces Pick out sec-tions that interest you most and read them first You can bouncearound in the book any way you please

If you already have orchids but are having difficulties growingthem you may want to start out with Part IV It gives you quickanswers to common problems

Trying to decide which orchid you should start with Look atChapters 2 and 15 To get jazzed about orchids check out the section of color photographs And if you have an orchid that isin dire need of repotting skip right to Chapter 7

Introduction 5

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 5

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 6

Part IWelcoming Orchids

into Your Life

04_567594 pt01qxd 12405 851 PM Page 7

In this part

Growing orchids could change your life mdash forever Ithas for me and many people No other plant family

offers the number and diversity of breathtaking and intrigu-ing flowers that orchids do When you discover that youcan actually grow these exotic plants in your home and thatthey arenrsquot expensive your resistance will be lowered andyour chances of catching the extremely contagious butwonderful obsession or addiction called the ldquoOrchid Bugrdquoare high

In England and the rest of Europe in Victorian times thesefabulous plants used to be only for the eyes of royalty orwell-heeled aristocrats because of the one-time astronomi-cal prices that they commanded at flower auctions Theywere grown in elaborate and costly glasshouses usuallyby a staff of professional growers

How times have changed Orchids have entered the main-stream Theyrsquore now the second most popular pot plant inthe world and are gaining quickly on the leader (poinset-tia) Because of new techniques and modern growingmethods award-quality orchids are available to everyoneat prices lower than ever before You can buy an orchidplant in full bloom for less than you would pay for a bou-quet of flowers from the florist

In addition to the orchids of today being less expensivetheyrsquore also much easier to grow Most of them have beenbred to be compact and easy to grow and flower in win-dowsills and under artificial lights Some bloom more thanonce a year and others are fragrant And with thousandsof hybrids and new ones being produced all the timethere is an orchid that will strike anyonersquos and everyonersquosfancy

Join me in this part as I introduce you to this marvelousplant family I show you what makes an orchid an orchidwhy you just have to give these exceptional plants a tryand help you make decisions about which orchids are bestfor you and your growing space This is going to be a funjourney so letrsquos begin

04_567594 pt01qxd 12405 851 PM Page 8

Chapter 1

Getting the Lowdown on Orchids

In This Chapter Getting to know orchids

Deciding whether orchids are right for you

Knowing what to do for your orchids each month of the year

Yoursquore about to enter the wonderful world of orchids Yoursquore instore for an exciting adventure This is the largest plant family

on our planet with an estimated 30000 wild types (species) andmany more man-made varieties No other plants can compete withorchids for their power to seduce and bedazzle the most jaded plantlover with their fantastically beautiful flower colors shapes andtextures and heady and sensuous perfumes

Understanding What Makes an Orchid an Orchid

You can easily tell when a rose is rose but orchids are quite a bitmore complex and varied when it comes to their flower shapes andthe construction of their leaves stems and roots In Part III I giveyou lots of information on flower leaf and stem construction ofspecific orchids In this chapter I talk generalities

Certainly the flamboyant colors of modern orchid hybrids are astandout and are the primary reason these plants are so treasuredBut there are so many different types of orchid flowers so the ques-tion is ldquoWhich one is typicalrdquo There is really no correct answer tothis question Many people think of the cattleya-type orchids (seeChapter 11) while others may picture moth orchids (see Chapter 10)

To get a better idea how orchid flowers are constructed take alook at a typical cattleya flower and compare it to a more ordinary

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 9

flower a tulip (see Figure 1-1) Table 1-1 shows some of the majordifferences between these two flowers

So what makes an orchid an orchid The column This fused sexualstructure located in the middle of the flower is what separates theorchid from all other plants

Figure 1-1 Comparing a cattleya flower with a tulip flower

Table 1-1 Differences between Tulip and Orchid FlowersFlower Part Tulip Orchid

Petals The most obvious part of A very prominent part of the flower the flower and what makes but comprises only half of the showa tulip look like a tulip

Sepals Hardly noticeable in the Very striking in many orchid flowers tulip flower especially Can be as brightly colored as the after they open petals

Lip or Not found in the tulip Usually a very showy part of the labellum orchid flower Actually a modified

petal

Anther and The two sexual parts of the These separate organs are not stigma tulip The anthers are male found in the orchid instead orchids

reproductive organs and the have a column in which the male stigma is the female part and female parts are fused

Column Not found in tulip Only found in orchids

1 Petal2 Lip

3 Sepal4 Stigma5 Anther6 Column

Tulip Cattleya

11

23 3

341 1 1

3 3

6

55 5555 55

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 10

Knowing Where Orchids Come From

About 80 percent of orchids are from the tropics in both the NewWorld (Central and South America) and the Old World (Asia andMalaysia) A smattering can be found in North America andEurope

The ones that grow in your home though are all of tropical orsemitropical origin They mostly hail from areas of high rainfall andhumidity and enjoy tropical to above-freezing temperatures duringthe winter

Orchids are divided into two major categories based on wherethey grow Those that are commonly found clinging to branchesof trees are called epiphytes those that thrive growing on or in theground are called semiterrestrials and terrestrials

So how can you tell the difference between the two Many of theterrestrial roots are hairy like those found in the slipper orchid(see Figure 1-2) Epiphytes have thick roots (called aerial rootsbecause theyrsquore frequently suspended in the air) which are cov-ered with a silvery material called velamen which can absorbmoisture from the air like a sponge (see Figure 1-3)

Figure 1-2 Terrestrial and semiterrestrial orchids like most slipper orchids frequently have hairy roots

Terrestrial OrchidRoots

Roots of paphiopedilumspecies are covered bya thick coat of hairs

Chapter 1 Getting the Lowdown on Orchids 11

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 11

Figure 1-3 Epiphytic orchids have thick roots covered with silver velamen

Seeing Why You Should Grow Orchids

Growing and studying orchids will provide you the ultimate horti-cultural experience and pleasure Here are some key reasons tostart growing orchids now

Growing orchids is fun Thatrsquos the most important motive

Orchids are easy to grow See Chapter 5 for tips on how to besuccessful

You can start with beginner orchids that any newcomer canbe wildly successful with See Chapter 15 for some plants tostart you off

Orchids cost less than they ever have and you can easilyselect just the right one for you See Chapter 2 to make thisprocess a snap

No group of flowering plants comes close to the deliciousperfumes that orchids emit Pay attention to the Fragranceicon used throughout this book to find the most-fragrantorchids

Orchids are available from ldquoboxrdquo stores specialty growersorchid shows garden centers botanical gardens orchidsocieties and mail-order suppliers See the appendix for alist of suppliers

Aerial rootsEpiphyte Roots

Greenish-brownroot-tip

Silveryvelamen

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 12

Because of the huge diversity of orchids yoursquoll never tire ofthem Yoursquoll always find new ones to try and enjoy Check outthe chapters in Part III for some of the many possibilities

Yoursquoll meet new friends who are as fanatical about theseplants as you are See the appendix for lists of orchid soci-eties to join Their magazines are a marvelous source forinformation and gorgeous pictures These are some of thebest-quality plant magazines in the world

Orchids donrsquot require an expensive greenhouse to growTheyrsquoll be happy with a windowsill or artificial lights SeeChapter 5 for the skinny on how to grow these orchids to perfection in your home

Theyrsquoll beautify your home and life See Chapter 4 for sometips on how to enjoy them to the fullest in your home

Orchids can live forever so as they grow you can divideand multiply them to share with your friends or to trade forother orchids See Chapter 8 for more tips on dividing andmultiplying your orchids

Deciding Which Orchids to Bring into Your Home

Choosing an orchid is an exciting but sometimes confusing deci-sion So many types of orchids so little space In this book I makethis process easy for you

Check out Chapter 2 to walk through some of the steps totake in deciding what orchid will fit in with your home envi-ronment and suggestions of where you can scope out and purchase them

Consider starting your orchid collection with moth orchidsTheyrsquore the most foolproof of all See Chapter 10 for detailsabout these

Next check out slipper orchids another easy group SeeChapter 12

Then if you want to try others look over Chapter 15 for someof the easiest orchids to grow

When yoursquore ready to expand or you want more choicescheck out all the other orchids in Part III

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 13

Getting to Know Your Orchids by Name

Probably one of the most intimidating hurdles that the beginningorchid grower faces is the complex names given to orchids Whenyou realize what an immense group of plants this is yoursquoll sooncome to realize why most orchids are referred to by their Latinname rather than a common name Actually very few orchids evenhave a common name In this book I always use the Latin namebecause thatrsquos the universally accepted name and I add a commonname when there is one

Why do I care that an orchid was awarded

Awarded orchids are the cregraveme de la cregraveme of the orchid world Theyrsquove beendeemed this distinction by trained discriminating orchid judges The AmericanOrchid Society a nonprofit educational organization that is dedicated to the studyof orchids has established the judging criteria Similar organizations serve the samefunction in other parts of the world

At each accredited orchid show a covey of judges carefully examines orchids that areexceptional They use Internet connections to check all existing records of the orchidsbeing judged They look for ones of the same grex or similar parentage to see whathas been awarded in the past to serve as a benchmark of excellence These recordswill reveal which of their parents have been awarded what size and number of flow-ers were on the awarded plants and so on These criteria are then used to decideif these specimens are indeed superior to others of this type and whether theyrsquoreworthy of awards The three award categories used by the American Orchid Societythat yoursquore most likely to encounter are (from highest to lowest)

First Class Certificate (FCC) This is the coveted highest award that only a hand-ful of orchids (10 or 15) receive every year

Award of Merit (AM) Usually a few hundred orchids win this distinction every year

Highly Commended Certificate (HCC) Another few hundred orchids are giventhis level of award

Very few orchids make it through this gauntlet Because of modern cloning techniques(see Chapter 2) you can now obtain these prize winners for your own collection atvery reasonable prices Some types of orchids like the slippers are not yet able tobe cloned so in that case picking out those hybrids with awarded parents is a goodidea Remember It takes the same amount of space to grow a high-quality orchidas it does a poor one so why not grow the best

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 14

If you struggled through high school Latin classes as I did you mayhave thought (and hoped) that this language died with the RomansAlas it is alive and well in the natural-science world and itrsquos thestandard language used to name flora and fauna Yoursquoll start to makefriends with Latin as its use become more familiar and comfortableto you

Taking the name a little at a time makes it easier to digest In thefollowing sections I show you the names one word at a time of aspecies orchid and then a hybrid

Species orchid namesPlants that are sold as they were created by nature not hybridizedby man are referred to as species orchids They have two names thegenus name which comes first and is capitalized and the speciesname which comes second and is lowercase Both names are inLatin so theyrsquore italicized (which is just the way foreign languagesare usually treated)

You may see a third part to the name the botanical variety afterthe species name This is a name given to an orchid that variessomewhat mdash it could be a larger flower or one with slightly differ-ent coloration mdash from the standard species It will be preceded bythe letters ldquovarrdquo and will be in lowercase and in Latin

The genus name is much like your last name and the species nameis like your first name In other words orchid naming is backwardto the way you say your own name If my name were written as anorchidrsquos is I would be Frowine steven

Herersquos an example of the name of a species orchid Cattleya walkeri-ana var semialba Table 1-2 explains the orchidrsquos name

Table 1-2 The Components of a Species Orchid NamePart of Name Name Explanation

Genus name Cattleya The first name of the orchid is the genus andis like your last name Itrsquos always capitalizedand in Latin

Species walkeriana The second name of the orchid is the name species Itrsquos always in lowercase italicized

and in Latin

(continued)

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 15

Table 1-2 (continued)Part of Name Name Explanation

Botanical var semialba Sometimes a third name appears for a variety species orchid This is called a botanical

variety and means this form of this specieshas something special about it (for exampleflower shape or color) that separates it fromthe more common form of the species Thisname is in lowercase italicized and in Latin

Hybrid orchid namesOh it would be so simple if naming stopped here but man gotmixed up in all this and started developing hybrids Hybrids resultfrom crossing two species (taking the pollen from one orchid to useit to ldquomaterdquo with another) A marvelous thing happens when twodifferent species of orchids are crossed or mated to each otherTheir progeny is usually stronger easier to grow and frequentlyproduces larger flowers than either of its parents mdash which is whyhybrids are so desirable and popular

Herersquos an example of a hybrid orchid name Brassocattleya CynthialsquoPink Ladyrsquo HCCAOS (See the color section for a photograph ofthis orchid) Table 1-3 breaks down the name and explains its vari-ous parts

Table 1-3 The Components of a Hybrid Orchidrsquos NamePart of Name Name Comments

Genus Brassocattleya This genus combines two different genera mdashBrassavola and Cattleya mdash to result in theman-made name of Brassocattleya Thename is capitalized in Latin italicized andfrequently abbreviated Bc

Species None This is a hybrid that has several differentspecies in its parentage so no single one islisted When an orchid hybrid comes fromjust one species the species name will alsobe listed lowercase in italics and in Latin

Grex Cynthia All the resulting progeny from this cross aregiven a name thatrsquos known as a grex Think ofthis as you and all your siblings having a labelThe grex is always written in a language otherthan Latin is capitalized and is not in italics

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 16

Part of Name Name Comments

Cultivar lsquoPink Ladyrsquo This is a selection from this grex that was (cultivated deemed in some way superior to the other variety) members of the progeny This name is always in

any language other than Latin is capitalizedis not italicized and is in single quotes Thereare frequently several or more cultivars in agrex Think of the cultivar as one of your par-entsrsquo children Yoursquore all labeled with a grexbut the cultivar is you in particular

Award HCCAOS Highly Commended Certificate from the Designation American Orchid Society (See the nearby

sidebar ldquoWhy do I care that an orchid wasawardedrdquo for more information on thesedesignations)

Orchid hybridizing can produce plants with quite complex namesespecially in some of the very large groups like the cattleyas (seeChapter 11) and the oncidiums (see Chapter 13) In these chaptersI deal with their names in more detail

You donrsquot have to be an expert in orchid names in order to enjoyand grow orchids Yoursquoll catch onto many other name nuancesafter yoursquore drawn further into the orchid web For now donrsquotworry about them much mdash theyrsquore only names

Turn to the Cheat Sheet at the front of this book for a list of commongenera names that yoursquore likely to run into along with their abbre-viations and pronunciations Tear out the Cheat Sheet and take itwith you when you go shopping for orchids

Growing Orchids Easy As One Two Three

To be successful in growing orchids just follow these suggestions

Know the environment you have to offer your orchids andmatch this with the orchids that fit See Chapter 5 for moreinformation on your growing environment

If necessary modify your growing area to help your orchidsperform to their best Check out Chapter 5 for information onhow to do this

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 17

For the most common questions and problems check out Part IV

Beyond choosing the right orchid for your environment you haveto pay attention to the time of the year to know what your orchidneeds In the following sections I give you a rundown of the yearmonth by month Note You canrsquot be too exact with the timing ofthis care schedule because the United States is a vast countrywith climates from the cold north country to semitropics

JanuaryThis is a period of cold short days and low light so orchids donrsquotgrow much in such times Fortunately many moth orchids slipperorchids and some other cattleyas and their relatives will be buddingup getting ready to show off their splendiferous blooms very soon

For orchids such as some of the dendrobiums cattleya speciesand deciduous orchids like the catasetums this is a time ofrest so yoursquoll want to reduce your watering

Keep the humidity high with good air movement

If you are using well water warm it up to room temperaturebefore using it on your orchid plants Ice-cold water can causeforming buds to drop and may stunt new growth

Donrsquot put your orchids too close to the windowpanes or theleaves could be damaged by the cold

Apply very little fertilizer The orchids wonrsquot need it

FebruaryThis is another dark month but the days will be getting longer andbrighter which should cause an increase in growth

Toward the end of this month increased light may mean youhave to be careful with your orchids that require less lightlike the slippers and moth orchids so they donrsquot get burned

More of your orchids will be showing buds and some espe-cially some of the moth orchids and some of the oncidiumsshould be blooming

Donrsquot overcrowd your plants mdash make sure they receive asmuch light as possible

Provide good air circulation to prevent disease problems

Stake your cymbidiums which should be spiking now

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 18

Donrsquot forget to keep your miltonias and miltoniopsis damp

If yoursquore growing under lights take note of when you lastchanged your bulbs Fluorescent lamps can lose up to 40 per-cent of their light output after several months of use Becausenew growth is starting on orchids this is a good time to changethe lamps so the plants will receive the most light possible

Apply very little fertilizer during this month

MarchFinally signs of spring with longer and brighter days

Be careful that the increased light doesnrsquot heat up too much inyour greenhouse or windowsill Apply shading if necessary

The increased light and warmth of this month will mean anacceleration of growth Sprouting new roots should be moreevident

This is the beginning of the show for many orchids Many catt-leyas moth orchids slipper orchids and oncidiums will bestarting to bloom

As the days get brighter and warmer you can resume yourregular fertilizing schedule

This month and next are prime times to check out orchidshows in your area

AprilIn April many orchids will be in glorious flower

Yoursquoll probably have to increase the frequency of your water-ing because of the new plant growth

As soon as you see new roots emerging in cattleyas this isthe time to repot Do it before the roots grow a few inches (5 cm) long

Many other orchids showing new growth can also be repottedat this time

Be on the lookout for bugs The warmer temperatures causethem to hatch out

Dormant orchids should be showing new growth now so youcan resume your regular watering schedule

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 19

If you didnrsquot apply shading on your greenhouse last month itmay be needed now

A gauze curtain may be needed to soften the light for orchidsgrowing in a south window

Check out orchid shows in your area

MayGrowth will continue at full speed this month This is anotherprime month for orchid flowering

More frequent watering and fertilizing will be called for

If yoursquore in a northern climate move some plants to a shadedprotected spot outdoors by the end of this month but becareful not to do this too quickly Orchids that prefer it warmlike moth orchids donrsquot appreciate being too chilled at nightnot below around 65degF (18degC)

Increase your ventilation to remove excess hot air and pre-vent fungal disease spotting on the flowers

This is usually an opportune time to repot most of your slip-per orchids because they should be in active growth nowAlso repot moth orchids and their vandaceous relativesAttend to this right after theyrsquove flowered

Continue your fertilizing program to strengthen new growth

June July and AugustTemperatures are starting to heat up now Some orchids like a fewof the summer blooming hybrid cattleyas oncidiums and slipperorchids will be in flower

Be sure your windowsill or greenhouse doesnrsquot get too hotConsider moving the orchids you have in the south window tothe east window where theyrsquoll have reduced light and heat

For orchids growing under lights make sure your growing areagets plenty of ventilation because it could be getting very warmnow under the lights If you have trouble keeping the tempera-tures low enough consider summering your orchids outsidein a shaded and protected spot Theyrsquoll enjoy the vacation

This is also a prime time for insect problems If it gets hot anddry be on the lookout for mites If itrsquos wet slugs and snails willbe a plague Aphids and scale can show up anytime If you needto spray do it in the morning when it is cool and be sure theorchids are well watered before you spray

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 20

The orchids should now be responding to your earlier repot-ting efforts with new root growth

Repot miltonias Remember They like to be pot-bound sodonrsquot put them in too large of a pot

SeptemberCool evenings and shorter days are signs of the change of seasonMany of the hybrid vandas will be at their blooming peak thismonth Buds will be showing up for the fall-blooming cattleyasoncidiums dendrobiums angraecums and moth orchids and slipper orchids

If yoursquore in a cold climate this is the month to bring indoorsany plants that have been summering outside Before doingthis check them closely for pests If spraying is called fordoing so is much easier while the plants are outdoors

These cooler nights are very beneficial for setting flower budsand spikes

Start cutting back on the frequency of watering deciduousorchids like catasetums (which will have yellowing foliage atthis time of year)

This is the time to remove shade on the greenhouse in mostparts of the country

Move orchids that require a lot of light from the east windowback to the southern exposure

OctoberSome cattleya species and their relatives and hybrids will be inbloom now So will some moth orchid species and hybrids andoncidiums

As days continue to shorten and the angle of light gets lowerin the sky position the orchids in your windowsill and green-house so that they capture the most light

For greenhouses and windowsills be sure your glass or glaz-ing surface is clean This can make a real difference in lighttransmission

Growth will start to slow on many orchids from lower temperatures and light so reduce watering and fertilizingaccordingly

Get ready for winter Insulate your greenhouse Get a standbyemergency propane heater

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 21

November and DecemberFlowering spikes will be showing up on some moth orchids slip-pers and oncidiums Some of the nobile-type dendrobiums will bestarting to show buds Low light short days and cold temperaturesbring most orchid growth to a stop or at least a crawl Yoursquoll seemore growth on plants grown under lights than in a greenhouse oron a windowsill because of the additional light that can be provided

For cold parts of the country November is the last month tosafely purchase mail-order plants before it gets so cold thatthere will be a higher risk chance for freeze damage in transitThis a great time to visit orchid nurseries to pick out holidaypresents for your orchid growing friends (or yourself)

Put orchids that require more light like vandas in a brightwindow close to the lights or high in the greenhouse toexpose them to as much light as possible

Water in the early part of the day to ensure that there is nostanding moisture on the leaves In cold damp weather espe-cially such moisture can cause disease outbreaks

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 22

Chapter 2

Choosing the Right Orchid for You

In This Chapter Finding orchids for sale

Deciding which orchid to buy

Picking out a healthy orchid

Caring for your new arrival

One of the main reasons some people fail with orchids is thatthey simply choose the wrong ones Considering that there are

thousands of different kinds of orchids itrsquos easy to see how peoplemay not know which one to buy To be successful you need tochoose a dependable supplier healthy plants and the type of orchidthat fits your growing area In this chapter I walk you through theimportant questions to ask yourself and your supplier so you endup with the orchid that will be just right in your growing spot

Figuring Out Where to ShopFinding orchid suppliers used to be difficult unless you were luckyenough to live in a very warm area like Southern California orFlorida Nowadays because orchids have skyrocketed in popular-ity you can find them for sale in myriad places In the followingsections I fill you in on your supplier options

Specialist orchid growers or suppliersAn orchid specialist is always my first choice when Irsquom buyingorchids Reputable suppliers in this category have been sellingorchids for many years before it was the chic thing to do Almostall of them are orchid fanatics whose hobby grew totally out ofcontrol mdash so they were forced to either stop buying more orchids

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 23

or start up a business They know everything about their plants mdashwhere they came from their attributes and how to grow themThey almost always have the largest selection and cater to both thebeginner and sophisticated experienced growers They love to helpother people discover the pleasure of growing orchids and are fullof helpful information

The only disadvantage of specialist growers or suppliers is that youmay not have one near where you live Of course that doesnrsquot haveto be a deterrent It just means yoursquoll need to do some planning andsearch out these growers so you can take your own orchid-buyingsafari

Turn to the appendix for a short list of some of my favorite special-ist orchid growers and suppliers

Your local garden centerHaving a local orchid source is very convenient both for buyingthe plants and for information on growing Today garden centersoffer more unusual and more interesting plants than ever before mdashand orchids are among these The types of orchids they offer variesgreatly from one garden center to the next

Look for a garden center that specializes in tropical plants andhouseplants Unless the garden center is noted for its orchid offer-ings the selection will probably be limited Search out the typesmentioned in this book especially the moth and slipper orchids

Orchid showsAt orchid shows yoursquoll find dazzling displays of a broad range ofgorgeous orchids Be prepared to be wowed Vendors of orchidsare a regular feature of orchid shows so theyrsquore a great place toshop To find an orchid show in your area check out the variousorchid magazines or search their Web sites (see the appendix)

Online orchid suppliersYou can buy a fine selection of orchids without ever leaving yourhome Most orchid suppliers now have Web sites and some of thesites are very detailed and informative

To get started check out the Orchid Marketplace at httporchidweborgmarketplacehtml and Orchid Mall at wwworchidmallcom Each of these sites provides many links to various orchid-grower Web sites If you already know what types of orchids you

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 24

want you can use a search engine (such as Yahoo or Google) tosearch for them by type or name

If you use the Latin name when searching for plants on the Webnot the common name yoursquoll get many more hits In other wordsinstead of searching for ldquomoth orchidsrdquo search using its Latin namePhalaenopsis Check out wwwchebuctonscarecreationorchidcongressengnamehtml for lists of the Latin names withtheir English common names

Home centers and discount storesBecause orchids have had such a meteoric rise in popularity homecenters and discount stores now frequently stock a limited selec-tion of them The good news They usually carry the orchids thatare easy to grow The bad news Getting information at these storesis difficult But if yoursquore shopping for your first inexpensive orchidand if you donrsquot have easy access to a garden center or orchidgrower these are good places to start

When shopping for plants at home centers and discount stores findout what day of the week their weekly shipments come in Thatrsquosthe day you want to be there to get the best quality and selection

Considering Your EnvironmentWhen you go to shop for orchids you can very easily get carriedaway The excitement of the moment can completely win overrational plant selection Few beginning orchid growers take thetime to consider their environment before they buy Unfortunatelyif you do this you may end up bringing home a gorgeous orchidthatrsquos completely wrong for you

If possible always choose an orchid that comes close to fittingyour growing area Even though in Part II of this book I give youpointers on how to modify your growing area to make it more suit-able for orchid growth you can only modify your environment somuch For instance an orchid that is commonly found growing infull sun in Hawaii probably wonrsquot take well to a windowsill duringthe winter in low-light areas like New England And an orchid fromthe cloud forest that is drenched with almost constant rainfall andvery high humidity probably wonrsquot be happy and bloom in the hotdry air of Arizona

In the following sections I help you assess your environment soyou can be confident that yoursquoll pick out a stunning orchid that isright for you and that will thrive where you live

Chapter 2 Choosing the Right Orchid for You 25

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 25

Taking temperature readingsBefore you bring home an orchid you need to consider the aver-age daytime and nighttime temperatures in summer and winterwhere you live

To determine high and low temperatures indoors get a maximumminimum thermometer that records this information and place itin your growing area (see Chapter 3)

For an idea of what your minimum temperatures are outdoors whereyou live check out the USDA hardiness map at wwwusnausdagovHardzoneushzmaphtml If yoursquore a weather nut like I amyou can use a recording weather station that reads the maximumand minimum temperature humidity wind speed rainfall andbarometric pressure every hour and stores this information so itcan be charted Mine has remote sensors and a wireless connec-tion to my computer

A broad selection of temperature and weather recording instrumentsare available from the orchid-supplies dealers listed in the appendix

When yoursquove determined the average summer and winter tempera-tures in your area turn to Table 2-1 which lists some of the mostcommon types of orchids by temperature requirements Noticethat some orchids are adaptable enough to fit into more than onetemperature range

When orchid publications refer to temperature preferences theyalways mean the evening temperature The daytime temperature isusually about 15degF (95degC) higher than the evening temperature

Table 2-1 Orchid Temperature PreferencesTemperature (Nighttime Minimum) Genus

Cool (45degFndash55degF72degCndash128degC) CymbidiumDendrobiumOdontoglossum

Cool (45degFndash55degF72degCndash128degC) to CymbidiumIntermediate (55degFndash60degF128degCndash156degC) Dendrobium

EncycliaMasdevalliaMiltoniopsisZygopetalum

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 26

Temperature (Nighttime Minimum) Genus

Intermediate (55degFndash60degF128degCndash156degC) AerangisCattleya and hybridsCymbidiumDendrobiumEncycliaEpidendrumLaeliaMaxillariaMiltoniaOncidiumPaphiopedilumPhragmipediumVandaZygopetalum

Intermediate (55degFndash60degF128degCndash156degC) Aerangisto Warm (65degF183degC or higher) Amesiella

AngraecumAscofinetiaBrassavolaCattleyaDendrobiumEncycliaEpidendrumNeofinetiaNeostylisOncidiumRhynchostylisVandaVascostylis

Warm (65degF183degC or higher) AngraecumPhalaenopsisVanda

Measuring your light intensityJust as important as temperature is the amount of light your orchidwill get Orchids that thrive in high light need several hours of directsunlight (preferably in the morning to early afternoon) while thosethat thrive in lower light will perform with less direct and more dif-fused light in a windowsill or under lights See Chapter 5 for moredetails

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 27

Will you be growing the plants under artificial lights Most lightsetups consist of multiple florescent lamps and can provide ade-quate illumination for medium- to lower-light orchids High-intensity-discharge lamps are capable of much more light output but can beexpensive to operate and generate quite a bit of heat For moredetails see Chapter 5

How bright is your light Figure 2-1 illustrates a simple yet effectiveand reasonably accurate method for determining the intensity ofyour light

Figure 2-1 The shadow test is a simple and reasonably accurate way to measure light intensity

After you determine your light levels turn to the following sectionswhich list orchids by the amount of light they need Remember tokeep in mind temperature (see the preceding section)

Bright lightThe following orchids require a bright greenhouse a very brightsouth-facing window or very-high-output (VHO) fluorescent lamps(which require specialized ballasts to operate) or metal halide lamps

Angraecum

Some varieties of Cymbidium

Some varieties of Dendrobium

Vanda

Medium lightThe following orchids need a shaded greenhouse an east-facingwindow or a four-tube 40-watt florescent light fixture

Bright light Medium light Low light

1 ft (30 cm)

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 28

Amesiella

Ascocenda

Ascocentrum

Ascofinetia

Brassavola

Brassia

Cattleya and hybrids

Epidendrum

Laelia

Leptotes

Masdevallia

Miltonia

Miltoniopsis

Neofinetia

Neostylis

Odontoglossum

Oncidium

Paphiopedilum (strap-leaf multiflorals)

Phragmipedium

Rhynchostylis

Zygopetalum

Low lightThe following orchids do well with a low level of light easily attainable with two 40-watt florescent lamps or on an east-facingwindowsill

Paphiopedilum (not including strap-leaf multiflorals)

Phalaenopsis

All orchid seedlings

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 29

Other questions to ask yourselfIn addition to considering temperature and light you want to askyourself the following questions

Does the growing area have moist (humid) air or is the airvery dry If it is already humid (50 percent or greater) itrsquosperfect If not your orchids will be happier with moister airSee Chapter 5

How much space do you have to grow orchids If you haveplenty of head room you can grow some of the taller orchidslike cane dendrobiums and full-size cattleyas If space is ata premium search out very compact or miniature growersPart III gives you plenty of choices for plants of all sizes

When do you want your orchids to bloom Spring summerfall or winter In the evening or during the day Armed withthis information you can pick those orchids that will be inbloom in the season and time of day of your choice

Do you have air circulation in the growing area Most homeshave adequate air circulation but if your orchids are going tobe located in the basement or some other spot where the air isstagnant yoursquoll want to consider a fan of some type to providethem with fresh air See the ventilation section in Chapter 5 formore information

When yoursquore armed with this information yoursquoll be better pre-pared to choose an orchid that will thrive

Knowing What to Look for in an Orchid

After you consider your environment yoursquore ready to go shoppingYou have an idea of which types of orchids will work best whereyoursquoll be growing them and now you just need to look at a fewthings such as the plantrsquos health and age I fill you in on these fac-tors in the following sections

Choosing a healthy plantPicking out a healthy orchid plant is essential Even in the best ofcircumstances the orchid that you bring home will have to adaptto changes in its environment A strong robust plant has a muchbetter chance of surviving this ordeal than a weak plant does

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 30

Herersquos a checklist of things to look for when you select an orchid

Look carefully at the leaves They should be stiff not shriv-eled or dehydrated They should also have a healthy greencolor Brown or black spots on leaves could mean diseaseor they could be harmless if you find spots ask the growerabout them

Look for any signs of insects Most insects hang out on thenew young growth on the flower buds of the plant or on theundersides of the leaves Also check under the pot for snailsor slugs

Examine the exposed roots on top of the potting materialThe roots should be firm and light colored not black softand mushy

Watch out for plants infested with oxalis (which looks likeclover) Oxalis is a pesky weed that is difficult to get rid ofafter itrsquos established It will not directly harm the orchids butit can harbor insects and is a cosmetic distraction

Make sure the plants are labeled Labels will be important to youlater if you want to look up information on growing your particulartype of orchid

Be sure to ask the grower about the temperature light and humid-ity requirements of the orchid yoursquore considering Check out itsultimate size Then match this information with what you knowabout your orchid growing area

Deciding between a blooming plant and a young plantWhen you buy a mature blooming plant you get to see exactlywhat the flower of this orchid is like Because many orchid flowerscan last quite a while yoursquoll be able to enjoy this orchid for weeksafter you bring it home The biggest disadvantage of bloomingplants is that theyrsquore usually the most expensive because theyrsquorein the highest demand

Younger plants mdash ones that are months or even years away fromblooming mdash are much less expensive than their mature counter-parts The joy in choosing these plants is anticipating when theyrsquollbloom and what they may look like

If yoursquore a beginner I recommend that you buy mature plants withbuds or flowers Waiting for immature plants to bloom is somethingyou may enjoy after you have a small collection of the mature ones

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 31

Choosing seed-grown orchids or orchid clonesVery few orchids sold today have been collected from the wildInstead theyrsquove been grown from seed The flower color flowersize and growth habits of these seed-grown plants vary Seed-grown plants are generally very reasonably priced

Cloned orchids also referred to as meristemmed or mericlonedorchids are orchids that have been multiplied from single cellsusually from a plant of very high quality in a flask which is a typeof laboratory bottle The result is that theyrsquore all identical

The advantage of purchasing a cloned orchid is that you candepend on the orchid that you buy being exactly like its parentwhich is frequently an award winner In general these clones are abit more expensive than the others but theyrsquore usually worth it

Caring for Your New OrchidAdding new orchids to your plant collection is exciting but this isalso a time for caution Even though you may have been very care-ful in the selection process your orchid still may be harboringinsect eggs that may hatch or it may have a disease problem thatyou didnrsquot notice before

So to be on the safe side keep your new plant isolated from allyour other plants for at least two to three weeks mdash enough time tosee if any insects appear or a disease shows up If you need to treatyour new plant doing so will be easier when itrsquos separated fromyour other plants

To identify pests and their safest treatment see Chapter 9

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 32

Chapter 3

Having the Right Tools on Hand

In This Chapter Knowing which tools you need

Taking your toolkit to the next level

Every hobby has its tools And just as you need the right sawsand sanders if yoursquore building a cabinet you need the right

tools for growing orchids The amount of tools you need will dependon how serious you are about orchids and haw many of them youhave to care for In this chapter I fill you in on the tools I use

Cutting and Pruning ToolsYoursquoll probably use your cutting and pruning tools more than anyothers Orchids always have a leaf that needs to be trimmed or adead or diseased stem that needs to be cut off These tools arealso used in the repotting process (see Chapter 7) Figure 3-1shows the kinds of tools covered in the following sections

PrunersYoursquoll need different types of pruning tools depending on thethickness of the plant part yoursquore removing

Hand prunersYoursquoll use hand pruners to cut thick creeping stems There arebasically two types of hand pruners An anvil type of hand prunerhas a flat cutting blade and can mash the stem tissue (which isnrsquotwhat you want) I much prefer the other type of hand pruner mdash thebypass type which has a curved blade (refer to Figure 3-1) It makescleaner and closer cuts

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 33

ScissorsAll scissors are not created equal I prefer those that are designedfor bonsai or flower arranging (like the scissors shown in Figure 3-1)Theyrsquore extremely sharp and have large comfortable vinyl handgrips Some are made of high-carbon steel that hold an edge for along time Others are constructed of stainless steel and offer theadvantage of not rusting The smaller scissors are really handy forfinesse work like removing spent flower spikes as close as possi-ble to the foliage and trimming delicate leaves The heavier onesare ideal for cutting thick stems

Figure 3-1 Cutting tools mdash from left to right thin knife two pairs of scissors bypass hand pruners single-edge razor blade and folding pruning saw

Knives and bladesKnives and blades can come in very handy but choosing the righttype is important In the following sections I guide you through thetypes available

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 34

KnivesKnives are used most often to circle the inside of the pot to removethe plant when its roots are packed into its container especiallywith clay pots (You can usually cut plastic pots with sharp scissorsalong the length of the pot to remove the plant) A very-thin-bladedknife like the type used for filleting fish (refer to Figure 3-1) is veryhandy because itrsquos easier to maneuver in tight spaces

Razor bladesTo be on the safe side always use the single-edge type of razorblade (refer to Figure 3-1) Theyrsquore perfect for making very precisecuts when trimming edges of leaves or cutting apart divisions ofplants Another great feature of these is that theyrsquore so inexpensivethat you can throw them away after yoursquore done Disposing of usedrazor blades also prevents spreading disease to other plants andsaves you the hassle of sterilizing them

Hand pruning sawUsing a hand pruning saw is bringing out the big gun This tool ismost useful to cut very thick creeping stems when dividing plantsYou can also use them to score the roots when theyrsquore very tightlypacked together or to cut away a very thick plastic pot whenyoursquore transplanting or repotting an orchid

You can find various different types of these saws but the onesthat are compact and folding are most handy I find a small bladedand fine-toothed type often used for cutting bamboo especiallyuseful (refer to Figure 3-1)

Potting Tools and SuppliesThe tools and supplies in this section make the potting processeasier For specific potting techniques and guidelines check outChapter 7

Potting toolsPotting is a combination of force and finesse These tools makethe process easier and more effective

HammersRegular steel-clawed hammers can be useful for breaking clay potscontaining overgrown plants that canrsquot be removed any other wayBut for most purposes a rubber mallet (see Figure 3-2) comes inmore handy Itrsquos used frequently to pound in stakes or clamps thathold newly transplanted or divided orchids in their pots

Chapter 3 Having the Right Tools on Hand 35

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 35

Dibbles and planting sticksGetting the potting material to settle in around the roots of theorchids is important because large air spaces can cause the orchidroots to dry out or not form properly Dibbles (refer to Figure 3-2)and planting sticks are used to push the potting material into theseair spaces

Torches for sterilizing toolsDirty cutting and potting tools can spread diseases Preventing dis-ease by sterilizing any tools that come in direct contact with orchidroot and leaf tissue is always a good idea You can use chemicalsolutions to do this (for instance a 110 ratio of household bleachto water) but chemicals are very corrosive and some are toxicA very simple way to sterilize metal tools is to flame them with apropane or butane torch (see Figure 3-3) Both are available insmall handheld sizes

Potting suppliesThe orchid tag that comes with the orchid or the one you makeyourself contains very important information that you want to pro-tect Knowing the correct name of the orchid is crucial informationwhen yoursquore looking up cultural information Also many times thetag includes the orchidrsquos parentsrsquo names which can also providehelpful cultural clues If you want to enter your orchid in a show itmay be disqualified without proper labeling

Figure 3-2 Potting tools mdash clockwise from top-left rubber mallet dibble potting clamps labels marking pens

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 36

Figure 3-3 This compact lightweight self-striking butane torch is a breeze to use

So the important message is Keep a legible label in the pots of allyour orchids Maintaining a separate list of your orchids is also agood idea To make it easier assign numbers to each of your plantsand place this number on the label This serves as a safety net incase the label is damaged or lost

LabelsMany types of labels are available in all different sizes and colorsWhich size or color you choose is a personal choice mdash the mate-rial theyrsquore made of is a more important consideration Table 3-1lists some pros and cons of each kind of label

Table 3-1 Pros and Cons of Various Types of LabelsType Pros Cons Comments

Metal Lasts many years More expensive Good for very-long- (copper) term use

Not as readily available Is usually thin enough

to mark by indentingwith a pencil

Metal Lasts many years More expensive Good for very-long-(zinc) term use

Not as readily available Can be marked on with

2 lead pencil orengraved

(continued)

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 37

Table 3-1 (continued)Type Pros Cons Comments

Plastic Inexpensive Becomes brittle Recommended for (especially if exposed short-term use only

Available in to sunlight) and then (less than a few years)largest range of breaks very easilysizes and colors Will accept a broad

range of markers

Vinyl Does not get More expensive Probably the best nearly as brittle than plastic overall choiceas plastic

Not as readily Will accept a broad available range of markers

Wood Inexpensive Rots quickly Because it lasts such a short time in damp

Readily available orchid potting materialit isnrsquot recommended

Label markersUsing the right marker can mean the difference between being ableto read the name of the orchid three years after you bought it andnot Table 3-2 lists some advantages and disadvantages of each type

Table 3-2 The Pros and Cons of Various Types of Label Markers

Type Pros Cons Comments

Engraver Lasts forever Slow to use Handy for long-term labels that

Most effective on Difficult to write are exposed tometal labels small letters the elements andespecially zinc chemical sprays

More expensive

Hard to read after a few years

Paint pen Comes in a variety Takes longer to dry My favoriteof colors and than permanent markersthicknesses Available at craft

Must be more care- and art-supply Wonrsquot fade as ful in using them not storesbadly as perma- to smear the paint nent markers before it dries

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 38

Pencil An old-fashioned Not as easy to read Use 2 lead for best but still very effec- as some other legibilitytive marker on markersplastic and vinyl

Can smear

Permanent Easy to find and use Will bleach out Reasonably good to marker in sun use but after two or

Available in many three years may colors and Can also be have to be traced thicknesses affected by over to remain

pesticides legibleMakes dark visible letters Some brands have

more resistance tosunlight than others

Clips and stakesNumerous types of stakes and clamps are used to hold the orchid inits pot when it has been transplanted and its roots are inadequateby themselves to anchor the plant Figure 3-2 shows some samplesof metal stakes Bamboo stakes are also available

Watering AccessoriesMastering the art of watering is one of the critical keys to successin orchid culture (see Chapter 6) These accessories deliver waterand in some cases fertilizer gently and effectively

Water breakersWater breakers are attached to the end of a hose to diffuse thewater and prevent it from washing out the orchid potting material(see Figure 3-4) They deliver a large volume of water but in a verygentle way mdash and they work really well

You can find water breakers that deliver different volumes andwater patterns such as mist fine shower jet or flood Some water-ing heads can be dialed to whichever of these forms you want mdashvery handy

Yoursquore usually better off choosing the water breaker that deliversthe finest steam of water possible This will be most useful for thebroadest range of watering applications

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 39

Figure 3-4 A common type of water breaker

Water-flow regulatorsWater-flow regulators are attached to the hose before the waterbreaker to regulate the volume of water The simplest ones aremanual onoff valves I find the thumb or squeeze valves are easi-est to use more precisely and determine the volume of water youwant to deliver to your orchids (see Figure 3-5)

Figure 3-5 Thumb valves make watering easier

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 40

HosesBuy the best-quality hose you can find The better ones will notkink and will last much longer

If hoses tend to get in the way consider the newer ldquocoilrdquo hosesThey take up much less space and can be attached to a sink spigotAgain buy the best grade you can find mdash the cheaper ones tend tokink very easily

Watering cansMany of the sprinkling or watering cans on the market are close toworthless for using on orchids They deliver too much water too fastand are awkward to use in tight indoor spaces The best type to usefor most situations is one that holds 1frasl2 to 1 gallon (2 to 4 liters) hasa long spout (so you can reach orchids in the back row) and has aremovable water breaker (sometimes called a rose) on the end ofits spout that delivers a very fine stream of water (see Figure 3-6)The watering can may be made of metal or plastic but the waterbreaker should be made of metal preferably a nonrusting one likecopper

Figure 3-6 The most useful watering can is one with a long spout

Sprayers and mistersYou can use sprayers and misters for misting the orchids to tem-porarily increase the humidity to clean the leaves or for applyingpesticides If yoursquore going to use any chemicals in them the plasticsprayers are less prone to being affected by these corrosive mate-rials so theyrsquore a better choice than metal ones

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 41

One type of hand sprayer that Irsquove found particularly effective forapplying insecticides is a teat sprayer because its spray headpoints up instead of straight forward like standard sprayers Theseare actually used to wash off cow udders (hence the name) sotheyrsquore sold at farm-supply stores But for orchid growers theyserve admirably to apply these chemicals to the undersides ofleaves where the bugs usually hang out (see Figure 3-7)

Figure 3-7 A teat sprayer has a nozzle that points up so you can reach under the leaves

Fertilizer injectorsCommercial growers use a device called a fertilizer injector thatldquoinjectsrdquo into the water a small amount of water-soluble fertilizereach time the plant is watered In this way the orchids are con-stantly fed a very diluted amount of fertilizer instead of largeramounts every two weeks or so as is frequently done These unitstend to be on the expensive side and may be a luxury item unlessyou have quite a large number of orchids to fertilize

A much cheaper way around this is to use a simple siphon mixerSeveral brands are on the market but they all work basically thesame You attach the siphon mixer to the spigot before the hose Aflexible hollow rubber tube is inserted into a concentrated solutionof fertilizer When the spigot is turned a suction action created bythe water flowing through the hose draws this concentrate throughthe tubing so it flows into the water in the hose and is diluted whileitrsquos being applied to the orchid plants

Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 42

To get the most benefit from a siphon mixer here are a few tips

Use a completely soluble fertilizer so it wonrsquot plug upthe unit

Use a water breaker that functions with a low volume ofwater The water flow coming out the end of the hose will besignificantly reduced when the siphon mixer is attached

Be sure the unit you have also has a backflow preventerThat way when you turn off the water breaker but not thespigot the back pressure wonrsquot cause the concentrated fertil-izer solution to flush back into your house water or back intoyour fertilizer concentrate

To be on the safe side use the siphon mixer only for apply-ing fertilizers not pesticides

Be careful to dilute the fertilizer to the correct concentrationThese usually inject the fertilizer on a 116 fertilizer-to-waterratio but always read the directions that come with the unit

Deionization and reverse osmosis unitsDeionization and reverse osmosis units are used to purify yourwell or tap water to reduce or eliminate concentrations of saltsthat can be harmful to some particularly sensitive orchids Theunits arenrsquot cheap and can be cumbersome and bothersome touse So before you consider getting one make sure you need it

Here are some things to consider before you buy

If your orchids and other houseplants have been growingthen donrsquot worry about using a deionization or reverse osmo-sis unit Most households can get by with the water they have

If yoursquove had water problems or just want to be on the safeside check with your public water provider to see what theaverage total dissolved solids (TDS) is in your water If youhave your own well yoursquoll need to have a test done at a pri-vate water lab

bull If you have 60 parts per million (ppm) or less of TDS andless than 5 ppm of sodium yoursquore home free Your wateris of good quality for orchids

bull If your water tests at 60 to 120 ppm and you have up to10 ppm of sodium all except the most sensitive orchidsshould be okay but yoursquore on the edge with water quality

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 43

bull If you have readings higher than 120 ppm for TDS or10 ppm of sodium you may have more orchid-growingsuccess if you use better-quality water To do this youcould collect rainwater (you can buy special rain barrelsfor this purpose that hook up to your downspout) orconsider buying a reverse osmosis or deionization unit

If yoursquore on the higher end of the TDS level be particularlycareful not to overfertilize

Humidifiers Heaters andVentilation Equipment

Your home environment is designed to make you not necessarilyyour plants comfortable Fortunately many of your living require-ments are the same as the living requirements for most of theorchids in this book In some cases though yoursquoll need to modifyyour orchidsrsquo growing space to better suit them

HumidifiersThe importance of providing sufficient humidity for better healthfor both you and your orchids is detailed in Chapter 5 To humidifyan entire room there are at least three possible approaches cov-ered in the following sections

Evaporative-pad humidifiersWith these units fans blow across a moisture-laden pad that sits in areservoir of water Evaporative-pad humidifiers are my first choicefor home humidification because

Theyrsquore reasonably priced and readily available

They donrsquot spray the room with droplets of water that cancarry mineral deposits and bacteria

They circulate air at the same time

They only increase the humidity to about 50 to 60 percent(most have an adjustable humidistat which measures humidity)This is a level that is beneficial to plants but not sufficient tocause moisture damage to the house

They require no plumbing and very little maintenance mdash justchange the moisture pads one or two times a season

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 44

Cool-mist humidifiersCool-mist humidifiers can be effective for small areas but with con-stant use they can cause deposits of minerals on leaves and be abacteria carrier

Greenhouse-type foggers or humidifiersIf you have a greenhouse or a very large growing area that reallyneeds a lot of humidity a greenhouse-type fogger or humidifier isfor you These units can be pricey Theyrsquore plumbed into a constantwater supply that is controlled by a float (much like a toilet bowl)The humidity level can be regulated by a separately purchasedhumidistat

VentilationAdequate air circulation is very important in orchid cultureFortunately many convenient and inexpensive pieces of equip-ment do this job admirably Here are some of the best choices

Ceiling fans These are readily available and do a super jobof moving large volumes of air in a figure-8 pattern at a lowvelocity Most of them have reversible motors so they caneither be set to pull the cooler air from the floor (usuallythe summer setting) or push hot air down from the ceiling(usually the winter setting)

Oscillating and standard fans You can find these in all bladesizes and most have variable speeds All will do the job butyoursquore better off getting one with a larger blade size and run-ning it at low speed This will move more air but not at as higha velocity so the plants wonrsquot become dehydrated by a strongair current Also for oscillating types splurge on a better-grademodel that has metal or heavy-duty gears otherwise theyrsquollstrip in short order and yoursquoll then have a stationary fan

Muffin fans These are very small handy fans (3 to 6 inches8 to 15 cm) that are used to cool electronic equipment likecomputers Theyrsquore great for bringing a gentle quiet breezeto a small corner of your growing area You can find them atelectronic or computer-supply stores or in catalogs

For more information on the importance of ventilation and airmovement see Chapter 5

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 45

HeatingIf yoursquore like most people yoursquoll rely on your home heating systemto provide most of the heat for your orchids You can supplementthat with small electric heaters or water-resistant heating matscommonly used to start seeds If yoursquore growing under lights youcan enclose your growing area in plastic film to help retain heatproduced by the lights and ballasts

Thermometers and hygrometersI have to admit and my wife will quickly concur that Irsquom a nut abouttemperature and humidity monitoring Irsquove got remote sensors allover my home that tell me maximum and minimum temperature andhumidity levels each day As I explain in Chapter 5 temperaturedifferentials are important to know about if yoursquore interested in get-ting your orchids to bloom Thanks to modern digital thermometersand hygrometers that are simple to use and not expensive you cankeep track of temperature and humidity with little effort

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 46

Chapter 4

How I Love Thy OrchidEnjoying the Orchidrsquos Beauty

In This Chapter Caring for your orchids in their new home

Staking your orchids when they bloom

Showing off your orchids in your home

Making beautiful orchid flower arrangements

Getting the most mileage out of your orchid flowers

The main purpose for growing orchids is to enjoy theirunmatched beauty in your home In this chapter I walk you

through tips that will make your experiences with orchids moresuccessful and pleasurable

Caring for Orchids in Their New Home

Bringing an orchid plant into its new home can be traumatic forboth the plant and you You have to get to know each other Mostorchids you buy will have come from a very high-light high-humidityenvironment of a commercial greenhouse You bring them intoyour home environment which is usually less bright with lowerhumidity so the plant has to make some adjustments Doing thiswith the least amount of distress is your goal and in this sectionI help you get there

In Chapter 5 I give you the details of routine orchid care but here Iwant to give you some tips that will make the short-term transitioneasier for both of you

08_567594 ch04qxd 12405 851 PM Page 47

If the plant is in bloomHere are some tips that will make the flowers on your new orchidlast longer

Place the plant somewhere in your house thatrsquos bright butwhere it wonrsquot get direct sunlight except possibly in themorning Too much harsh sunlight can bleach out the flowers

Keep the plant on the cool side mdash not above about 75degF(about 24degC) Flowers stay fresher longer this way

Be sure to keep the plant well watered Even though theorchid plant stops growing much when itrsquos in bloom theleaves and flowers still need water

Donrsquot let any bees or flies in the room where your orchidsare blooming If the bees or flies pollinate them the flowerswill collapse afterward

Donrsquot put the plant close to ripe fruit Fruit gives off ethylenegas which can cause flowers to collapse prematurely

Keep your orchid plants away from strong fumes like paintthinners or other pollutants These can cause the blossomsto fade

Donrsquot spray the flowers with water or place the bloomingplant in a room that is highly humid with no air movementThis can cause spotting on the flowers from fungal diseases

If the plant is not in bloomBefore you add your new not-yet-blooming orchid to your collec-tion follow these tips

Look under the leaves and at the younger growth to makesure there are no bugs

To be on the safe side isolate this new plant from your col-lection for at least three weeks This will allow time for hiddeninsect eggs to hatch out

As a further precaution spray the plant thoroughly with aninsecticidal soap Use a paper towel to wipe off the excessspray This will not only kill any soft-bodied insects but willalso clean the leaves

Consider repotting the orchid into your own potting mixThat way yoursquoll be assured that the potting mix is fresh andyoursquoll know its watering requirements

08_567594 ch04qxd 12405 851 PM Page 48

Staking and Grooming YourBlooming Orchids

Orchids deserve to look their best when theyrsquore putting on theirshow Proper staking and grooming can make a big difference inhow orchid flowers appear

Figuring out how to stakeFlowers and spikes of orchids can be heavy and if they arenrsquotstaked properly theyrsquoll open at an awkward and disconcertingangle This can be a distraction because the most interesting andalluring perspective to view orchids is usually the head-on view

Staking techniques vary somewhat with the type of orchid Thetwo major types are the spray orchids like phalaenopsis andoncidiums or those with single flowers or just a few on one spikelike cattleyas and most paphiopedilums

For spray-type orchidsBe sure to start this process before these orchids are actually inflower This will ensure that the flowers are oriented correctlywhen they open Here are the steps I recommend

1 As soon as the flower spike is about 12 inches (30 cm)long insert a vertical bamboo stake (you can get a greenone so it blends in better) close to where the spike origi-nates at the base of the plant (see Figure 4-1)

2 As you insert the stake twist it to work it around roots tominimize damage to them

3 Attach the first tie on the lower part of the spike close tothe first node (the bump in the flower stem)

Use twist-ties or Velcro not sharp string or wire whichcould damage the stem

4 Attach another tie a few inches higher on the flower spike

5 Put additional ties every few inches as the flower spikegrows

6 Place the last tie a few inches below where the firstflower buds are forming

This allows the spike to form a natural arch with the firstflower open at the highest point and the others gracefullyfollowing suit right below that one

08_567594 ch04qxd 12405 851 PM Page 49

Figure 4-1 Staking flower spikes of spray-type orchids like phalaenopsis or oncidiums

Flower spikes always grow in the direction of the strongest lightAfter the flower spike reaches about 12 inches (30 cm) tall and thebuds are starting to form never change the plantrsquos orientation tothe light source If you do the spike will try to reorient itself andyoursquoll end up with a twisted distorted spike with flowers openingin all directions

When the flowers are fully open theyrsquoll stay that way so you canthen move the plant anywhere you want

For single- or few-flowered orchidsStaking these orchids is simpler When the bud or buds start toswell on the flower spike insert a vertical bamboo stake close towhere the spike originates at the base of the plant

Make last tie 2 belowfirst flower bud

Use twist-ties orVelcro to attachspike to bamboostake

08_567594 ch04qxd 12405 851 PM Page 50

Be sure to do this before the flower has opened so that the bud willorient itself to gravity If the flower spike is at an angle the flowerwill adjust itself to open perpendicular to the angle the flower stemis pointing If you tie the spike up after it has opened it will keepits original orientation and will look awkward

In the last few years orchid growers have discovered one of thebest ways to attach upright flowering stems to bamboo or woodstakes spring-operated baby hair clips Theyrsquore available in allcolors are inexpensive and frequently are formed in whimsicalshapes of butterflies or dragonflies which fit well with the orchidlook Plus they work well

Helping your orchids look their bestAfter growing the plants for months on the windowsill underlights or in a greenhouse they can look a little rough around theedges The leaves are probably dusty andor blemished with chem-ical deposits older leaves may be wilted or dead and some of thetips of the leaves may be brown

When the plants are in flower and you want to show them off totheir best in your home or get them ready to exhibit in an orchidshow here are a few suggestions to keep in mind

Clean their leaves A simple way to polish the leaves is withmilk Dampen a paper towel with milk and rub off the blem-ishes This will give a very attractive sheen that is harmless tothe plant

Carefully remove any dead or severely damaged leaves

If yoursquore planning to bring your orchid to a show be surethat you tape to the pot the name of your orchid plus yourown name so that you donrsquot lose the plant Also make a listof what plants yoursquove entered so you have a record

Trim off the brown tips of leaves with very sharp scissorsThe sharper they are the cleaner the cut and the less leaf-tissue damage will result When trimming follow the naturalshape of the leaf as shown in Figure 4-2

08_567594 ch04qxd 12405 851 PM Page 51

Figure 4-2 Trim off brown tips of leaves following the natural curvature of the leaf

Displaying orchid plants in your homeWhen yoursquore showing off your prized blooming plants in yourhome here a few tips to keep in mind

Be sure to protect your furniture by placing the orchidplant pots on waterproof pads like cork platters

If you place your plants on saucers be sure theyrsquore water-proof Terra cotta platters are porous and moisture will seepthrough and can cause serious damage to unprotected woodfurniture

Place felt or rubber protectors under cachepots platters orsaucers so your furniture wonrsquot be scratched

Place the blooming plants where they get bright light butnot hot late-afternoon light so the flowers will last longer

If the growing pot is encrusted or ugly insert it into a largerornamental pot or basket Choose simple green white orneutral colors that donrsquot compete with the orchid flowers

Place a layer of sheet moss or Spanish moss on the surfaceof the pot This is a nice touch for covering up the sometimesunattractive potting material

08_567594 ch04qxd 12405 851 PM Page 52

Display the orchid on a pedestal or higher elevation so youcan view it at eye level (see Figure 4-3) Few orchids are asattractive when theyrsquore viewed from above

Think about how you will light your orchids to display thembest Many people are only able to view their orchids during thework week in the evening so artificial lighting plays an impor-tant part in viewing them Track lights work great Use halogenor other bulbs that produce white light or as close to sunlightas possible so the orchid flowers will be rendered accuratelyRegular incandescent light produces a yellowred light thatwill make reds glow but that really dulls blues and greens

Group orchids with other tropical foliage plants These pro-vide an attractive backdrop for the orchid flowers

Figure 4-3 Placing plants on pedestals and inserting their growing pot inside a more ornamental one draws attention to the best attributes of the orchids mdash their flowers

Arranging orchid flowersNothing is more elegant than orchids in a flower arrangementTheyrsquove always represented the pinnacle of good taste and sophisti-cation The key to using them for such purposes is to keep it simpleand not to let the elegance of the orchids get overwhelmed by toomany other elements

08_567594 ch04qxd 12405 851 PM Page 53

Understanding the three basic flower-design elementsWhen it comes to flower arranging flowers and greens comes inthree basic shapes mdash line mass and filler All of these play a keypart in the construction of an attractive flower arrangement

Line flowers are tall and are used to give your arrangementheight and width Various branched orchids with buds (forexample oncidiums and cymbidiums) are used to create thiseffect

Mass flowers give your bouquet weight or mass and are gen-erally round or full-faced Theyrsquore usually the focal point ofcolor and interest in a bouquet Examples are cattleyas andtheir relatives as well as paphiopedilums and angraecums

Filler flowers have stems with many little flowers and usuallyhave fine textured foliage Examples are miniature oncidiums

Here are some tips on how to make simple yet elegant arrangements

Line flowers by themselves can make a striking arrangementin a tall cylindrical vase Select a vase or container that is inproportion to the flowers The vase should be about one-halfto one-third the size of the total arrangement For instance 3-foot-tall spikes of cymbidiums or oncidiums need a vase 12 to 18 inches tall

You can arrange mass flowers by themselves in a low widevase or container (see Figure 4-4)

A small arrangement of filler flowers by themselves can adda light elegant touch to any room Many of these filler flowersare well suited for drying

A super-simple homemade orchid flower preservative

Herersquos an easy recipe for making your cut orchids last longer Combine one 12-ouncecan of a lemon-flavored soda drink (like Sprite or 7-Up) an equal quantity of water and1 teaspoon of household bleach The sugar in the soft drink serves as food for theflower the citric acid lowers the pH (increases the acidity) and the bleach kills thebacteria in the water that can plug up the water-conducting network in the flower stem

08_567594 ch04qxd 12405 851 PM Page 54

Some flowers can be used as more than one element Forexample phalaenopsis sprays especially the multifloral typescan be used as line elements while large single flowers can beused as mass flowers

Figure 4-4 This miniature arrangement contains only three small cattleya flowers for the mass and three pointed leaves for the line element

Supporting the orchid flower stemsHaving some method of supporting the stems of orchids in anarrangement so you can arrange them to face the direction youprefer is usually a good idea Here are several methods and materi-als you can use

For a clear vase add marbles or rocks

Crossing the top opening of the vase in a tic-tac-toe patternof floristrsquos tape works well

Frogs (pincushions on which the orchid stems are impaled)work well in shallower containers

Florist foam is most popular with professional arrangersbecause itrsquos easy to use effective and retains water well sothat the flowers last Itrsquos usually used in low containers

Donrsquot cut the orchid flowers until theyrsquore fully open Otherwisethey may never have their proper shape or complete color

08_567594 ch04qxd 12405 851 PM Page 55

Making your orchid arrangement last longerTo make your cut flowers last longer follow these suggestions

For cymbidiums wait about ten days to two weeks aftertheyrsquove flowered before cutting for cattleyas wait severaldays Cut the orchids only when theyrsquove fully opened

Before you put the orchids into a vase their stems shouldbe recut at an angle under water To keep them fresh recutthem every several days

Condition the orchids first before arranging them Placetheir stems in warm (180degF82degC) fresh water and let them sitsomewhere cool (around 50degF10degC) overnight

Make sure all leaves that will be submerged under water inthe vase are removed

To use orchidsrsquo short stems (like cattleyas) in taller arrange-ments insert the flower stem into orchid tubes (water-holding test tubes available at your local florist) and thentape the tubes to a wood stake for more height

Add a commercial or homemade solution of floral preserva-tive (see the nearby sidebar) to the warm water containingthe flowers Change this water and solution every three tofour days

Place the arrangement out of the direct rays of sunlight andin a cool room

Double the life of your orchid flowers by placing thearrangement in the refrigerator at night or when yoursquoreaway from home

08_567594 ch04qxd 12405 851 PM Page 56

Part IIThe Basics of Orchid

Parenthood

09_567594 pt02qxd 12405 853 PM Page 57

In this part

Growing orchids is easy but as with anything youneed to know the right things to do or not to do

In this part I tell you what environments orchids preferand give you all you need to know to make your home theperfect growing space for these tropical beauties Yoursquollfind information on light humidity temperature and ven-tilation requirements I cover proper watering in detail abig problem for many beginners I also demystify theprocess of purchasing and using fertilizers on orchids

Dividing and repotting orchids is a daunting task for manynew growers In this part I give you detailed drawingsshowing you step-by-step methods and techniques to usefor various types of orchids so you can do this job withno fear

One great aspect of orchids is that they get bigger andbetter every year When this happens you have theopportunity to multiply your orchids and share them withfriends or use them for trading for other desired varietiesIrsquoll show you in detail various ways to do this

Healthy orchids are happy orchids Fortunately orchidsare not a buggy lot but they sometimes do succumb tovarious diseases and insects I show you the safe andeffective way to keep these unwanted organisms in check

After reading Part II yoursquoll be ready to grow orchids as thepros do

09_567594 pt02qxd 12405 853 PM Page 58

Chapter 5

Providing the RightGrowing Environment

In This Chapter Knowing how much light your orchid needs

Providing enough humidity

Giving your orchids a breath of fresh air

Getting the temperature right

Orchids are not difficult to grow But like all plants they havecertain needs that have to be met so they can perform their

best In this chapter I detail orchidsrsquo most fundamental require-ments and the simplest most effective ways to provide them basedon my 40 years of experience growing orchids on my windowsillsunder lights and in a greenhouse

If you put a little effort into modifying your growing environment tohelp your orchids feel at home itrsquoll pay off in healthy plants thatprovide plenty of flowers

Let There Be LightLight is essential for all green plants including orchids Lightwater and carbon dioxide are the raw materials plants use to pro-duce their food Providing enough light is the most challengingrequirement for indoor gardeners in areas of the country like theNortheast and the Midwest who experience short days and lowlight during the winter Fortunately plenty of species and hybridsof orchids donrsquot require super-high light intensities and so aremore suited to these climates

If yoursquore blessed with naturally high light mdash like the kind found inHawaii California and Florida mdash you can grow both the high- and

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 59

the low-light-intensity orchids You just have to use greenhouseshading or light-reducing draperies to satisfy those orchids requir-ing modest amounts of light

The ins and outs of lightOrchids are traditionally categorized by their light requirements mdashhigh medium and low Turn to Chapter 2 for a simple way todetermine the intensity of your light source called the shadowtest Most orchids are in the medium light category You can easilygrow orchids in the low to medium light categories under artificiallights or on bright windowsills From a practical point of view theorchids with high light requirements are most successfully grownin bright greenhouses

Greenhouses Your high light sourceGreenhouses like the one shown in Figure 5-1 are the most effi-cient collectors of natural light

The amount of light penetrating the greenhouse is determined bythe glazing material used its geographic location how itrsquos sited onthe land and whether itrsquos shaded by surrounding trees or a com-mercial shading compound or fabric

The greenhouse option is the most expensive but you donrsquot haveto own one to grow most of the orchids in this book

Figure 5-1 High-quality greenhouse setups provide shading and efficient use of space to accommodate as many orchids as possible

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 60

Windowsills Not all windowsills are created equalWindowsills are the most readily available and cost-effective sourceof light The amount of light windowsill growing can provide is pri-marily determined by

The size of the windows

Whether there is an overhanging roof This can make a dif-ference in how much light will actually reach the plants (seeFigure 5-2)

How far back the windows are recessed Bay or bow win-dows expose the plants to more light than other types of win-dows (see Figure 5-3)

The direction the windows face Whether the windows facenorth south east or west makes a big difference in theamount and quality of light the orchids will receive

bull South-facing window This is the brightest windowso it offers the most possibilities Itrsquos an ideal locationfor those orchids that demand the strongest lightYou can place most of the other less-light-demandingorchids a few feet back from the window or you candiffuse the light from the window with a sheer curtainNote This exposure can get hot especially during thesummer

Figure 5-2 The extent of the roof overhang will make a difference in the amountof light the orchids will receive

Morning and afternoon Midday

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 61

bull East-facing window This window offers morning sun-light which is bright but not too hot During the springsummer and fall this is usually an ideal exposure formost orchids in this book except those that requireextremely high light (like vandas) During the short darkdays of winter many of these same orchids usuallyprefer a south-facing window

bull West-facing window This window receives as muchlight as the east window but because it gets afternoonlight itrsquos much hotter mdash so this isnrsquot as desirable a loca-tion as the east-facing window If you need to use a west-facing window make sure your orchids donrsquot dry out toomuch because of this increased heat

bull North-facing window A north-facing window simplydoesnrsquot provide enough light to sustain the healthygrowth of orchids Use it for low-light plants like ferns

How far the plants are placed from the windows

The age and condition of the glass Tinted and reflectiveglass can dramatically reduce light intensity so itrsquos usuallynot recommended No matter what kind of glass you havekeep your windows clean especially during the winter whenthe light intensity is low so your orchids will receive as muchlight as possible

The time of the year During the winter the sun is lower in thesky and the day length is shorter The opposite is true duringthe summer As a result a south-facing window may be fine forcertain orchids during the winter but you may have to movethe orchids to an east-facing window during the summer

Listening to your orchidsDifferent types of orchids have varying light requirements becausethey naturally grow in a wide range of habitats Some thrive in fullsun on exposed rocks while others are at home in dense jungleshade

The leaves of the plant give you some clue as to their light require-ments (see Figure 5-4) Those with very tough thick stout andsometimes narrow leaves frequently are adapted to very highlight intensity When the leaves are softer more succulentand wider this is usually a clue that theyrsquore from a lower-lightenvironment

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 62

Figure 5-3 Bay windows increase the size of the growing area and the amount of light the plant receives because light can penetrate from multiple angles

Figure 5-4 The type of leaf indicates an orchidrsquos light requirements

Your orchids will tell you by their growth habits and leaf color iftheyrsquore getting adequate too little or too much light Whenorchids are getting enough light yoursquoll notice the following

The mature leaves are usually a medium to light green

The new leaves are the same size or larger and the sameshape as the mature ones

Very Bright Light

Leaves gradually becomebroader and softer

Lower Light

Larger soft greenleaf

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 63

The foliage is stiff and compact not floppy

The plants are flowering at approximately the same time theydid the year before

One of the most frequent results of inadequate light is soft darkgreen foliage with no flowering Another symptom of inadequatelight is stretching where the distance between the new leaves onthe stem of orchids like paphiopedilum phalaenopsis or vandas isgreater than with the older mature leaves On other types oforchids the new leaves tend to be longer and thinner

When orchids get too much light their leaves turn a yellow-greencolor or take on a reddish cast and may appear stunted In extremecases the leaves show circular or oval sunburn spots (see Figure5-5) The sunburn is actually caused by the leaf overheatingAlthough in itself this leaf damage may not cause extreme harmto the plant if the damage is isolated to a small area it does makethe plant unsightly

If the sunburn occurs at the growing point it can kill that leaf orthe entire plant Higher light intensities than are usually recom-mended are possible with some orchids if you increase the ventila-tion to lower these elevated leaf temperatures Some orchidcut-flower growers like to push their orchids with the highest lightintensity they can take without burning to yield the maximumamount of blooms However for most hobby growers I donrsquot rec-ommend this

Figure 5-5 A paphiopedilum leaf with a round or oval brown spot caused by too much light or sunburn

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 64

No natural light No problemArtificial light sources make it possible for everyone without green-houses or bright windowsills to enjoy growing orchids in theirhomes Although the limitations of what can be grown under theselight sources are only restricted by equipment and electricitycosts itrsquos a very practical method of growing for low- to medium-light orchids

Wading through the many lighting options available today can bea daunting task especially for beginners In this section I helpyou out

Fluorescent lightsFluorescent systems are still the most accessible and economicallighting systems to buy Three-tiered light carts like the one shownin Figure 5-6 are highly versatile and practical Most of them areabout 2 feet wide by 4 feet long so their three shelves provide 24square feet of growing area If you grow compact orchids this willbe enough space to have at least one or more orchids in bloomyear-round If you collect miniatures it will provide a growingspace adequate for an entire collection The convenience of such acart canrsquot be beat You can place it in a heated garage in a base-ment or in a spare bedroom

When the orchids start to produce their tall orchid spikes thereusually isnrsquot enough head room under most fixed-height light unitsto accommodate this growing spike At that point you can movethe orchids to a windowsill or use a light fixture that can be raisedas the flower spikes develop like the one shown in Figure 5-7

Which bulbs or lamps you should burn in your fixtures is a highlydebated topic Years ago the only real choice was cool whiteand warm white tubes Some people still feel that a 5050 mix ofthese tubes is the best option because theyrsquore bright and veryinexpensive

Over 40 years ago Sylvania started manufacturing Gro-Lux tubes mdashdesigned to provide light that more closely reflected the spectrumof light that plants used in photosynthesis the process that plantsuse to produce their own food This started a new race to producethe ldquobestrdquo plant bulb The evolution of lamps has gone from theGro-Lux to wide-spectrum bulbs and now to full-spectrum bulbsThe light cast by the full-spectrum lamp is supposed to mostclosely resemble natural sunlight Viewed under these lampscolors of the flowers are rendered more accurately

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 65

Figure 5-6 Four-tube rather than two-tube units are highly recommended for low- to medium-light orchids

Figure 5-7 An adjustable light fixture like this one is very handy for accommodating developing flower spikes

Irsquove grown orchids well under all these types of lamps If you wantto have the flowers appear most naturally colored under the lightsand donrsquot mind paying a premium for the lamps the full-spectrumtypes are the best choice The most economical pick mdash and stillsatisfactory mdash is the 5050 ratio of warm-white to cool-whitelamps A compromise would be a blend of half warm-white andcool-white tubes and half wide- or full-spectrum lamps

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 66

High-intensity-discharge lightsNewer to the artificial-light choices are high-intensity-dischargelights These are very efficient in their production of light and areespecially useful where you want to grow orchids requiring higherlight intensities than fluorescent lamps can provide andor whereyou want a greater working distance between the lights and plants(see Figure 5-8)

High-intensity-discharge lights do have the disadvantage of pro-ducing quite a bit of heat so make sure not to get the plants tooclose to the bulbs

Figure 5-8 Approximate growing areas for different wattages of high-intensity-discharge lamps

1000

wat

t

Ideal Mounting Height5 to 7 Feet

=

AreaCoverage

12prime times 12prime

400

wat

t

=

AreaCoverage

8prime times 8prime

250

wat

t

=

AreaCoverage

5prime times 5prime

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 67

The two most frequently used lamps for these systems are metalhalide (MH) and high-pressure sodium (HPS) HPS is more energy-efficient than MH but the light it emits is orange-yellow and dis-torts the color of the flowers and foliage MH produces blue lightthat is more pleasing to the eye Some manufacturers now producelamps that combine the advantages of both

Another newer option is the high-intensity compact fluorescentlight The fixtures for these look much like high-intensity-discharge(HID) units They donrsquot produce quite as much light as HID butthey have the advantage of producing little heat mdash so there ismuch less likelihood of orchids being burned

If yoursquore a beginner light gardener I recommend starting with fluorescent-light setups I find them to be most practical Laterif you have the need you can give the high-intensity-dischargelamps a try

Humidity Orchidsrsquo FavoriteCondition

Humidity is something you canrsquot see but you can feel it on amuggy summer day or in a steamy greenhouse The vast majorityof orchids are from the tropics where high rainfall and humidityprevail When orchids get enough humidity they grow lushly andtheir leaves have a healthy shine

Insufficient humidity can stunt an orchidrsquos growth and in severecases it can cause brown tips on leaves It can also contribute tobuds falling off (known as bud blast) leaves wrinkling and dryingof the sheaths (the tubelike structures that surround the develop-ing flower buds) which can result in twisted or malformed flowers

During the winter homes especially those in cold climates withforced-air heating systems usually have a relative humidity ofabout 15 percent Because this is the average humidity found inmost desert areas you have to do something to raise the humidityto at least 50 percent mdash a level that will make orchids happy

For greenhouses this process is a relatively simple matter You caneither regularly hose down the walkways or hook up foggers andcommercial humidifiers to a humidistat so that the entire opera-tion is automatic

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 68

If yoursquore growing your orchids in your home yoursquoll need a differentapproach High humidity levels that would be no problem in agreenhouse will peel the paint plaster and wallpaper off the wallsof your house Assuming thatrsquos not the look yoursquore going for youcan take several steps to get to the desirable humidity range with-out causing damage to your house

If you can put your orchids in a naturally damp area like thebasement

Wherever you put your orchids use a room humidifier I find thebest type of humidifier is an evaporative-pad humidifier (in whichfans blow across a moisture-laden pad that sits in a reservoir ofwater) An evaporative-pad humidifier is usually better than a misthumidifier because unlike a mist humidifier it doesnrsquot leave yourorchids with a white film (from the minerals in the water beingdeposited on the leaves)

To further increase the humidity level you can try growing theplants on top of a waterproof tray filled with pebbles Add water tothe tray so that the level is just below the surface of the pebblesthen put the plants on top of this bed of damp gravel The problemthat I find with this system is that the pots especially the heavyclay ones frequently sink into the pebbles resulting in the mediain the pots getting soggy and after repeated waterings the pebblesbecoming clogged with algae and being a repository for insectsand various disease organisms

The approach that I think works much better is to add sections ofegg-crate louvers (sold in home-supply stores for diffusing fluores-cent lights) to the trays (see Figure 5-9) You can cut this materialwith a hacksaw to whatever size you need Itrsquos rigid so it will supportthe plants above the water and the water is more exposed to air somore humidity results The grating is simple to clean mdash just removeand spray it with warm water To prevent algae or disease buildupyou can add a disinfectant like Physan to the water in the trays

Misting is another way to increase humidity This works okay butin order for it to be effective you need to do it several times a daybecause the water usually evaporates very quickly A problem withmisting is that if your water source is mineral-laden your orchidrsquosleaves may become encrusted in white mdash not only is this unsightlybut it keeps light from penetrating to the leaves A benefit to mist-ing is that it can clean the dust from the leaves

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 69

Figure 5-9 An egg-crate louver set inside a waterproof tray This setup is a simple way to increase humidity and itrsquos easy to keep clean

Blasted bud blastNothing is more disheartening than having the buds of your orchids shrivel up rightbefore they open This is referred to as bud blast and is caused when the orchidundergoes different types of stress Here are some of the specific causes of thisexasperating event

Low humidity

Hot air from furnaces or cool dry air form air-conditioners directly blowing onthe orchid plant

Over- or underwatering

Poor root development

Temperatures that are too high or too low

Water standing in the buds or bud sheaths

Dramatic change in the orchidsrsquo environment like bringing the plants from out-side to inside

Natural-gas leaks in the house

Ethylene gas from ripened fruit

Light thatrsquos too bright on the developing flower buds

Pollution such as smog

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 70

Fresh Air PleaseIn most tropical lands where orchids reside they luxuriate in inces-sant but gentle trade winds Air movement in a growing environ-ment ensures a more uniform air temperature and dramaticallyreduces disease problems by preventing the leaves from stayingwet too long It also evenly distributes the gas (carbon dioxide)that is produced by the plants in the dark and used by the plantsto produce their food during the daylight hours

You donrsquot want to create gale-force winds in your growing area butyou do want to produce enough airflow to cause the leaves of theorchids to very lightly sway in the breeze Irsquove found that two ofthe most effective methods for providing such an airflow in both ahobby greenhouse and an indoor growing area are ceiling fans andoscillating fans

Ceiling fansCeiling fans move a huge volume of air at a low velocity in a circularpattern so they effectively prevent severe temperature differencesare inexpensive to operate (they use about the same electricity as a100-watt bulb) are quiet have variable speeds and are easy toinstall They stand up well to moist conditions especially if you buythe outdoor types Another nice feature is that you can adjust theair-circulation pattern on most of them so that they can either pushwarm air down (the recommended winter setting) or pull cool airup (usually the best summer setting) as shown in Figure 5-10

Oscillating fansOscillating fans are also a good choice because they effectivelycover large areas with a constantly changing airflow pattern with-out excessively drying off the plants

Figure 5-10 Ceiling fans can be set either to push warm air down (best forwinter) or pull cool air up (best for summer)

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 71

If you decide to go with oscillating fans splurge for the better-grade ones Fans that are very inexpensive have plastic gears thatstrip easily so the oscillating feature wonrsquot last long

Muffin fansYou may have small hot or cold spots in your greenhouse win-dowsill or light cart where just a touch of airflow is needed This iswhere small muffin fans frequently sold for cooling computers(available at electronics or computer-supply stores) are perfect forthe job Theyrsquore efficient quiet and very inexpensive to operate

Some Like It Hot Some LikeIt Cold Orchid TemperatureRequirements

Orchids are frequently placed by professional orchid growersinto three different categories based on their night temperaturepreferences

Cool 45degF to 55degF (72degC to 128degC)

Intermediate 55degF to 60degF (128degC to 156degC)

Warm 65degF (183degC) or higher

The assumption is that the daytime temperature will be at least15degF (95degC) warmer than these night temperatures

These numbers are guidelines not absolutes Most orchids are quiteadaptable and tolerant of varying temperatures short of freezingBut for optimum growth these temperature ranges are good targets

Get rid of the laggardsYou may find that a few of your orchids just donrsquot appreciate the home yoursquove giventhem Maybe they donrsquot get enough light or your home is too cool Whatever thereason if yoursquove done your best to provide the right conditions and the orchid stilldoesnrsquot grow well and bloom itrsquos time to get tough and get rid of it Give it to a friendwith different growing conditions There are too many orchids out there that areeasy to grow to be wasting your time and valuable and limited growing space on apoor performer

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 72

Too-low temperaturesIf orchids are exposed to cooler than the recommended rangestheir growth will be slowed down and in extreme cases buds mayfall off before they open (known as bud blast) Also cooler temper-atures can reduce the plantrsquos disease resistance

Too-high temperaturesIf it gets too hot orchids will show their displeasure by slowing orstopping their growth having their flower buds wilt before theyopen having their leaves and stems shrivel and in extreme casesby dying A short bout of higher-than-desired temperatures wonrsquotbe that harmful as long as the humidity stays high

One critically important factor with orchids is that they need at least15degF higher daytime temperatures than they get in the evening Ifthey donrsquot get this temperature difference the orchids wonrsquot growvigorously and probably most importantly they wonrsquot set flowerbuds Not meeting this temperature requirement is one of the mostcommon reasons that homegrown orchids donrsquot bloom

Giving Your Orchidsa Summer Vacation

Some orchid growers continue growing their plants indoors underlights on windowsills or in their greenhouses throughout thesummer The challenge during this time is to reduce the light inten-sity and control the high heat both of which can be damaging

For these reasons summering the orchids outdoors is an attractiveoption For the light gardener this means a welcome relief from highelectric bills and for the greenhouse and windowsill grower it pro-vides an opportunity to clean up the growing area Also mostorchids arenrsquot in bloom during the summer so they arenrsquot at theirbest visually and they respond very favorably to a summer vacationoutdoors

Besides providing an opportunity to clean up your indoor growingarea having a space outdoors allows you to apply pest controls ifnecessary without smelling up your house The natural tempera-ture differential between day and night especially in the early fallis very effective in setting flower buds for the upcoming late-falland winter blooming

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 73

A shade houseI summer my orchids in a shade house made of preconstructedlath (slates of crisscrossed wood) nailed or screwed to pressure-treated upright wood supports Figures 5-11 and 5-12 show whatmy shade house looks like

Shading (usually about 50 to 60 percent or more depending on thelocation of the shade house and the types of orchids grown) is nec-essary and is provided by lath or shading fabrics I also installed inthis shade house a watering system made up of multiple smallsprayers or misters controlled by a timer that has a manual over-ride I grow the plants on stepped wire frame benches that ensureeven lighting and easy watering

Figure 5-11 My shade house is an 8-foot (24-m) square simply constructedusing wood lath and 4-x-4-inch (10-x-10-cm) pressure-treated wood posts

I cover the roof of the shade house with 6 mil (0006-mm-thick)heavy-duty clear plastic which is stretched over a peaked woodenframe I used to leave the roof of the lath house open to receivenatural rainfall but I found that it sometimes rained when I didnrsquotwant it to (at night when it was too cool or when it was alreadywet) I find the covered roof gives me the control to water when myplants need it

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 74

Figure 5-12 Inside the shade house plants are arranged on stepped-wirebenches to allow easy watering and good air and water drainage

A portable greenhouseIrsquove also summered orchids in a portable greenhouse on the deck(see Figure 5-13) If you use such a structure be sure to put it in aplace that receives shade during the heat of the day or use a com-mercial shading fabric to cut down the light intensity Also bemindful of the daytime temperatures inside such a structureThese units require good systems of ventilation otherwise tem-peratures inside them can skyrocket in sunny periods

Keeping things in balance The yin and the yang of orchid growing

When it comes to your orchidsrsquo growing conditions itrsquos a matter of keeping every-thing in balance Here are some tips to keep in mind

If the air temperature is cool the orchids need less water and light

If the humidity is high the orchids need more air circulation

If the light is very bright andor the temperature is high the humidity needs tobe high

When orchids are not actively growing reduce or stop fertilizing

If the temperatures are high the light and humidity need to also be high and theorchids will require more-frequent watering

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 75

Figure 5-13 An outdoor portable greenhouse can be an ideal place to put yourorchids in the summer

Some orchids enjoy hanging outOrchids that have higher light requirements like vandas and asco-cendas grow wonderfully dangling from pot hangers clipped to thepot (see Figure 5-14) and then hung from a pole or other supportJust make sure the light intensity of this growing area matches theneeds of the orchids

Figure 5-14 You can easily summer your orchids outdoors by using pot clamps tohang them from a freestanding support or a suspended rod against the garage

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 76

Chapter 6

Watering and FertilizingOrchids

In This Chapter Mastering the art of watering

Knowing when and how to water

Recognizing symptoms of over- and underwatering

Selecting and using orchid fertilizers

Probably more orchids are killed by improper watering usuallyby overwatering than by any other cultural practice Discover-

ing how to properly water orchids is one of the more challengingaspects of growing orchids In this chapter I explain some simplebut very effective methods that will turn you into a watering pro

In addition to mastering the art of watering the fertilizing gamecan be very confusing mdash so many different types and formulationsIn this chapter I show you how to wade through the maze of fertil-izer terms to get to the important information mdash yoursquoll be able tochoose the fertilizer that will give you healthy orchids with thebest blooming

Water Water EverywhereUnderstanding the Artof Watering Orchids

When I give talks about orchids one of the first questions asked bythose in the audience is ldquoHow often should I water my orchidsrdquo Ireally wish this question had an easy answer but it doesnrsquot Somany variables are involved in watering In the following sections Icover some of the factors that affect how often you should water

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 77

The type of potYou can grow orchids in clay or plastic pots The potting materialdries off much more slowly in plastic pots than it does in clay potsWith plastic the potting material dries out from the top down soeven though the potting material may be dry on top it may bedamp 1 inch below the surface With clay pots the potting materialdries out more uniformly (clay pots are porous so they ldquobreatherdquoand allow water to evaporate through the walls of the pot)

The bottom line If yoursquore using a plastic pot yoursquoll want to waterless often than if yoursquore using a clay pot

Either type of pot will grow orchids they merely have differentwatering requirements For orchids that do best when theyrsquorealways slightly damp (like miltonias slippers and moth orchids)I prefer to use plastic pots For those that need to dry out morebetween waterings (like cattleyas and most of the dendrobiums)I recommend clay pots

In Part III I provide an overview of numerous orchids to choosefrom that are available throughout the United States

The type of potting materialPotting materials vary dramatically in terms of the amount ofwater they retain For instance sphagnum moss a highly water-absorbent plant that is harvested from bogs to be used as a pot-ting material usually stays wet much longer than bark which isnrsquotas water-retentive

If yoursquore using a potting material that absorbs a lot of water yoursquollwant to water less often than if you use a potting material thatdoesnrsquot absorb the water To determine whether the potting mate-rial is absorbent soak some of it in water for a few hours Thenremove the material and squeeze it If itrsquos absorbent it will releasethis water under pressure like a sponge

The age of the potting materialFresh potting material requires much more frequent watering forthe first few weeks until it gets properly wetted As it gets older itretains water longer

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 78

Whether the orchid is pot-boundAn overgrown orchid (sometimes referred to as an orchid that ispot-bound) will dry off much more quickly than one that has plentyof space in the pot When pot space is limited there is less pottingmaterial to hold onto the water so the overgrown plant quicklyuses it up

In general most orchids need to be repotted every one to two yearsIn Chapter 7 I give you the complete scoop on repotting orchids

The growing environmentAre you growing your orchids in high humidity or low Orchidsand potting materials in low humidity dry off more quicklybecause the drier air quickly absorbs the moisture from both theplant and the potting material

The temperatureWarmer temperatures increase water evaporation because warmerair absorbs more moisture and because the plants are growingmore quickly in warmer temperatures and require more water Ifyoursquore growing orchids in a cooler temperature you wonrsquot need towater as often

The amount of ventilationThe more ventilation your orchids get mdash especially if air is ventedto the outside or if the air is hot and dry as is found in most cen-trally heated homes mdash the quicker the water in the potting mate-rial evaporates Gentle air movement is ideal It will keep the airfresh without excessively drying out the plants or potting material

Whether the orchids are growingor dormantWhen species of certain orchids (like some of the dendrobiumsand catasetums) are going through their winter rest period theyneed and should only be given very little water But when theystart active growth in the spring and summer they require copiousamounts of water

Chapter 6 Watering and Fertilizing Orchids 79

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 79

In Part III I give you information about rest requirements for spe-cific orchids

The type of orchidSome orchids like cattleyas like to dry out between wateringsothers like paphiopedilums phalaenopsis and miltonias prefer toalways be damp This difference has a lot to do with where the par-ticular type of orchid grows naturally If the orchid naturally growsin an area where it doesnrsquot get natural rainfall on a regular basis itwonrsquot need watering as often as orchids that grow in areas of fre-quent rainfall

See Part III for specific watering needs for each type of orchid

Proven Watering TechniquesWhen yoursquove considered the factors such as potting material envi-ronment and type of orchid (see the preceding section) you needto make the decision as to when and how much to water

I find the pot-weighting method of determining when to water isone of the easiest In this method yoursquore relying on feel instead ofprecise weights Herersquos what you do

1 Thoroughly water the orchid in its pot

2 ldquoWeighrdquo the pot by picking it up

Now you know how heavy it is when itrsquos saturated withwater

3 Wait a day or so and ldquoweighrdquo it again by picking it up

Yoursquoll feel the difference in the weight as the potting mate-rial becomes drier

4 Repeat Step 3 each day until you judge by looking at thesurface and sticking your finger into the top 1 inch (25cm) or so of the potting material to see if itrsquos damp thatitrsquos time to water

Keep in mind whether this type of orchid prefers to be onthe damp or dry side

5 Note what this dry ldquoweightrdquo is

Now the orchid is ready to be watered thoroughly

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 80

This entire process may sound tedious but yoursquoll be amazed athow quickly you catch on And when you do yoursquoll always knowthe right time to water Just lift the pot note its weight and yoursquollhave your answer

If yoursquore still not quite sure about watering keep the followingwatering tips in mind

Grow orchids of the same type media pot type and size inthe same area This strategy will make watering them easierbecause theyrsquoll have very similar moisture requirements

Water with warm water Very cold water can cause root andbud shock which sets back the plant and slows down itsgrowth

Always use a water breaker (a water diffuser that youattach to the front of your hose to soften the flow of water)For only a few orchids a sprinkling can with a long spout witha rose (a water diffuser placed on the end of the water-canspout) that has many small holes works well These devicesallow thorough watering without washing out the pottingmaterial

A huge selection of watering wands is available I really likethe ones with multiple settings on the head that allow you todrench or mist without changing attachments Regulating theflow of water is much easier with wands equipped with fingertriggers than it is with those that have an on-and-off valve(See Chapter 3 for more information on tools and supplies)

Never let the water breaker or end of the hose touch theground or floor This commandment was given to me by myfirst horticulture professor Dr D C Kiplinger who preachedthat floors and soil are where the diseases and insects hang outand a hose can be an all-too-effective way of spreading them

When you water water thoroughly The water should pourout from the bottom of the pot This method of wateringensures that the potting material is saturated and flushes outany excessive fertilizer salts

Never let the pots of orchids sit in water for over a fewhours If the orchid pots have saucers make sure to keepthem free of water Excess standing water will prematurely rotthe media and roots and will be a source of accumulating fer-tilizer salts and pathogens (disease-causing organisms likebacteria fungi or viruses)

Water the orchids early in the day or afternoon That waythe foliage will have plenty of time to dry off before nightfallWet foliage in the evening is an invitation for disease

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 81

Over- or UnderwateringRoots Tell the Story

Over- and underwatering show many of the same symptomsbecause the effect of both practices is the same mdash damaged ordestroyed root systems which result in the orchid becoming dehy-drated The signs of dehydration include

Pleated leaves on orchids like miltonias (see Figure 6-1)

Excessively shriveled pseudobulbs (thickened swollen stems)of some orchids like cattleyas

Droopy soft and puckered leaves on cattleyas

Yellow and wilted bottom leaves on phalaenopsis

Bud blast (in which the buds fall off instead of opening) on allorchids

Figure 6-1 The pleated or puckered leaf of this miltonia orchid is a sign that the orchid is dehydrated

Figuring out whether wateringis the problemIn order to better evaluate whether over- or underwatering hascaused these symptoms remove the orchid from its pot Manybeginner growers are reluctant to do this but if yoursquore careful

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 82

removing the orchid from its pot wonrsquot disturb most orchids to anydegree and itrsquos an absolutely necessary procedure to see whatrsquosgoing on with the root system

To determine if yoursquove under- or overwatered your orchid followthese steps

1 Turn the orchid plant in its pot upside-down

2 Gently rap a hard object (like the handle of a gardeningtool) against the pot to loosen the potting material

Cup your hand over the surface of the pot to hold the loos-ened potting material as it falls out Doing this over a work-bench or a table covered with clean newspaper to hold thepotting material is a nice neat approach

3 If the potting material doesnrsquot loosen easily use a thinknife to circle the inside of the pot to loosen the pottingmaterial from the wall of the pot

In some situations the potting material may be so packedinto the pot that it wonrsquot come out easily

4 When the orchid is removed from the pot check out thepotting material

Is it soggy Does it have a bad (rotting) smell Are the rootsdark and mushy These are all signs of overwatering

If the roots are dry and shriveled not stiff and plump andhave no or few growing root tips the orchid probablyhasnrsquot gotten enough water The potting material may betoo coarse making poor contact with the roots otherwiseyou simply havenrsquot watered the orchid frequently enough

5 If the roots look okay or only slightly damaged pot upthe orchid again in fresh potting material

See Chapter 7 for more details on potting orchids

6 If you find that the roots are badly damaged read the fol-lowing section for more information

Mission Orchid rescue and resuscitationThe approach you take to remedy root damage depends on howdire the situation is

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 83

If the orchid still has some healthy firm roots cut off all the softmushy roots with a sterile tool like a single-edged razor and repotthe orchid in new potting material Go light on the watering for afew weeks to encourage new root development Using a spraybottle mist the orchids a few times a day to prevent the leavesfrom drying out

If the roots are almost all gone emergency measures are called forand recovery is not definite This is what I recommend

1 Cut off all the dead or damaged roots

2 Drench the roots with a liquid rooting hormone like Diprsquon Grow

3 Let this liquid hormone dry on the roots for about anhour then repot the orchid in fresh potting material thathas been predampened

4 Donrsquot water for a day

5 Water once and then put the potted orchid in an enclosedterrarium (like a high-top propagator a clear plastic boxwith vents at the top and a tray below to hold pottingmaterial) or an empty aquarium with damp sphagnummoss or pebbles on the bottom to add humidity

6 Close the top of the terrarium and put it in a locationwith diffused light

In a greenhouse this would be a shady spot with no directsunlight Under florescent lights put the terrarium at theends of the tubes where there is less illumination If the ter-rarium is in the cool part of the greenhouse or growingarea put the entire terrarium on water-resistant soil orseedling heating mats available at most garden centersGet one that has a built-in thermostat set for about 70degF(21degC) to provide bottom heat to stimulate rooting

7 If yoursquore concerned about disease spray the orchidleaves with a disinfectant solution

A good disinfectant is Physan a commonly used hospitaldisinfectant available from mail-order orchid-supply com-panies or at garden centers

In this environment of 100 percent humidity the leaves wonrsquot dehy-drate so there will be no stress on the orchid while it reroots itselfWater the potting material only when it gets dry keep the gravel ormoss in the bottom of the terrarium damp and leave the orchidenclosed until new root growth is very apparent This may take afew months

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 84

This method has no guarantees but following this procedure hassaved orchids for me that were in the ldquohopelessrdquo category

Figure 6-2 shows my orchid rescue the place where I put orchidsthat have suffered a loss of roots Itrsquos like a miniature greenhousewith high humidity which encourages the orchids to form newroots

Figure 6-2 My orchid rescue the place where I put orchids that have suffered a loss of roots

Fertilizers Not Magic PotionsMany people place much too much faith in fertilizers They thinkfertilizer is some type of elixir that will save the day Actually if theorchid is in poor health fertilizers are rarely the answer

In fact if the roots are damaged (a frequent problem) applying fer-tilizers will make the problem worse If roots arenrsquot functioningwell they canrsquot absorb the fertilizer and if the fertilizer isnrsquot usedby the orchid it can accumulate in the orchid potting materialThis buildup of fertilizer salts can further dehydrate and damagethe remaining roots

Fertilizers are most useful as a boost to help an already healthyorchid grow better

Many people mistakenly think of fertilizer as food mdash which it isnrsquotPlants produce their own food from sunlight carbon dioxide andwater Thatrsquos the miracle called photosynthesis By fertilizing yoursquore

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 85

merely providing minerals that your orchids can use to make pho-tosynthesis more efficient

The number and types of fertilizers on the market can make yourhead spin Yoursquoll hear a lot of mumbo-jumbo about why one fertil-izer is better than another Fortunately the choice is not nearly ascomplicated as some manufacturers seem to make it

What to look for in orchid fertilizersFrom my experience and after listening to other veteran orchidgrowers Irsquove come to some conclusions about fertilizers The fol-lowing suggestions apply to most orchid-growing situations

Look at the label and choose a fertilizer that has the wordsnitrate nitrogen or ammoniacal nitrogen not ureaAlthough all forms can be used by plants recent researchshows that the nitrate and ammoniacal forms not urea aremost beneficial to orchids These chemical terms may soundlike Greek to you but itrsquos not really important for you to knowany more than to look for these types of nitrogen in your fer-tilizer It will be spelled out on the label

Look for a fertilizer with 20 percent or less nitrogen (this islisted on the label) High amounts of nitrogen much morethan 20 percent are not necessary to grow the best orchidsno matter what media they are grown in Too much of anynutrient cannot be used by the orchid plant and as a resultmerely ends up as a pollutant

Donrsquot worry about the amount of phosphorus in the fertil-izer It was earlier thought that a high-phosphorus fertilizerwas necessary for better orchid bloom This has now beenfound not to be the case

In most cases a fertilizer with supplementary calcium (up to15 percent) and magnesium (up to 8 percent) is a real plus

For most water sources adding trace elements (chemicalsin very small amounts) including sodium manganesecopper zinc boron iron and molybdenum has been foundto be beneficial to orchid growth Donrsquot worry about theexact amounts just check the fertilizer container or label tosee if they appear in small amounts

Any fertilizer that meets these requirements will do To find out ifyour chosen fertilizer does carefully look at the fertilizer con-tainer By law the manufacturer is required to list what chemicalsare included in the fertilizer Figure 6-3 is an example of a label soyou can see what to look for

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 86

Figure 6-3 The label on an orchid fertilizer reveals what the product containsRead it closely

Inte

rpre

ting

the

Orc

hid

Ferti

lizer

Lab

el

Ferti

lizer

des

igne

d fo

r a w

ater

sou

rce

cont

aini

ng fe

w n

utrie

nts

Firs

t num

ber (

12) i

s ni

troge

n (1

2 lb

s p

er 1

00 lb

s o

f fer

tilize

r) S

econ

d nu

mbe

r (6)

is P

hosp

horo

us (6

lbs

) Th

ird n

umbe

r is

Pota

ssiu

m T

hese

are

refe

rred

to a

s th

e p

rimar

y o

r m

acro

nut

rient

s

Trac

e el

emen

ts o

r mic

ro e

lem

ents

Nut

rient

s th

at a

re im

porta

nt b

ut in

ver

y sm

all a

mou

nts

The

chem

ical

form

of t

he n

itrog

en c

ompo

nent

It i

s m

ost d

esira

ble

that

this

be

mos

tly in

the

nitr

ate

form

not

ure

a

Dosa

ge fo

r fer

tilize

r Do

not

exc

eed

reco

mm

enda

tion

Unle

ss y

ou k

now

that

you

r wat

er h

as a

n ad

equa

te s

uppl

y of

mag

nesi

um a

nd c

alci

um l

ook

for a

ferti

lizer

that

con

tain

s th

em B

oth

thes

e nu

trien

ts h

ave

been

foun

d to

be

very

impo

rtant

for s

trong

orc

hid

grow

th

Actu

al c

ompo

unds

from

whi

ch th

e nu

trien

ts a

re b

eing

der

ived

Ferti

lizer

s fre

quen

tly c

onta

in v

ery

smal

l am

ount

s (tr

aces

) of o

ther

ele

men

ts

This

sta

tes

whe

ther

the

ferti

lizer

has

a b

asic

or a

cid

reac

tion

Whe

re it

is m

anuf

actu

red

and

wha

t com

pany

dis

tribu

tes

it

Ferti

lizer

bra

nd n

ame

Tota

l nitr

ogen

12

Iron

(Fe)

0

16

12

5 n

itrat

e

Man

gane

se

008

ni

troge

n

(Mn)

07

a

mm

onia

cal

nitro

A

vaila

ble

6

0

Zinc

(Zn)

0

03

Pho

spha

te (P

2O5)

Pot

ash

(K2O

) 13

0

Co

pper

(Cu)

0

03

C

alcu

im (C

a)

7

Boro

n (B

) 0

01

Mag

nesi

um (M

g)

20

M

olyb

denu

m

001

(M

o)De

rived

from

ca

lciu

m

Deriv

ed fr

om I

ron

nitra

te m

agne

sium

nitr

ate

ED

TA z

inc

sulfa

te

pota

ssiu

m n

itrat

e amp

co

pper

sul

fate

bor

icm

onop

otas

sium

pho

spha

te

acid

am

mon

ium

mol

ybda

te

Plus

trac

es o

f sul

fur (

S) c

hlor

ine

(Cl)

cob

alt (

Co)

nick

el (N

i) s

odiu

m (N

a)Po

tent

ial B

asic

ity 4

20

calc

ium

car

bona

te e

quiv

alen

tpe

r ton

Mad

e in

USA

Reg

in

Ohio

by

Robe

rts F

low

er S

uppl

y

Use

14

teas

poon

per

gal

eve

ry o

ther

wat

erin

g

Orc

hidM

ixTM

Fer

tiliz

erPu

re W

ater

Fer

tiliz

er

12-6

-3

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 87

Do not use water that has passed through water-softening units onyour orchids Such water may contain high amounts of sodium thatcan be harmful to orchids

Types of fertilizers and how to use themFertilizers come in many forms mdash granule (which looks like smallpieces of gravel) slow-release and water soluble being the mostcommonly available Table 6-1 lists the pros and cons of each ofthese types

Most granule fertilizers are best suited for agricultural or lawnapplication Slow-release fertilizers are chemicals that have beenencapsulated in a shell that slowly releases nutrients Althoughsome orchid growers use this type Irsquove found especially withsome of the very porous potting materials that are frequently usedwith orchids that the fertilizer can wash out and not be effectiveAlso some orchid roots are very sensitive to fertilizer salts sothese fertilizer capsules can damage or ldquoburnrdquo their roots

This leaves the most common form of fertilizer used with orchids mdashthe water-soluble type Water-soluble fertilizers are packaged as aconcentrated liquid or in dry forms

Here are some of the advantages of these types of fertilizers

Theyrsquore readily available in a wide range of formulations

Because theyrsquore soluble in water theyrsquore easily and quicklyabsorbed by roots and even leaves of orchids

Theyrsquore very simple to use You just dissolve them in waterand apply them with a sprayer or sprinkling can If the orchidsare mounted on slabs or in baskets you can dunk them in thefertilizer solution

Fertilizer burnWhen too much fertilizer has been applied if it has been applied when the media is dryor if the roots of the particular orchid are hypersensitive to the salts in fertilizer the rootscan become dehydrated by these moisture-robbing salts resulting in fertilizer burnThis damage shows up as brown or black root tips andor leaf tips It looks as thoughthe root tips or leaves have been burned (thus the name) To prevent it donrsquot applymore fertilizer than is recommended and fertilize only when the potting material is damp

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 88

The disadvantages of water-soluble fertilizers include the following

The nutrients donrsquot last long in the potting material so thefertilizer needs to be applied once every two to three weeks(or constantly if yoursquore using a very low dosage)

These fertilizers in their original containers are very con-centrated and can damage the orchids if you donrsquot dilutethem correctly

The application rate or dosage of all fertilizers depends on the con-centrations that are used The safest procedure is to always checkthe fertilizer container for their recommended application ratesNever apply more than recommended or plant damage can result

Table 6-1 The Pros and Cons of Different Fertilizers and How to Use Them

Type of Advantages Disadvantages How It Is Fertilizer Applied

Granule Readily available Short-term (lasts In dry formEasy to use a few to several On top of or Inexpensive weeks) incorporated

Can easily burn into the potting orchid roots materialOften doesnrsquot include valuable trace elements

Slow Easy to use Can sometimes In dry formrelease Lasts a long time burn sensitive On top of or

(three to nine orchid roots incorporated into months depend- In coarse potting mediuming on the material can be formulation) washed out

when wateredRelatively expensive

Water- Readily available Must be applied Diluted in water soluble in a wide range frequently mdash every and applied by

of formulations few weeks when watering canEasy to apply plants are actively Nutrients are growinginstantly available for plants

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 89

Here are some pointers to help you know when itrsquos time to fertilizeyour orchid

Fertilizing frequently at a more dilute rate is better thanfertilizing less often at a higher concentration Some orchidgrowers including me find that feeding their orchids everytime they water with a diluted amount of fertilizer worksgreat Itrsquos the most natural way (as opposed to the feast-or-famine routine of fertilizing at a higher concentration everytwo or three weeks)

Never apply more fertilizer than is recommended by themanufacturer When in doubt apply less not more fertilizerRemember that fertilizers are a form of salt and salts weresome of the earliest weed killers so theyrsquoll damage orchids athigh concentrations

Drench the potting material several times in a row everyfew weeks or so with fresh water that contains no nutrientsto wash out any excess fertilizer salts This process is calledleaching

Look at the orchidrsquos leaves and flowers Very dark greenleaves that are succulent and floppy can be a sign of overfer-tilizing If orchids are overfertilized they also produce poor-quality flowers

When the orchids are actively growing fertilize them Whenthey arenrsquot donrsquot

If the orchids are diseased and in poor condition stopfertilizing

Fertilizer deposits on potsAs water evaporates from the potting material in the pots it leaves behind any solidminerals or salts that were dissolved in the water including fertilizer salts Thesesalts can accumulate on the edges of the pots When this salt crusting is noticedremove it with a damp cloth If you donrsquot these deposits can burn the leaves of theorchids when they touch it

Because clay pots are porous they tend to accumulate more salt deposits on theedges than plastic pots do One way to prevent this is to dip the tops of the clay potsinto about 1frasl2 inch of melted paraffin (wax used to make candles) before potting yourorchids in them

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 90

Chapter 7

The ABCs of PottingMaterials Containers

and RepottingIn This Chapter Selecting the right potting materials

Choosing the best container

Planting an orchid in a wooden basket

Repotting orchids

Mounting an orchid on a slab

If yoursquore just starting out with orchids the process of choosingcontainers and potting materials and then repotting orchids can

be daunting Orchids do have special requirements unlike mostother houseplants But have no fear mdash in this chapter I walk youthrough all the steps so you have the information you need Whenyou repot a few orchids yoursquoll realize that this is a very fun andrewarding part of orchid growing

Choosing Potting MaterialsJust as you wouldnrsquot be happy in any old place with four walls anda roof your orchids wonrsquot be happy in any kind of potting materialIn this section I give you the inside scoop on what goes into pot-ting material and which material is best for your orchid I also giveyou some not-so-top-secret recipes for potting material so you canmake your own mdash and I let you know what to do if yoursquod rather not

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 91

Knowing your potting material optionsWhen I used the words potting material in the heading for this sectionit wasnrsquot just a fancy way of saying dirt Itrsquos because most orchidshave roots that need more air space than soil can provide Orchidsalso need potting material that drains rapidly and at the same timeretains moisture Because orchids usually go at least a year andmany times longer between repotting they also need materialsthat are slow to decompose (So if you were thinking of just throw-ing a little dirt in a pot and calling it a day yoursquoll want to think again)

No single potting material works best for every orchid or orchidgrower In Table 7-1 I list of some of the most common pottingmaterials used along with some of their pros and cons

Table 7-1 The Pros and Cons of Various Potting MaterialsPotting Pros ConsMaterial

Aliflor Doesnrsquot decompose Heavy

Provides good aeration

Coco husk Retains moisture while also Must be rinsed thoroughly to chunks also providing sufficient air remove any salt residue

Slower to decompose than Smaller grades may retain bark too much moisture

Coco husk Retains water well Does not drain as well as bark fiber or coco husk chunks

Decomposes slowly

Fir bark Easy to obtain Can be difficult to wet

Inexpensive Decomposes relatively quickly

Available in many grades(sizes)

Gravel Drains well Heavy

Inexpensive Holds no nutrients

Hardwood Very slow to decompose Holds very little moisturecharcoal

Absorbs contaminants Can be dusty to handle

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 92

Potting Pros ConsMaterial

Lava rock Never decomposes Heavy

Drains well

Osmunda Retains moisture Very expensivefiber

Slow to break down Hard to find

Perlite Lightweight Retains too much water if (sponge rock) used alone

Provides good aeration and water retention

Inexpensive

Redwood Lasts longer than fir bark Hard to findbark

Sphagnum Retains water and air Can retain too much water if moss packed tightly in the pot or

Readily available after it starts to decompose

Styrofoam Inexpensive Should not be used alone peanuts because doesnrsquot retain water

Readily available or nutrients

Doesnrsquot decompose Best used as drainage in bottoms of pots

Rapid drainingCan be too light for top-heavyplants

Tree fern Rapidly draining Expensivefiber

Slow to decompose Low water retention

Figuring out which potting materials are bestIf you read the preceding section and yoursquore thinking ldquoHow theheck am I supposed to choose a potting material when none ofthem are perfectrdquo donrsquot worry The individual potting materialsare rarely used by themselves mdash theyrsquore usually formulated intomixtures so the final product will retain water drain well and lasta reasonable amount of time Every orchid grower has his own

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 93

favorite potting formulations mdash kind of like every grandmother hasher favorite apple-pie recipe

The combination of potting materials that will work best for yourorchid depends on various factors Answer the following questionsto get an idea of what you need

How often do you water If you tend to be heavy-handed withthe sprinkling can or hose use materials that drain well anddecompose slowly

What type of an orchid are you growing Some orchids thatnaturally grow on or in the ground called terrestrials usuallyprefer to be kept slightly damp all the time while those thatlive in trees called epiphytes or grow on rocks called litho-phytes want to dry off thoroughly between waterings Whenyou look at catalog listings or search for information on theWeb about your particular orchid look for these terms to seewhat growing conditions suit them best or ask the groweryoursquore buying from

How mature are the plants Large plants usually do best incoarser potting materials and smaller plants do better in finerpotting materials (See the following sections for potting mixesof varying degrees of coarseness)

How big are the roots of the plants In general smaller rootsgrow better in finer more water-retentive materials whilelarger roots perform best in coarser materials

Psst Getting your hands on some not-so-secret recipesAlthough some orchid specialists have complicated formulationsfor each type of orchid they grow Irsquove simplified this process totwo basic mixes that suit most orchids The mixes are based on thetexture or particle size of the mix which is connected to the size ofthe orchid roots and their need for water retention (If this soundscomplicated just read on mdash I let you know which mix works bestfor which orchids)

Recommending specific potting mixes or formulations is a riskything to do because there are so many opinions as to what worksbest In truth many different mixes will work The most importantthing is to match your watering habits to the potting material youuse If you are a heavy and frequent waterer (as most people are)use a more porous well draining mix (like the ones I recommend inthe following sections) If you tend to water less frequently usepotting mixes that contain higher percentages of some of the morewater-retentive materials listed in Table 7-1

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 94

These formulations work well for me but you may find some othermix works better for your situation

Keep your watering habits in mind If your orchids tend to dry outtoo often use plastic pots rather than clay and use the fine mix Ifyou tend to be a heavy waterer use clay pots with the coarse mix

Fine mix4 parts fine-grade fir bark or fine-grade coco husk chips orredwood bark

1 part fine charcoal

1 part horticultural-grade perlite or small-grade Aliflor

This mix works well for smaller plants of all types of orchids slip-per orchids most oncidiums miltonias and any other orchidswith small roots that like to stay on the damp side

Medium mix4 parts medium-grade fir bark or medium-grade coco huskchunks

1 part medium charcoal

1 part horticultural-grade perlite or medium-grade Aliflor

This is your middle-of-the-road mix If you arenrsquot sure which mix touse try this one This mix is also good for cattleyas phalaenopsisand most mature orchids

If mixing your own is not your thingIf yoursquod rather just buy your mix ready-made potting mixes arereadily available from most places that sell orchids includinghome-improvement stores The mixes that they sell are very simi-lar to the ones I outline in the preceding section Most contain firbark perlite charcoal and sometimes some peat moss and aresuitable for most orchids

Getting your potting material ready to useWhatever potting material or mix you choose mdash whether you mixit yourself or buy it ready-made mdash it must be wetted before youuse it Otherwise it will never hold moisture properly and willalways dry out Herersquos how you do it

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 95

1 Pour the amount of potting material you intend to useinto a bucket that has about twice the volume of the mix

2 Fill the bucket with hot water

Hot water penetrates the material better than cold water

3 Let it soak overnight

4 The next day pour out the mix into a colander or strainer

5 Rinse the mix thoroughly to wash out the dust that was inthe mix

Now the mix is ready to use

Giving Your Orchids a HomePotting Containers

Many different containers are on the market mdash some are more orna-mental while others have functional differences (see Figure 7-1)The most common container is the basic pot mdash plastic or clay

The big differences between standard garden pots and those used fororchids are the number and size of drainage holes in the containerOrchid pots have larger holes and more of them both in the bottomand sides of the pot to ensure better drainage Some are shallow andshorter than standard garden pots with a larger base mdash especiallyuseful for top-heavy orchids

Figure 7-1 You can find many different types of containers for growing orchids

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 96

You can also plant orchids in wooden baskets usually constructedof teak or some other rot-resistant wood (see Figure 7-2)

Figure 7-2 When potting in a basket line the basket with sheet moss then add standard potting mix

Repotting Orchids without FearMost beginning orchid growers are afraid to repot their orchidsDespite their reputation orchids are tough After all they werefirst brought over from the tropics to Europe in the holds of shipsand miraculously many of them made it alive

In this section I give you all the information you need to repotyour orchids with confidence

Mounting orchidsMany orchids that are found naturally growing in trees can be mounted instead ofplaced in pots Mounting gives them perfect drainage simulates their natural habi-tat and can be an easy way to maintain them

To mount your orchid follow these steps (and refer to the nearby figure)

1 Place the plant on a small handful of moistened squeeze-dried sphagnum moss

2 Spread the roots around the sphagnum moss

3 Place the orchid on the mount so its center points down

Donrsquot position the orchid with the growing point up If you do it will collect waterin the center of the plant which can lead to disease that causes the center andgrowing point of the plant to rot (and can lead to death)

(continued)

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 97

4 After the orchid is centered properly wrap either stainless-steel wire or clearfishing line (monofilament) around the top and bottom of the moss to hold it inplace

In several months after the new roots have taken hold you can remove thewire or line

5 The finished mounted orchid is ready to hang in a bright place in a home green-house or near a window

Because these mounts drain so rapidly they need to be watered frequently some-times more than once a day during the hot summer months

12

3

4

5

(continued)

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 98

Knowing when you should repotYour orchid will tell you when itrsquos the right time to repot No theplant wonrsquot speak to you (if it does be afraid mdash be very very afraid)

Here are the situations in which yoursquoll want to repot your orchid

When the orchid roots are overflowing the pot

When the plant itself is going over the edge of the pot

When the potting material is getting soggy and drains poorly

The ideal time to repot most orchids is when the plant starts newgrowth usually right after it flowers With certain orchids like thecattleyas yoursquoll see a swelling at the base of the plant which is thebeginning of the new lead or shoot that will form the next stemleaf and flowers (see Figure 7-3) This is when orchids are puttingout new roots

Figure 7-3 Cattleyas should be repotted after flowering when the new roots are about 1 inch (25 cm) long the new lead growth is just appearing and the growth of the plant has reached the edge of the pot

New growth

New roots

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 99

If you donrsquot repot your orchid at this new-growth stage the newroots and growths are easily exposed to breakage and the new rootswonrsquot have any potting material to grow into and therefore will bemore likely to dry out If the orchid plant becomes too overgrownyoursquoll have trouble transplanting it later without damaging it

Orchid potting mdash step by stepNow that you know this is the right time to repot your orchid hereare the simple steps to follow (see Figure 7-4)

1 Remove the orchid from the pot

You may need to use a knife to circle the inside of the potand loosen the roots

2 Remove the old loose rotted potting material and anysoft damaged or dead roots

3 If the roots are healthy firm and filling the pot put theorchid in a pot just one size larger than the one youremoved it from placing the older growth toward theback so the new lead or growth has plenty of room

If the roots are rotted and in poor condition repot theplant in a container of the same or one size smaller thanit was removed from

If you place a poorly rooted plant in too large of a containerthe growing material will stay too damp which will resultin more of the roots rotting

Some orchid growers like to add a coarse material likebroken clay pots or Styrofoam in the bottom of the pots toimprove drainage You donrsquot have to do this if yoursquore usingshallow azalea-type pots

4 Place the plant in the pot so itrsquos at the same depth as itwas originally

The new shoot should be level with the pot rim

5 Press the fresh potting material into the pot and aroundthe orchid roots with your thumbs and forefingers

The orchid should be secure in the pot so it doesnrsquotwiggle mdash otherwise the new roots wonrsquot form properly

6 Place a wooden or bamboo stake in the center of thepot and tie up the new and old leads with soft string ortwist ties

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 100

Figure 7-4 Potting your orchid

Monopodial orchids are those with one growing point that alwaysgrows vertically not sideways (such as phalaenopsis angraecumsand vandas) as shown in Figure 7-5 The potting process for theseorchids is very similar to the cattleya process (outlined in the pre-ceding steps) except that the orchid should be placed in the centerof the container rather that toward the back

1

3

2

4

5 6

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 101

Figure 7-5 Monopodial orchids should be potted in the center of the pot instead of at the back

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 102

Chapter 8

Two Four Six Eight Let Your Orchids PropagateMultiplying Your Orchids

In This Chapter Making more orchids by dividing them

Separating babies from their parents

Making more orchids from cuttings

Producing plants from back bulbs

Because orchids are slower growing than most other plantsthe process of multiplying them takes more time To rear an

orchid from seed to bloom can take as long as five to seven yearsThe other methods I show you in this chapter are much quicker buttheyrsquore still not as speedy as reproducing common garden plantsMultiplying your orchids is worth the effort however becauseorchids are valuable plants that will keep growing forever

Dividing Your OrchidsDividing orchids is the surest and swiftest way to increase yourorchids This method only works with sympodial-type orchids(ones that grow sideways across the top of the pot like cattleyashown in Figure 8-1) Just about all the orchids in this book mdashexcept for those in Chapter 10 mdash are sympodials

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 103

For the cattleya types you want to have divisions of at least threeor four growths (called pseudobulbs) For other types you candivide them with fewer growths but for best results the largerthe divisions the better

You may want to divide your orchid because

The plant has grown too big to handle

You want to share or trade a piece of the orchid you havewith another plant lover

The rhizomes (creeping stems of the orchid) are growingover each other in a tangled mess

When cutting the orchid plant use a very sharp knife or prunersthat have been sterilized to prevent disease spread After yoursquovedivided the plant turn to Chapter 7 for information on potting it

Figure 8-1 When dividing a cattleya try to have at least three if not four front growths

Backbulbs

Mainshoot

Newshoot

Anothergrowing point

Leave threepseudobulbson the plant

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 104

Do not divide your orchids when theyrsquore too small or when theydonrsquot have enough growths The largest divisions with the mostpseudobulbs will grow quickest to blooming plants Yoursquoll alwaysget the best blooming from your orchids when they have multipledivisions or growths

Dividing a large orchid with many growths can be confusing Makea drawing of the plant growth pattern on a sheet of paper andmark where yoursquoll make your cuts before you start doing it asshown in Figure 8-2

Figure 8-2 Making a drawing showing how a large orchid will be divided helps simplify the process

Giving Babies a New HomeThe Hawaiian name for baby is keiki Interestingly the orchidcrowd adopted this name to refer to a baby plant especially onethat sprouts on the stem of a mature orchid

Chapter 8 Let Your Orchids Propagate Multiplying Your Orchids 105

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 105

Some plants like the phalaenopsis sometimes produce babies onthe flower stem (see Figure 8-3) When this happens leave theseyoung plants on the flower stem until theyrsquove developed severalroots a few inches long Then you can cut the young plant from theflower stem and pot it following the guidelines in Chapter 7

Figure 8-3 An orchid ldquobabyrdquo or keiki being removed from the mother plant andthen potted

When an orchid grows very tall and has extending roots from itsstem you can create more plants by cutting out the top severalinches of the orchid stem that contains the roots and potting it(this is known as topping an orchid) The bottom half of the plantwill then usually form baby plants that will sprout along the stemThese babies can eventually be cut off and planted Figure 8-4 illus-trates the three steps of topping an orchid

1 Remove the top portion of the stem allowing ample roots

2 Pot the portion yoursquove just removed

3 Leave the mother plant in its original container and waitfor the baby plants to sprout from its stem

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 106

Figure 8-4 The three stages of topping an orchid

Producing New Plants from Cuttings

Some orchids have canes or long stems that you can cut up intopieces called cuttings Herersquos how this works (see Figure 8-5)

1 Cut off one of the long stems or canes with sharp cleanpruners

2 With a sharp sterile knife cut sections of the cane so thateach section contains at least two nodes (the regions ofthe stems where the leaves used to be attached)

Nodes are marked by circular scars around the stems

Mother plant

Entire plant Upper halfreplanted

Lower halfremainingin old pot

20cm

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 107

3 Lay the cut stems or canes horizontally half-buried ona bed of damp sand or sphagnum moss in a shallow container

4 Cover the container with glass or plastic wrap to hold inthe moisture

5 Place the container in a warm (70ndash75degF21ndash24degC) areawhere it will get diffused but not direct sunlight

About 6 inches under a two-tube fluorescent fixture wouldbe ideal In a few months small plants will sprout They canthen be potted as outlined in Chapter 7

Figure 8-5 Producing more orchids from stem or cane cuttings

Growing Orchids from Back BulbsAfter some types of orchids like cymbidiums and oncidiumsbloom their older stems called backbulbs eventually lose theirleaves and become lifeless looking If you leave them in the potthey probably wonrsquot ever produce new growth If however youremove them from the main plant and handle them in a specialmanner they can produce new young plants

Here are the steps to follow (see Figure 8-6)

1

2

3

45

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 108

1 Cut off from the mother plant the older back bulbs thatno longer have leaves

2 Put a 2-inch (5-cm) layer of damp sphagnum moss in aplastic bag

3 Place several of the backbulbs with their bottoms aboutone-fourth buried in sphagnum moss in the plastic bagand seal it

Put this bag in a warm (70ndash75degF21ndash24degC) spot that receivesbright diffused light not direct sunlight In about twomonths you should start to see some new growth

4 When the leaves are a few inches long place the youngplants as a group in a shallow container in diffused light

Let them grow for several months Then transplant theminto their own pots

Figure 8-6 Growing new orchids from backbulbs

1

2

3

4

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 109

Growing orchids from seeds Leave it to the pros

Raising orchids from seeds is not a simple task In fact itrsquos quite complicated mdash andit wasnrsquot until the 1920s that the professionals figured it out The biggest problem isthat the orchid seeds are naked which means they donrsquot have their own food sourcelike most other plants As a result to successfully grow them you have to providethem with a nutrient solution along with a special fungus that makes this food avail-able to them

All this is done in laboratory flasks The seed is incredibly small mdash one seed canweight as little as 35 millionths of an ounce Theyrsquore so small that a seed pod a fewinches across can hold over 100000 seeds

Growing orchids from seeds is not something recommended for beginners Leaveraising orchids from seeds to the experts

If yoursquore really interested in growing orchids from seeds you can try a compromiseGet small plants that have already grown for a year or more in shallow containersoutside of a lab environment (see the figure) This is a fun and inexpensive way tohave some extra orchids to trade or give to friends If yoursquore new to this start withfast-growing types like phalaenopsis If yoursquore lucky yoursquoll see blooms in a few years

36

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 110

Chapter 9

Keeping Your Orchids Pest- and

Disease-FreeIn This Chapter Running a clean operation

Beating bugs safely and effectively

Diagnosing and curing diseases

Controlling other unwanted critters

Although orchids are relatively pest-free plants if you havethem long enough yoursquoll eventually have to deal with an

invasion of some bug or disease Fortunately there arenrsquot manypests to contend with and they arenrsquot that difficult to identify Inthis chapter I stress the safest and most effective ways to controlthese problems

Always start with the least toxic solution If you are careful andinspect your orchids on a regular basis and detect the problemsbefore they progress too far you will rarely have to resort to morepoisonous materials The more poisonous materials should beyour last line of defense

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 111

Preventing Problems Before They Start

Most insect and disease problems can be prevented by good plantsanitation Here are some steps to take to prevent pest problemsfrom getting out of hand

Always sterilize your cutting tools See the nearby sidebarldquoHow to sterilize your toolsrdquo for more information

Make a practice of regularly inspecting the tips of newgrowth and the undersides of the leaves This is where mostbugs hang out

Provide the best growing conditions possible When orchidsare under stress theyrsquore more susceptible to disease and insectinfestations

When repotting always use new or cleaned and sterilizedpots

Buy plants that are clean and healthy Beware of the ldquobargainrdquo or leftover plants many have serious problemsUnless theyrsquore in excellent condition stay away from them

Donrsquot allow weeds to infest your pots of orchids They canharbor insects

Keep the floor or ground in your growing area free ofweeds dead leaves and dead flowers

How to sterilize your toolsThese are the two methods that I use for sterilization

Chemical sterilization Dilute household bleach mdash one part bleach to nine partswater Soak your tools in them for a few minutes before you use them Mostchemicals that are used to sterilize tools like bleach are highly corrosive soafter yoursquove sterilized these tools be sure to thoroughly rinse them with cleanwater or their metal will quickly rust

Heat sterilization This is a very fast and clean way to sterilize tools You canuse a compact propane torch for this but Irsquove found the most convenient wayis to use a small butane hand torch (see Chapter 3) like the ones sold to makethe crust of cregraveme brucircleacutee With these torches you merely flame the tool on thecutting edges until they get red Let the tool cool and itrsquos ready to use

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 112

Always isolate new orchids from your other plants for four to sixweeks During this time scrutinize them for any signs of insects

Besting the BugsThe most important aspect of pest control is vigilance Frequentlypeople say ldquoI donrsquot know where these bugs came from All of asudden my orchid was infested with themrdquo Well Irsquom here to tellyou that this isnrsquot the way it happens Even though most insects doreproduce faster than rabbits infestations donrsquot happen overnight

Things can get out of hand quickly though if you donrsquot make apoint of closely inspecting your orchids regularly Keep on thelookout because if you can detect the pests when theyrsquore in smallnumbers getting rid of them will be much easier

Many of the pests described in this chapter like mites and thrips arevery tiny so theyrsquore difficult to see with the naked eye Buy yourselfa 10x hand lens at a camera shop Itrsquoll make the task much easier

Identifying common orchid pestsWhen you first notice pests you need to promptly and properlyidentify them so you can be sure to apply the most effective con-trol In the following sections I describe the common orchid pestsLater in the chapter I tell you what to do if your orchid has them

In many cases especially if there are many pests present yoursquoll haveto apply control measures repeatedly every seven to ten days atleast three times This is because these creatures have laid eggs thatare resistant to the control measure and hatch later By repeatingthe control several times yoursquoll kill these next generations of pestsafter they emerge from their eggs

Orchid euthanasiaSometimes the best solution is to dispose of a sickly orchid If yoursquove tried the preven-tative and curative measures outlined in this chapter and still the orchid doesnrsquotseem to be recovering getting rid of it is the best solution When a plant becomestoo weakened by infection or a bad infestation of insects it isnrsquot likely to recover mdashand while yoursquore hoping this will happen the infested plant can spread its problemto your other healthy orchids So bite the bullet and bury it in your trash can

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 113

AphidsThese are probably the most ubiquitous insect pests of them allThey come in all colors mdash including green red pink black andyellow mdash and theyrsquore usually found on the new succulent growthincluding the flower buds (see Figure 9-1) They feed with syringe-like mouth parts and are particularly damaging to buds by causingthem to be deformed when they open Aphids are also very effectivecarriers of disease especially viruses

Figure 9-1 Aphids are usually found in clusters on flower buds and young shoots and leaves

If you see clear sticky droplets anywhere on you plant look out foraphids This material euphemistically called honey dew is actuallyaphid waste This sticky substance can also be excreted by anyother piercingsucking insect such as scale

MealybugsThe name of this creature pretty much describes what this insectlooks like mdash mealy or cottony masses (see Figure 9-2) Itrsquos found insimilar areas as aphids mdash the growing tips buds and flower stemsOne type is also found on the roots This is a bothersome pest thatusually needs multiple insecticide treatments to get rid of it

ThripsThrips can be very destructive especially to flower buds maturingflowers and young leaves They are miniscule buggers that looksomething like long gnats and are very difficult to see with thenaked eye Their damage is easier to detect mdash it shows up as lightstreaks on the flowers or stippling on the leaves The flower budsare also usually deformed

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 114

Figure 9-2 Mealybugs look like white cottony masses

ScaleThis is another creature that comes in various forms but most havea shell that serves as a type of armor for the soft insect body thatis protected by it (see Figure 9-3) This shell must be penetrated bya chemical or by rubbing it off before you can kill the insect Theyrsquorefrequently found on the undersides of the leaves near the middlevein of the leaf or on the edges of the leaf They also commonly hangout on the flower stems This is a very difficult insect to totallyeradicate but with persistence it can effectively be controlled

Figure 9-3 Scale is a very common pest on orchids

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 115

Spider mitesThese are not insects but are spiders (see Figure 9-4) Theyrsquoreoften found when growing conditions are hot and dry They can begreen or red but in any color theyrsquore very difficult to see becausetheyrsquore so small In extreme infestations yoursquoll see fine webbing onthe leaves Before the infestation gets this bad the foliage will takeon a stippling effect which is a result of their feeding

Figure 9-4 Spider mites are very small hard-to-see pests that can be very destructive

Slugs and snailsSnails and slugs (see Figure 9-5) head most peoplersquos list as beingone of the most revolting of all orchid pests They can do extensivedamage to young orchid roots and stems and developing and matur-ing flowers They usually come out at night so if you suspect themtake a flashlight in the evening to search for these culprits Alsolook on the bottom of the flower pots mdash this is another favoritehiding place They love cool damp spots If they travel across drysurfaces theyrsquoll leave a telltale slime trail

RoachesAnother very unpopular beast cockroaches also feed at night andenjoy munching on flowers and flower buds

MiceMore than once to my great consternation upon inspecting myplants in the morning I discovered that a creature had nibbled offthe flower buds of some of my prized beauties right before theyopened Oh how frustrating Luckily mice can be easy controlled

actual size

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 116

Figure 9-5 Snails and slugs eat holes in flowers and leaves at night

Bees and other pollinating insectsThese are not really harmful creatures mdash they donrsquot cause any phys-ical damage to orchids but if they land on the flowers and pollinatethem the flowers will very soon collapse So if you want your flowersto last the longest keep pollinating insects out of your growing area

Finding safe pest-control measuresMany of the chemical controls for insects and diseases can damagethe plants to which theyrsquore applied if theyrsquore misused To be on thesafe side always read the pesticide label to see if orchids are listedas a plant that this chemical should not be used with And whenapplying the pesticide never use more than the dosage recom-mended and apply it in the cool of the early morning Also makesure that the potting material is damp mdash a moisture-stressed orchidis much more easily damaged by pesticides

The pest-control methods in Table 9-1 are listed in their approximateorder of safety and are readily available Always start off with thefirst line of defense Some of the least toxic solutions must beapplied more frequently because they kill on contact and arenrsquotresidual (they donrsquot stick around after theyrsquore applied) Most donrsquotsmell bad mdash an important feature for homegrown plants Some likeOrange Guard also serve as pest repellents (which means theyrsquollkill the pests currently there and also repel future pests)

actual size

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 117

Table 9-1 Common Orchid Pests and Their ControlsPest First Line of Second Line Comments

Defense of Defense

Aphids Wash off with Insecticidal If aphids are on the warm water soap flower buds of orchids

try repeatedly washingOrange Guard them off with warm (orange oil) water Using any

chemical may damageHorticultural oil the delicate develop-

ing buds or flowersIsopropyl alcohol

Mealybugs Use a cotton swab Insecticidal For orchids with drenched with soap mealybugs on their isopropyl alcohol roots remove the

Horticultural oil orchid from the potsoak the roots in a

Neem solution of insectici-dal soap for a fewhours then repot in aclean new pot withnew potting material

Thrips Neem Malathion Malathion and Ortheneare effective on a

Horticultural oil Orthene broad range of insect problems but they

Insecticidal soap both reek so be sureto apply them outsideof the living area

Scale Use a cotton swab Insecticidal This is a difficult pest drenched with iso- soap to eradicate Yoursquoll propyl alcohol and have to apply controls wipe across the Neem repeatedly to get rid armored shell of of it Before I spray Ithis insect Make Horticultural usually try to rub off sure that you pen- oils the armored shells of etrate this shell the scale with my

fingers then wash Orange Guard the leaf with mild

soapy water Then Ispray with my chosencontrol

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 118

Pest First Line of Second Line CommentsDefense of Defense

Spider mites Wash off with a Insecticidal To prevent mite infes-strong stream of soap tations keep your warm water orchid properly

Horticultural watered and in a oils growing area that

is not too hotOrthene

Snails and Old beer (The yeast Sluggo If you use baits be slugs in beer is a strong sure that theyrsquore

attractant to snails harmless to pets and slugs Put out as Sluggo isa shallow platter of beer (about 1frasl2 inch deep) and wait for these creatures to belly up to the bar atnightfall The next day yoursquoll find them drowned in the brew

Put out pieces of lettuce in the eveningthat will attract slugs and snails This lettuce with attached feed-ing slugs can be removed and dis-carded in the morning

Mice Live traps Old-fashioned I would not recom- snap traps mend using poison Peanut butter baits They could harmis an effective your pets and the bait mice that die from

this poison frequentlyend up in the walls ofyour house and thesmell takes weeks todissipate

Roaches Orange Guard Roach aerosol Orange Guard both sprays mdash use repels and kills on the floor not roaches And it on plants smells good

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 119

If you want more technical information on orchid pests and theircontrols I highly recommend the booklet published by the AmericanOrchid Society called Orchid Pest and Diseases It can be purchasedonline at the American Orchid Societyrsquos Orchid EmporiumBookstore (httpuser889628wx10registeredsitecommivamerchantmvScreen=PRODampStore_Code=OEampProduct_Code=SO103ampCategory_Code=AH)

Donrsquot spray aerosol insect controls such as those designed forkilling ants roaches and wasps on your orchid plants These areintended to be used to kill insects outdoors and in the kitchen butif sprayed directly on your orchid plants they can cause seriousdamage

All horticultural oils are not the same Do not use dormant oilsUse the ones called superior oils Theyrsquore much thinner and morerefined and are meant to be used when the plants are activelygrowing One common brand name is SunSpray Ultra-Fine

Is There a Fungus Among UsOrchids are tough plants and if you grow them in the correct cul-tural conditions and take the preventative measures mentioned inthis chapter theyrsquoll rarely suffer from fatal diseases Still beingaware of what can happen when things go wrong is a good idea

Diseases are somewhat trickier than bugs to deal with because youreally canrsquot see them You just see the damage they leave behind mdashsuch as rotten plant centers or spots on the leaves

The damage that most fungal and bacterial diseases leave behind arecircular or oblong spots on the foliage or flowers (see Figure 9-6)Sometimes they also cause the center growing point called thecrown to turn black or rot and may lead to the death of the plantWhen this happens the crown has been killed by the organism andthe pattern of spots or rots is a symptom of the disease and is oneof the ways that a disease is identified Fortunately most of thecontrols that I mention in this chapter are effective against a broadrange of disease problems so an exact disease diagnosis is seldomnecessary to remedy the problem

Viruses are dreaded by orchid growers because there is no practi-cal cure for them The most obvious symptom of a virus infectionis streaking or color breaks in the flower

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 120

Figure 9-6 Leaf spots like these are usually caused by fungal organisms

Detecting these symptoms is nearly impossible mdash in my 40 yearsof growing orchids Irsquove rarely been able to accurately identify avirus on my orchids Of course that doesnrsquot mean my orchidsdidnrsquot have some viruses that I didnrsquot detect but viruses arenrsquotcommon especially if you buy high-quality plants and follow theprevention methods outlined here

Refer to the ldquoPreventing Problems Before They Startrdquo section ear-lier in this chapter This information pertains as much to diseasesas it does to pest damage

Here are a few other pointers that relate specifically to disease

Water your orchids during the day when the moisture willevaporate from the leaves before nightfall Cool damp leavesand water left in the crowns of the plants in the evening are aninvitation to disease

Make sure your orchids have enough airflow This reducesthe time moisture stays on the leaves and removes stagnant air

Remove diseased leaves with a sharp sterile knife or scis-sors (See the sidebar ldquoWhen surgery is requiredrdquo later inthis chapter)

Sterilize your cutting tools each time you use them onanother plant

When you find a disease problem treat it right awayProcrastinating could cost your orchid its life

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 121

Here are the steps that I recommend

1 If the plant is badly diseased discard it

You probably wonrsquot be able to save it and it could infectyour other healthy plants

2 If you find dark brown spots that look like disease andthey are close to the end of the leaf remove this sectionof the leaf

See the sidebar ldquoWhen surgery is requiredrdquo

3 As a general sanitation practice after yoursquove performedsurgery or if your orchid has a disease spot that cannot beremoved surgically spray the leaves with a mild fungicidebactericide and hope for the best

Physan 20 Phyton 27 Natriphene or RD-20 are all mildfungicidesbactericides that work for this purpose

4 Reevaluate the area yoursquore growing the orchid in to besure itrsquos getting enough air circulation and yoursquore doing allyou can to follow the recommended disease-preventionmeasures

All chemical pesticides are poisons that have some toxicity tohumans Read the precautions on the pesticide label and followthem carefully Wear rubber gloves (the disposable ones workgreat) when mixing and spraying these materials

When surgery is requiredPerforming surgery to cut out the infection is the simplest and most effective methodof stopping the spread of disease A single-edge razor blade is ideal for the jobbecause itrsquos extremely sharp and sterile and can be disposed of after the operationThe sharpness is important so that as little as possible of the healthy tissue is dam-aged in the process

Remove all the damaged or diseased leaf by cutting the leaf off about 1frasl2 inch to 1inch into healthy leaf tissue that shows no signs of the disease Be careful not to cutinto the diseased tissue and then into healthy tissue or yoursquoll spread the disease

Some people dress the edge of the cut with a simple fungicidal material like sulfuror cinnamon but this usually isnrsquot necessary

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 122

Part IIIThe Best Orchids

for Rookies

15_567594 pt03qxd 12405 918 PM Page 123

In this part

In this part I give you a look at some gorgeous orchidsthat will love to have you take them home With the

tens of thousands of different kinds of orchids out therethe choice about which ones you should consider giving ahome is daunting Choosing the right orchid can make abig difference in your success with orchids In this part Ishow you many of the exciting possibilities Irsquove purposelychosen to introduce you to orchids that are easy to findand are widely adaptable to a variety of growing condi-tions You can have confidence that the orchids in thispart are top performers

15_567594 pt03qxd 12405 918 PM Page 124

Chapter 10

Moth Orchids and Their Relatives The Best

Choice for BeginnersIn This Chapter Finding perfect starter orchids

Knowing the various types of moth orchids

Looking at Africarsquos gift to orchid lovers mdash the angraecoids

Considering vandas and some other moth-orchid cousins

This type of orchid is the most popular grown today In factaccording to the American Orchid Society moth orchids

account for 75 percent of all orchids sold

Moth orchids (phalaenopsis) offer everything that most orchidgrowers admire and are the fastest and easiest to grow Theybloom for a long period of time mdash from many weeks to monthsThe flowers are classy and borne on elegant arched sprays Andmoth orchids come in a broad range of colors Their foliage isbeautiful glossy green or marbled they have very modest lightrequirements and they grow well in temperatures commonlyfound in the home

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 125

Moth orchids are definitely the orchids to start with and afteryou experience the great satisfaction that they provide you maydecide to stay with them The standard pink white and stripedones commonly sold in the box stores and at flower shops are theessence of style but in addition to these beauties there are manynew and exciting colors color patterns and growth habits thateven increase their desirability Although most phalaenopsis arenot fragrant some are

In this chapter I tell you all about moth orchids and their relatives

Mirror Mirror on the Wall The Beauty of Moth Orchids

Moth orchids are beautiful plants and in this section I fill you inon exactly what to expect from yours

LeavesAll the moth orchids have handsome foliage Many of them havedark-green leathery glossy leaves while others exhibit exquisitelymarbled dark-green and gray-green leaves so even when theseplants arenrsquot in bloom they remain quite attractive (see Figure 10-1)

Figure 10-1 A close-up of the beautifully patterned leaf of Phalaenopsis stuartiana

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 126

Flower shapesThe various types of moth orchids have very similar shapesthough many of the newer varieties have a very rounded lookFigure 10-2 shows you the names of the parts of the moth orchidflowers Because moth orchids epitomize style theyrsquore frequentlyused in flower arrangements and in simple yet chic corsages

Figure 10-2 The parts of a moth orchid (phalaenopsis) flower

Flower colorsWhite pink and candy-striped are the ldquostandardrdquo moth orchidsthat are most commonly found at flower shops and box stores asboth potted plants and cut flowers for wedding bouquets (seeFigure 10-3 Figure 10-4 and the color insert) These colors of mothorchids seem to have reached the pinnacle of perfection in flowersize and shape and because of modern reproduction and growingmethods theyrsquore highly affordable In fact in Europe and certainlarge urban centers in the United States theyrsquore commonly pur-chased as an expendable blooming potted plant that is discardedafter its many weeks of bloom

Dorsal sepal

Petal

Column

Lip side lobeCallus

Lip midlobeLip tendrilLateral sepal

Chapter 10 Moth Orchids and Their Relatives 127

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 127

Figure 10-3 Just about all white phalaenopsis available today display pristine round graceful flowers

Figure 10-4 Candy-striped moth orchids present a striking picture This one is called Phalaenopsis Jackie Debonis

I donrsquot recommend any specific varieties within this group becausethere are so many These types of phalaenopsis have been perfectedto such a degree that just about all of them available these dayswould be ones you would be happy to give a home

Due to the fine efforts of orchid hybridizers in the United States Asiaand other parts of the world we now have moth orchids with a hugevariety of flower colors mdash from harlequins with random spotting

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 128

patterns backed with yellow or white petals (see Figure 10-5) to darkpurple and rich pink with white lips (see Figure 10-6) clear yellowsgreens and burgundy reds About the only color that isnrsquot yet foundin phalaenopsis is blue and breeders are working diligently to addthis color to the palate

To intensify the markings on these orchids try growing them in alittle drier cooler and brighter location than usual when theyrsquorestarting to flower

Figure 10-5 A harlequin-type of orchid Phalaenopsis Sue Chin

Figure 10-6 Phalaenopsis Hilo Lip is a dark cerise with a bright white lip

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 129

Encore Encore A second showOne of the great features about moth orchids is their ability to produce a second-ary flower spike that branches off the main one (as shown in the nearby figure) Thiswill make your flower show go on for months

To make this happen after the flowers have stopped blooming on the flower spikefeel along this bare spike and notice the bumps along this stem These knobby struc-tures are called nodes At the base of these nodes are resting flower buds Yourmission is to wake up one of these buds so it will produce another flower spikeNotice where the first flower opened on the stem and go to the next node downtoward the base of the plant This is where you cut off the spent flower spike Afteryou do this in most cases this will stimulate the production of a secondary flowerspike at this node

Remember Donrsquot bloom your moth orchids to death Sometimes moth orchids donrsquotknow whatrsquos good for them They just keep blooming to the point of exhausting alltheir energy If the orchid is a robust plant this continual bloom is okay But if theleaves are puckered and the plant looks worn out or if the plant is very young andnot very established yoursquore better off cutting off the flower spike and enjoying it ina flower arrangement This will give the plant rest and an opportunity to put itsenergy into producing new roots and leaves so it will be strong enough to produceeven more flowers on its next flowering

Where oldflowers hadbeen

Cut back tothe 1st nodebelow whereold flower hadbloomed

Secondaryflower spike

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 130

ScentsFew beginning orchid lovers realize that some phalaenopsisincluding the one shown in Figure 10-7 are blessed with a wonder-ful perfume Certain moth orchids from the wild naturally have thischaracteristic and when theyrsquore used as parents they sometimespass this quality on to their offspring In this section I give youlists of some specific varieties to look for

When yoursquore buying other moth orchids check to see if any ofthem have these plants listed as their parents this will increasetheir chances of being fragrant

Figure 10-7 One of the most popular of the fragrant moth orchids isPhalaenopsis Orchid World lsquoBonnie Vasquezrsquo AMAOS

Here are some of the sweet-smelling phalaenopsis hybrids that Ihave grown and enjoyed

Phalaenopsis Ambo Buddha lsquoSWrsquo This is another contribu-tion to the moth-orchid world from Taiwanese breeders Thecolors on the 21frasl2-inch (6-cm) flowers are dazzling (See the colorinsert for a full-color photo)

Phalaenopsis Caribbean Sunset lsquoSweet Fragrancersquo A delight-ful miniature with 2-inch (5-cm) rose-red flowers that has arose fragrance The leaves reach about 6 inches (15 cm) long

Phalaenopsis Dottie Woodson Varnished blood-red sweet-smelling 2-inch (5-cm) flowers are produced on multiplespikes borne above handsome medium-glossy green foliage

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 131

Phalaenopsis Ember lsquoBlumen Inselrsquo AMAOS 21frasl2-inch (6-cm)glossy waxy solid dark red flowers borne on thick florescenceThis flower frequently blooms more than once a year

Phalaenopsis Kilby Cassviola lsquoSweet Fragrancersquo Gets itsspicy fragrance from one of its parents Phalaenopsis violaceaItrsquos another compact grower with glistening white flowersabout 21frasl2 inches (6 cm) across with light-brown barring on thelower part of the flower

Phalaenopsis Orchid World lsquoBonnie Vasquezrsquo AMAOSThere are many different forms of this classic variety (referto Figure 10-7) Most have leathery thick long-lasting glossyyellow flowers brightly marked with red or maroon spots orstripes

Phalaenopsis Perfection Is lsquoChenrsquo FCCAOS One of my per-sonal favorites because its flat 21frasl2-inch (6-cm) waxy yellowflowers are brilliantly decorated with burgundy red spots andhave a clove or carnation scent

Here are some other hybrids noted for their fragrance

Phalaenopsis Sweet Memory

Phalaenopsis George Vasquez lsquoEurekarsquo FCCAOS

Phalaenopsis Luedde-violacea lsquoAnna Redrsquo HCCAOS

Phalaenopsis Peach State

Phalaenopsis Penang Girl

Phalaenopsis Princess Kaiulani

Phalaenopsis Rare Vintage

Phalaenopsis Tabasco Tex

Phalaenopsis Valentinii

Phalaenopsis Wes Addison

Phalaenopsis Zuma Aussie Delight lsquoZuma Canyonrsquo AMAOS

Some of the phalaenopsis species (those in the form naturally foundin the wild) are fragrant and also are used in breeding to pass thischaracteristic to new varieties These species are a little bit harderto find and grow but are worth the effort

Phalaenopsis amboinensis Musky fragrance

Phalaenopsis bastianii Very fragrant

Phalaenopsis bellina A very fragrant scent of lily-of-the-valley and freesia A compact grower whose flowers are bornesequentially (see Figure 10-8)

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 132

Phalaenopsis fasciata Light rosy-floral scent

Phalaenopsis gigantea Huge leaves mdash they can be morethan 2 feet (60 cm) long The flowers are about 2 inches(5 cm) and smell like orange peels

Phalaenopsis hieroglyphica White flowers with red patternsthat look like hieroglyphics with a fragrance similar to a rose

Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana Yellow to white flowerswith dark mahogany spots that emit a light sweet fragrance

Phalaenopsis mannii A Nepalese native that displays 1- to2-inch (25- to 5-cm) narrow yellow flowers with dark-brownbarring with a purple and white lip Its flowers can last upto three months and have the light scent of oranges (seeFigure 10-9)

Phalaenopsis odesta A summer bloomer from Borneo thathas a creamy white flower with purple freckles smelling likehoneysuckle or lilacs

Phalaenopsis schilleriana An orchid with 3- to 31frasl2-inch (8- to 9-cm) pink lightly rose-scented flowers that can numberinto the hundreds on a mature plant The dark-green foliage ishandsomely marked in silver

Phalaenopsis tetraspis Small glossy white flowers with astrong sweet scent that are lightly marked in purple

Phalaenopsis violacea A compact plant that is very fragrantsmelling like spice and cinnamon The glossy green leaves areanother attractive feature

Figure 10-8 Phalaenopsis bellinahas a lily-of-the-valley fragrance that permeates any room itrsquos in

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 133

Figure 10-9 Phalaenopsis mannii is quite variable in its flower color

When it comes to moth orchid flower fragrance

Usually these orchids are fragrant during the day

On occasion their scent will only last for a few hourseach day

Sometimes the flowers have to be open for a few days beforethey emit a scent

Their perfume will be strongest on still hot sunny days

SizeSome of the glorious moth orchids you see in the stores make animpressive show with their 24- to 36-inch (60- to 90-cm) arcing flowerspikes but these plants may not fit in the more limited growingspace you can provide Luckily there are diminutive moth orchidsthat thrive in smaller places In fact there is now an entire groupreferred to as multiflorals or sweetheart types that have many flow-ers up to 2 inches (3 cm) across on very compact growing plantsIrsquove grown several of these and find them to be pure pleasure

If space is at a premium look for these specific plants or see ifthese miniatures have been used as parents in the plants thatyoursquore considering

Phalaenopsis equestris A dwarf species that is often usedas one of the parents for breeding dwarf growth habits

Phalaenopsis Sogo Twinkle (see Figure 10-10) Sogo is thename of a well-known orchid nursery in Taiwan that produces

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 134

some excellent phalaenopsis including many that are smallgrowers

Doritaenopsis Purple Gem This dwarf variety most com-monly comes in shades of pink and purple but there are alsowhite forms It frequently blooms more than once a year

Phalaenopsis Carmelarsquos Pixie Produced by CarmellaOrchids a nursery in Hawaii that has long been a grower andbreeder of fine moth orchids including this diminutive one

Phalaenopsis Cassandra Displays a 21frasl2-inch (6-cm) clearwhite flower with a yellow flush and light-brown barring onthe lower outermost parts of the flower and throat Someforms are fragrant

Phalaenopsis Be Tris This mini has been around quite awhile Itrsquos still offered and is commonly used as a parent topass its small plant size on to its offspring

Phalaenopsis Mini Mark lsquoHolmrsquo (see Figure 10-11) This plantis so charming It has light floral-scented white flowers that arespeckled in orange with an orange-red lip and that are a littleover 1 inch (25 cm) across

Figure 10-10 Phalaenopsis Sogo Twinkle is a compact gem that produces many charming flowers on a very small plant with short flower spikes

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 135

Figure 10-11 Phalaenopsis Mini Mark lsquoHolmrsquo is a delightful miniature phalaenopsis that everyone has space for

Answering the call of the wildEarlier in this chapter I mentioned a number of phalaenopsisspecies that are fragrant Here are some others that are not ascommonly grown because many people prefer the newer varietieswith larger rounder flowers but interest in species is increasingas people are starting to better appreciate their simple less com-plicated look

Here are some species that are worth considering

Phalaenopsis amabilis This native of Indonesia is theparent of most of todayrsquos white hybrids The white flowerwith a yellow lip can last for months It is not as round as thenewer hybrids but it has its own grace

Phalaenopsis buissoniania Unlike most of the other pha-laenopsis species this one bears its medium pink flowers onan upright up to 3-foot (1-m) tall stem rather than an archedflower stem

Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi The flower stem on this speciesis flat and produces yellow glossy flowers that are barred inmaroon Its flowers are borne sequentially so donrsquot cut offthe flower spike because new flowers will continue to arisefrom it

Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 136

Phalaenopsis mariae The flower of this orchid is markedwith bright spots of brown and red (see Figure 10-12) It willfrequently have multiple short flower spikes in the spring andsummer

Phalaenopsis schilleriana A parent of many of the pinkhybrids sold today Like Phalaenopsis stuartiana a matureplant produces a flurry of flowers and its leaves are beauti-fully marbled

Phalaenopsis stuartiana (see Figure 10-13) A matureplant of this variety can have up to 100 white flowers ona branched spike The foliage (refer to Figure 10-1) is beauti-fully patterned

Figure 10-12 Phalaenopsis mariae sports a colorful pattern of brown and red spots on its glossy white flower

Donrsquot buy wild-collected plants They deplete the natural popula-tion of these plants from their natives lands from which they havesometimes been illegally removed Wild-collected plants take quitea while to become established and their leaves are tattered fromtheir jungle experience Species phalaenopsis that have been nursery-grown from seed are generally more vigorous and willadjust better to a home environment So only buy from a groweror supplier who assures you that his orchids are seed-grown notwild-collected

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 137

Figure 10-13 Phalaenopsis stuartiana makes quite a show with its flurry of white flowers backed with stunning foliage

Oh Give Me a Home Cultural Requirements

Moth orchids do well in medium to low light similar to otherhouseplants like African violets They also thrive in moderatehumidity of 50 percent or so and average daytime temperaturesof 70degF to 80degF (21degC to 26degC) during the day and about 65degF (18degC)at night

Moth orchids are particularly susceptible to a disease commonlycalled crown rot which is usually the result of water pooling in thesmall pocket formed at the new young growth of the orchid Toprevent this disease make sure this growing point stays dryovernight If you need to use a cotton swab to remove this extramoisture

Relatives of Moth OrchidsMoth orchids have various relatives that are also easy growers andgood choices for beginners These orchids have similar culturalrequirements to moth orchids unless otherwise noted and comein different flower shapes and colors and many are fragrant

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 138

Africarsquos gift to orchid lovers The AngraecoidsAfrica and its neighboring islands have always harbored mysteryand intrigue with their fantastic fauna and flora The orchids of thispart of the world hold this same allure Many of these orchids havewaxy-white star-shaped heavenly scented flowers on plants withdark-green leathery leaves Some are humongous and would onlyfit in a greenhouse with plenty of room while others are of a man-ageable size or even miniature In general they require more lightthan phalaenopsis but have the same preference for warm humidgrowing areas

All angraecoids can be a bit touchy about repotting so grow themin a fresh long-lasting mix or mount them so you donrsquot have torepot them often

A few of the big fellowsIf you have plenty of space here are a few spectacular orchids thatare worth your consideration

Angraecum sequipedale Commonly called the Star ofBethlehem or the King of Angraecums this Madagascannative is a spectacular orchid with 41frasl2-inch (11-cm) waxywhite blossoms blessed with the heady fragrance of jasmine(see Figure 10-14) Because this plant prefers very strong lightand ultimately grows up to 3 feet (1 meter) tall and wide itrequires a large sunroom or a greenhouse

Angraecum Longiscott Quite a showy angraecum hybridthe plant grows 36 inches (90 cm) high and 12 inches (30 cm)wide It produces 3-inch (75-cm) waxy white lipped flowerswith greenish sepals with 8- to 10-inch (20- to 25-cm) spursthat are borne on up to 24-inch (60-cm) arching spikes It hasa jasmine scent and is a reliable bloomer

A moth with a 12-inch tongueAngraecum sequipedale was made famous by Charles Darwin who postulated thatthere must be a night-flying moth with a 12-inch tongue to be able to harvest thenectar from the flower of this orchid and in the process pollinate it Darwinrsquos scien-tific colleagues thought this belief to be preposterous Thirty-five years after hisdeath he was proven right when a hawk moth the pollinator for this orchid with a12-inch (30-cm) tongue was found

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 139

Figure 10-14 Angraecum sequipedalehas a waxy fragrant flower that can last for months

These might be more your sizeNot everyone has the growing room necessary to accommodate theburly plants described earlier so these smaller cousins may be abetter choice for most They have the same waxy white long-lastingflowers with delightful fragrances but on much smaller plants

Angraecum compactum As the second Latin name suggeststhis is a more manageable sized plant that is about 10 inches(25 cm) wide and 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35 cm) high It is aslow grower but easy to grow and it dependably produces 3-inch (75 cm) waxy-white citrus-scented flowers after itrsquosestablished

Angraecum leonis This species is very popular becauseof its handsome green compact habit about 6 to 10 inches(15 to 25 cm) high and wide with a relatively large 11frasl2-inch (4-cm) waxy white flower (see Figure 10-15)

Some smaller Angraecum relativesHere are some charmers that are nice additions to your collectionall very fragrant

Aerangis citrata This is an easy choice an adaptable plantthat thrives in lower light conditions and is a very compactgrower It blooms several times a year and has a light lemonfragrance (see Figure 10-16)

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 140

Aerangis fastuosa Another gem with compact glossy greenfoliage with up to six flowers with the fragrance of tuberosein bloom at once

Angranthes Grandalena This is one of my favorites becauseas this plant matures it produces multiple growths with recur-ring almost constant blooming It produces 3-inch (75-cm)green-white spurred jasmine-scented flowers borne singly thatshow off against its very compact glossy dark-green leaves

Figure 10-15 Angraecum leonisis a smaller grower that will fit anyonersquos growing space

Figure 10-16 Aerangis citrata displays up to 30 flowers in arching sprays

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 141

Vandas and some of their close cousinsAnyone who has been to Hawaii is familiar with the orchids thatare used in the welcoming leis most often theyrsquore vandas Sadlythe varieties used for these flowery necklaces are ones only suit-able for growing in Hawaii and other very bright areas Fortunatelythere are others in this group that are less demanding but still canbe quite a challenge for many home growers because of their higherlight requirements If you live in warmer higher light areas of thecountry like Hawaii Florida or parts of California these plants aremore doable

Large strap-leaved vandas are simply gorgeous and are found in awide range of colors including heavenly blues (see Figure 10-17)cotton-candy pinks sunny yellows and hot oranges The flowerscan be quite huge 5 to 6 inches (125 to 15 cm) across on somehybrids

Although they donrsquot require as bright light as some of the othervandas they still present quite a challenge to home growers in thenorthern part of the United States who experience heavy cloudcover and short dark days in the winter To grow them in theseareas you need to have an exceptionally sunny southern windowor a hobby greenhouse Irsquove grown and bloomed some of themunder high-intensity lights but you donrsquot want to know what myelectric bill was

Figure 10-17 This strap-leaved variety Vanda Kasemrsquos Delight shows the typical large round flowers of todayrsquos superb quality varieties

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 142

Ascocendas are the result of breeding the larger vandas with amuch smaller growing group of plants called ascocentrums Theirflowers may not be quite as giant as the 6-inch (15 cm) floweredstrap-leaved vandas but they can still be showstoppers and theirsmaller stature makes them much easier to manage Grow them ina sunny window or close to florescent lights Search out those thathave the smaller sized growth habit

Ascocendas come in a wide range of colors with many differentvarieties Here are a few of the classics

Ascocenda Yip Sum Wah The most famous of all ascocen-das It is most commonly found in bright oranges or redssometimes in purples but itrsquos also available in shades ofyellow Itrsquos noted for its prolific blooming and relatively compact habit

Ascocenda Peggy Foo Another fine performer with clearglossy red flowers on a compact plant (see the color insertfor a full-color photo)

Ascocenda Medasand Still used in breeding to produce superior plants Plants like Ascocenda Medasand are frequently grown in teak baskets like the one shown in Figure 10-18 because they afford the excellent drainagethat ascocendas and vandas love They can also be grownin pots as long as there are plenty of holes in the bottom ofthe containers

Figure 10-18 Ascocenda Medasand in a teak basket

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 143

Here is an assortment of different vanda-type orchids that I recommend

Aerides odorata Bears clove-scented white flowers withpurple spots on a pendulous flower spike Leaves are about10 inches (25 cm) long but the stem grows quite tall so thisplant would be suitable in a bright window but not under lights

Neofinetia falcata This dwarf plant 3 to 6 inches (75 to10 cm) high with waxy white flowers about 1 inch (25cm)wide is easy to bloom on a bright windowsill or under lightsItrsquos frequently used as a parent to impart its compact growthhabit and vanilla fragrance to its offspring (see Figure 10-19)Commonly called the Japanese Wind Orchid this was once theexclusive property of the Royal Family of Japan Commonerswere forbidden to have it in their possession Its cultivationdates many centuries back to the Edo period in Japan It wasfirst described in 1784

Neostylis Lou Sneary This has been a very successful varietythat has a compact habit (inherited from one of its parentsNeofinetia falcata) It comes in various color forms mdash whitepink and blue All produce a flurry of 1-inch (25-cm) fragrantflowers and make super plants for growing on the windowsillor under lights

Ascofinetia Cherry Blossom Another compact beauty withlightly fragrant rose-lavender flowers that is the result ofbreeding an ascocentrum with our Japanese friend neofinetia

Renanthera monachica Many of the renantheras are hugeplants that can get several feet tall and so are a bit of a chal-lenge to handle in the house This is a dazzling dwarf formthat takes years to get up to 1 foot (30 cm) Its flowers are thecolors of a bright yellow-orange flame (see Figure 10-20)

Rhynchostylis gigantea When you smell the intoxicatingcitrus fragrance of this orchid commonly called foxtail orchidbecause of the shape of its pendulous cluster of flowers youwill be hooked This can eventually become a quite largeorchid but it will take many years to get there This one performs great in a sunny window There are several colorforms including the most common white with purple spotsall white and solid burgundy red at times referred to as theSagarik Strain (see Figure 10-21)

Rhynchostylis retusa This looks very similar to the precedingplant and its flower color range is similar The flowers tend tobe smaller but there are usually more of them on longer flowerspikes

Rhynchostylis coelestis Unlike the other two rhynchostylisthis one has upright flower spikes and the most common

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 923 PM Page 144

form has blue and white flowers Other color forms are pinkand white

Sedirea japonica Another gift from Asia that not manyWestern orchidists are familiar with After I witnessed thisorchid being judged for its lemon fragrance at the New YorkInternational Orchid Show I made a beeline for the vendorwho was selling this charmer I found myself behind a longline of mostly Asian folks ahead of me who fully appreciatedthis orchidrsquos merits Itrsquos like a dwarf phalaenopsis in itsgrowth habit with about 6-inch (15-cm) leaves and has thesame cultural requirements

Figure 10-19 Neofinetia falcata mdash commonly called the Japanese Wind Orchid

Figure 10-20 Renanthera monachica is a delightful small and brightly colored orchid

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 923 PM Page 145

Figure 10-21 The foxtail orchid Rhynchostylis gigantea fills up an entire room with its citrus fragrance and its pendulous flower spike in full bloom is a splendid sight

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 923 PM Page 146

Chapter 11

The Quintessential OrchidsCattleyas and Their RelativesIn This Chapter Understanding how cattleyas and laelias made it from nature to your home

Growing cattleyasrsquo wild relatives

Looking at the man-made cattleya orchids

Discovering small-growing cattleyas the minicatts

When people picture what a typical orchid looks like the cat-tleya flower is usually what comes to mind Years ago the

ultimate gift to give your mother or grandmother on Motherrsquos Daywas a cattleya orchid corsage Back then these were usually fra-grant flowers in various shades of lavender

Until the skyrocketing popularity of the phalaenopsis took off sev-eral years ago the cattleyas were the undisputed kings of orchidsTheyrsquore still highly popular because they offer huge and frequentlyfragrant flowers in a complete spectrum of colors and flowershapes on plants varying in size from a few inches (5 cm) to a fewfeet (60 cm) tall To see how the glorious flowers of cattleyas areconstructed see Figure 11-1

In this chapter I introduce you to a few of the many orchids in thisillustrious group that are readily available and easy to grow Yoursquollsee why they epitomize the beauty and fragrance that only orchidscan offer

Cattleyas grow best in moderate humidity and medium to brightlight with good air circulation and in intermediate temperaturesFor general cultural information see Chapter 7

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 147

Figure 11-1 The structure of a typical cattleya flower (1 = Sepals 2 = Petals 3 = Lip 4 = Column 5 = Bud 6 = Sheath)

From the Jungles to Your HomeIn the 1800s plant collectors and explorers risked their lives andlived in steamy tropical outposts to bring these South Americanorchids to the plant lovers of Europe Today all the best forms arereadily available and none have been collected from the wildInstead the best cattleyas are raised from seed in laboratoryflasks which is not only good news from a conservation stand-point (they arenrsquot resulting in destroyed natural habitats from fieldcollecting) but also because these plants are generally strongerand more vigorous than those collected from the wild and adaptbetter to home-growing situations

1

24

3

5

6

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 148

Some selected cattleya speciesSome of the cattleya species are a little more of a challenge to growthan the hybrids so if you want to go right to the easier plantsskip this section and move on to ldquoThe Queens of the Ball CattleyaHybridsrdquo later in this chapter

However if you prefer the simple classic flower that the speciesoffers here are some to try that are usually readily available

Cattleya amethystoglossa Yoursquoll need a tall very brightwindow to accommodate this orchid because it can reach3 feet (1 meter) in height Its 21frasl2-inch (7-cm) light pink flowersspeckled with purple and highlighted with a purple lip are inclusters of up to a dozen and appear in the spring

Cattleya aurantiaca A longtime favorite with dark greenshiny leaves on a compact 12-inch (30-cm) plant this orchid isloaded with clusters of orange to red 11frasl2- to 2-inch (4- to 5-cm)flowers

Cattleya bicolor Clusters of 3-inch (75-cm) coppery to pinkish-brown waxy spicy-scented flowers with contrastingbright-pink lips that appear in the spring make this speciesa standout The plant grows to about 20 to 36 inches (50 to85 cm) tall Repot this orchid only when new roots are start-ing to develop

Cattleya guttata This orchid is very similar in most respectsto Cattleya amethystoglossa except that it blooms in thesummer and fall

Cattleya harrisoniana (see Figure 11-2) Pink to deep rosefloral-scented flowers are displayed on this summer or fallbloomer This plant is best repotted in the spring

Cattleya intermedia A medium-size grower that reachesabout 15 inches (40 cm) high with leaves about 6 inches(15 cm) long this orchid produces sizable 6-inch (15-cm)sweet floral-scented flowers that are a light pink with a con-trasting dark purple lip

Cattleya leuddemanniana Up to five 41frasl2- to 5-inch (10- to 13-cm) richly purple flowers veined in yellow adorn this floral-scented spring-blooming plant

Cattleya maxima (see Figure 11-3) Loaded with 5-inch (125-cm) lavender-pink baby-powder-scented flowers thatdisplay lips with dark purple veins and yellow throats thisfall- to early-winter-blooming orchid is Perursquos national flower

Chapter 11 Cattleyas and Their Relatives 149

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 149

Figure 11-2 Cattleya harrisoniana has been a longtime favorite cattleya species

Some tall-growing cattleyas can be very top-heavy especially whentheyrsquore in full bloom Potting them in squat azalea-type clay potsthat have wider bases andor putting 1 inch (25 cm) or so of cleangravel in the bottom of the pots helps prevent the plants from top-pling over

Figure 11-3 Peru is proud to have the Cattleya maxima as its national flower

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 150

Some selected laelia speciesLaelias look very much like cattleyas In fact few amateurs are ableto tell them apart One difference Laelias usually have somewhatof a smaller lip than cattleyas Laelias are native to the same areasas their close cousins cattleyas and have very similar culturalrequirements

Following is a sampling of some of the easier and more beautifullaelias that are worthy of space in your orchid collection

Laelia anceps (see Figure 11-4) This orchid is a toughiethatrsquos hardy to 20degF (ndash66degC) and is a favorite for growing out-doors in mild parts of California and the southeastern UnitedStates It comes in various color forms but most commonly hasclusters of two to six 21frasl2- to 3-inch (6- to 8-cm) light lavenderflowers with darker purple lips and throats The flower spikecan reach up to 3 feet (1 meter) so be sure to give it plenty ofheadroom when it sends up its flower spikes

Laelia perrinii A native of Brazil this species is not yet com-monly found but itrsquos sure to increase in popularity because itrsquosa robust grower reaching about 14 to 16 inches (30 to 40 cm)in height It sports lightly spice-scented fine-quality lavenderflowers measuring up to 6 inches (15 cm) across with lips thatare trumpet-shaped and edged with deep violet with white inthe throat Blue and white color forms are also available

Laelia pumila A compact grower that only reaches a heightof 8 inches (20 cm) this species is frequently grown mounted ona slab of tree fern or cork It has a short flower spike with oneto two lightly floral-scented flowers that average 3 to 4 inches(8 to 10 cm) across The entire flower is lavender-coloredsometimes with a darker lip It comes in other color formsincluding a blue one

The real truth about flower colorOrchid flower color descriptions in catalogs sometimes reflect more what the breederor seller of orchids would prefer the flower color to be than what it actually is Whenthe flower color is described as ldquoyellowrdquo ldquopinkrdquo ldquowhiterdquo or ldquoorangerdquo itrsquos usuallyclose to this When the color descriptions drift toward solid blues and clear reds thisis where wishful thinking sometimes takes over Most ldquobluesrdquo are actually bluishshades of purple or lavender and most ldquoredsrdquo are actually dark-oranges

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 151

Laelia purpurata This orchid is frequently referred to as theldquoQueen of Laeliasrdquo because it has the largest and showiestflowers of its genus This is a glorious plant with flowers thatvary quite a bit from plant to plant but generally are about6 inches (15 cm) across white frequently with violet-blue lips(there are various lip colors) and a spicy or anise scent Itneeds to be grown on the cooler and drier side during thewinter months to bloom best in the spring to summer

Figure 11-4 Laelia anceps bears its flowers on tall elegant spikes

Other cattleya relativesA slew of other orchid species are closely related to cattleyas andlaelias In the following sections I tip you off to some good perform-ers from this group

BrassavolasYoursquoll find several excellent brassavola species but the one thatleads the pack because of its popularity and ease of growing (withthe same cultural requirements as cattleyas) is Brassavola nodosa(shown in Figure 11-5) commonly called ldquoLady of the Nightrdquo becauseof its enchanting and permeating evening fragrance One to six of

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 152

its spidery greenish white flowers from 3 to 6 inches (75 to 15 cm)across are borne on a 6-inch (15-cm) flower stem Itrsquos a clump-forming orchid that gives its best show when it isnrsquot divided

Figure 11-5 Brassavola nodosa is often recommended as a beginnerrsquos orchid because of its ease of culture

Other brassavolas worth considering are

Brassavola cordata Has up to 20 lime green 2-inch (5-cm)blooms with heart-shaped lips Usually blooms twice a year

Brassavola cucullata Has spidery exotic white to greenflowers that are sometimes tinged with yellow or burgundyBlooms in the summer to fall

Brassavola flagellaris Relatively unknown but easy to growIts flower is similar in shape and color to the others in thisgroup but itrsquos blessed with a wonderful hot-chocolate fragrance

Brassavola martiana Its flower is white with a fringed lipand green-yellow points

Brassavola perrinii This species has one of the largest flow-ers of the brassavolas It usually blooms in the summer but canbe variable

BroughtoniaBroughtonia sanguinea (shown in Figure 11-6) is a small grower 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) high with clusters of 1-inch (25-cm) reddish-purple pink magenta to crimson flowers usually veinedin dark purple on an 8- to 16-inch (20- to 40-cm) stem This orchidblooms in the summer and likes a very bright spot Water and fer-tilize it regularly during its peak growth in the summertime

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 153

Figure 11-6 Broughtonia sanguinea is a charmer native to Cuba and Jamaica

EncycliasThis group contains some of the easiest of all orchids to grow andbloom Many of them are also fragrant

Encyclia adenocaula Most encyclias are shades of greenand white with some purple markings This Mexican beauty isdifferent with rosy-pink to magenta star-shaped flowers thatare borne on long branched sprays

Encyclia cochleata (see Figure 11-7) Commonly called theldquocockleshellrdquo or ldquoclamshellrdquo orchid because its upside-downflower lip looks like one this unique-looking orchid is veryeasy to grow and often blooms several times a year The lipis streaked with purple while the rest of the spidery shapedflower is lime green

Encyclia cordigera Not only is this species considered to beone of the handsomest in the encyclia group it also fills theair with the fragrance of vanilla It displays clusters of deepmaroon flowers with bright pink lips The plant is modest insize and grows 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 cm) tall See the colorphotographs in the center of this book for an example

Encyclia fragrans The flower of this very-easy-to-grow orchidis a 2-inch (5-cm) subtle green with purple stripes in the lipThis orchid is so well-liked because itrsquos so easy to grow andbloom and because it emits a heavy gardenia fragrance

Encyclia radiata (see Figure 11-8) The subtle creamy whitecockleshell-type flowers with purple stripes in the lip borne inclusters are not what make this orchid so popular mdash thoughthey could be Instead its ease of growing and blooming and

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 154

wonderful fragrance mdash which has been variously described assmelling spicy-floral or like coconut cream pie lilac cinnamonand hyacinth mdash are what keep people coming back to thisorchid

Encyclia tampense A Florida native that is hardy as far northas the central part of the state this encyclia has green flowersoverlaid with brown with white lips marked with purpleblotches It emits a sweet scent when it flowers in the summer

Figure 11-7 Encyclia cochleata is recommended as an ideal beginnerrsquos orchid because itrsquos so easy to grow and blooms on an almost constant basis

Figure 11-8 The claim to fame of the Encyclia radiata is its sweet-scented flowers

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 155

EpidendrumThis group is filled with very brightly colored members and somehave a very strong resemblance to encyclias

Epidendrum ciliare (see Figure 11-9) The 3- to 6-inch (75-to 15-cm) lime-green petals of this orchid are set off by itsexquisite white fringed lip The plant reaches about 16 inches(40 cm) tall and is said to have the fragrance of grapefruit

Epidendrum difforme This orchid has glossy green flowersabout 11frasl4 inches (3 cm) on short spikes with a medicinal scent

Epidendrum cinnabarinum Bright-orange 11frasl2-inch (4-cm) flow-ers with fringed yellow lips are the main feature of this colorfulepidendrum The flowers are borne in succession so the plantcan be in bloom for months during the summer This orchid cangrow quite tall up to 4 feet (120 cm) and is often grown inlarge mass plantings in semitropical to tropical climates

Epidendrum stamfordianum A large well-grown plant ofthis type of orchid is something to see Itrsquos loaded with spikesof hundreds of fragrant 2-inch (5-cm) yellow flowers paintedin burgundy with white and yellow lips It usually blooms inlate winter to early spring

Figure 11-9 Epidendrum ciliare has a spidery green flower with a delicate white fringed lip

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 156

SophronitisThe sophronitis genus primarily consists of dwarf-growing plantswith oversized red and orange cattleya-shaped flowers that shimmerin the sunlight If you see any of them at a greenhouse for sale mdash forexample Sophronitis grandiflora (orange-red shown in Figure 11-10)Sophronitis coccinea (scarlet) or Sophronitis cernua (orange) mdashyoursquoll surely want to buy one

Figure 11-10 Sophronitis grandiflora is a charming plant but it can be quite a challenge to grow and bloom A better choice may be a hybrid that uses one of the sophronitis species as a parent

But donrsquot At least not until you have several years of orchid grow-ing under your belt These diminutive darlings can be very trickyto grow and bloom Yoursquore much better off purchasing a hybridthat has used one of these species as a parent (see ldquoHot reds andorangesrdquo and ldquoMinicattsrdquo later in this chapter) These hybrids aremore vigorous easier to flower and much less demanding

The Queens of the Ball Cattleya Hybrids

A modern standard-size cattleya hybrid in full bloom is a sight tobehold Thanks to the skill of orchid hybridizers and the breeding

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 157

willingness of cattleyas and their relatives to participate in thisprocess the results have been flowers in a breathtaking array ofcolors and heady fragrances

Because cattleya breeding has progressed to such a high state ofperfection itrsquos actually difficult to pick out a bad one In the follow-ing sections I show you a few of the many outstanding hybridsarranged by approximate color group

Pristine whitesWhite cattleyas are almost as classic as the lavender ones Themodern hybrids have full round and fragrant flowers Here aretwo old classics that are still popular

Brassocattleya Mount Hood This orchid is a pristine whitewith a golden-yellow lip and the heady fragrance of vanilla

Cattleya Bow Bells This is another old-timer that yoursquoll findin the background of many of todayrsquos hybrids It has fine formand its frilly lip is marked on the inside with a touch of yellow

Purples pinks lavenders and bluesPurple hybrids have been around a long time You canrsquot go wrongin buying any in this color group mdash theyrsquore all very good to excel-lent The blue shades in cattleyas are newer Most of the purplesare fragrant Here are just a few possibilities

Brassocattleya Blue Grotto This orchid is referred to as ablue but itrsquos more like a violet purple

Brassocattleya Normanrsquos Bay lsquoLowrsquosrsquo FCCAOS Although firstintroduced in England in 1946 this is still a standard bearertoday of purple cattleya breeding and is still used as a parent

Brassocattleya Pamela Hetherington lsquoCoronationrsquo FCCAOSNamed for a family member of the illustrious cattleya breederErnest Hetherington this is a 6-inch (15-cm) lavender-pinkflower with a pink ruffled lip and orange-yellow throat Itsflower is a superb shape and is strongly fragrant

Cattleya Irene Holguin This is a lavender orchid with excel-lent shape and color

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 158

Laeliocattleya Bonanza Queen A classic 6-inch (15-cm)lavender with gold veins in the throat

Iwanagaara Appleblossom This hybrid has a complicatedhistory Itrsquos the result of using various different genera for par-ents four to be exact mdash brassavola cattleya diacrium andlaelia The result is a hybrid with elegant sprays of sweet-smelling 31frasl2-inch (9-cm) light-pink flowers with darker pinkmarkings and gold in the throat A Hawaiian family Iwanagawas the first to create a hybrid using these genera so this ishow this new genus got its name

Hot reds and orangesMost of the red hybrids are compact growers because a frequentparent in these is one of the sophronitis which are both red andvery dwarf Here are some to look for mdash either as plants yoursquollgrow or in the parentage of the plants yoursquore considering

Sophrolaeliocattleya Jewel Box lsquoScheherazadersquo AMAOS(see Figure 11-11) An older hybrid that is still popular todaybecause of its manageable size clear red flowers and easyculture

Sophrolaeliocattleya Jewel Box lsquoDark Watersrsquo Anotherpopular one that is a very dark red clone

Brassolaeliocattleya Oconee A large-flowered orchid withfragrant red-purple flowers with a dark red lip

Brassolaeliocattleya Edisto Large purple-red with up to fiveflowers per stem This is a fall bloomer

Brassolaeliocattleya Owen Holmes lsquoMendenhallrsquo AMAOSConsidered one of the best of all reds itrsquos frequently used asa parent to pass its superior coloring to its offspring A goodchoice

Sophrolaeliocattleya Hazel Boyd Another winner with vari-ous bright-orange tones and excellent plant vigor

Cattleya Chocolate Drop lsquoKodamarsquo AMAOS This one hasclusters of glossy burgundy flowers with yellow on the columnand the fragrance of lily-of-the-valley

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 159

Figure 11-11 Sophrolaeliocattleya Jewel Box lsquoScheherazadersquo AMAOS still remains a favorite

Sunny yellowsFine yellows have been a more recent development Todayrsquoshybrids range from gold to butter yellow Some are sold yellowwhile others have darker colored red or purple splotched lipsA few names you can look for include the following

Brassocattleya Goldenzelle lsquoLemon Chiffonrsquo (see Figure11-12) A fine example of how far yellow flowers in cattleyahybrids have come this one sports 6-inch (15-cm) lemon-yellow flowers with a splash of deep red on the lip This is awinter bloomer

Brassocattleya Formosan Gold Its dark-red ruffled lip pro-vides a dramatic contrast with its golden-yellow petals andsepals that have a spread of about 41frasl2 inches (11 cm) acrossSee the color photographs in the center of the book for a lookat this orchid

Brassocattleya Malworth lsquoOrchidgladersquo FCCAOS Highlyawarded and one of the best known yellows

Laeliocattleya Lorraine Shirae A bright yellow with a con-trasting red lip

Potinara Twentyfour Carat A large handsome clear gold-yellow

Potinara Haw Yuan Gold The Taiwan orchid breeders havebeen making notable contributions to the cattleya group andthis award-winner with its 6-inch (15-cm) bicolor bloom mdashyellow petals and darker yellow lip mdash is one of them

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 924 PM Page 160

Figure 11-12 Brassocattleya Goldenzelle lsquoLemon Chiffonrsquo AMAOS is a gorgeous soft lemon-yellow that demonstrates well the advances in breeding This one is a frequent winner at orchid shows

Cool greensThere is something refreshing about lime-green flowers They havetheir own following of orchid lovers Some of their flowers havevery fringed lips usually inherited from the species Rhyncholaeliadigbyana (formerly know as Brassavola digbyana) This uniquespecies is also noted for its strong fragrance Some of the greenshave clear-colored flowers while others are blotched in purpleHere are some choices to consider

Brassocattleya Greenwich This cross was made in the late1960s but still shows up in todayrsquos offerings The flower isabout 4 inches across with purple markings on its fringed lip

Brassocattleya Ports of Paradise lsquoEmerald Islersquo HCCAOSOne of the most awarded of the greens this orchid offers largelime-green flowers a strong fragrance and a ruffled lip

Brassocattleya Riorsquos Green Magic (see Figure 11-13) Thishybrid shows with its deeply fringed lip the influence of thespecies Rhyncholaelia digbyana It has large 5-inch (13-cm)flowers

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 924 PM Page 161

Figure 11-13 Brassocattleya Riorsquos Green Magic offers unique beauty and a sensuous fragrance

Bring out the clowns Splash petals and flaresThis group is commonly called ldquoclownsrdquo because of the sense ofgaiety their wild color combinations impart Theyrsquore marked withtwo or more splashes or flares of contrasting colors and theresults can be quite dramatic

Cattleya intermedia var aquinii This is the orchid thatreally started it all It was the first one that displayed flaresof color in the petals and lip so it was used extensively inhybridizing to pass this quality on to its offspring In this casethe coloring was purple flares on white petals and the lip Thisvariety is sometimes offered for sale these days but is morefrequently found in the parentage of many of the newer splashpetals and flares

Brassocattleya Momilani Rainbow A real showstopper with6-inch (15-cm) flowers and light lavender-pink sepals dark pinkpetals and lips with bright splashes of lemon yellow on them

Laeliocattleya Colorama lsquoThe Clownrsquo Another old classic thathas proven invaluable as a parent for future splash-petaledvarieties this orchid has white petals and purple flares with alarger flower than Cattleya intermedia var aquinii

Laeliocattleya Gaiety Flambeau A more modern hybrid thathas large clusters of white flowers with purple flares

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 924 PM Page 162

Laeliocattleya Marirsquos Song lsquoCTM 217rsquo This is one of the bestand most popular tricolored splash-petaled varieties It has ayellow and white flower with magenta flares and lip with pinksepals and a yellow throat What a grand color combo On topof that itrsquos very fragrant

Potinara Barana Beauty lsquoBuranarsquo HCCAOS (see Figure11-14) A compact grower that reaches about 12 inches(30 cm) tall its 31frasl2-inch (9-cm) citrus-scented flowers are ayellow-green with red flares Frequently blooms twice a year

Figure 11-14 Potinara Barana Beauty lsquoBuranarsquo HCCAOS offers clusters ofcitrus-scented green flowers with red flares

Fashionable art shadesThis is a catchall category that includes cattleya-type hybridsthat combine a range of pastel colors Here are a few of the manynice ones

Brassolaeliocattleya George King A salmon-peachy fra-grant 6-inch (15-cm) flower with crystalline texture and thefact that this one often blooms more than once a year makethis a popular selection

Brassolaeliocattleya Harlequin lsquoAct IIrsquo Another flower witha mixed palette of colors including peach yellow and purpleflares A sumptuous beauty See the color photographs in thecenter of this book for an example

Brassolaeliocattleya Hawaiian Avalanche (see Figure 11-15)This orchid shows off a delightful display of tropical color withthe 6-inch (15-cm) apricot-pink flowers with a golden-orangefringed lip and purple streak down the center of the lip

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 924 PM Page 163

Figure 11-15 Brassolaeliocattleya Hawaiian Avalanche provides a riot of colorIn this close-up of the lip you can get an idea of the play of color and patterns

For standard cattleyas purchasing clones is usually your best bet(See Chapter 2 for more information on clones or meristems)Theyrsquore very reasonably priced yoursquoll know exactly what theyrsquolllook like and their flowers will usually be superior to the standardhybrids

MinicattsThere is a revolution going on now in cattleya breeding Small isin mdash at least in plant size Although there is no denying that full-size cattleyas in bloom are impressive unfortunately they also takeup a lot of growing space And for windowsill and under-light grow-ers where every square inch counts this creates a problem Thisis where minicatts (short for miniature cattleyas) come in

They have no special cultural requirements that differ from thestandard full-size plants Because theyrsquore commonly planted insmall clay pots they tend to dry up more quickly than the largerplants in bigger pots so you need to keep a sharper eye on yourwatering to make sure they donrsquot get too dry

The key playersThese are the species with miniature to small growth habits thathave been the principal contributors to this breeding effort Eachof these species is popular in its own right but each has also beeneven more important for contributing its desirable characteristicsto future orchid generations

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 924 PM Page 164

Brassavola nodosa For more information on this orchidrefer to the ldquoBrassavolasrdquo section earlier in this chapter Thispopular species added its small size spidery flower shapeand evening fragrance to the minicatt gene pool

Cattleya aclandiae A little dazzler with 3- to 4-inch (7- to 13-cm) yellowish-green to brown flowers covered with purplespots and accentuated with a magenta lip this is not an easyspecies to grow Stick to its hybrids to get the visual effects ofthe species without its demanding cultural requirements

Cattleya luteola (see Figure 11-16) This is a darling plantthat only reaches 5 to 7 inches (12 to 175 cm) tall making itperfect for small spaces Its fresh floral-scented 2-inch (5-cm)pale yellow flowers with a darker lip are borne in sprays oftwo to five in the spring

Cattleya walkeriana This diminutive orchid has a lot going forit It has a miniature stature making it ideal for growing underlights or on a windowsill Its rose-purple flowers of heavy sub-stance have a fine shape and an exquisite vanilla and sweetfloral fragrance that is strongest in the morning Itrsquos also foundin an alba (white) that tends to have the best flower form

Laelia briegeri This is a miniature bright-yellow species thatisnrsquot easy to grow by itself but has been valuable for its colorand dwarf growing habit that it imparts to its hybrids

Laelia pumila This is another important contributor for itcompact growth habit flower form and color

Sophronitis coccinea The shimmering red color and minia-ture plant habit made this plant an important link Refer toFigure 11-12 to see a species Sophronitis grandiflora thatlooks very much like this one

Figure 11-16 Cattleya luteola is a cutie with a fresh floral scent that is strongest in the morning

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 924 PM Page 165

Some of their prized childrenHere are some of the many hybrids produced by the parents in thepreceding section

Brassocattleya Binosa (see Figure 11-17) Combines a strik-ing color combination 3-inch (5-cm) bright-green flower witha white flared lip dusted with purple speckles with a sweetspicy evening perfume inherited from one of its parentsBrassavola nodosa

Brassocattleya Cynthia An offspring of Cattleya walkerianathis variety is very compact has 4-inch (20-cm) full round-pink fragrant flowers with yellow in the throat It frequentlyblooms twice a year

Cattleya Brabantiae One of the first hybrids to be made in the1800s this one has Cattleya aclandiae as one of its parents Its21frasl2-inch (6-cm) thick waxy pink fragrant flowers are spottedwith maroon and serve as a backdrop for a stunning white lipand column edged in purple It only grows to 6 to 8 inches(15 to 20 cm) tall and is still popular today

Cattleya Peckhaviensis (see Figure 11-18) This orchid showsoff purple spotted flowers with a bright-pink lip much like oneof its parents Cattleya aclandiae

Laeliocattleya Angel Love (see Figure 11-19) An easy-to-growfragrant orchid that has perfectly formed 4-inch (10-cm)lavender-pink flowers with a frilled lip and yellow in the throat

Laeliocattleya Love Knot Another Cattleya walkeriana childthat is a very small grower with large 4-inch (10-cm) deep-red-purple flowers with a darker lip This one is also fragrantand blooms twice a year

Laeliocattleya Mini Purple An offspring of Laelia pumila andCattleya walkeriana this is one of the best known and avail-able of the minicatts It has lavender flowers with a darkerpurple lip and is fragrant

Sophrocattleya Beaufort A classic that has as a parentCattleya luteola this orchid is found in various shades oforange and red It continues to be used extensively as aparent to produce new miniature hybrids

Sophrocattleya Crystelle Smith Frequently winning ribbonsat shows because of its fine form and delicious color combina-tions that can vary from pastel pink to apricot shades with lipsof solid yellow or marked with red

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 924 PM Page 166

Sophrolaelia Psyche Another old-timer this is a miniaturewith petite flaming orange-red flowers passed on from itssophronitis parent Fortunately itrsquos easy to grow

Sophrolaeliocattleya Jewel Box See ldquoHot reds andorangesrdquo earlier in this chapter

Sophrolaeliocattleya Mahalo Jack Irsquove enjoyed growing thisorchid It has a solid red flower on a dwarf plant Most are fra-grant and bloom a few times a year

Figure 11-17 Brassocattleya Binosa lsquoKirkrsquo AMAOS combines a sweet scent with a striking color combination

Figure 11-18 Cattleya Peckhaviensis show its spots and bright magenta lip from Cattleya aclandiae

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 924 PM Page 167

Figure 11-19 Laeliocattleya Angel Love is a perfectly shaped dwarf Cattleya with a citrus fragrance

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 924 PM Page 168

Chapter 12

Slipper OrchidsIn This Chapter Seeing the advantages to growing ladyrsquos slippers

Helping your ladyrsquos slipper to feel at home

Choosing the right ladyrsquos slipper for you

Ladyrsquos slippers are some of the easiest orchids to grow andamong the most rewarding orchids yoursquoll find making them a

great orchid for beginners They present a wide range of strikinglycolored frequently glossy flowers in myriad shapes Some havepetals that are elegantly twisted while others are marked withhairs and warts All slipper orchids are noted for very-long-lastingblooms mdash the flowers usually last six to eight weeks Many slipperorchids have gorgeous marbled foliage which makes them stun-ningly beautiful even when they arenrsquot in bloom Collectors of slip-per orchids tend to be a fanatic lot mdash and itrsquos easy to see why

The official name of this group is Paphiopedilum lsquoAsian LadyrsquosSlipperrsquo but yoursquoll probably hear them referred to as ladyrsquos slip-pers or just plain slipper orchids mdash though theyrsquore anything butplain These orchids got their common name because of theirpouchlike lip or labellum which resembles a ladyrsquos slipper (seeFigure 12-1)

In this chapter I introduce you to the world of ladyrsquos slipperorchids mdash giving you some slipper-specific growing tips some sug-gestions of varieties to buy and some tips on which hybrids areyour best bet

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 169

Figure 12-1 The parts of a ladyrsquos slipper orchid

Slipping into a Ladyrsquos SlipperLadyrsquos slippers are wonderful flowers for beginning orchid grow-ers In this section I fill you in on why you should consider grow-ing one what kind of environment to give a ladyrsquos slipper after youbring it home and how best to encourage your ladyrsquos slipper tobloom

Seeing what ladyrsquos slippers have to offerLadyrsquos slippers are extremely popular among orchid growers mdashprofessional and amateur alike mdash because

They display a great diversity of flower forms

Many are easy to grow

Many have beautiful foliage

Most have very-long-lasting flowers usually lasting manyweeks

Column

Dorsal sepal(standard)

Ovary

Petal

Labellum(slipper shaped)

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 170

Giving your ladyrsquos slipper a good homeAlthough ladyrsquos slipper orchids are found in cold climates in NorthAmerica the ones that are most commonly grown indoors are theones from the old-world tropics like Southeast Asia Almost allladyrsquos slippers grow well in average home temperatures mdash 65degF to75degF (18degC to 24degC) during the day and 55degF to 60degF (13degC to 18degC)during the evening mdash and have modest humidity requirements

Some of the ladyrsquos slippers are among the least demanding orchidswhen it comes to light so theyrsquore very adaptable to growing onwindowsills or under lights (For more general orchid-growingdetails check out Chapter 5)

Getting ladyrsquos slippers to bloomSlipper orchids are some of the easiest of all orchids to grow andbloom That said you canrsquot force these plants to flower if theyrsquorenot mature or if it isnrsquot their normal time of year to bloom If yourslipper orchid hasnrsquot bloomed in over a year and it needs a littlenudging try this three-step method

1 Grow your ladyrsquos slipper in a little brighter spot (seeChapter 5 for more details about orchid light needs)

If you donrsquot see the flower buds forming in six to eightweeks keep it in this same location and move to Step 2

2 Drop the temperature at night about 20degF (12degC) coolerthan the daytime temperature

If you donrsquot see buds forming in six to eight weeks move itback to its regular growing temperature and then move toStep 3

3 Let your ladyrsquos slipper get a little drier than usual for sixto eight weeks

Straight from Nature BumpsWarts Hairs and All

Ladyrsquos slipper species which is what the plants are called as theycome from the wild display an exotic array of naturersquos work In thefollowing sections I give you a sampling of some of the easier-to-grow of the more than 60 commonly found ladyrsquos slipper species

Chapter 12 Slipper Orchids 171

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 171

Paphiopedilum bellatulumPaphiopedilum bellatulum is not the easiest of all ladyrsquos slippersbut it isnrsquot difficult if you just keep in mind that these plants preferto be a little cooler and drier than the other ladyrsquos slippers

This orchid is commonly called the ldquoegg-in-a-nest orchidrdquo becausethatrsquos what its white pouch looks like as itrsquos surrounded by itsrounded-white with burgundy-spotted petals The thick leaves ofthis dwarf grower (only a few inches high) are beautifully pat-terned (see Figure 12-2)

Figure 12-2 Paphiopedilum bellatulum is a compact-growing horticultural gem

Paphiopedilum callosumPaphiopedilum callosum was the first ladyrsquos slipper orchid that I grew over 30 years ago I had imported it from Thailand andseeing it bloom for the first time was a thrill It continued to per-form on a regular basis

This orchid is one of the simplest to grow and one of the mostdependable to bloom It comes in various flower shapes and colorcombinations of burgundy and green (see Figure 12-3) Its strongconstitution and attractiveness make it very popular as a parent in hybridizing This species is quick to multiply so itrsquoll give you alarge plant in a relatively short time

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 172

Figure 12-3 Paphiopedilum callosum is as dependable a bloomer as you can find

Paphiopedilum delenatiiPaphiopedilum delenatii is a delicate-looking prized beauty I used to find this orchid a bit on the temperamental side when itcame to growing Fortunately the newer forms on the market todayhave more vigor and arenrsquot finicky as they once were Mine bloomsdependably each spring bearing one or two elegant light pink petalflowers with a darker pink pouch (see Figure 12-4) Unlike mostladyrsquos slippers that are scentless this one possesses a subtle anddelightful citrus fragrance

Paphiopedilum dianthumPaphiopedilum dianthum is a Chinese species that is relatively easyto grow needing just a modest amount of light mdash mine bloomsconsistently every year This orchid puts on a floral display formany weeks Its flowers have twisted green petals and a burgundy-brown pouch topped with a white dorsal The 12- to 16-inch (30- to40-cm) leaves of this slipper orchid are glossy green with a leath-ery texture (see Figure 12-5)

Paphiopedilum fairrieanumThe upswept petals and prominently marked dorsal of thePaphiopedilum fairrieanum present an exotic display (see

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 173

Figure 12-6) This is another slipper orchid that is undemandingand can be quickly grown into a nice-sized plant The mostcommon form of this species has petals striped in greens and pur-ples but there are other color combinations that are yellow darkred and green mdashsome have longer and narrower petals than thestandard type The albino form mdash green and white mdash is especiallyenchanting

Figure 12-4 Paphiopedilum delenatii displays special elegance

Figure 12-5 Paphiopedilum dianthum requires a very modest amount of light to grow and flower well

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 174

Figure 12-6 Paphiopedilum fairrieanum hails from the cliffs of India and Bhutan

A conservation success storyThe history of the discovery and collection of orchids is littered with dismayingaccounts of manrsquos destruction of habitats resulting from the careless and greedy col-lection of these plants from their native lands Encouragingly this isnrsquot always the case

Paphiopedilum delenatii was first discovered in Vietnam in 1913 by a French officerFrom the plants collected and exported at that time only a few survived One of themwas grown by the famous French orchid nursery of Marcel Lecoufle who success-fully produced seeds from it Shortly after no more of the plants of this species wereable to be found in the wild For generations all the plants of Paphiopedilum delenatiithat were known were those resulting from these seedlings form Marcel Lecoufle

Now this is a commonly grown and admired species

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 175

Keeping the plant on the cooler dryer side for six weeks during thewinter will encourage it to put on its spring flower show

Paphiopedilum glaucophyllumPaphiopedilum glaucophyllum rewards you with a very long bloom-ing period mdash its flowers open one at a time so the plant can be inbloom for months It has attractive blue-green foliage Its fuzzypetals mdash green dorsal edged in white mdash and rosy pink pouch makequite a nice presentation (see Figure 12-7)

Figure 12-7 Paphiopedilum glaucophyllum is easy to grow and will reward you with months of bloom

An orchid with a history of intrigueFor over 50 years during the late 1800s and early 1900s the source of this treasuredorchid Paphiopedilum fairrieanum remained a mystery The only plant that wasknown had shown up in a shipment of unknown origin In 1904 the famous orchidpurveyor in England Frederick Sander offered a reward of pound1000 for anyone lead-ing to the rediscovery of this orchid This bounty was enough to bring results as newplants were discovered and exported from Bhutan and sold in the English orchidauctions for princely sums Now this same horticultural gem is commonly availablefor indoor gardeners worldwide to enjoy at a very modest price

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 176

Paphiopedilum hirsutissimumPaphiopedilum hirsutissimum is another distinctive Asian beauty Ithas long lance-shaped light-green foliage with purple-and-green-marked flowers with wavy edges (see Figure 12-8) Itrsquos a vigorousgrower but can sometimes be a reluctant bloomer

Some growers have found if they drop the night temperature to40degF to 45degF (4degC to 7degC) for several weeks in early winter this maytrigger flowering

Figure 12-8 Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum grows in cooler spots than many of the other slipper orchids

Paphiopedilum spicerianumDefinitely one of my favorites Paphiopedilum spicerianum puts ona dramatic display Its shining white dorsal marked with a purplevertical strip up its center surrounded by the shades of green andbrown on its petals and pouch make it a showstopper Its whitedorsal is so special that this slipper has been used frequently as aparent in breeding to impart this beautiful feature to its progenyTurn to the color photographs in the center of this book for anexample of Paphiopedilum spicerianum

Paphiopedilum sukhakuliiSome commercial growers lament that Paphiopedilum sukhakuliigrows so quickly that they canrsquot keep up with it This is a ldquoproblemrdquo

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 177

that most amateur orchid growers would love to have Paphiopedilumsukhakulii is a compact grower with prominently and attractivelymarked foliage Figure 12-9 illustrates my plant in a 4-inch (8-cm) pot

Its flowers offer a green-and-white-striped dorsal wide-horizontalpetals that are green with mahogany spots and sprinkled withwarts and hairs all set off with a dark maroon pouch This speciesquickly forms a good-sized plant with many leads and it frequentlyblooms more than once a year See the color photographs in thecenter of this book for another example

Figure 12-9 Paphiopedilum sukhakulii is a compact-growing undemanding high-performing slipper orchid

Paphiopedilum venustumDescribed in the early 1800s Paphiopedilum venustum was the firstof the ladyrsquos slippers to be cultivated Its handsome foliage makesit a standout even before its flowers with distinctly veined lips andbrightly colored petals put on their show (see Figure 12-10)Paphiopedilum venustum is found in many different color forms

Letting the plants get a little drier in the winter than you would inthe summer increases their likelihood of flowering

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 178

Figure 12-10 Paphiopedilum venustum is easily identified by its prominently veined lip or pouch

One Step Removed from NaturePrimary Hybrids

Primary hybrids are the results of crossing (mating) two differentspecies like the ones mentioned in the preceding sections to createa new plant In doing this exciting new forms of orchids are createdThe crossing process started in the 1800s and is continuing at fullspeed today As new species are being discovered or better forms ofthe same species are showing up the orchid breeder gets more newgenetic material to play with The results of some of these efforts arequite impressive

The goals of breeding vary within the group but the main purposeis to

Expand the color range

Vary the flower shapes

Make the flowers larger

Create a new ldquolookrdquo

Make the plants more compact

Make the plants more vigorous and easier to bloom

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 179

In the following sections I introduce you to just a handful of some ofthe many great successes Itrsquos fun to look at the parents and guesswhat the offspring will look like There are plenty of surprises

Some superior primary hybridsThese primary hybrids do their parents proud Each of the follow-ing hybrids carries the good looks from its parents but also addsits own new beauty and in most cases is more vigorous and easierto grow than either of the parents

Paphiopedilum Angela From the photo of this variety(see Figure 12-11) can you take a guess what one of its par-ents is Do you see the exotic touch from one of its parentsPaphiopedilum fairrieanum (refer to Figure 12-6) Its otherparent is a darling white species that can be a bit difficultto grow well Paphiopedilum niveum When these two aremated the offspring mdash Paphiopedilum Angela mdash is a delight-ful compact-growing plant easier to grow like Paphiopedilumfairrieanum but with the delicate white coloring fromPaphiopedilum niveum

Paphiopedilum Armeni White Another good choice thishybrid has very-dark-green patterned foliage and a large soft-white flower

Paphiopedilum Delophylum This is an enchanting orchidwith soft pink flowers borne sequentially on compact plantswith attractively marked foliage

Figure 12-11 PaphiopedilumAngela has a charming flower on a compact plant

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 180

Paphiopedilum Fumirsquos Delight This is another case wheretwo fetching but sometimes-tricky-to-grow species when matedor crossed yield a more vigorous offspring than either of theparents One parent has a bright yellow flower (Paphiopedilumarmeniacum) the other (Paphiopedilum micranthum) has a pinkbloom The offspring of these parents have flowers varying incolor from creamy yellow to light pink (see Figure 12-12)

Paphiopedilum Ho Chi Minh This is a new hybrid that ishighly sought after One of its parents is Paphiopedilum vietna-mense a gorgeous dark pink slipper recently discovered andthe other is Paphiopedilum delenatii an elegant soft pink flow-ered slipper (refer to Figure 12-4) This should be a winningmatch

Paphiopedilum Gloria Naugle This orchid is the result of crossing the largest-flowered and king of the slippersPaphiopedilum rothschildianum with Paphiopedilum micran-thum This hybrid inherits the bold stripes from Paphiopedilumrothschildianum and the hot pink from its other parent Theresults are quite striking (see Figure 12-13)

Paphiopedilum Magic Lantern One of the most popularnewer primaries Magic Lantern is a dependable grower andbloomer and its dark pink to red-pink flowers always elicitoohs and ahs

Figure 12-12 PaphiopedilumFumirsquos Delight is a popular primary hybrid

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 181

Figure 12-13 Paphiopedilum Gloria Naugle presents an arresting picture

Paphiopedilum Makulii Although not literately a primarythis orchid is very close to it This hybrid takes the dramaticpetal markings from Paphiopedilum sukhakulii (refer to Figure12-9) and combines them with the darker flower colorations of its Maudiae hybrid cousins (see the section ldquoMarvelousMaudiaesrdquo later in this chapter) This ladyrsquos slipper is a snapto grow

Paphiopedilum Saint Swithin Another hybrid mdash with one ofits parents being the huge Paphiopedilum rothschildianum mdashthis orchid is combined with another impressive bloomerPaphiopedilum philippinense which has a smaller growthhabit and a history of being easier to flower The result isstriped flowers with dangling twisted petals mdash nothing lessthan extraordinary (see Figure 12-14) This is a larger ladyrsquosslipper than some of the others but itrsquos well worth the grow-ing space This one does require more light that the other slippers mentioned earlier Grow in the same medium tobright light you provide cattleyas and it will be happy

Paphiopedilum Transvaal This is a classic beauty first bredin 1901 and still popular today It takes its stateliness fromPaphiopedilum rothschildianum but reduces its size and addsease of blooming from its other parent Paphiopedilum cham-berlainianum This is another orchid that likes it bright likeSaint Swithin

Paphiopedilum Vanda M Pearman One of the most popularof all primary hybrids Vanda M Pearman has large light pinkflowers dusted with dark burgundy spots all shown off againstthick leathery gorgeously marbled foliage (see Figure 12-15)This is a must-have ladyrsquos slipper

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 182

Figure 12-14 Paphiopedilum Saint Swithin puts on a spectacular show

Figure 12-15 Paphiopedilum Vanda M Pearman is admired for its elegant flower and attractive foliage

Marvelous MaudiaesWhat a fabulous group of ladyrsquos slippers these are The wordMaudiae is the name given to one of the first hybrids made in1901 between Paphiopedilum callosum (see the color photographsin the center of this book for an example) and Paphiopedilumlawrenceanum Paphiopedilum Maudiae and its offspring are notedfor their exceptional vigor ease of blooming (sometimes more

Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 183

than once a year) undemanding growing requirements gorgeousfoliage and striking gloriously colored flowers They are found inthree major color groups or combinations covered in the followingsections

Green-and-whitesGreen-and-white Maudiaes are occasionally referred to as albinosbecause they lack the more commonly found red pigment There isa simple timeless elegance to these flowers Theyrsquore highly reveredin Europe as cut flowers

Some super clones exist within this group like PaphiopedilumClaire de Lune lsquoEdgard van Bellersquo AMAOS (see Figure 12-16) Itsregal name fits its aristocratic look Itrsquos huge impressive flowerstands proudly above dark green handsome foliage I received adivision of this plant from a now deceased dear friend FrancesNelson Itrsquos a treasured memory of him and Irsquove shared divisions of it with special friends Itrsquos a vigorous grower that still wins rib-bons for me at orchid shows

Another famous clone is Paphiopedilum Maudiae lsquoThe QueenrsquoAMAOS If yoursquore fortunate to find these clones at a price you canlive with snatch them up If theyrsquore too pricey for you at this pointtry any of the standard green-and-white Maudiaes None of themwill disappoint you

Figure 12-16 PaphiopedilumClaire de Lune lsquoEdgard van Bellersquo AMAOS is a prize for anyonersquos orchid collection

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 184

ColoratumsThis group is typified by a large dorsal and petals displayingstreaks of purple in the flowers The flower shape of this type looksvery similar to the green-and-white Maudiae but has much morered and burgundy markings (see Figure 12-17) Many times thedorsal is larger and rounder

Figure 12-17 A coloratum type Notice the wide dorsal and the streaks of darker color throughout the flower

VinicolorsThe flowers of this type look like theyrsquove been varnished Theyrsquore arich dark red or purple and have many admirers This is probablythe most sought after form of the Maudiae types Their solid bur-gundy to mahogany blossoms shine (see Figure 12-18)

There are many good vinicolor varieties out there mdash too many tolist If yoursquore lucky enough to actually see them in bloom you canchoose the ones that you like best Unfortunately because theyrsquorepopular and are quickly snatched up you may be forced to pickout blooming-size plants or ones in bud so you arenrsquot sure whattheyrsquoll look like when they bloom

Here are two ways to increase your odds for buying the best

Check out their parents Several orchid parents have a goodreputation for producing high-quality offspring Here are someto look for

bull Black Cherry

bull Blood Clot (Ugh What a name)

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 185

bull Eric Meng

bull Laser

bull Macabre

bull Raisin Pie

bull Red Fusion

bull Red Glory

bull Ruby Peacock

Look at the color of the leaves flower stem and bud Thedarker the purple in the newest leaves the undersides of theleaves the flower stem and the buds the greater the likeli-hood that the flower will also carry this dark pigment

Figure 12-18 A vinicolor showing solid dark coloration over the entire flower

Huge and round Modern hybrid ladyrsquos slippersThese ladyrsquos slippers are sometimes called ldquobulldogsrdquo or ldquotoadsrdquoTo tell you the truth I donrsquot know how they got branded with suchodd nicknames They look nothing like these two creatures to me

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 186

Another moniker for them is complex hybrids and this makessense because their parentage is very convoluted many timesconsisting of 20 or more parents

All the orchids in this group have plain green foliage and most oftheir flowers are huge and round (see Figure 12-19) Theyrsquore basi-cally categorized by their flower colors spotted green whiteyellow red pink and shades of these colors A spotted one of minethat has been a delight is Paphiopedilum Langley Pride lsquoBurlingamersquoHCCAOS (see the color photographs in the center of this book foran illustration)

Figure 12-19 A modern complex hybrid showing its full round flower

The whites have been particularly elusive in this quest for perfec-tion An older hybrid Paphiopedilum FC Puddle (see Figure 12-20)doesnrsquot match many of todayrsquos hybrids in terms of size and shapebut is still in many collections today because itrsquos a charmingdependable grower and bloomer

A different kind of slipper orchidAll the slipper orchids that I cover up to this point in this chapterare tropical ones found in the old-world tropics mostly variousparts of Asia Another type of ladyrsquos slipper has been known aboutsince the 1800s but is now witnessing a strong new interest byorchid lovers This group is called phragmipediums or simplyldquophragsrdquo

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 187

Phragmipediums call their home Central and South America Manygrow in the mountains and number more than 30 species Theyhave a similar growth habit to some of the paphiopedilums andhave the same requirements for humidity and temperatures

Figure 12-20 Paphiopedilum FC Puddle is an older white hybrid still appreciated today

Culturally they have some differences In general they like itwetter than paphiopedilums In fact theyrsquore commonly grown inplatters of fresh water This practice is unheard of with most otherorchids Also they prefer more light mdash similar to cattleyas Theseused to be expensive plants but their prices have come downthanks in part to Hawaiian growers who have perfected their cul-ture so they can now be grown to selling-size plants in record-breaking time

Most of the flowers are twisted and dangling are borne sequen-tially and are found in shades and stripes of green and maroonHowever there are some key exceptions Phragmipedium besseae isbright red-orange to yellow Phragmipedium xerophyticum is whitewith a touch of pink and Phragmipedium schlimii (see Figure 12-21for a hybrid of this species) is a shade of pink as is Phragmipediumfischeri But the absolute star of the show is a recently discoveredmarvel Phragmipedium kovachii with immense 7- to 8-inch (175-to 20-cm) magenta flowers (See the nearby sidebar for more onthis special plant)

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 188

Although there has always been interest in the phragmipediumspecies it is the hybrids that everyone its talking about Thesenewer hybrids are more vigorous and easy growing then most ofthe species and are becoming available in a broad range of colorsMany new ones are on the horizon but here are a few to look outfor

Phragmipedium Andean Fire has attractive dark red 31frasl2-inchflowers on tall flowering stems

Phragmipedium Cardinale is a classic hybrid that reliablyproduces many pink flowers

Phragmipedium Hanne Popow has delightful small pink flow-ers and is an old favorite that is still offered and is frequentlyused as a parent to produce newer hybrids

Phragmipedium Jason Fischer has eye-popping brilliantbroad flat red flowers

Phragmipedium Les Dirouilles displays huge spectaculargreen chestnut and burgundy flowers with long twistedpetals

Phragmipedium Sorcererrsquos Apprentice has broad foliagewith very large and dramatic flowers with twisted petals inshades of green brown and burgundy

Figure 12-21 Phragmipedium lsquoWilcoxrsquo AMAOS is a lovely hybrid with a delicate beauty

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 189

New Phrag creates a scandalPhragmipedium kovachii was ldquodiscoveredrdquo in 2002 at a roadside vendor in northeastPeru by an American orchid enthusiast J Michael Kovach He immediately recog-nized it as being exceptional and probably new to the orchid world Kovach pur-chased this rare orchid and pirated it back to the United States illegally with grandvisions of his name entering the annals of orchid history by having this ldquoholy grailof orchidsrdquo named after him

He rushed it to the orchid experts at Selby Botanical Garden one of the worldrsquosleaders in orchid research to get it identified documented and officially describedin Latin so it could be published in a botanical journal thereby assuring that theorchid would be his namesake

Now the fly in the ointment mdash the feds They got word of Kovachrsquos ldquodiscoveryrdquo andorchids hit the fan Kovach was indicted and they threatened to fine Selby BotanicalGardens $100000 (it was plea-bargained to $5000 and three yearsrsquo probation) Selbybotanists administrators and board membersrsquo heads rolled

Even though it was part of the plea bargain that the name of this orchid be revertedto an earlier proposed name Phragmipedium peruviana most orchid people thinkit will most likely never happen

And the scandal goes on In the spring of 2004 at a Miami orchid show a vendorand orchid grower from Peru along with another orchid vendor and grower fromTexas were arrested for selling and smuggling endangered orchids including plantsof Phragmipedium kovachii

So as you can see orchid mania is alive and well today

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 190

Chapter 13

Dancing Ladies Oncidiumsand Their Relatives

In This Chapter Enjoying sprays of colorful flowers Oncidiums

Understanding the pansy orchids Miltonias and their hybrids

Knowing the spider orchids Brassias

Discovering other Oncidium relatives

This group of orchids is referred to as ldquodancing ladiesrdquo becausethe lips of many of them are flared like a flounced dancing

gown and the tops of the flowers with a little imagination looklike the arms and head of a person

Oncidiums are a joyful bunch of orchids that frequently display aflurry of flowers in the sunny yellow to orange and brown colorrange although there are some in shades of pink red and greenTheyrsquove been popular since they were first introduced intoEngland from South America in the late 1700s

Taking a Closer Look at the LadiesHundreds of oncidiums are in existence but just a handful aregrown with regularity today In general they can be grown in thesame conditions as cattleyas (see Chapter 5 for more details)

Oncidiums from the wildMany oncidiums from the wild are used in producing hybrids (seethe following section ldquoHybrid oncidiumsrdquo) Here are a few speciesamong the many that are worth looking for

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 191

Oncidium amplicatum (see Figure 13-1) When this orchid isin full bloom in the summer it displays a shower of 1-inch(25-cm) brilliant yellow flowers on sprays up to 4 feet (120cm) long The pseudobulbs are short and circular and aresometimes referred to as being turtle-shaped

Oncidium cheirophorum This dwarf-growing oncidium (it matures to about 3 inches [75 cm]) has 1frasl2-inch (125-cm)bright yellow citrus-scented flowers on an arching spray

Oncidium crispum A quite attractive oncidium with 3-inch(8-cm) rust red flowers and lips with yellow and orange mark-ings on the lips The flowers are borne on a long spray and itsleaves get to be about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) long Itsflowers have a musty scent

Oncidium lanceanum Referred to as a ldquomule-leafrdquo orchidbecause its stiff leathery foliage takes on this shape it hasflat long-lasting 2- to 21frasl2-inch (6-cm) flowers of contrastingbrown and yellow with a purple and white lip The plant growsabout a foot (30 cm) tall and has a strong honey scent whenthe plant is in the sunlight

Oncidium longipes (see Figure 13-2) A dwarf-growingspecies from Brazil that blooms in the fall Its cinnamonscented flowers are 3frasl4 to 1 inch (2 to 3 cm) across with darkyellow to reddish brown sepals and petals and bright yellowlips It frequently blooms twice a year

Figure 13-1 Oncidium amplicatumcan fill up a windowsill with its shower of flowers

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 192

Figure 13-2 Oncidium longipesis a small-growing plant that is perfect for the windowsill

Oncidium maculatum This is a handsome species with 3-inch(8-cm) honey-scented yellow flowers prominently marked withmahogany spots on an arched 20-inch (50-cm) flower spike Itblooms best if itrsquos grown on the dry side during the winter

Oncidium onustum (see Figure 13-3) Clear yellow flowersabout 11frasl4 inches (3 cm) wide cover this miniature plant whenitrsquos in bloom in the fall It likes very bright light and should begrown on the dry side especially right after flowering

Figure 13-3 Oncidium onustum is a miniature grower with lemon yellow flowers

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 193

Oncidium ornithorhynchum This is one of my favorites Itrsquos a miniature easy-to-grow and easy-to-flower orchid andrewards you with scads of 3frasl4-inch (15-cm) flowers with pink tolavender blooms that have a fresh vanilla fragrance The plantonly grows 8 to 10 inches (20 to 225 cm) so itrsquos perfect for awindowsill or under lights It frequently blooms a few times ayear

Oncidium splendidum This oncidium is splendid indeedFrom Guatemala and Honduras this stately upright flowerspike is 3 feet (1 meter) or more and is covered with 2- to 3-inch (5- to 75-cm) flowers that feature a broad bright yellowlip Give this species a bright spot with plenty of growingroom and let it dry off during the winter

Hybrid oncidiumsAs is the case with the other orchids mentioned in this book thereare many hybrids of oncidiums The orchid breeders haveextended the color range and ease of blooming with these hybrids

Oncidium Sharry Baby (see Figure 13-4) This is one of themost popular orchids in the world This particular variety out-sells all the other orchids Why The number-one reason is thatit has a very strong fragrance of chocolate or vanilla It alsoblooms more than once a year often around Christmastime Amature plant has hundreds of 1frasl2-inch (15-cm) yellow-overlaid-with-burgundy flowers with a flared white lip with purple mark-ings Itrsquos a bone-tough plant that will grow when others wimpout My neighbor has one that I gave her and with very littleTLC it performs dependably every year This variety is avail-able in many different color forms As long as you have spacefor this one (it can grow over 30 inches [75 cm] tall) you canrsquotgo wrong buying one

Oncidium Twinkles This is another star performer but with aquite different stature from Sharry Baby Itrsquos parents Oncidiumcheirophorum and Oncidium ornithrhynchum both mentionedearlier in this chapter are fragrant and dwarf The resultantcrossing is a hybrid that is even better than its parents mdashmore vigorous and free flowering This one is highly recom-mended for beginners Itrsquos available in various color forms

Oncidium Tsiku Marguerite A very vigorous but small-growing(about 6 inches [15 cm] tall) hybrid that is sweet-scented It pro-duces densely branched sprays of 3frasl4-inch (2-cm) cream to pinkflowers Another great beginnerrsquos orchid

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 194

Oncidium Nathakhum This is a larger-growing oncidium withfoliage up to about 12 inches (30 cm) long It shows much influ-ence from one of it parents Oncidium lanceanum with itsmule-ear foliage and its flat honey-scented long-lasting flow-ers of contrasting brown and yellow with a yellow lip

Figure 13-4 Oncidium Sharry Baby is a fast and easy growing and blooming Oncidium hybrid with the fragrance of chocolate

Miniature oncidiums or tolumniaUntil fairly recently the miniature plants that look very much likeoncidiums were called equitant (or variegata) Plant taxonomists(people who name plants) are now in a huddle to decide whetheror not these plants should be assigned to the genus tolumniarather than oncidium

Whatever name you want to call them theyrsquore darling little plantsthat are easy to grow They have triangular thick leaves and aregrown best in a sunny spot with good air movement Theyrsquore oftenmounted on wood or cork (see Chapter 7) but can also be grown in pots Because theyrsquore small plants in small containers (seeFigure 13-5) you must keep an eye on them so they donrsquot dry out too severely

Many of these orchids bloom a few times a year and will flowermore than once on the same flower spike so donrsquot cut off theflower spike until it withers

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 195

So many hybrids are available within this group that choosing oneover another is difficult Just look in the orchid suppliersrsquo catalogson their Web sites or in their greenhouses in the miniature orchidor miniature oncidium or tolumnia section Theyrsquore all easy grow-ers and prolific bloomers (see Figure 13-6)

Figure 13-5 Equitant oncidiums require little space to grow and bloom This one is in a 3-inch pot

Figure 13-6 Even though the equitants are small plants they have quite a bit of flower power as this pink and red hybrid proves

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 196

Pansy Orchids Miltonias and Miltoniopsis

To see these orchids in bloom is to want them True to their namemany of these orchids do have pansylike faces but they actuallyoutdo the other garden plants with their colors and flower pat-terns For some reason these orchids havenrsquot gotten their dueattention for many years They had a reputation for being difficultto grow Most of the newer selections and hybrids are more vigor-ous easy and worth your effort to try

It used to be that all the orchids in this group were called milto-nias but now most go by miltoniopsis For more details on thisname game see the nearby sidebar

These orchids have a flower structure similar to oncidiums Figure 13-7 shows the miltonia flower structure

Here are some guidelines that will help you have more successwith these beauties

Miltonias like it a little warmer than miltoniopsis Miltoniaslike it up to about 84degF (29degC) during the day and around 55degF(128degC) during the evening Miltoniopsis like it about 5degF to10degF cooler for day and night temperatures

Keep their roots damp but not wet Their fine root systemscan easily be damaged by drying out The catch-22 is thatthey can also be very susceptible to rotting if kept too wetUse a fine-textured well-drained potting material that alsoretains moisture

One personrsquos weed is anotherrsquos treasureGoodale Moir is a well-known name in the annals of orchid breeding He dared tolove a group of oncidiums called equitants or variegata oncidiums At the time in the1950s many of his less-enlightened orchid-breeding friends derided these minia-tures from the Caribbean as ldquoweedsrdquo This didnrsquot stop Goodale from pursuing hisdream of breeding and developing these lovelies into small orchids of all colors andshades While I was working at a botanical garden in Hawaii in the 1970s I wasfortunate enough to meet him and his lovely wife May as his work was starting tobe appreciated Sadly today Goodale is no longer with us but he left behind hisproud legacy of these miniature horticultural gems

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 197

Figure 13-7 Miltonia flower structure1 = Sepals 2 = Petals 3 = Lip 4 = Column

If the leaves pucker in an accordion pattern this is a signthe plant is not getting enough moisture

Keep these plants in small pots This is an easy way to pre-vent overwatering

If the leaves are light green and standing upright theyrsquoregetting just the right amount of light If theyrsquore floppy anddark green theyrsquore getting too little light If they have a red-dish cast theyrsquore getting too much light

Provide ample air circulation Otherwise their thin leaveswill get leaf spots from fungal disease

MiltoniasHere are a few miltonias that are particularly striking and easy togrow

Miltonia flavescens The light yellow color of the flower setsthis species off from the other miltonias Its flowers are about3 inches (75 cm) across and have a white lip with red spots

Miltonia regnellii This is one of the most adaptable so itrsquosone of the easiest of the miltonias to grow and bloom Foreach erect stem it has up to six white flowers that are about21frasl2 to 3 inches (6 to 75 cm) across with a purple-blue lip Itblooms in the summer to fall and has an orangelike fragrance

1

2

4

3

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 198

Miltonia spectabilis One of the most popular and commonlyoffered miltonia species it displays 4-inch-wide (10-cm-wide)flowers that are white tinged with pink The lip is rose-pinkwith a purple column This orchid grows to about 10 inches(25 cm) high and its flowers have a rosy fragrance Anotherbotanical variety Miltonia spectabilis var moreliana has flow-ers of the same size but its sepals and petals are dark plumred with a contrasting large bright rose-pink lip with darkerveins It is quite a looker

Miltonia Goodale Moir A classic variety that is a namesakeof a famous orchid breeder who lived in Hawaii this miltoniahybrid likes warmer growing conditions and bears strikingflowers with yellow petals spotted in burgundy and white lipsbrushed with a purple pink Miltonia Goodale Moir is still fre-quently used as a parent to produce other warmth-loving mil-tonia hybrids

Miltonia Anne Warne This is another time-proven warmth-loving hybrid with gorgeous dark purple flowers with stunningpurple-pink lips

MiltoniopsisSome have said that that miltoniopsis can be more difficult to growthan miltonias but it really matters which ones you get Somespecies like it cooler and others tolerate warmer conditions Thehybrids seem to be very forgiving and easy Many hybrids havespectacular markings like the newer one shown in Figure 13-8

Figure 13-8 A white miltoniopsis hybrid with striking purple markings

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 199

Here are some others that should be on your list

Miltoniopsis phalaenopsis This species is the one primarilyresponsible for the ldquowaterfallrdquo patterns in the lips of todayrsquoshybrids It likes warm summers and cool winters and doesbest if itrsquos kept on the dry side during the winter Its flowerwhich has the perfume of lily of the valley is 13frasl4 inches (4 cm)and white pansy-shaped with a purple waterfall pattern on thelip The plant reaches about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) high

Miltoniopsis roezlii A cool to warm grower this is anotherone of the easier-to-grow miltoniopsis It has 21frasl2-inch-wide (65-cm-wide) white rose-scented flowers with dark-purple spots oneach of the petals and a white lip with bright yellow and orangemarkings The plant reaches about 9 inches (22 cm) tall

Miltoniopsis santanaei (see Figure 13-9) This is a veryrewarding plant that is easy to grow and flower which it oftendoes more than once a year Its flower is 2 inches (5 cm) widepristine white flat pansy-shaped with a bright yellow flare onthe top of the lip Itrsquos a compact-growing orchid mdash only 6 to 8inches (15 to 20 cm) tall It has a very sweet rose scent and isused frequently in breeding for this fragrant quality and itsease of culture

Miltoniopsis Bert Field Pure velvety red this hybridrsquos flow-ers are about 3 inches (75 cm) across Theyrsquore perfectlyformed and some have waterfall patterns Itrsquos a classic varietythat is still found and is used often as a parent

Miltoniopsis Celle lsquoWasserfallrsquo (see Figure 13-10) There aremany new hybrid miltonias but this was one of the first toshow such a spectacular ldquowaterfallrdquo pattern in the lip Its redvelvet sepals and petals and yellow column complete a gor-geous picture The flowers have a rosy floral scent

You say miltonia I say miltoniopsisThe technical difference between these two is that all those orchids called milto-nias have two light green leaves per pseudobulb and ldquoearsrdquo on the column in thecenter part of the flower Miltoniopsis have one blue-green leaf per pseudobulbUnless yoursquore a taxonomist the flowers look the same

From a cultural point of view miltonias are considered by some to be somewhateasier to grow because theyrsquore from Brazil where itrsquos warmer while most of themiltoniopsis are from the cooler climes of Peru Columbia and Costa Rica so theycan be more temperamental

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 200

Figure 13-9 Miltoniopsis santanaei is a compact easy-to-grow species well suited to growing on a windowsill or under lights

Figure 13-10 Miltoniopsis Celle lsquoWasserfallrsquo is definitely a showstopper

Miltoniopsis Hajime Ono Named after the noted Hawaiianmiltoniopsis breeder Hajime Ono it has a magnificent 31frasl2-inch-wide (9-cm-wide) dark-red velvety flower with a lip fantasti-cally marked with a waterfall pattern See the color section ofphotographs for an example

Miltoniopsis Hamburg This is another famous cross that setthe standard for quite a while for being one of the best of thesolid reds It has a light rosy fragrance

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 201

Other Members of the Club The Oncidium Alliance

Many other orchids are related to oncidiums and theyrsquore com-monly referred to as being part of the Oncidium Alliance In the following sections I list some of the more prominent ones

Orchid spiders BrassiasLarge flowers with long leggy petals and sepals typify this group of orchids Although some of the species and hybrids of brassiasare popular they are more commonly used as parents with otheroncidium relatives to pass on their elegant flower shapes (seeldquoMixing It Uprdquo later in this chapter) Here are a few standouts ofthe 15 or so species of brassias

Brassia longissima (see Figure 13-11) This orchid featureslarge spidery flowers about 7 to 8 inches (18 to 20 cm) fromtop to bottom that open greenish and turn orange over sev-eral days The flowers are spotted maroon and have a sweetcandy scent This is a tall grower that maxes out at about 30inches (75 cm) tall

Brassia maculata A commonly grown species this orchidalso follows the similar flower shape and color pattern of theother two species described in this list It blooms in thesummer and puts on a show of fragrant flowers for severalweeks

Brassia verrucosa Another spider-type flower that reachesabout 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) across this orchid is palegreen and is spotted in darker green or brown with a white lipspotted with darker warts This species is an easy one togrow It has a musky scent

Butterfly orchids PsychopsisThis orchid used to be called an oncidium and then was reclassi-fied to this genus It doesnrsquot take much imagination to see how thisorchid got its common name butterfly orchid because the flowerlooks very much like this regal insect

Psychopsis papilio (shown in Figure 13-12) is the most popularspecies in the genus and is an easy one to grow requiring the samecultural conditions as oncidiums Psychopsis papilio has reddish

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 202

leathery leaves with darker spots its flowers have thin dark bur-gundy upright sepals that look like antennae the petals are barreddark red on yellow and the lip is yellow with solid or spotted bur-gundy red edging Another species Psychopsis krameriana is verysimilar

Figure 13-11 Brassia longissima is a fine selection of this species

The flowers are borne in succession so donrsquot cut off the flowerspike until it shrivels

Figure 13-12 Psychopsis papilio has a butterfly look

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 203

SigmatostalixSigmatostalix radicans (shown in Figure 13-13) is a dainty andcharming miniature orchid reaching about 6 inches (15 cm) It hasgrasslike foliage and small 3frasl4-inch (1 cm) white flowers with green-ish sepals and petals with a brown column and white lip Its flow-ers have a sweet honey fragrance

Figure 13-13 Sigmatostalix radicans is a miniature orchid with a honey scent

TrichopiliaTwo orchids within the trichopilia genus are commonly grown

Trichopilia suavis A native of Central and South Americathis orchid has oblong pseudobulbs with leaves that can growup to 16 inches (40 cm) long Itrsquos frequently grown in a basket

Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

Not for beginnersThe Oncidium Alliance has other genera mdash including baptisonia cochlioda com-parettia odontoglossum rodriguezia and trichocentrum mdash but many are not notedfor being easy to grow Some are from cooler climates and require very high humid-ity They have however played important roles as genetic building blocks to pro-duce hybrids with all the other oncidium group See the ldquoMixing It Uprdquo section formore details

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 204

because the two to five fragrant flowers white spotted withred are borne on a pendulous flower spike The lips of theflowers are tubular and have pink and orange spots

Trichopilia fragrans This orchid is very similar to the pre-ceding one and blooms in the spring to summer

Mixing It UpNow things really get interesting Imagine taking all the orchidsthat I introduce in this chapter from the Oncidium Alliance andmany more that I havenrsquot even mentioned and mating or breedingthem with each other This is just what has been done by skillfulorchid breeders in the United States mdash and the results have beenastounding

Knowing where to begin is difficult because there are so many dif-ferent ones By the late 1990s almost 10000 of these hybrids hadbeen registered and breeding efforts have continued at full tilt sotoday there are many more

In general these are orchids with wild color combinations and largeflower counts that are durable vigorous plants These new hybridsare starting to compete with phalaenopsis for the publicrsquos favor

These hybrids have a scrambled parentage To help you sortthrough it all Table 13-1 is a list of some of the most common andpopular intergeneric genera (ones that have parents from morethan one genus) along with the genera that were used to actuallyproduce these new intergeneric genera The abbreviations for thegenera are also given because this will usually be what yoursquoll findwritten on the orchid label

Table 13-1 Oncidium Alliance IntergenericsIntergeneric Genera Used to Abbreviation Genus Create This Genus Used

Aliceara Brassia Miltonia Oncidium Alcra

Beallara Brassia Cochlioda Miltonia BllraOdontoglossum

Brassada Ada Brassia Brsa

Brassidium Brassia Oncidium Brsdm

(continued)

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 205

Table 13-1 (continued)Intergeneric Genera Used to Abbreviation Genus Create This Genus Used

Burrageara Cochlioda Miltonia BurrOdontoglossum Oncidium

Colmanara Miltonia Odontoglossum Oncidium Colm

Degarnoara Brassia Miltonia Odontoglossum Dgmra

Milpasia Miltonia Aspasia Mpsa

Miltassia Brassia Miltonia Mtssa

Miltonidium Miltonia Oncidium Mtdm

Odontocidium Odontoglossum Oncidium Odcm

Odontonia Odontoglossum Miltonia Odtna

Rodricidium Oncidium Rodriguezia Rdcm

Vuylstekeara Cochlioda Miltonia Odontoglossum Vuyl

Wilsonara Cochlioda Odontoglossum Oncidium Wils

Orchid breeders hybridizing these related orchids are working toimpart the following qualities to their plants

More-compact growth and flowering habit

Ease of flowering

More tolerance for a wide range of growing temperatures

Lower light requirements

Blooming multiple times per year

Bright colorful patterns in the flowers

When you visit your orchid grower check out orchid supplier Websites or go to orchid shows yoursquoll see that todayrsquos hybrids in thisgroup are moving closer and closer to meeting these breedingobjectives

Because this group is so huge Irsquove tried to hit on some of the mostpopular in this group This is only the tip of the iceberg

Beallara Marfitch lsquoHowardrsquos Dreamrsquo (see Figure 13-14) Thisorchid has dazzling large deep burgundy flowers on uprightflower spikes with white markings and a dash of yellow on the

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 206

lip These are always the plants people stop to admire at theorchid shows

Beallara Tacoma Glacier This is found in various forms butmost have very large frilly flowers with red markings

Brassidium Fly Away lsquoMiamirsquo HCCAOS (see Figure 13-15)These bright yellow flowers are borne in huge numbers andlook like they are taking off in flight

Figure 13-14 Beallara Marfitch lsquoHowardrsquos Dreamrsquo is always the center of attention when itrsquos in bloom

Figure 13-15 The flowers of Brassidium Fly Away lsquoMiamirsquo HCCAOS have masses of flowers on long flower spikes

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 207

Burrageara Stefan Isler This orchid has upright stems withmany brilliant red flowers with a lighter color lip It is freeflowering and will bloom more than once a year when theplant is mature

Colmanara Wildcat (see Figure 13-16) There are many dif-ferent selections of this orchid but they are all very brightyellow waxy flowers about 3 inches (75 cm) across with verydistinct yellow or maroon markings and a lip that is usuallyvery dark red and marked with yellow Itrsquos quite a standout

Figure 13-16 Colmanara Wildcat has dramatic feline markings on a waxy long-lasting flower

Degarnoara Winter Wonderland lsquoWhite Fantasyrsquo (see Figure13-17) Many selections of this orchid are available but theylook very similar They have large white flowers and lip withsepals that extend slightly backward The lip and petal arelightly spotted in red The flower is said to have the fragranceof bananas An established plant will bloom a few times a year

Milpasia Miltrsquos Choice lsquoHelen of Troyrsquo Long-lasting yellowwith rose to maroon stripes on the petals with a large whitelip are the features of this orchid It grows about 10 to 12inches (25 to 30 cm) tall and has a rosy fragrance

Miltassia hybrids Most of this group are usually stronglymarked and brightly colored See the color section for anexample

Miltonidium Bartley Schwartz (see Figure 13-18) Several dif-ferent forms of this are available but most have upright spikesof many red to purple flowers with white lips marked in red

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 208

Figure 13-17 Degarnoara Winter Wonderland lsquoWhite Fantasyrsquo has a unique blend of lip shape similar to miltonia longer petals like brassia and wider flowers like odontoglossum

Miltonidium Issaku Nagata lsquoVolcano Queenrsquo HCCAOS Aneasy orchid with many 11frasl2-inch (4-cm) flowers on tall multi-branched spikes The petals and sepals are yellow overlaidwith mahogany The flared lip is white at the bottom and redand purple at the top The foliage can grow 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) tall and the flowers have a light floral fragrance

Odontioda Margarete Holm lsquoAlpinersquo A gorgeous full-bodiedwhite flower with clear burgundy markings See the color sec-tion of photographs for an example

Odontioda Vespa lsquoCharmrsquo (see Figure 13-19) This is a capti-vating very compact orchid that only grows 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) tall It displays 21frasl2-inch (65-cm) white citrus-scented flowers that are decorated with distinct purple andred markings on the petals and sepals with yellow on thethroat I love this one

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 209

Figure 13-18 MiltonidiumBartley Schwartz comes in many forms but all have many red to purple flowers on an upright flower spike

Figure 13-19 Odontioda Vespa lsquoCharmrsquo is a favorite because of its compact habit and colorful flower markings

Odontobrassia Fangtastic Bob Henley Seventy-five percentof this hybridrsquos lineage is from brassias so it has characteris-tically spidery yellow flowers that are 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13cm) across with maroon markings and yellow lips on archingflower spikes

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 210

Odontocidium Crowborough This hybrid is another one of theearlier crosses that is still available today and is used plenty asa parent for newer hybrids It has 3-inch (75-cm) bright yellowthick-textured flowers with distinct mahogany markings

Odontocidium Tiger Crow lsquoGolden Girlsrsquo HCCAOS An off-spring of famous parents Odontocidium Tiger Hambuhren andOdontocidium Crowborough it shows off 21frasl2-inch (65-cm)golden-yellow flowers with maroon spots and a bright yellowlip The plant grows about 18 inches (45 cm) tall and the flow-ers have a light floral scent See the color section of photo-graphs for an example

Vuylstekeara Cambria lsquoPlushrsquo FCCAOS (see Figure 13-20)This is a classic variety and was one of the first of these inter-generics to hit the market in a big way Its many flowers are aclear dark red tipped in white with a red-and-white edge lipThis variety has stood the test of time

Figure 13-20 VuylstekearaCambria lsquoPlushrsquo FCCAOS has proven itself to be a winner

Vuylstekeara Yokara lsquoPerfectionrsquo This is a dazzler Its lightburgundy flowers sparkle with bright white patterns through-out A yellow highlight appears on the lip See the color sec-tion for an example

Wilsonara Tiger Brew A free flowering and branching plantthat has flowers with sepals and petals that are light yellowand spotted with burgundy and a lip that is lemon yellow withreddish spots The edges of the petals and sepals are touchedin red and fringed

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 211

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 212

Chapter 14

Significant OthersIn This Chapter Discovering one of the biggest of all groups of orchids Dendrobiums

Finding orchids that are as weird as they get Bulbophyllums

Considering some other orchids

In the previous chapters I present you with some of the largestorchid groups that are most suitable for home orchid growing

But as you can imagine with tens of thousands of different orchidsout there some additional ones in other groups are also prime can-didates In this chapter I give you a glimpse at some of them

A Huge and Interesting Lot Dendrobiums

Dendrobiums and their close relatives number more than a thou-sand They call their homes the old-world tropics which includeNew Guinea and the exotic land down under Australia Some ofthese orchids have exacting cultural requirements that are a chal-lenge to provide The ones I show you here are the easier ones that have basically the same cultural requirements as cattleyas mdashmedium to high light modest humidity and intermediate tempera-tures Many of the dendrobiums naturally undergo a drier winterthan summer so they appreciate the same treatment from youSome are evergreen (keeping their foliage year-round) while othersare deciduous (dropping their leaves in the fall) as they enter a restfor the winter then put out their new growth in the spring

The most popular dendrobiumsHere is a small selection of some of the easiest and most readilyfound dendrobiums that are not very demanding As you becomefamiliar with this huge group of plants yoursquoll surely find othersyoursquod like to try out

20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 213

Dendrobium phalaenopsisAlthough the more proper name for this orchid is Dendrobium bigib-bum it rarely goes by this in the trade I list this one first because it is by far the most popular and commonly found dendrobiumLuckily it is also one of the least expensive and easiest to growHybrids of this type are found in an impressive array of color com-binations and are usually about 11frasl2 to 3 inches (3 to 7 cm) acrossand look much like phalaenopsis flowers (thus the species name ofphalaenopsis) Figure 14-1 shows an example of a Dendrobium pha-laenopsis The most common flower colors are white shades ofpink and purple but some of the newer offerings have contrastingsepals petals and lips in a whole range of pastels

Figure 14-1 The Dendrobium phalaenopsis flower looks much like a phalaenopsis orchid (see Chapter 10)

Dendrobium phalaenopsis which are evergreens differ dramati-cally in their growth habits mdash some are very compact about 6inches (15 cm) tall while others can reach 3 feet (1 meter) or morein height (see Figure 14-2)

Like most dendrobiums the Dendrobium phalaenopsis prefers to bepot-bound so itrsquos content to stay in a small container It requires amodest drying-off period during the winter and early spring to pro-mote flowering You can resume regular watering when new growthappears in the spring until after flowering

Dendrobium phalaenopsis hybrids sometimes referred to as ldquocanerdquoDendrobiums because of their upright stems can vary tremen-dously in their growth habits from dwarfs to giants Figure 14-2shows one of the larger forms

20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 214

Figure 14-2 A larger Dendrobium phalaenopsis hybrid

Dendrobium nobileAnother one of the most popular dendrobiums the Dendrobiumnobile (shown in Figure 14-3) has been hybridized extensively sothat todayrsquos varieties come in a carnival of bright colors

The Dendrobium nobile is deciduous so when winter approacheskeep it on the dry side Only water it enough to keep its pseudo-bulbs from shriveling Let the evening temperatures get downaround 50degF to 55degF (10degC to 13degC)

Figure 14-3 Dendrobium nobile var virginale is a white form of this popular dendrobium

Chapter 14 Significant Others 215

20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 215

Some people have described the fragrance of these orchids asbeing like honey or musk during the day and mown hay at night

Dendrobium kingianumThis dendrobium is wonderfully tough mdash it can withstand tempera-tures down to 35degF (16degC) mdash and easy to grow and itrsquos just start-ing to get its due This Australian native was once considered aldquoweedrdquo among some orchid growers because it is such a rapidgrower Now itrsquos getting new respect as more people are becomingaware of how easy and forgiving it is to grow and bloom and asmany new flower color forms are appearing

The usual flower is small up to about 1 to 11frasl2 inches (25 to 4 cm)in shades of pink borne in 8-inch (20-cm) sprays of about a dozenflowers (see Figure 14-4) The newer selections include darkpurple purple-blue white striped and a whole range of combina-tions of these This orchid varies considerable in its growth habitfrom a few inches (5 cm) to almost 16 inches (50 cm) tall

This orchid has a range of fragrances from hyacinth to lilac tohoney

Dendrobium kingianum requires a dry cool winter to bloomdependably Itrsquos an evergreen orchid that has attractive compactthick dark green foliage It readily forms keikis (baby plants) referto Chapter 8 to see how to handle them

Figure 14-4 Dendrobium kingianum has small crystalline flowers that are found in various shades of purple and pink

20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 216

Some other Dendrobiums worth consideringAfter yoursquove cut your teeth on the easier dendrobiums mentionedin the previous section try some of these

Dendrobium aggregatum This orchid and its cousinDendrobium jenkensii (shown in Figure 14-5) are dwarf plantsthat produce showers of 1-inch (25-cm) golden yellow honey-scented flowers with broad almost heart-shaped lips Theflowers appear in groups of two or three for Dendrobiumjenkensii more for Dendrobium aggregatum in the spring Thepseudobulbs are small 1 to 2 inches (25 to 5 cm) Theseplants are frequently grown on slabs and are best not trans-planted or divided often They make their most spectaculardisplay when they become large-sized plants

Dendrobium bellatulum This is another miniature plantonly reaching about 4 inches (10 cm) tall with one to three 11frasl2-inch (4-cm) white flowers with orange and red markings inthe lip The flowers have a fresh lemon fragrance

Dendrobium chrysotoxum This orchid has butter-yellowpineapple- or mango-scented 1-inch (25-cm) flowers withfringed lips and a darker orange throat that are displayed on a 12-inch (30-cm) flower spike (see Figure 14-6) The plant isevergreen and a compact grower

Figure 14-5 Dendrobium jenkensii is a miniature grower that blooms best if itrsquos transplanted very infrequently

20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 217

Figure 14-6 Dendrobium chrysotoxum produces sprays of golden flowers with the scent of tropical fruit

Dendrobium loddigesii This is a compact grower thatreaches about 6 inches (15 cm) tall Itrsquos covered in the springwith 2-inch (5-cm) light-pink flowers with light-yellow lips that last about three weeks It has a rambling habit so itrsquosmost suited for mounting on a slab (see Chapter 7 for moreinformation)

Dendrobium scabrilingue This miniature growing only 3 to 5 inches (8 to 15 cm) high has been in bloom for me formonths Its starry white 1-inch (25-cm) flowers have a touchof light yellow in the center with a pleasant sweet fragrancethat reminds me of the white paste we used to use in elemen-tary school for our art projects

Dendrobium lawesii This is a screamer from the jungles ofNew Guinea with 1-inch (25-cm) bright red-orange waxy flow-ers tipped in yellow that are borne on leafless stems Itrsquos foundin several color forms and its floral brilliance and sweet scentmake it in high demand It needs a drier rest period during thewinter See the color photographs in the center of this book foran example

Thousands of dendrobium hybrids exist but many of them arebest suited for a very cool greenhouse In the following list I focuson a few that are particularly easy and are a reasonable size tohandle

Dendrobium Andreacute Millar (frequently misspelled ldquoMillerrdquo)Exotic green 11frasl2-inch (4-cm) flowers with lips prominentlyveined in dark maroon make this orchid a standout (see

20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 218

Figure 14-7) It apparently comes in two forms one very com-pact about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) tall and the otherabout twice or more this height So if plant size is importantto you be sure to ask which form yoursquore buying

Figure 14-7 Dendrobium Andreacute Millar has flowers that have an almost alien look

Dendrobium Iki A great miniature that rarely grows higherthan 7 inches (20 cm) this orchid has attractive dark greenglossy evergreen foliage and charming 1-inch (25-cm) creamywhite flowers with red and orange in the lip It has the sweetfragrance of licorice

Dendrobium Jesmond Gem This dendrobium is merely repre-sentative of the many new hybrids that are coming into theUnited States from Australia Theyrsquore usually tough plants thatcan survive temperatures approaching freezing and in fact willusually bloom best if given a very cold period in the neighbor-hood of 40degF to 49degF (4degC to 8degC) If you have a very cool brightspot be on the lookout for these fine hybrids Jesmond Gemhas pristine white 2-inch (5-cm) sweet-smelling flowers withpurple specks on the lips and yellow stripes down the center ofthe lips It grows about 18 inches (45 cm) tall

Weird and Wonderful RelativesBulbophyllum

One of the many great aspects of the orchid world is that withtheir seemingly countless species and hybrids there is an orchid

20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 219

out there that meets absolutely anyonersquos fancy For those whopursue the bizarre otherworldly and sometimes malodorous bul-bophyllums fill the bill perfectly You have to see (or smell) theseoddities to believe that they could exist Many are carrion flowersones that smell like rotting meat this is to attract their primarypollinators various types of flies Here are a few of the outstandingones that are not particularly difficult to grow

Bulbophyllum beccarii Contrary to the other orchids in thisbook this one is very difficult to grow but I simply had to letyou know about it because it is the ldquogrande stinkordquo of theorchid world This orchid is described as smelling like ldquo100dead elephants rotting in the sunrdquo This is not one you want to have in your living room Itrsquos considered to be one of themost spectacular bulbophyllums if you can stand the stenchIts leaves grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) so itrsquos usually grownmounted and it has small brown flowers with a purple blush

Bulbophyllum echinolabium Displaying a dramatic flowerthat can be 1 foot (30 cm) or more long this bulbophyllum has a dark-cream flower with mahogany stripes Itrsquos a compactgrower of about 6 to 8 inches (10 to 15 cm) tall (see Figure 14-8)

Bulbophyllum odoratissimum A miniature bulbophyllumthat grows to about 3 inches (8 cm) this orchid has petiteflowers of a dozen or more The flowers are yellow with a red-dish brown lip and actually smell pleasant

Bulbophyllum lobbii A jasmine-scented species this orchidis referred to as the ldquoQueen of Bulbophyllumsrdquo The 3- to 4-inch (75- to 10-cm) yellow flowers with purple mottling areborne singly The leaves are spatula-shaped and about 12inches (30 cm) long

Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis This is another stinker It hashuge leaves up to 4 to 6 feet (120 to 180 cm) long shaped likethose of phalaenopsis (thus the species name) Its flowers aredark red with yellow protuberances This huge plant is reallyonly happy in a greenhouse See the ldquoBeing stinky has itsrewardsrdquo sidebar for more information

Bulbophyllum rothschildianum One of the most spectacu-lar of the bulbophyllums this orchid has five or six flowers in acluster Each flower is about 1 inch (25 cm) wide and 7 inches(175 cm) long The flowers have yellow bases covered withdark red and darker maroon lips The plants grow about 12inches (30 cm) high (see Figure 14-9)

20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 220

Figure 14-8 Bulbophyllum echinolabium has a 1-foot-long (30-cm-long) flower which makes it one of the largest in the genus

Figure 14-9 Bulbophyllum rothschildianum has one of the most magnificent flowers of all bulbophyllums

20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 221

Orchid Miscellanea All the RestHaving to give the rest of these fascinating orchids such little cov-erage is a shame but with so many orchids and so little space In the following sections I give very brief introductions to someexample plants in other genera that deserve your attention

CatasetumLooking closely at the shape of its showy flowers you can see howthe catasetum got tagged with its common name Monkey GobletMany hybrids of this orchid are available and theyrsquore relativelyeasy to grow

Catasetums are deciduous orchids which means they like to bewatered and fertilized copiously when theyrsquore in active growthand then kept on the dry side during the winter mdash stop wateringfor four to six weeks mdash until they start new growth in the spring

Catasetum Orchidglade was the first commercial catasetum hybridThis selection has up to 15 2-inch (5-cm) creamy white thick waxyflowers that are covered with red freckles It has a spicy fragranceand like other catasetums is usually grown in a basket It prefersrapid drainage the flowers are borne on pendulous sprays at thebottom of the plant (see Figure 14-10)

CochleanthesThis is a beguiling genus of orchids that is starting to get moreexposure Cochleanthes have very attractive glossy green foliageusually bloom more than once a year are easy to grow (preferringthe same growing conditions as phalaenopsis) and have exoticflowers

Being stinky has its rewardsAt the highly prestigious 2004 New York International Orchid Show a giganticmounted specimen of Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis shared the top honor with oneother orchid to be Co-Grand Champion and also received a Certificate of CulturalExcellence from The American Orchid Society This plant was said to be valued atthousands of dollars

20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 222

Figure 14-10 Catasetum Orchidglade has pendulous flowers and pleated foliage typical of catasetums

Cochleanthes amazonica has white 2-inch (5-cm) rose- or candy-scented flowers with vivid dark purple veins on the impressiveflared lip A hybrid of this species called Amazing has very simi-lar but somewhat larger flowers (see the color photographs in thecenter of this book for an example) The plant grows about 8inches tall

Be sure to keep the potting material damp or the leaves willbecome pleated

Cochleanthes discolor is another fine species that has 2-inch (5-cm)cream-colored flowers with a mauve cupped lip It grows about 8inches (20 cm) tall and has a cedar or candy fragrance

Cochleanthes Moliere is a hybrid of Cochleanthes amazonica andCochleanthes discolor It is a marriage with a spectacular result 2-inch (5-cm) flowers with white petals tipped with pink and a hugecontrasting dramatic purple lip

20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 223

CoelogyneA genus of about 100 species found in Asia coelogyne orchids areusually fragrant Most of them do best in medium to high light inintermediate temperatures some from mountainous areas like itcooler Most of them grow and look best when theyrsquore permitted to grow to a large size not divided

Coelogyne cristata is one of the popular species of this group It dis-plays white banana-scented flowers that are about 3 inches (8 cm)wide with a white lip with yellow markings

Because of its rambling habit Coelogyne cristata is best grown intoa large plant in a basket or mounted (see Figure 14-11) Coelogyneintermedia has white fruity-scented flowers with a yellow throat andgrows to about 8 inches (20 cm) tall Coelogyne intermedia shouldbe kept on the damp side or the foliage will become pleated

Figure 14-11 Coelogyne cristata makes a beautiful sight as a large well-grown plant

CymbidiumsCymbidiums are popular as corsage orchids because they last for such a long time even after theyrsquove been cut from the plantThanks to modern orchid breeding these orchids are now avail-able in a vast array of colors mdash some with markings on the lipsothers with totally clear flowers and lips The ones that mostpeople are familiar with are the ldquostandardrdquo cymbidiums

20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 224

A full-size plant in complete flower is a jaw dropper However theseplants can get 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm) or more tall and wide mdashtheyrsquore serious space hogs Also some of the standard varietiesrequire very cool and bright conditions for them to perform at theirbest

The most common complaint of amateur cymbidium growers isthat the plants grow fine but they donrsquot flower If this sounds famil-iar yoursquore probably giving your cymbidium too little light or notgiving it the cool evening temperature of 45degF to 50degF (7degC to 10degC)that it needs in order to trigger the formation of flower buds

Newer more-compact plants with a warmer temperature toleranceare appearing all the time so life for the hobbyist cymbidium loveris getting easier These smaller plants are referred to as ldquominiaturerdquobut be aware that this is a relative term ldquoMiniaturerdquo cymbidiumsstill reach about 2 feet (60 cm) tall but can be managed in a 6- to 8-inch (15- to 20-cm) pot

Standard cymbidium hybrids are very popular as outside orchidsin mild areas like Southern California Theyrsquore grown successfullyin many places as long as they have enough light cool eveningsand space The newer ones such as Cymbidium Solana Rose(shown in Figure 14-12) have very full round flowers

Figure 14-12 Cymbidium Solana Rose is a soft pink standard variety that exemplifies the new hybrid cymbidiums with large round flowers in pastel shades

Cymbidium Golden Elf is a 21frasl2-inch (6-cm) clear bright-yellow-floweredminiature variety with four to six flowers per spike Its size is moremanageable for most home growers This one can bloom several

20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 225

times a year and is more tolerant of warmth The lightly rose-scentedflowers last for about two weeks

LycasteA deciduous plant lycaste orchids have pleated foliage and trian-gular flowers Many of them have a tantalizing fragrance They likegood air circulation cool evenings of 45degF to 55degF (7degC to 13degC)and frequent and heavy waterings during the summer growingseason They should be kept on the dry side during the winter

Lycaste Aquilea lsquoDeacutetentersquo FCCAOS is a prize-winner with a 4-inch(10-cm) peachy colored flower that has a sweet floral fragrance

Lycaste aromatia has sunny lemon yellow cinnamon-scented 21frasl2-inch (6-cm) flowers borne in groups of up to 30 or 40 on a compactplant mdash all of which makes this easy-to-grow species very popular

If Lycaste aromatia is grown in bright light the flowers have a moreintense color

ZygopetalumOh what a heavenly fragrance these have When only one floweringzygopetalum plant is in a room it smells like a bed of hyacinths Mostof the zygopetalums have similar color markings mdash usually greenpetals barred in dark maroon or brown with a very broad and promi-nent white lip with dark purple or pink (see Figure 14-13) Theyrsquoreeasy to grow and perform well on an eastern or southern windowsill

Figure 14-13 A zygopetalum hybrid with typical markings

20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 226

Part IVThe Part of Tens

21_567594 pt04qxd 12405 933 PM Page 227

In this part

Here I target four of the most burning issues amateurorchidists frequently ask me What are the easiest

orchids to grow What is the most common ways orchidsare killed What are the most frequently asked questionsabout orchids and their culture Why donrsquot my orchidsbloom In this part I give you some straightforwardanswers to these sometimes perplexing questions andissues so your orchid growing will be smooth sailing

I remember my father buying me my first orchid plantwhen we were on a family vacation in Florida How excit-ing that moment was for me It was rare in those days 40years ago to find a place that sold orchid plants and sup-plies unless you traveled to Florida or California Most ofthe northern growers produced orchids for cut flowersnot as pot plants With the relatively recent strong surgeof interest in orchids as houseplants the situation is nowmuch different

If you live in even a medium-size city in the United Statesyoursquoll have access to at least a modest selection of orchidsand their supplies at your local garden center or home-improvement center Still for a more complete offering ofmore unusual or desirable varieties you may want to take atrip to an orchid grower or buy from mail order suppliersIn the appendix I give you a list of dependable and rep-utable companies that offer plants and growing supplies

I also give you contacts that you can make in order to joina national orchid society or to find your local chapterRubbing shoulders with other folks who share your pas-sion for orchids is great fun

21_567594 pt04qxd 12405 933 PM Page 228

Chapter 15

The Ten (or So) EasiestOrchids to Grow

In This Chapter Finding the orchid thatrsquos right for you

Choosing an orchid that grows well where you live

Throughout this book I let you know about orchids that are nottemperamental or especially demanding but the orchids in

this chapter are some of the most satisfying to grow because oftheir high performance and low maintenance

For more specific cultural information on these orchids and otherssee the chapters in Part III

Twinkle Moth Orchid(Phalaenopsis Twinkle)

There are so many excellent moth orchids around that finding aldquobadrdquo one would be a challenge In recent years the breeders ofmoth orchids have reached a high level of perfection with theseflowers which means that the ones you buy at the discount centerfor $20 to $30 would have been prize winners several years ago

The Twinkle moth orchid is not the typical large white pink orstriped variety It represents a somewhat newer direction for mothorchids mdash the multifloral type that has many smaller flowers up toabout 2 inches (5 cm) in size on a very compact plant The largermoth orchids are gorgeous and elegant but take up quite a bit ofroom so if yoursquore looking for something more compact check outthis multifloral type

22_567594 ch15qxd 12405 935 PM Page 229

You donrsquot need to get this specific variety of moth orchid Just findone thatrsquos listed as a multifloral type (also sometimes referred toas ldquosweetheartrdquo phalaenopsis)

Lady of the Night (Brassavolanodosa)

This native of Mexico got its common name from its gloriousfreesia evening scent It grows best in strong light with warm tem-peratures and will reward you with single or clusters of white spi-dery flowers up to 6 inches (15 cm) across which can appear a fewtimes a year

Lady of the Night is a very compact-growing orchid with tubularleaves Itrsquos usually not more than a foot tall and grows in clumps It will perform best if it isnrsquot divided and is allowed to grow into a nice large plant

Maudiae Ladyrsquos Slipper Orchid(Paphiopedilum Maudiae)

Most Asian ladyrsquos slipper orchids as a group are among the easiestof orchids to grow but this type stands out as especially undemand-ing The flowers are exotic and either have dramatic burgundy mark-ings or are elegantly colored in green and white (see the colorsection of photographs for an example)

Even when this plant is not in flower its foliage is stunning with itsmarbled pattern against a dark green base These orchids do wellin modest light and normal room temperatures They only growabout 8 to 10 inches (203 to 254 cm) tall so they fit easily on anywindowsill or under lights To see these plants really shine letthem get larger and develop multiple growths which wonrsquot takelong because theyrsquore so robust

Cockleshell Orchid (Epidendrumcochleatum)

This is one of the most resilient of orchids mdash it seems to keepblooming despite less-than-ideal conditions One of the orchids

22_567594 ch15qxd 12405 935 PM Page 230

naturally found in Florida this Cockleshell orchid has fascinatingflowers that appear to look upside-down The ldquocockleshellrdquo part ofthe flower is striped with purple veins against a light green back-ground and the rest of the flower consists of segments that arenarrow green and somewhat spidery looking After this orchid is established it will bloom multiple times in a row so it can haveflowers for six months or longer It grows well under lights or on a bright windowsill

Sharry Baby Oncidium (OncidiumlsquoSharry Babyrsquo)

This is thought to be the single most popular orchid in the worldAnd itrsquos not difficult to see why It has a great deal to offer anyorchid lover

Sharry Baby blooms dependably mdash usually around Christmastime mdashand when it does yoursquore treated to a flurry of many 1frasl2-inch (15-cm)flowers that are yellow overlaid with burgundy covering a spike ofup to 30 inches (75 cm) What a show

And the piece de resistance is that the flowers have the deliciousfragrance of chocolate and vanilla

Because this orchid can get tall place it near a sunny window thathas some headroom Many different color forms of this wildly pop-ular orchid are available

Bird-Beak Orchid (Oncidiumornithorhynchum)

Everyone has room for this Mexican beauty Its dainty 1-inch (25-cm) lavender-pink flowers with bright yellow centers and whitelips are borne in profusion (up to 100 on a mature plant) on thinpendulous sprays

Because this plant only grows 6 to 8 inches tall (15 to 20 cm) it canfit on any windowsill or under lights It will sometimes bloom morethan once a year mdash usually in the spring occasionally in the fall mdashand has a scent that reminds me of a fresh morningrsquos air

22_567594 ch15qxd 12405 935 PM Page 231

Marirsquos Song (LaeliocattleyalsquoMarirsquos Songrsquo)

This variety belongs to a category of plants called minicatts (minia-ture cattleyas) They all take up much less space than the standardsized cattleya and many of them bloom more than once a year Thisparticular variety of minicatt is popular because itrsquos easy to growcompact has gaily tricolored 41frasl2-inch (11-cm) flowers and is veryfragrant

Fan-Shape Orchid (Cochleanthesamazonica)

I love this orchid It has handsome glossy green foliage Mine fre-quently blooms twice or more a year with 2-inch (5-cm) snow-white flowers that are veined in dark purple and smell like sweetcandy Other cochleanthes like Cochleanthes discolor and hybridsCochleanthes lsquoMolierersquo and Cochleanthes lsquoAmazingrsquo are also goodchoices All of them have similar cultural requirements as mothorchids and are just as undemanding

Pansy Orchid (Miltoniopsis santanei)

Pansy orchids have a reputation for being a bit finicky Althoughthis may be true for some of the ones from cooler climates I havefound this species to be a wonderful exception Itrsquos from a warmerclimate so adapts very well to home culture It has a relativelysmall stature usually growing only 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) talland sports flat 2-inch (5-cm) white pansy-shaped flowers with aflare of bright yellow on the top of the lip It has a delightful rosefragrance

To keep this orchid happy grow it in moderate light and keep itspotting material damp

22_567594 ch15qxd 12405 935 PM Page 232

Chapter 16

The Ten Most Common WaysOrchids Are Killed

In This Chapter Knowing yoursquore not alone if your orchid bites the bullet

Helping your orchids live a long life

Sooner or later everyone loses a few orchids to the GrimReaper but some causes of death take more orchid lives than

they should Being on the lookout to prevent these problems willsave many of your orchids

OverwateringOverwatering is the big killer of orchids Some people just canrsquothelp themselves Watering is so much fun and you feel like yoursquoredoing something to help your orchids when yoursquore watering them

When orchids die from overwatering it isnrsquot really the result of too much water Itrsquos actually caused by too little air Therersquos just so much open space in any potting material and water naturallydisplaces air so if you apply it too often therersquos no room for airAnd your orchid needs air for healthy root growth If it doesnrsquot get enough air the roots rot and die

See Chapter 6 for tips on how to properly water your orchids andan emergency treatment to try if any of your overwatered orchidsstart going downhill

UnderwateringIronically just as overwatering is a big killer so is underwateringIn this case the lack of water leads to root damage by dehydration

23_567594 ch16qxd 12405 935 PM Page 233

(see Chapter 6 for more details) Because orchid potting materialdrains much more rapidly and tends to hold less moisture thanmaterials commonly used for other plants some people tend tounderwater Also remember that the fresh potting material driesout much more quickly than older potting material does

Be sure to premoisten the orchid potting material before you useit This will make it more water-retentive Check out Chapter 7 fororchid potting tips and information

Too Much Light or HeatLight and heat are related to one another Frequently excessivelight leads to high temperatures When the orchids receive toomuch light the heat starts to build up inside the leaf Think of theorchid leafrsquos skin being like a plastic bag with very small holes in itInside of this plastic bag is the interior of the leaf When excessiveheat gets trapped inside the leaf it literally cooks and destroys theleaf plant tissue Large black circular dead spots form or inextreme cases the entire orchid collapses After this damage isdone you canrsquot do anything about it

When the orchid is in full illumination feel the leaf surface withyour hand If itrsquos hot to the touch move the orchid to where it getsless light See Chapter 5 for more information on light and tempera-ture requirements for orchids

Leaving Orchid Foliage Wet Overnight

Leaving orchid foliage wet overnight is asking for trouble in theform of leaf spots and crown rot disease (The crown is the growingpoint of the orchid) Water your orchids in the morning or earlyafternoon so the leaves have plenty of time to dry before nightfall

If you can catch these diseases early you may be able to save the orchid But after the disease (which shows up as soft mushytissue that eventually turns black) gets to the growing point of the plant itrsquos good-bye for your orchid

For more information on orchid diseases and their control seeChapter 9

23_567594 ch16qxd 12405 935 PM Page 234

Too Much FertilizerFertilizers are salts and salts in concentrated form are types ofherbicides (plant poisons) Applying too much fertilizer will dehy-drate the orchid roots Signs of too much fertilizer are black roottips or black or brown leaf tips So when you fertilize be carefulnot to apply more than the recommended dosage and only use afertilizer when the plant is actively growing and when the growingmedia is damp

For more information on fertilizing orchids see Chapter 6

Improper Use of PesticidesWhen pesticides are used properly theyrsquore safe for both you andyour plants However if theyrsquore applied at too high of a concentra-tion or applied when the plants are dry or the air temperature istoo high severe damage to the orchid plant can result

Also many pesticides are dissolved and mixed in with a type of oilwhich in and of itself can cause leaf damage especially if the mate-rial is applied in bright hot sunlight

So use care with these materials and always read the label beforeapplying the chemical See Chapter 9 to see which pesticides aresafest and most effective to use

InsectsCatching insect problems in the early stages is very important Ifyou realize that your orchid is completely covered with an insectlike scale or mealybugs getting rid of all of them is very difficult

Sometimes trashing this plant for the sake of others in your collec-tion is the best approach you donrsquot want to expose your otherplants to these critters For more information on common orchidpests and their control check out Chapter 9

Purchase of Sick PlantsSome orchid growers are Florence Nightingale types who feel itrsquostheir mission to save an orchid that looks sick So they buy it usu-ally at a great discount In most cases these orchid lovers donrsquotget a ldquodealrdquo at all

23_567594 ch16qxd 12405 935 PM Page 235

I highly recommend you resist the temptation to buy an unhealthyorchid and try to nurse it back to health If an orchid is in poorcondition and the leaves are wilting or shriveled itrsquos usually on an unstoppable death spiral and the likelihood of your bringing it back to robustness is slim to none

Poor Water QualityIn certain parts of the country notably in the West some localwater has a high salt content which can be very damaging toorchids It can cause the same problems as overfertilizing (seeldquoToo Much Fertilizerrdquo earlier in this chapter)

If you have any doubts about the quality of your water have a watertest done by a company that tests water for drinking quality Alsodonrsquot use water that has been treated with a water softener on yourorchids It usually contains a high amount of salt

For more information on water quality see Chapter 6

Inadequate VentilationOrchids donrsquot appreciate stale air When air isnrsquot circulated fungiand bacterial diseases flourish Moving air also evaporates mois-ture on leaves (moisture on leaves is another cause for diseaseproblems) So make your orchid happy and invest in an overheadceiling fan or oscillating fan to keep the air gently moving It willmake a great difference in the health of your orchids For more onventilation see Chapter 5

23_567594 ch16qxd 12405 935 PM Page 236

Chapter 17

The Ten Most FrequentlyAsked Questions about

OrchidsIn This Chapter Figuring out whether orchids are right for you

Easing your mind with the orchid answers you need

This entire book covers everything you need to know aboutorchids but in this chapter I answer some of the most

common questions that beginning orchid growers have

Are Orchids Difficult to GrowOrchids arenrsquot difficult to grow mdash they just have particular require-ments that are somewhat different from many other houseplantsyou may be familiar with Thanks to modern orchid breeding manyof the orchids that are available for beginning orchid lovers are vig-orous growers that are adaptable to a wide range of growing situa-tions and that bloom easily and frequently

Selecting the right orchid for your conditions is one of the keys tosuccess See Chapter 2 to help you choose which one will do wellfor you

Why Should I Grow OrchidsMany expert and amateur gardeners consider orchids to be themost beautiful and exotic members of the plant family Orchids area huge group of plants with diverse cultural requirements This

24_567594 ch17qxd 12405 933 PM Page 237

means that no matter where you live you can find a group oforchids that will suit your growing area Also because the flowerforms fragrances and colors are so diverse you can find anorchid to satisfy your taste

Growing orchids is more than merely cultivating plants Yoursquoll bejoining a fraternity of avid (if not fanatical) orchid people who shareyour interests Soon you may become a member of an orchid soci-ety (see the appendix) and you may visit various orchid growersand attend orchid shows Yoursquoll form new friendships with otherswho share your passion Itrsquos said that after yoursquore bitten by theorchid bug there is no known cure But what a wonderful affliction

Do I Need a Greenhouse to Grow Orchids

Absolutely not Years ago orchids were reserved for wealthy peoplewho could afford elaborate greenhouses with an attending staff ofprofessional horticulturists Although a few of these places are stillaround today most people now grow orchids on windowsills andunder florescent lights Irsquove grown most of my orchids that way andhave been pleased to produce plants and flowers that look as goodas those grown in a greenhouse So donrsquot despair If you have asunny window or a place to set up some lights you too can growthese beauties

Are Orchids ExpensiveThey donrsquot need to be Sure if yoursquore bound and determined youcan spend thousands of dollars on mature awarded plants Buttoday you can buy blooming-size fine-quality healthy beginnerorchids ranging in price from $20 to $30 This is less than the priceof a flower arrangement from the florist and an orchidrsquos flowerswill usually last much longer After the orchid is finished floweringyou still have a plant ready to bloom with even more flowers everyyear Theyrsquore really quite the floral bargain

How Long and How Often Will Orchids Bloom

This varies depending on the type of orchid A few orchids onlybloom a couple of days but most will have flowers that last

24_567594 ch17qxd 12405 933 PM Page 238

anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months Some with thelongest lasting flowers are the slipper and moth orchids Manyorchids bloom once a year while others can bloom two or threetimes a year

What Makes an Orchid an OrchidWhen many people see orchids they canrsquot imagine what so manydiverse plants have in common that makes them all orchids Theylook so different You have to closely examine the flower for theanswers If you study the inner part of the flower yoursquoll see a club-like structure that houses the male and female flower parts (sta-mens and pistils) called the column All orchids have this uniquestructure Most also have a large and conspicuous center petalcalled a lip

For more information about how orchid plants and their flowersare distinctive see Chapter 1

Are Orchids FragrantNot all orchids are fragrant but many are A wonderful aspect oforchid fragrance is their range of scents Some smell like otherflowers (carnations jasmine gardenia rose) while others have the scents of spices and foods (vanilla citrus cloves chocolatecoconut licorice honey cinnamon grapes)

Some orchids even reek These are orchids that are pollinated byflies and other insects attracted to carrion (rotted meat)Fortunately very few orchids fall in this category and theyrsquore easyto pick out when selecting orchids from a growerrsquos greenhouse

See the Cheat Sheet in the front of the book for a list of some won-derfully fragrant orchids And watch for the Fragrance icon through-out this book to find orchids that have distinctive scents

Where Can I See the BestCollections of Orchids

Many public gardens display a sampling of these plants becausethey put on such a show For outstanding exhibits of orchidscheck out the following

Chapter 17 The Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions 239

24_567594 ch17qxd 12405 933 PM Page 239

Longwood Gardens Route 1 PO Box 501 Kennett Square PA19348-0501 phone 610-388-1000 Web wwwlongwoodgardensorg

Missouri Botanical Garden 4344 Shaw Blvd St Louis MO63110 phone 800-642-8842 (toll-free) or 314-577-9400 Webwwwmobotorg

New York Botanical Garden Bronx River Parkway andFordham Road Bronx NY 10458-5126 phone 718-817-8700Web wwwnybgorg

The American Orchid Society Visitorrsquos Center and BotanicalGarden 16700 AOS Lane Delray Beach FL 33446 phone561-404-2045 Web httporchidweborg

Atlanta Botanical Garden 1345 Piedmont Ave NE AtlantaGA 30309 phone 404-876-5859 Web site wwwatlantabotanicalgardenorg

Los Angeles County Arboretum amp Botanic Garden 301 NBaldwin Ave Arcadia CA 91007 phone 626-821-3222 Webwwwarboretumorg

San Diego Zoo 2920 Zoo Drive San Diego CA 92101 phone619-234-3153 Web wwwsandiegozooorg

To search out others in your area see the list of orchid public-display gardens on the American Orchid Societyrsquos Web site(httporchidweborggardenshtml)

Many commercial growers also have fine displays of orchids attheir greenhouses Regional orchid shows are held yearly in almostevery major city in the United States theyrsquore great places to seeorchids

Are Any Orchids HardyMost orchids (and all the ones described in this book) are fromtropical or semitropical areas and are intended to be grown asindoor houseplants in most of the United States In warmer stateslike parts of California Texas and Florida some of these orchidscan be grown outdoors with winter protection

There are however other native orchids that can only grow well invery northern climates The various ladyrsquos slipper orchids are theones most admired in this group In fact one of these the SpottedLadyrsquos Slipper is only found in the Yukon and Alaska

24_567594 ch17qxd 12405 933 PM Page 240

Are Orchids ParasitesOrchids are not parasites Some people who have seen orchidsgrowing in the wild in the tropics have noticed that many of themare attached to the limbs and trunks of trees so they make theconclusion that like mistletoe orchids are parasites Parasites bydefinition get their food at the expense of their host plants This isnot the case with orchids Theyrsquore merely using the trees or shrubsas places to grow Orchids are often found in the crotches of thelimbs where water and nutrients from roosting birds naturallyaccumulate Orchids have roots that can absorb these nutrientsand the high perches in the trees afford them plenty of moist aircirculation natural rainfall and exposure to sunlight

24_567594 ch17qxd 12405 933 PM Page 241

24_567594 ch17qxd 12405 933 PM Page 242

Chapter 18

The Ten Most CommonReasons Why Orchids

Donrsquot BloomIn This Chapter Knowing how to keep your orchids blooming

Giving your orchids what they need

Nothing is more frustrating than having your orchid plantslook good and healthy but still not bloom This is a common

problem that can be easily remedied and in this chapter I showyou how

Not Enough Difference betweenDay and Night Temperatures

The most common reason that orchids donrsquot bloom indoors is thatthe environment doesnrsquot have enough of a change in temperaturebetween day and night In orchidsrsquo natural habitats evening tem-peratures are at least 10degF to 15degF lower than the daytime tempera-tures This temperature difference triggers the orchids to startdeveloping flowers In many home environments the temperaturedoesnrsquot vary much between day and night

Get yourself a maximum-minimum thermometer (see Chapter 3)and place it in your growing room This thermometer will tell you if you need to move the plant somewhere cooler in the eveninglike closer to the window

If you summer your orchids outdoors during the summer (seeChapter 5) yoursquoll easily be able to provide this temperature

25_567594 ch18qxd 12405 925 PM Page 243

difference The temperature in my orchid summering area out-doors drops in the evening at least 15degF and sometimes 20degF ormore during late summer and early fall

Too Moist during the WinterSeveral orchids like some of the dendrobiums require a very dryperiod up to several weeks during the winter when very littlewater should be given to the plants This mimics their native habi-tat in which their winters are dry This dry period triggers flowerbuds to form Then when watering or natural rainfall begins in thespring the buds are ready to swell and produce flowers

Too Little LightIf the leaves of your orchids are very dark green the new growth islonger or ldquostretchedrdquo compared to the older growth and the leaveson the stems are farther and farther apart these are signs thatyour orchid is not receiving enough light Orchids will survive inthis lower light but they wonrsquot bloom They need more energyfrom light in order to produce flowers

If your orchid is displaying these symptoms gradually increase itsexposure to light by placing it in a brighter window or moving itcloser to florescent lights See Chapter 5 for more information onorchid light requirements and how to meet your orchidrsquos needs

Excessively High or Low Temperatures

Excessively high or low temperatures can either prevent buds from forming or can cause the buds that are starting to develop toshrivel and fall off Unfortunately flower buds are very vulnerableto any forms of environmental stress and they react to this stressby falling shrinking and drying up before they open

When orchids are shipped in cold weather the low temperaturesthat they experience in transit can cause them to drop their budsWhen you buy orchids during the winter that have been shipped tothe store wait until theyrsquove been in the store for a day or so to seeif the buds have been affected by their trip

25_567594 ch18qxd 12405 925 PM Page 244

Not Using a Fertilizer or Using One with Too Much Nitrogen

Most orchids have relatively low nutrient needs but becausetheyrsquore usually grown in bark mixes that have few nutrients sometype of fertilizer is usually necessary to provide their basic requirements

Applying fertilizers with too much nitrogen can also cause poor or no blooming High-nitrogen fertilizers can stimulate lush leafgrowth at the expense of flowers See Chapter 6 for more-specificorchid fertilizing guidelines

Immature PlantsIf you purchase an orchid that hasnrsquot bloomed it may not yet havereached its mature size The amount of time it takes for an orchidto mature varies a great deal depending on the type of orchid Forinstance moth orchids are very fast to mature while some of theothers may take years Plants that have not yet bloomed are usu-ally sold as seedlings (which can take several years to reach matu-rity) as NFS (near flowering size which usually bloom within ayear) or as FS (flowering size which means theyrsquove reachedmature size and will usually bloom within several months)

Too Low HumidityIf the air is too dry when the buds are forming theyrsquoll sometimesdry up before they open To prevent this from happening to yourorchids keep the humidly in your growing area at 60 percent orgreater

See Chapter 5 for tips on how to easily raise the humidity aroundyour orchids

Disease Insects or MiceOrchid buds that are ravaged by insect pests or attacked by dis-eases will either shrivel in place or when they open be deformedFollow the disease and insect prevention and control methods out-lined in Chapter 9

Chapter 18 The Ten Most Common Reasons Orchids Donrsquot Bloom 245

25_567594 ch18qxd 12405 925 PM Page 245

Some chemical pesticide sprays that you may use on insects anddisease can cause damage to the flower buds so be careful tospray-test a few buds at first before you apply the material to theentire plant If possible wash the bugs off with warm water insteadof applying chemical sprays to the buds

Mice also have the annoying habit of waiting until the flower budsare plump and just ready to open before they decide to make ameal of them If your flower buds just disappear one night suspectmice as the likely culprits

Not Enough WaterWhen flower buds are starting to swell their cells are filling upwith water like a balloon If sufficient water is not available to thedeveloping buds when all this is happening they wonrsquot fullydevelop and instead will shrivel and never recover

Cold water can also have the effect of causing the buds to drop offbefore the flowers open To prevent this use water that is roomtemperature or slightly warmer

Recently Transplanted and DividedWhen an orchid is transplanted roots are frequently damagedwhich causes stress to the plant by reducing the rootsrsquo ability toeffectively supply water to the buds

Interestingly after the flower is fully formed and open transplant-ing and or dividing rarely does much harm In fact some peopleroutinely transplant their orchids when theyrsquore in flower althoughI think yoursquore better off waiting until right after they flower totransplant them For more information on transplanting and divid-ing see Chapter 7

25_567594 ch18qxd 12405 925 PM Page 246

Appendix

Resources

Plant SuppliersYou may be fortunate enough to live close to an orchid grower butif you donrsquot or if you just want the convenience of buying by mailyou may want to try out some of the suppliers in this section Allthese folks are people who specialize in orchids Some have printcatalogs all have Web sites For more information on how to findorchid suppliers check out Chapter 2

Andyrsquos Orchids 734 Oceanview Ave Encinitas CA 92024 Phone888-514-2639 Fax 888-632-8991 E-mail infoandysorchidscomWeb site wwwandysorchidscom This company grows over3000 species of orchids Most of them are mounted on pieces ofwood The Web site has a very effective search engine you can useto look for the types of orchids you want

AnTec Laboratory PO Box 65 362 West Candor Rd Candor NY13743 Phone 607-659-3330 Fax 607-659-4203 E-mail antecladyslippercom Web site wwwladyslippercom This is a growerand breeder who specializes in slipper orchids Their Web site isrich with articles and photos of slipper orchids

Big Leaf Orchids 4932 Longwood Court Irving TX 75038 Phone972-659-1406 Fax 972-659-1438 E-mail phalbigleaforchidscom Web site wwwbigleaforchidscom Peter Lin the owner ofthis small backyard company is a lover of phalaenopsis Checkout the Web site for some fine-quality clones and crosses His sitehosts a phalaenopsis forum that is highly informative

C amp C Orchids PO Box 3685 Olathe Kansas 66063 Phone913-338-4127 Fax 913-338-4127 E-mail contactcncorchidscom Web site wwwcncorchidscom Taiwan has become theworldrsquos leader in phalaenopsis breeding This company offers high-quality mature cloned plants from Taiwan at reasonableprices Web catalog only

26_567594 appqxd 12405 924 PM Page 247

Cal-Orchid 1251 Orchid Dr Santa Barbara CA 93111 Phone805-967-1312 Fax 805-967-6882 E-mail infocalorchidcom Website wwwcalorchidcom Lauris and James Rose are the ownersand theyrsquove been in the orchid business since 1970 They offer afine selection of orchids many of which are ideal for beginnersWeb catalog only

Carter and Holmes Orchids 629 Mendelhall Rd PO Box 668Newberry SC 29108 Phone 803-276-0579 Fax 803-276-0588 E-mailorchidscarterandholmescom Web site wwwcarterandholmescom Mac Holmes is the third-generation owner of thiswell-respected orchid nursery that offers a large range of orchidsat reasonable prices

Countryside Orchids PO Box 958 Corrales NM 87048 Phone505-263-6888 Fax 505-792-9807 E-mail billschnaolcom Website httpmembersaolcomCSOrchids This company hasan absolutely mind-boggling offering of orchids Their online cata-log is highly informative An amazing resource

Everglades Orchids 1101 Tabit Rd Belle Glade FL 33430 Phone561-996-9600 E-mail miltonevergladesorchidscom Web sitewwwevergladesorchidscom This company specializes inorchids in the oncidium hybrids and in cymbidiums

Gold Country Orchids 390 Big Ben Rd Lincoln CA 95648 Phone916-645-8600 Fax 916-645-7076 E-mail gcorchidsaolcom Website wwwgoldcountryorchidscom Alan Koch the owner of thisnursery is one of the few orchid breeders who is putting a lot ofeffort into producing compact and miniature cattleyas Visit theWeb site for online ordering

Harsquoiku Maui Orchids Inc 2612 Pololei Place Harsquoiku HI 96708Phone 808-573-1130 Fax 808-572-7015 E-mail haikumauiorchidsverizonnet Web site wwwhaikumauiorchidscomNorman Mizuno the president of this company is from New Yorkwhere he grew prize-winning orchids under lights He specializes in orchids and selected forms that are easy to grow The companymakes special efforts to grow their plants under lower light condi-tions so the plants will adapt well to growers on the mainland

Hoosier Orchid Company 8440 West 82nd St Indianapolis IN46278 Phone 888-291-6269 Fax 317-291-8949 E-mail orchidshoosierorchidcom Web site wwwhoosierorchidcom Thiscompany offers an impressive array of orchid species

26_567594 appqxd 12405 924 PM Page 248

I N Komoda Orchids PO Box 576 Makawao HI 96768 PhoneFax 808-572-0756 E-mail orchidhimauinet Web site httporchidmallcomkomoda Ivan Komoda the owner specializesand primarily breeds gorgeous miltoniopsis

J amp L Orchids 20 Sherwood Rd Easton CT 06612 Phone 203-261-3772 Fax 203-261-8730 E-mail jlorchidsnetnet Web sitewwwjandlorchidscom A miniature-orchid loverrsquos paradise Thehighly knowledgeable owners Cordelia Head Marguerite Webband Lucinda Winn know their orchids They have print and onlinecatalogs

Krull-Smith 2815 West Ponkan Rd Apopkam FL 32712 Phone407-886-4134 Fax 407-886-0438 E-mail saleskrullsmithcomWeb site wwwkrullsmithcom A somewhat limited selection butwhat they have is first class

Lauray of Salisbury 432 Undermountain Rd Route 41 SalisburyCT 06068 Phone 860-435-2263 E-mail jbeckermohawknet Website wwwlauraycom Judy Becker is the owner and operator ofthis business She is an American Orchid Society judge whichmeans shersquos highly knowledgeable about orchids Her companyoffers a broad range of orchid species and hybrids as well as some suitable orchid companions like begonias gesnerias andsucculents

Normanrsquos Orchids 11039 Monte Vista Ave Montclair CA 91763Phone 909-627-9515 Fax 909-627-3889 E-mail supportorchidscom Web site wwworchidscom This company has one of mostuseful and easiest sites for purchasing orchids online that Irsquove everexperienced You can search by various requirements mdash lightneeds color of flower size of plant fragrance mdash to come up withthe orchids that fit your needs Then you can keep these orchidsstored in your wish list until yoursquore ready to purchase Web catalogonly

Oak Hill Gardens 37W550 Binnie Rd P O Box 25 Dundee IL60118 Phone 847-428-8500 Fax 847-428-8527 E-mail oakhillgardenssprintmailcom Web site wwwoakhillgardenscom Oak Hill offers a fine selection of orchids at very reasonable prices

Parkside Orchid Nursery 2503 Mountainview Dr (Route 563)Ottsville PA 18942 Phone 610-847-8039 E-mail parksideptdnet Web site wwwparksideorchidscom This orchid nurseryspecialist has myriad types of orchids and their Web site has list-ings of all their plants in bud so you wonrsquot have to wait long to seeresults

26_567594 appqxd 12405 924 PM Page 249

Phoenix Orchids 2807 West Villa Rita Dr Phoenix AZ 85053Phone 602-938-3741 E-mail phxorchidsmsncom Web sitewwwphoenixorchidscom Eric Goo the owner of PhoenixOrchids is a breeder of phalaenopsis He has bred and offers someof the newest and best phalaenopsis with his primary focus beingthe reds and yellows Web catalog only

Piping Rock Orchids 2270 Cook Rd Galway NY 12074PhoneFax 518-882-9002 E-mail PipingRockaolcom Web sitewwwpipingrockorchidscom The owner Glen Decker is highlyregarded for the high-quality slipper orchids he produces Theyhave print and online catalogs

Porterrsquos Orchids 10868 Royston Rd Grand Ledge MI 48837Phone 888-622-7643 Fax 517-622-4188 E-mail orchidsuziaolcom Web site wwwportersorchidscom This company specializesin orchids that are easy to grow and bloom and are well-suited tohome culture They offer a broad range of hybrids and species

R F Orchids 28100 SW 182nd Ave Homestead FL 33030 Phone305-245-4570 Fax 305-247-6568 E-mail rforchidsaolcom Website wwwrforchidscom This firm is one of the world leaders inthe breeding and growing of vandas ascocendas and their rela-tives Some of their plants will not be suitable for small spaces andfor parts of the country with low light but others such as thedwarf varieties are great choices

Santa Barbara Orchid Estate 1250 Orchid Dr Santa Barbara CA93111 Phone 805-967-1284 Fax 805-683-3405 E-mail sboesborchidcom Web site wwwsborchidcom This company offersmany different orchids but specializes in those that will grow welloutdoors in mild climates

Growing SuppliesSome basic growing containers and potting materials are some-times available at your local home center or box store but if youwant a much larger selection of all supplies related to orchids trythese mail-order suppliers If you plan to purchase heavy pottingmaterials yoursquoll save quite a bit of postage if you buy from the sup-plier closest to you geographically

Calwest Orchid Supplies 11614 Sterling Ave Riverside CA 92503Phone 800-301-9009 Fax 951-351-1880 E-mail cwtropical1stconnectcom Web site wwwcalwestorchidsuppliescom Awell-rounded selection of orchid supplies

26_567594 appqxd 12405 924 PM Page 250

Charleyrsquos Greenhouse amp Garden 17979 State Route 536 MountVernon WA 98273 Phone 800-322-4707 Fax 800-233-3078 E-mailproductsupportcharleysgreenhousecom Web site wwwcharleysgreenhousecom Offers many orchid supplies includinghobby greenhouses and artificial light setups that are ideal fororchid growing

Indoor Gardening Supplies (IGS) PO Box 527 Dexter MI 48130Phone 800-823-5740 Fax 866-823-4978 E-mail IGSindoorgardensuppliescom Web site wwwindoorgardensuppliescomOffers a full line of light gardening supplies suited for orchid growing

Kelleyrsquos Korner Orchid Supplies P O Box 6 Kittery ME 03904Phone 207-439-0922 Fax 207-439-8202 E-mail infokkorchidcom Web site wwwkkorchidcom Carries a broad range of pot-ting supplies pots equipment tools fertilizers and pest controlsPrint and Web catalog

OFE International PO Box 161081 Miami FL 33116 Phone305-253-7080 Fax 305-251-8285 E-mail salesofe-intlcom Website wwwofe-intlcom Their motto mdash ldquoEverything for growingorchids under one roofrdquo mdash says it all They have a huge selectionand the online ordering is very easy to use Print and Web catalog

Roberts Flower Supply 12390 Root Rd Columbia Station OH44028 Phone 440-236-5571 E-mail rfsorchidmixcom Web sitewwworchidmixcom A wide offering of orchid potting materialsThey also sell hardy slipper orchids (cypripedium)

US Orchid Supplies 1621 South Rose Ave Oxnard CA 93033Phone 805-247-0086 Fax 805-247-0087 E-mail salesusorchidsuppliescom Web site wwwusorchidsuppliescom This company sells potting supplies fertilizers and pest controls

Orchid SocietiesVarious societies specialize in specific kinds of orchids but theones I list here are among the biggest and most established

The American Orchid Society 16700 AOS Lane Delray Beach FL33446 Phone 561-404-2000 Fax 561-404-2100 E-mail TheAOSaosorg Web site wwwaosorg This is simply a fabulous orchid soci-ety Irsquove been a member for over 30 years Their monthly publica-tion Orchids is unparalleled in the orchid world and is filled withsumptuous color photos and articles that are of interest to begin-ners as well as aficionados Their Web site is full of information

26_567594 appqxd 12405 924 PM Page 251

including cultural sheets the most complete orchid bookstorearound an extensive list of orchid suppliers throughout the UnitedStates and the world a calendar of orchid events their own high-quality booklets a discussion forum and links to all the affiliatedsocieties through the United States (and the world) If yoursquore bitten by the orchid bug you owe it to yourself to join this fine organization

International Phalaenopsis Alliance 1540 Anne Dr West ChesterPA 19380 Phone 610-431-7633 E-mail mcrna2goaolcom Website wwwphalorg For you moth orchid lovers their superb full-color journal Phalaenopsis is a must and is the primary benefit ofjoining this organization It also sponsors national and regionalorchid workshops

Orchid Digest Membership PO Box 10360 Canoga Park CA91309 Fax 323-464-0915 E-mail membershiporchiddigestorgWeb site wwworchiddigestorg This group produces an excel-lent magazine Orchid Digest published quarterly It is an elegantand highly informational publication that I canrsquot imagine beingwithout

Royal Horticultural Society 80 Vincent Square London SW1P2PE United Kingdom Phone +44 020 7834 4333 E-mail inforhsorguk Web site wwwrhsorguk This is the oldest orchid soci-ety in the world and so is its periodical The Orchid Review TheOrchid Review published six times a year is a bit more esotericthan Orchids and Orchid Digest but if you just canrsquot get enoughinformation about orchids this is another one to add to your listTo subscribe to The Orchid Review go to the RHS Web site andclick on Publications then follow the Orchid Review link or e-mailorchidreviewrhsorguk

26_567594 appqxd 12405 924 PM Page 252

Indexbull A bullaerangis 27 140ndash141Aerides odorata 144air circulation

choosing plant air circulationconsiderations when 30

fan providing using 45 71ndash72humidity balancing with 18 75importance of 20 121 236lycaste 226miltonia 198miltoniopsis 198watering balancing with 79

aliceara 205Aliflor potting material 92 95AM (Award of Merit) 14Amazing 232Ambo Buddha lsquoSWrsquo 131American Orchid Society See AOSamesiella 27 29Andean Fire 189Andreacute Millar 218ndash219Andyrsquos Orchids 247Angel Love 166 168Angela 180angraecum 27 28 139ndash141Angranthes Grandalena 141Anne Warne 199AnTec Laboratory 247anther 10AOS (American Orchid Society)

award designation 14contact information 251Orchid Pests and Diseases 120Orchids 251Visitorrsquos Center and Botanical

Garden 240Web site 240 251ndash252

aphid control 114 118Appleblossom 159Aquilea lsquoDeacutetentersquo 226Armeni White 180arrangement 53ndash56

ascocenda 29 76 143ascocentrum 29 143ascofinetia 27 29 144Atlanta Botanical Garden 240Award of Merit (AM) 14

bull B bullbackbulb propagation from 108ndash109baptisonia 204Barana Beauty lsquoBuranarsquo 163bark potting material 92 93 95Bartley Schwartz 208 210Be Tris 135beallara 205 206ndash207Beaufort 166bee control 117Bert Field 200Big Leaf Orchids (supplier) 247bird-beak orchid See oncidium

ornithorhynchumbloom

anther 10bud blast 68 70 73 82cattleya 19 148choosing plant for 30 31color nomenclature 151column 10 239discarding poor bloomer 72division effect of recent on 246fall 21fertilizing importance of 245frequency 238ndash239FS 245humidity importance of 68 245insect control importance of

245ndash246light importance of 48 50 52 244longevity 238ndash239maturity needed for 245miltonia 198miltoniopsis 198moth orchid 18 19 21 127ndash130mouse damage 246

27_567594 bindexqxd 12405 932 PM Page 253

bloom (continued)NFS 245oncidium 18 21 195pesticide damage 246petal 10pistil 239pollination 48 117 139prolonging 48 54repotting effect of recent on 246sepal 10slipper orchid 18 19 169ndash170 171staking blooming plant 49ndash51stamen 239stigma 10temperature importance of 48 73

177 243ndash244vanda 21 142watering importance of 48 178 246winter 18

Bonanza Queen 159Bow Bells 158Brabantiae 166brassada 205brassavola

cordata 153cucullata 153digbyana 161flagellaris 153fragrance 152 153 165 230Lady of the Night 152ndash153 230light 29martiana 153nodosa 152ndash153 164 230perrinii 153temperature 27

brassia 29 202 203brassidium 206brassocattleya

Binosa 166 167Blue Grotto 158Cynthia 16ndash17 166Formosan Gold 160fragrance 158 161 162 166Goldenzelle lsquoLemon Chiffonrsquo 160Greenwich 161Malworth lsquoOrchidgladersquo 160Momilani Rainbow 162Mount Hood 158

Normanrsquos Bay lsquoLowrsquosrsquo 158Pamela Hetherington lsquoCoronationrsquo

158Ports of Paradise lsquoEmerald Islersquo 161Riorsquos Green Magic 161ndash162

brassolaeliocattleya 159 163ndash164Broughtonia sanguinea 153ndash154bud blast 68 70 73 82budding See bloombug control See insect controlbulbophyllum 220ndash222burn fertilizer 88burrageara 206 208butterfly orchid 202ndash203buying plant See also choosing plant

cattleya 164cost 238discount store from 25garden center from 24grower from 23ndash24health 30ndash31 235ndash236home center from 25mail via 22online 24ndash25show at 24supplier list 247ndash250wild-collected plant 137

bull C bullC amp C Orchids 247calcium 86calendar monthly task 18ndash22Cal-Orchid (supplier) 248Calwest Orchid Supplies 250Cambria lsquoPlushrsquo 211Cardinale 189Caribbean Sunset lsquoSweet Fragrancersquo

131Carmelarsquos Pixie 135carrion fragrance 220 239Carter and Holmes Orchids 248Cassandra 135catasetum 18 21 222 223cattleya

aclandiae 165amethystoglossa 149arranging 55 56

aurantiaca 149bicolor 149blooming 19 148Bow Bells 158Brabantiae 166buying 164Chocolate Drop lsquoKodamarsquo 159dormancy 18flower description 9ndash10fragrance 147 149 165 166 232guttata 149harrisoniana 150intermedia 149 162Irene Holguin 158leuddemanniana 149light 29luteola 165maxima 149 150miniature 164Peckhaviensis 166 167potting 19 95 99 150pseudobulb 82temperature 27walkeriana 15ndash16 165watering 82

Celle lsquoWasserfallrsquo 200 201charcoal potting material 92 95Charleyrsquos Greenhouse amp Garden 251Cherry Blossom 144Chocolate Drop lsquoKodamarsquo 159choosing plant See also buying plant

age 31air circulation considerations 30blooming period for 30 31ease of cultivation 13health 30ndash31humidity 30labeling 31light considerations 27ndash29seed-grown versus clone 32space considerations 30temperature considerations 26ndash27

Claire de Lune lsquoEdgard van Bellersquo 184clone orchid 32 164cochleanthes 223 232cochlioda 204cockleshell orchid 230ndash231

cockroach control 116 119coco husk potting material 92 95coelogyne 224colmanara 206 208Colorama lsquoThe Clownrsquo 162column 10 239comparettia 204Countryside Orchids (supplier) 248Crowborough 211crown rot 138Crystelle Smith 166cut flower preserving 54 56cutting propagating plant via

107ndash108cymbidium

fragrance 225Golden Elf 225ndash226light 28 29 225preserving cut flower 56size 225Solana Rose 225staking 18temperature 26 27 225

Cynthia 16ndash17 166

bull D bulldancing ladies 191 See also

oncidiumdeciduous orchid 18 213degarnoara 206 208 209Delophylum 180dendrobium

aggregatum 217Andreacute Millar 218ndash219bellatulum 217bigibbum 214cane variety 214chrysotoxum 217 218deciduous 213dormancy 18evergreen 213fragrance 216 217 218 219Iki 219jenkensii 217Jesmond Gem 219kingianum 216

Index 255

dendrobium (continued)lawesii 218light 28 29loddigesii 218nobile 215ndash216phalaenopsis 214ndash215potting 214scabrilingue 218temperature 26 27 215 219watering 214 215 244

dibble 36Dip lsquon Grow rooting hormone 84disease

air circulation importance inpreventing 20 121 236

aphid-borne 114buying health of plant when 30ndash31

235ndash236crown rot 138discarding plant 113fertilizing stopping when disease

present 90foliage disinfecting when

resuscitating plant 84fungus infection 20 120ndash122honey dew 114humidity related to excess 22 69isolating plant 32 48 113pruning treating via 122root health inspecting for 31tool sterilization 36 104 112 121virus infection 114 120ndash121watering caused by incorrect 81

displaying plant 52ndash56dividing plant 103ndash105 246dormancy 18 19 21 75 79Dottie Woodson 131

bull E bullEdisto 159Ember lsquoBlumen Inselrsquo 132encyclia 26 27 154ndash155epidendrum 27 29 156 230ndash231epiphyte (tree) orchid 11 12 241Everglades Orchids 248

bull F bullF C Puddle 187 188fan providing air circulation using

45 71ndash72Fangtastic Bob Henley 210fan-shape orchid 232FCC (First Class Certificate) award 14fertilizing

blooming importance to 245burn 88calcium 86catasetum 222disease stopping when present 90dormancy reducing during 18

19 75fall 21granule 88 89injector 42ndash43nitrogen 86 245overfertilizing 90 235phosphorus 86root damage avoiding when

treating 85salt buildup caused by 85 88 90siphon mixer 42ndash43slow-release fertilizer 88 89timetable 18 19 90trace element 86urea 86water-soluble fertilizer 42ndash43 88ndash89winter 18 19

fir bark potting material 92 95First Class Certificate (FCC) award 14flower See bloomflowering size (FS) 245fluorescent lighting 19 28 65ndash66Fly Away lsquoMiamirsquo 207foliage

disinfecting when resuscitatingplant 84

leaving wet overnight 234light requirement deducing from

leaf type 62ndash64maintaining 51ndash52mineral deposit caused by

misting 69

moth orchid 126overfertilizing diagnosing from 90stretching 64sunburn 64

Formosan Gold 160fragrance

aerangis 140ndash141angraecum 139 140Angranthes Grandalena 141ascofinetia 144brassavola 152 153 165 230brassia 202brassocattleya 158 161 162 166brassolaeliocattleya 163bulbophyllum 220 222carrion 220 239catasetum 222cattleya 147 149 165 166 232cochleanthes 223coelogyne 224cymbidium 225dendrobium 216 217 218 219encyclia 154ndash155epidendrum 156Iwanagaara Appleblossom 159laelia 151 152laeliocattleya 163 166lycaste 226miltonia 198ndash199miltoniopsis 200ndash201moth orchid 131ndash134neofinetia 144odontioda 209oncidium 192 194ndash195 231paphiopedilum 173potinara 163rhynchostylis 144 146Sedirea japonica 145Sigmatostalix radicans 204sophrolaeliocattleya 167trichopilia 204ndash205zygopetalum 226

frog (pincushion for flowerarrangement) 55

FS (flowering size) 245Fumirsquos Delight 181fungus infection 20 120ndash122

bull G bullGaiety Flambeau 162genus taxonomy 15George King 163George Vasquez lsquoEurekarsquo 132Gloria Naugle 181 182Gold Country Orchids (supplier) 248Golden Elf 225ndash226Goldenzelle lsquoLemon Chiffonrsquo 160Goodale Moir 199Grandalena 141gravel potting material 92greenhouse

humidity 45 68light 19 20 21 22 60need for 13 238portable 75ndash76temperature 19 20 21

Greenwich 161grex 16Gro-Lux fluorescent lighting 65growing point 97 101

bull H bullHarsquoiku Maui Orchids Inc 248Hajime Ono 201Hamburg 201hanging orchid 76 See also epiphyte

(tree) orchidHanne Popow 189hardiness map USDA 26Harlequin lsquoAct IIrsquo 163Haw Yuan Gold 160Hawaiian Avalanche 163ndash164HCC (Highly Commended Certificate)

award 14 17herbicide 235HID (high-intensity-discharge)

lighting 67ndash68high-pressure sodium (HPS) lighting

68Hilo Lip 129Ho Chi Minh 181honey dew 114Hoosier Orchid Company 248

Index 257

hormone rooting 84horticultural oil insect control using

118 119 120HPS (high-pressure sodium)

lighting 68humidity See also watering

air circulation balancing with18 75

augmenting 44ndash45 68ndash70blooming importance to 68 245bud blast caused by insufficient

68 70choosing your plant humidity

considerations when 30disease related to excess 22 69disinfecting humidity tray 69dormancy during 18greenhouse 45 68measuring using humidistat 44misting 41ndash42 69monitoring 46moth orchid 129phragmipedium 188sheath drying caused by

insufficient 68slipper orchid 171temperature balancing with 75winter during 18 22

hybridization 16ndash17 179 187 205hygrometer 46

bull I bullI N Komoda Orchids 249IGS (Indoor Gardening Supplies) 251Iki 219insect control

aphid 114 118bee 117blooming importance to 245ndash246catching problem early importance

of 235cockroach 116 119discarding infested plant 235fall 21horticultural oil using 118 119 120inspecting plant 21 31 48 112 113isolating plant 32 48 113

isopropyl alcohol using 118mealybug 114 115 118pesticide 117ndash120 122 235 246pollination unwanted 48 117 139scale 115 118slug 116 117snail 116 117 119soap insecticidal 48 118 119spider mite 116 118temperature hatching triggered

by 19thrip 114 118watering hose spread by 81

International Phalaenopsis Alliance252

Internet buying plant over 24ndash25Irene Holguin 158isopropyl alcohol insect control

using 118Issaku Nagata lsquoVolcano Queenrsquo 209Iwanagaara Appleblossom 159

bull J bullJ amp L Orchids 249Jackie Debonis 129Jason Fischer 189Jesmond Gem 219Jewel Box 159 160

bull K bullKasemrsquos Delight 142keiki propagating plant using

105ndash107Kelleyrsquos Korner Orchid Supplies 251Kilby Cassviola lsquoSweet Fragrancersquo

132King of Angraecums 139Kovach J Michael (orchid

enthusiast) 190Krull-Smith (supplier) 249

bull L bulllabeling 31 37ndash39labellum 10 239

Lady of the Night 152ndash153 230ladyrsquos slipper orchid See slipper

orchidlaelia 27 29 151ndash152 165laeliocattleya

Angel Love 166 168Bonanza Queen 159Colorama lsquoThe Clownrsquo 162fragrance 163 166Gaiety Flambeau 162Lorraine Shirae 160Love Knot 166Marirsquos Song 163 232Mini Purple 166

Langley Pride lsquoBurlingamersquo 187Lauray of Salisbury (supplier) 249lava rock potting material 93leaf See foliageleptotes 29Les Dirouilles 189lifespan 13light

amesiella 29angraecum 28ascocenda 29 76ascocentrum 29ascofinetia 29backbulb light needed when

propagating 109bloom importance to 48 50 52

244brassavola 29brassia 29bud blast caused by excessive 70cattleya 29choosing plant light considerations

when 27ndash29cutting light needed when

propagating 108cymbidium 28 29 225dendrobium 28 29displaying plant for 53epidendrum 29fluorescent 19 28 65ndash66greenhouse 19 20 21 22 60growth effect on 19HID 67ndash68HPS 68laelia 29

leaf type deducing lightrequirement from 62ndash64

leptotes 29lycaste 226masdevallia 29measuring 27ndash29MH 28 68miltonia 29 198miltoniopsis 29 198moth orchid 18 129neofinetia 29neostylis 29odontoglossum 29oncidium 29orientation to light source

changing 50overcrowding avoiding 18paphiopedilum 29 64 230phalaenopsis 29phragmipedium 29 188protecting plant from excessive

20 234rhynchostylis 29seedling 29shade house 74ndash75slipper orchid 18 171sunburn 64temperature balancing with 75vanda 22 28 76 142window 19 20 21 61ndash62 63winter 18 22 62zygopetalum 29

lip 10 239lithophyte orchid 94Longiscott 139Longwood Gardens 240Lorraine Shirae 160Los Angeles County Arboretum amp

Botanic Garden 240Lou Sneary 144Love Knot 166Luedde-violacea lsquoAnna Redrsquo 132lycaste 226

bull M bullMagic Lantern 181Mahalo Jack 167Makulii 182

Index 259

Malworth lsquoOrchidgladersquo 160Marfitch lsquoHowardrsquos Dreamrsquo 206ndash207Margarete Holm lsquoAlpinersquo 209Marirsquos Song 163 232masdevallia 26 29Maudiae 183ndash184 230maxillaria 27mealybug control 114 115 118Medasand 143mericloned orchid See clone orchidmeristemmed orchid See clone

orchidMH (metal halide) lighting 28 68milpasia 206 208miltassia 206 208miltonia

air circulation 198Anne Warne 199bloom 198flavescens 198fragrance 198ndash199Goodale Moir 199light 29 198miltoniopsis versus 197 200potting 21 95 198regnellii 198spectabilis 199temperature 27 197watering 19 80 82 197ndash198

miltonidium 206 208ndash209 210miltoniopsis

air circulation 198Bert Field 200bloom 198Celle lsquoWasserfallrsquo 200 201fragrance 200ndash201Hajime Ono 201Hamburg 201light 29 198miltonia versus 197 200phalaenopsis 200roezlii 200santanaei 200 201 232temperature 26 197watering 19 197ndash198

Miltrsquos Choice lsquoHelen of Troyrsquo 208Mini Mark lsquoHolmrsquo 135 136Mini Purple 166Missouri Botanical Garden 240

misting 41ndash42 69Moir Goodale (orchid breeder)

197 199Moliere 223 232Momilani Rainbow 162Monkey Goblet See catasetummonopodial orchid 101ndash102monthly task calendar 18ndash22moss

mounting plant in 97ndash98potting plant in 52 78 93

moth orchid See also phalaenopsisblooming 18 19 21 127ndash130ease of cultivation 13foliage 126fragrance 131ndash134humidity 129light 18 129size 134ndash136temperature 20 129

Mount Hood 158mounting plant 97ndash98mouse control 116 119 246multifloral orchid 134

bull N bullname Latin 14ndash17 25Nathakhum 195neem insecticide 118neofinetia 27 29 144 145neostylis 27 29 144New York Botanical Garden 240NFS (near flowering size) 245nitrogen 86 245node 49 107 130Normanrsquos Bay lsquoLowrsquosrsquo 158Normanrsquos Orchids 249

bull O bullOak Hill Gardens 249Oconee 159odontioda 209 210Odontobrassia Fangtastic Bob Henley

210odontocidium 206 211odontoglossum 26 29 204

odontonia 206OFE International 251oncidium

amplicatum 192bloom 18 21 195cheirophorum 192 194crispum 192equitant 195ndash196 197fragrance 192 194ndash195 231lanceanum 192 195light 29longipes 192 193maculatum 193Nathakhum 195onustum 193ornithorhynchum 194 231potting material 95Sharry Baby 194 231splendidum 194staking 50temperature 27Tsiku Marguerite 194Twinkles 194variegata 195 197

online buying orchid 24ndash25Orange Guard pesticide 117 118 119Orchid Digest 252Orchid Mall Web site 24Orchid Marketplace Web site 24Orchid Pests and Diseases (AOS) 120The Orchid Review 252Orchid World lsquoBonnie Vasquezrsquo 132Orchidglade

catasetum 222 223Malworth lsquoOrchidgladersquo 160

Orchids (AOS) 251Orthene insecticide 119osmunda fiber potting material 93outdoor cultivation 20 21 73ndash76overcrowding avoiding 18Owen Holmes lsquoMendenhallrsquo 159oxalis weed 31

bull P bullPamela Hetherington lsquoCoronationrsquo 158pansy orchid See miltonia

miltoniopsis

paphiopedilum See also slipperorchid

Angela 180Armeni White 180bellatulum 172callosum 172ndash173Claire de Lune lsquoEdgard van Bellersquo

184coloratum 185delenatii 173 174 175 181Delophylum 180dianthum 173 174egg-in-a-nest 172F C Puddle 187 188fairrieanum 173ndash174 175ndash176 180fragrance 173Fumirsquos Delight 181glaucophyllum 176Gloria Naugle 181 182hirsutissimum 177Ho Chi Minh 181Langley Pride lsquoBurlingamersquo 187light 29 64 230Magic Lantern 181Makulii 182Maudiae 183ndash184 230niveum 180root 11Saint Swithin 182 183spicerianum 177sukhakulii 177ndash178 182temperature 27 230Transvaal 182Vanda M Pearman 182 183venustum 178ndash179vinicolor 185ndash186watering 80 178

paraffin dipping pot in 90parasite myth 241Parkside Orchid Nursery 249Peach State 132Peckhaviensis 166 167Peggy Foo 143Penang Girl 132Perfection Is lsquoChenrsquo 132perlite potting material 93 95pesticide 117ndash120 122 235 246

Index 261

phalaenopsis See also moth orchidamabilis 136Ambo Buddha lsquoSWrsquo 131amboinensis 132bastianii 132Be Tris 135bellina 132 133buissoniania 136Caribbean Sunset lsquoSweet Fragrancersquo

131Carmelarsquos Pixie 135Cassandra 135cornu-cervi 136Dottie Woodson 131Ember lsquoBlumen Inselrsquo 132equestris 134fasciata 133George Vasquez lsquoEurekarsquo 132gigantea 133hieroglyphica 133Hilo Lip 129International Phalaenopsis

Alliance 252Jackie Debonis 129Kilby Cassviola lsquoSweet

Fragrancersquo 132light 29lueddemanniana 133Luedde-violacea lsquoAnna Redrsquo 132mannii 133 134mariae 137Mini Mark lsquoHolmrsquo 135 136odesta 133Orchid World lsquoBonnie Vasquezrsquo 132Peach State 132Penang Girl 132Perfection Is lsquoChenrsquo 132potting material 95Princess Kaiulani 132propagating 106Purple Gem 135Rare Vintage 132schilleriana 133 137Sogo Twinkle 134ndash135 229ndash230staking 50stuartiana 126 137 138Sue Chin 129Sweet Memory 132Tabasco Tex 132

temperature 27tetraspis 133Valentinii 132violacea 133watering 80Wes Addison 132Zuma Aussie Delight lsquoZuma Canyonrsquo

132Phoenix Orchids (supplier) 250phosphorus 86photosynthesis 65 85phragmipedium See also slipper

orchidAndean Fire 189besseae 188Cardinale 189Les Dirouilles 189fischeri 188Hanne Popow 189humidity 188Jason Fischer 189kovachii 188 190light 29 188peruviana 190schlimii 188Sorcererrsquos Apprentice 189temperature 27 188Wilcox 189xerophyticum 188

Physan disinfectant 69 84Piping Rock Orchids 250pistil 239pollination 48 117 139Porterrsquos Orchids 250Ports of Paradise lsquoEmerald Islersquo 161potinara 160 163potting

aeration of potting materialimportance of 233

Aliflor potting material 92 95cattleya 19 95 99 150charcoal potting material 92 95choosing appropriate pot 21 78

96ndash97 100choosing appropriate potting

material 91ndash94clay versus plastic pot 78coarseness of potting material

94 95

coco husk potting material 92 95decomposition of potting material

92ndash93dendrobium 214drainage 92ndash93 96epiphyte orchid 94fir bark potting material 92 95gravel potting material 92lava rock potting material 93miltonia 21 95 198monopodial orchid 101ndash102oncidium 95osmunda fiber potting material 93paraffin dipping pot in 90perlite potting material 93 95phalaenopsis 95redwood bark potting material 93removing plant from pot 82ndash83repotting 19 21 48 97ndash100 246root considerations 94 100 233salt deposit removing 90sphagnum moss potting material

52 78 93sterilization 36 112styrofoam peanut potting

material 93technique 100ndash102terrestrial orchid 94tree fern fiber potting material 93water problem diagnosing by

examining potting material 83water saturation determining by

weighing pot 80ndash81watering relation to 78ndash79 94ndash95wetting potting material before

95ndash96wood basket in 97

Princess Kaiulani 132propagation

backbulb from 108ndash109cutting from 107ndash108dividing plant 103ndash105 246high-top propagator 84keiki 105ndash107light needed for seedling 29phalaenopsis 106seed from 110sympodial-type orchid 103ndash105

pruning 33ndash35 122pseudobulb 82 104Psyche 167psychopsis 202ndash203Purple Gem 135

bull R bullR F Orchids 250Rare Vintage 132redwood bark potting material 93Renanthera monachica 144 145repotting 19 21 48 97ndash100 246rhizome 104Rhyncholaelia digbyana 161rhynchostylis 27 29 144 146Riorsquos Green Magic 161ndash162roach control 116 119Roberts Flower Supply 251rodricidium 206rodriguezia 204root

bud blast caused by poor rootdevelopment 70

epiphyte orchid 11 12health inspecting for 31hormone rooting 84paphiopedilum 11potting considerations 94 100 233terrestrial orchid 11treating root damage 83ndash85velamen 11 12watering effect of incorrect on 82

Royal Horticultural Society 252

bull S bullSaint Swithin 182 183salt buildup 85 88 90 236San Diego Zoo 240Santa Barbara Orchid Estate 250scale control 115 118scent See fragranceSedirea japonica 145seed propagation from 110selecting plant See choosing plantsemiterrestrial orchid 11sepal 10

Index 263

shade house 74ndash75Sharry Baby 194 231sheath drying caused by insufficient

humidity 68show orchid 24 51Sigmatostalix radicans 204siphon fertilizer mixer 42ndash43slipper orchid See also

paphiopedilum phragmipediumbloom 18 19 169ndash170 171ease of cultivation 13humidity 171light 18 171temperature 171watering 171

slug control 116 117smell See fragrancesnail control 116 117 119soap insecticidal 48 118 119sodium considerations when

watering 43ndash44 88Sogo Twinkle 134ndash135 229ndash230Solana Rose 225sophrocattleya 166sophrolaeliocattleya 159 160 167sophronitis 157 165Sorcererrsquos Apprentice 189species orchid 15ndash16sphagnum moss

spider mite control 116 118spider orchid See brassiastaking 18 39 49ndash51 100stamen 239Star of Bethlehem 139Stefan Isler 208sterilization

pot 36 112tool 36 104 112 121

stigma 10styrofoam peanut potting material 93Sue Chin 129sunburn 64SunSpray Ultra-Fine horticultural

oil 120Sweet Memory 132sweetheart orchid See Sogo Twinklesympodial orchid dividing 103ndash105

bull T bullTabasco Tex 132Tacoma Glacier 207task calendar 18ndash22taxonomy 14ndash17 25 195TDS (total dissolved solids) 43ndash44temperature

aerangis 27amesiella 27angraecum 27ascofinetia 27backbulb temperature needed

when propagating 109bloom importance to 48 73 177

243ndash244brassavola 27bud blast caused by incorrect 70 73cattleya 27choosing plant temperature

considerations when 26ndash27cold protecting plant from 18

20 244cutting temperature needed when

propagating 108cymbidium 26 27 225daytimeevening variation 26 72

73 243ndash244dendrobium 26 27 215 219diagnosing incorrect 73encyclia 26 27epidendrum 27greenhouse 19 20 21heat protecting plant from

excessive 20 234 244heating 21 46humidity balancing with 75insect hatching triggered by 19laelia 27light balancing with 75lycaste 226masdevallia 26maxillaria 27miltonia 27 197miltoniopsis 26 197monitoring 46moth orchid 20 129neofinetia 27neostylis 27

odontoglossum 26oncidium 27paphiopedilum 27 230phalaenopsis 27phragmipedium 27 188preference chart 26ndash27rhynchostylis 27slipper orchid 171vanda 27vascostylis 27water of 18 81watering balancing with ambient

temperature 75 79window 18 19 20zygopetalum 26 27

terminology Latin 14ndash17 25terrarium 84terrestrial orchid 11 94thrip control 114 118Tiger Brew 211Tiger Crow lsquoGolden Girlsrsquo 211tolumnia 195topping plant 106ndash107total dissolved solids (TDS) 43ndash44trace element 86Transvaal 182tree (epiphyte) orchid 11 12 241tree fern fiber potting material 93trichocentrum 204trichopilia 204ndash205Tsiku Marguerite 194Twentyfour Carat 160Twinkles 194

bull U bullurea 86US Orchid Supplies 251USDA (United States Department of

Agriculture) hardiness map 26

bull V bullValentinii 132vanda

ascocenda relation to 143blooming 21 142Kasemrsquos Delight 142

light 22 28 76 142temperature 27

Vanda M Pearman 182 183vascostylis 27velamen 11 12ventilation See air circulationVespa lsquoCharmrsquo 209 210virus infection 114 120ndash121vuylstekeara 206 211

bull W bullwatering See also humidity

air circulation balancing with 79bloom importance to 48 178 246breaker diffusing flow using 39ndash40

43 81bud blast caused by incorrect 70

82can 41 81catasetum 21 222cattleya 82cochleanthes 223crown rot caused by incorrect 138deionization 43ndash44dendrobium 214 215 244determining need 80 82diagnosing incorrect 82ndash83disease caused by incorrect 81dormancy during 18 79drying out between waterings 80fall 21fertilizer water-soluble 42ndash43 88ndash89flow regulator 40foliage leaving wet overnight 234frequency 78ndash79 94hose 39ndash40 41 81importance of correct 233ndash234lycaste 226miltonia 19 80 82 197ndash198miltoniopsis 19 197ndash198mounted plant 98paphiopedilum 80 178phalaenopsis 80pot relation to 78ndash79 94ndash95pseudobulb caused by incorrect 82reverse osmosis 43ndash44root system effect of incorrect

watering on 82

Index 265

watering (continued)rose attachment diffusing flow

using 41 81salt buildup leaching out via 90salt content of water 88 236slipper orchid 171sodium considerations 43ndash44 88softened water avoiding 88 236sprayer 41ndash42TDS considerations 43ndash44temperature balancing with

ambient 75 79temperature of water used 18 81time of day 81 121 234type of plant balancing with 80winter 18 244

Web buying plant over 24ndash25Wes Addison 132Wilcox 189Wildcat 208

wild-collected plant 137wilsonara 206 211window placing plant in

light 19 20 21 61ndash62 63temperature 18 19 20

Winter Wonderland lsquoWhite Fantasyrsquo208 209

wood basket potting in 97

bull Y bullYip Sum Wah 143Yokara lsquoPerfectionrsquo 211

bull Z bullZuma Aussie Delight lsquoZuma Canyonrsquo

132zygopetalum 26 27 29 226

Notes

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Personal Finance For Dummies 0-7645-2590-5

Project ManagementFor Dummies 0-7645-5283-X

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Small Business Kit For Dummies dagger

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Singing For Dummies0-7645-2475-5

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FOOD HOME GARDEN HOBBIES MUSIC amp PETS

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Available wherever books are sold For more information or to order direct US customersvisit wwwdummiescom or call 1-877-762-2974UK customers visit wwwwileyeuropecom or call 0800 243407 Canadian customers visitwwwwileyca or call 1-800-567-4797

HOME amp BUSINESS COMPUTER BASICS

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Mac OS X Panther TimesavingTechniques For Dummies0-7645-5812-9

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Office 2003 All-in-One DeskReference For Dummies0-7645-3883-7

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PCs For Dummies0-7645-4074-2

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Upgrading and Fixing PCsFor Dummies0-7645-1665-5

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CD amp DVD Recording For Dummies0-7645-5956-7

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Google For Dummies0-7645-4420-9

Home Recording For Musicians For Dummies0-7645-1634-5

The Internet For Dummies0-7645-4173-0

iPod amp iTunes For Dummies0-7645-7772-7

Preventing Identity TheftFor Dummies0-7645-7336-5

Pro Tools All-in-One DeskReference For Dummies0-7645-5714-9

Roxio Easy Media CreatorFor Dummies0-7645-7131-1

INTERNET amp DIGITAL MEDIA

Separate Canadian edition also availabledagger Separate UK edition also available

0-7645-4074-2 0-7645-3758-X

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28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 269

Also availableAdobe Acrobat 6 PDF

Building a Web Site For Dummies0-7645-7144-3

Dreamweaver MX 2004For Dummies0-7645-4342-3

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Illustrator CS For Dummies0-7645-4084-X

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Photoshop 7 All-in-One DeskReference For Dummies0-7645-1667-1

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PHP 5 For Dummies0-7645-4166-8

PowerPoint 2003 For Dummies0-7645-3908-6

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SPORTS FITNESS PARENTING RELIGION amp SPIRITUALITY

Also availableAdoption For Dummies

0-7645-5488-3Basketball For Dummies

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Martial Arts For Dummies0-7645-5358-5

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Teaching Kids to ReadFor Dummies0-7645-4043-2

Weight Training For Dummies0-7645-5168-X

Yoga For Dummies0-7645-5117-5

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New York City For Dummies 0-7645-6945-7

Paris For Dummies0-7645-5494-8

RV Vacations For Dummies0-7645-5443-3

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TRAVEL

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Beginning ProgrammingFor Dummies0-7645-4997-9

C For Dummies0-7645-7068-4

Firewalls For Dummies0-7645-4048-3

Home Networking For Dummies0-7645-42796

Network Security For Dummies0-7645-1679-5

Networking For Dummies0-7645-1677-9

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Wireless All In-One Desk Reference For Dummies0-7645-7496-5

Wireless Home NetworkingFor Dummies0-7645-3910-8

NETWORKING SECURITY PROGRAMMING amp DATABASES

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28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 270

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Also availableAlzheimerrsquos For Dummies

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Dieting For Dummies0-7645-4149-8

Fertility For Dummies 0-7645-2549-2

Fibromyalgia For Dummies0-7645-5441-7

Improving Your MemoryFor Dummies0-7645-5435-2

Pregnancy For Dummies dagger0-7645-4483-7

Quitting Smoking For Dummies0-7645-2629-4

Relationships For Dummies0-7645-5384-4

Thyroid For Dummies0-7645-5385-2

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28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 271

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28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 272

Ascocenda Peggy Foo lsquo1rsquo

(Vanda Bonnie Blue lsquoFukumurarsquo

x Ascocentrum curvifolium)

AngranthesGrandalena

(Angraecum magdalenae x Aeranthes grandiflora)

copy Steven A Frowine

567594 ColorInsertfqxp 1605 237 PM Page 1

BrassolaeliocattleyaFormosa Gold

Brassolaeliocattleya

Harlequin lsquoAct IIrsquoAMAOS

Brassocattleya Cynthia lsquoPink Ladyrsquo

HCCAOS

Odontioda Margarete Holm lsquoAlpinersquo(Odontoglossum Bic-ross x Odontioda Adolf Rohl)

Encyclia cordigera

copy Steven A Frownie

Odontocidium Tiger Crow

lsquoGolden GirlrsquoHCCAOS

Vuylstekeara Yokara

lsquoPerfectionrsquoAMAOS

Miltassia(Brassia Rex lsquoPieperrsquox Miltonia Honolulu

lsquoWarnersquos Bestrsquo)

Dendrobium sulawesiense

Miltoniopsis Hajime Ono (Miltoniopsis

Martin Orenstein xMiltoniopsis Peach Ono)

Phalaenopsis Ambo

Buddha lsquoSWrsquo

PhalaenopsisNew Cinderella x

DoritaenopsisTaisuco lsquoFirebirdrsquo

copy Steven AFrowine

Phalaenopsis(Phalaenopsis

Gelblieber-violacea xPhalaenopsis Coral Isles)

Paphiopedilum Maudiae

Cochleanthes Amazing

(Cochleanthes flabelliformis xCochleanthes amazonica)

Paphiopedilum Langley PridelsquoBurlingamersquo

HCCAOS

Paphiopedilumsukhakulii

Paphiopedilum spicerianum

a0_8jpg
Orchids for Dummies0764567594pdf
- Orchids For Dummies
- - About the Authors
  - Dedication
  - Authorrsquos Acknowledgments
  - Contents at a Glance
  - Table of Contents
  - Introduction
  - - About This Book
    - Conventions Used in This Book
    - Foolish Assumptions
    - How This Book Is Organized
    - Icons Used in This Book
    - Where to Go from Here
    - - Part I Welcoming Orchids into Your Life
      - Chapter 1 Getting the Lowdown on Orchids
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Chapter 2 Choosing the Right Orchid for You
        
        Figuring Out Where to Shop
        
        Considering Your Environment
        
        
        Caring for Your New Orchid
        
        Chapter 3 Having the Right Tools on Hand
        
        Cutting and Pruning Tools
        
        Potting Tools and Supplies
        
        Watering Accessories
        
        Humidifiers Heaters and Ventilation Equipment
        
        Chapter 4 How I Love Thy Orchid Enjoying the Orchidrsquos Beauty
        
        
        Staking and Grooming Your Blooming Orchids
        
        Part II The Basics of Orchid Parenthood
        
        Chapter 5 Providing the Right Growing Environment
        
        Let There Be Light
        
        Humidity Orchidsrsquo Favorite Condition
        
        Fresh Air Please
        
        Some Like It Hot Some Like It Cold Orchid Temperature Requirements
        
        Giving Your Orchids a Summer Vacation
        
        Chapter 6 Watering and Fertilizing Orchids
        
        Water Water Everywhere Understanding the Art of Watering Orchids
        
        Proven Watering Techniques
        
        Over-or Underwatering Roots Tell the Story
        
        Fertilizers Not Magic Potions
        
        Chapter 7 The ABCs of Potting Materials Containers and Repotting
        
        Choosing Potting Materials
        
        Giving Your Orchids a Home Potting Containers
        
        Repotting Orchids without Fear
        
        Chapter 8 Two Four Six Eight Let Your Orchids Propagate Multiplying Your Orchids
        
        Dividing Your Orchids
        
        Giving Babies a New Home
        
        
        Growing Orchids from Back Bulbs
        
        Chapter 9 Keeping Your Orchids Pest-and Disease-Free
        
        
        Besting the Bugs
        
        Is There a Fungus Among Us
        
        Part III The Best Orchids for Rookies
        
        Chapter 10 Moth Orchids and Their Relatives The Best Choice for Beginners
        
        
        
        Relatives of Moth Orchids
        
        Chapter 11 The Quintessential Orchids Cattleyas and Their Relatives
        
        From the Jungles to Your Home
        
        
        Minicatts
        
        Chapter 12 Slipper Orchids
        
        Slipping into a Ladyrsquos Slipper
        
        Straight from Nature Bumps Warts Hairs and All
        
        One Step Removed from Nature Primary Hybrids
        
        Chapter 13 Dancing Ladies Oncidiums and Their Relatives
        
        Taking a Closer Look at the Ladies
        
        
        
        Mixing It Up
        
        Chapter 14 Significant Others
        
        
        Weird and Wonderful Relatives Bulbophyllum
        
        Orchid Miscellanea All the Rest
        
        Part IV The Part of Tens
        
        Chapter 15 The Ten (or So) Easiest Orchids to Grow
        
        Twinkle Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis Twinkle)
        
        Lady of the Night (Brassavola nodosa)
        
        Maudiae Ladyrsquos Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum Maudiae)
        
        Cockleshell Orchid (Epidendrum cochleatum)
        
        Sharry Baby Oncidium (Oncidium lsquoSharry Babyrsquo)
        
        Bird-Beak Orchid (Oncidium ornithorhynchum)
        
        Marirsquos Song (Laeliocattleya lsquoMarirsquos Songrsquo)
        
        Fan-Shape Orchid (Cochleanthes amazonica)
        
        
        Chapter 16 The Ten Most Common Ways Orchids Are Killed
        
        Overwatering
        
        Underwatering
        
        Too Much Light or Heat
        
        
        Too Much Fertilizer
        
        Improper Use of Pesticides
        
        Insects
        
        Purchase of Sick Plants
        
        Poor Water Quality
        
        Inadequate Ventilation
        
        Chapter 17 The Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions about Orchids
        
        Are Orchids Difficult to Grow
        
        Why Should I Grow Orchids
        
        
        Are Orchids Expensive
        
        
        What Makes an Orchid an Orchid
        
        Are Orchids Fragrant
        
        Where Can I See the Best Collections of Orchids
        
        Are Any Orchids Hardy
        
        Are Orchids Parasites
        
        Chapter 18 The Ten Most Common Reasons Why Orchids Donrsquot Bloom
        
        Not Enough Difference between Day and Night Temperatures
        
        Too Moist during the Winter
        
        Too Little Light
        
        
        
        Immature Plants
        
        Too Low Humidity
        
        Disease Insects or Mice
        
        Not Enough Water
        
        Recently Transplanted and Divided
        
        Appendix Resources
        
        Plant Suppliers
        
        Growing Supplies
        
        Orchid Societies
        
        Index

Page 2: Orchids - The Eye...Steven A. Frowine. first started growing orchids under lights when he was in high school. Since then, his love and sometimes obses-sion for orchids has continued

OrchidsFOR

DUMmIESpermil

ISBN 0-7645-6759-4

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

1BRQQSQVIN

Composition

Donrsquot Bloom 243

Index253

02_567594 ftocqxd 12405 852 PM Page x

Mixing It Up 205

Index 253

Introduction

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 1

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 2

Introduction 3

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 3

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 4

Introduction 5

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 5

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 6

into Your Life

04_567594 pt01qxd 12405 851 PM Page 7

In this part

04_567594 pt01qxd 12405 851 PM Page 8

Chapter 1

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 9

petal

1 Petal2 Lip

Tulip Cattleya

11

23 3

341 1 1

3 3

6

55 5555 55

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 10

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 11

Silveryvelamen

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 12

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05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 14

and in Latin

(continued)

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Chapter 2

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06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 27

Angraecum

Vanda

1 ft (30 cm)

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 28

Amesiella

Ascocenda

Ascocentrum

Ascofinetia

Brassavola

Brassia

Epidendrum

Laelia

Leptotes

Masdevallia

Miltonia

Miltoniopsis

Neofinetia

Neostylis

Odontoglossum

Oncidium

Phragmipedium

Rhynchostylis

Zygopetalum

Phalaenopsis

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 29

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 30

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06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 32

Chapter 3

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 33

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 34

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 35

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 36

(continued)

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 37

range of markers

More expensive

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 38

Can smear

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 39

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 40

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 41

Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 42

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07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 44

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 45

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Chapter 4

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08_567594 ch04qxd 12405 851 PM Page 56

Parenthood

09_567594 pt02qxd 12405 853 PM Page 57

In this part

09_567594 pt02qxd 12405 853 PM Page 58

Chapter 5

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 59

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Very Bright Light

Lower Light

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 63

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10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 66

1000

wat

t

=

AreaCoverage

400

wat

t

=

AreaCoverage

8prime times 8prime

250

wat

t

=

AreaCoverage

5prime times 5prime

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 67

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10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 69

Low humidity

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 70

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Chapter 6

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 77

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Inte

rpre

ting

the

Orc

hid

Ferti

lizer

Lab

el

Ferti

lizer

des

igne

d fo

r a w

ater

sou

rce

cont

aini

ng fe

w n

utrie

nts

Firs

t num

ber (

12) i

s ni

troge

n (1

2 lb

s p

er 1

00 lb

s o

f fer

tilize

r) S

econ

d nu

mbe

r (6)

is P

hosp

horo

us (6

lbs

) Th

ird n

umbe

r is

Pota

ssiu

m T

hese

are

refe

rred

to a

s th

e p

rimar

y o

r m

acro

nut

rient

s

Trac

e el

emen

ts o

r mic

ro e

lem

ents

Nut

rient

s th

at a

re im

porta

nt b

ut in

ver

y sm

all a

mou

nts

The

chem

ical

form

of t

he n

itrog

en c

ompo

nent

It i

s m

ost d

esira

ble

that

this

be

mos

tly in

the

nitr

ate

form

not

ure

a

Dosa

ge fo

r fer

tilize

r Do

not

exc

eed

reco

mm

enda

tion

Unle

ss y

ou k

now

that

you

r wat

er h

as a

n ad

equa

te s

uppl

y of

mag

nesi

um a

nd c

alci

um l

ook

for a

ferti

lizer

that

con

tain

s th

em B

oth

thes

e nu

trien

ts h

ave

been

foun

d to

be

very

impo

rtant

for s

trong

orc

hid

grow

th

Actu

al c

ompo

unds

from

whi

ch th

e nu

trien

ts a

re b

eing

der

ived

Ferti

lizer

s fre

quen

tly c

onta

in v

ery

smal

l am

ount

s (tr

aces

) of o

ther

ele

men

ts

This

sta

tes

whe

ther

the

ferti

lizer

has

a b

asic

or a

cid

reac

tion

Whe

re it

is m

anuf

actu

red

and

wha

t com

pany

dis

tribu

tes

it

Ferti

lizer

bra

nd n

ame

Tota

l nitr

ogen

12

Iron

(Fe)

0

16

12

5 n

itrat

e

Man

gane

se

008

ni

troge

n

(Mn)

07

a

mm

onia

cal

nitro

A

vaila

ble

6

0

Zinc

(Zn)

0

03

Pho

spha

te (P

2O5)

Pot

ash

(K2O

) 13

0

Co

pper

(Cu)

0

03

C

alcu

im (C

a)

7

Boro

n (B

) 0

01

Mag

nesi

um (M

g)

20

M

olyb

denu

m

001

(M

o)De

rived

from

ca

lciu

m

Deriv

ed fr

om I

ron

nitra

te m

agne

sium

nitr

ate

ED

TA z

inc

sulfa

te

pota

ssiu

m n

itrat

e amp

co

pper

sul

fate

bor

icm

onop

otas

sium

pho

spha

te

acid

am

mon

ium

mol

ybda

te

Plus

trac

es o

f sul

fur (

S) c

hlor

ine

(Cl)

cob

alt (

Co)

nick

el (N

i) s

odiu

m (N

a)Po

tent

ial B

asic

ity 4

20

calc

ium

car

bona

te e

quiv

alen

tpe

r ton

Mad

e in

USA

Reg

in

Ohio

by

Robe

rts F

low

er S

uppl

y

Use

14

teas

poon

per

gal

eve

ry o

ther

wat

erin

g

Orc

hidM

ixTM

Fer

tiliz

erPu

re W

ater

Fer

tiliz

er

12-6

-3

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 87

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 88

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 89

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 90

Chapter 7

Repotting orchids

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 91

Decomposes slowly

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 92

Drains well

Inexpensive

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 93

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12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 95

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 96

(continued)

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 97

12

3

4

5

(continued)

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 98

New growth

New roots

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 99

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 100

1

3

2

4

5 6

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 101

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 102

Chapter 8

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 103

Backbulbs

Mainshoot

Newshoot

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 104

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13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 106

Mother plant

20cm

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 107

1

2

3

45

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 108

1

2

3

4

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 109

36

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 110

Chapter 9

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 111

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14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 115

actual size

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 116

actual size

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 117

Defense of Defense

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 118

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14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 121

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 122

for Rookies

15_567594 pt03qxd 12405 918 PM Page 123

In this part

15_567594 pt03qxd 12405 918 PM Page 124

Chapter 10

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 125

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 126

Dorsal sepal

Petal

Column

Lip side lobeCallus

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 127

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16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 135

Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 136

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16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 139

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16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 923 PM Page 144

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 923 PM Page 145

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 923 PM Page 146

Chapter 11

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 147

1

24

3

5

6

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 148

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17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 158

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17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 924 PM Page 160

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17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 924 PM Page 168

Chapter 12

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 169

Column

Ovary

Petal

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 170

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Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 183

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 184

bull Black Cherry

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 185

bull Eric Meng

bull Laser

bull Macabre

bull Raisin Pie

bull Red Fusion

bull Red Glory

bull Ruby Peacock

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 186

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18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 188

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Chapter 13

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 191

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19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 196

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1

2

4

3

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 198

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19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 201

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19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 203

Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 204

(continued)

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 205

Ease of flowering

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 206

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19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 210

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19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 212

Chapter 14

20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 213

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20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 215

20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 216

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20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 226

21_567594 pt04qxd 12405 933 PM Page 227

In this part

21_567594 pt04qxd 12405 933 PM Page 228

Chapter 15

22_567594 ch15qxd 12405 935 PM Page 229

22_567594 ch15qxd 12405 935 PM Page 230

22_567594 ch15qxd 12405 935 PM Page 231

22_567594 ch15qxd 12405 935 PM Page 232

Chapter 16

23_567594 ch16qxd 12405 935 PM Page 233

23_567594 ch16qxd 12405 935 PM Page 234

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23_567594 ch16qxd 12405 935 PM Page 236

Chapter 17

24_567594 ch17qxd 12405 933 PM Page 237

24_567594 ch17qxd 12405 933 PM Page 238

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24_567594 ch17qxd 12405 933 PM Page 240

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Chapter 18

25_567594 ch18qxd 12405 925 PM Page 243

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25_567594 ch18qxd 12405 925 PM Page 246

Appendix

Resources

26_567594 appqxd 12405 924 PM Page 247

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26_567594 appqxd 12405 924 PM Page 250

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26_567594 appqxd 12405 924 PM Page 252

Index 255

misting 69

Index 257

Index 259

miltoniopsis

Index 261

94 95

Index 263

pot 36 112tool 36 104 112 121

watering on 82

Index 265

Notes

0-7645-1771-6

0-7645-5093-4

0-7645-5307-0 0-7645-5331-3 dagger

0-7645-4074-2 0-7645-3758-X

0-7645-5295-3 0-7645-5232-5

0-7645-1664-7 0-7645-6924-4

28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 269

0-7645-5228-7

TRAVEL

0-7645-5146-9 0-7645-5418-2

0-7645-5438-7 0-7645-5453-0

0-7645-4345-8 0-7645-5589-8

0-7645-6852-3 0-7645-5784-X

28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 270

Dummies0-7645-5440-9

0-7645-5427-1

0-7645-6820-5 dagger 0-7645-2566-2

0-7645-5194-9 0-7645-4186-2

28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 271

28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 272

HCCAOS

Encyclia cordigera

Vuylstekeara Yokara

Phalaenopsis Ambo

Buddha lsquoSWrsquo

HCCAOS

a0_8jpg
  - Dedication
  - Table of Contents
  - Introduction
  - - About This Book
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Let There Be Light
        
        
        Fresh Air Please
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Besting the Bugs
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Minicatts
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Mixing It Up
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Overwatering
        
        Underwatering
        
        
        
        Too Much Fertilizer
        
        
        Insects
        
        
        Poor Water Quality
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Too Little Light
        
        
        
        Immature Plants
        
        Too Low Humidity
        
        
        Not Enough Water
        
        
        Appendix Resources
        
        Plant Suppliers
        
        Growing Supplies
        
        Orchid Societies
        
        Index

Page 3: Orchids - The Eye...Steven A. Frowine. first started growing orchids under lights when he was in high school. Since then, his love and sometimes obses-sion for orchids has continued

OrchidsFOR

DUMmIESpermil

ISBN 0-7645-6759-4

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

1BRQQSQVIN

Composition

Donrsquot Bloom 243

Index253

02_567594 ftocqxd 12405 852 PM Page x

Mixing It Up 205

Index 253

Introduction

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 1

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 2

Introduction 3

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 3

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 4

Introduction 5

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 5

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 6

into Your Life

04_567594 pt01qxd 12405 851 PM Page 7

In this part

04_567594 pt01qxd 12405 851 PM Page 8

Chapter 1

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 9

petal

1 Petal2 Lip

Tulip Cattleya

11

23 3

341 1 1

3 3

6

55 5555 55

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 10

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 11

Silveryvelamen

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 12

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 13

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 14

and in Latin

(continued)

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 15

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Chapter 2

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 23

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06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 27

Angraecum

Vanda

1 ft (30 cm)

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 28

Amesiella

Ascocenda

Ascocentrum

Ascofinetia

Brassavola

Brassia

Epidendrum

Laelia

Leptotes

Masdevallia

Miltonia

Miltoniopsis

Neofinetia

Neostylis

Odontoglossum

Oncidium

Phragmipedium

Rhynchostylis

Zygopetalum

Phalaenopsis

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 29

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Chapter 3

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 33

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 34

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 35

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 36

(continued)

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 37

range of markers

More expensive

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 38

Can smear

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 39

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 40

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 41

Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 42

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 43

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 44

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 45

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 46

Chapter 4

08_567594 ch04qxd 12405 851 PM Page 47

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08_567594 ch04qxd 12405 851 PM Page 56

Parenthood

09_567594 pt02qxd 12405 853 PM Page 57

In this part

09_567594 pt02qxd 12405 853 PM Page 58

Chapter 5

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 59

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Very Bright Light

Lower Light

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 63

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10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 65

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 66

1000

wat

t

=

AreaCoverage

400

wat

t

=

AreaCoverage

8prime times 8prime

250

wat

t

=

AreaCoverage

5prime times 5prime

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 67

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10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 69

Low humidity

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 70

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Chapter 6

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 77

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11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 86

Inte

rpre

ting

the

Orc

hid

Ferti

lizer

Lab

el

Ferti

lizer

des

igne

d fo

r a w

ater

sou

rce

cont

aini

ng fe

w n

utrie

nts

Firs

t num

ber (

12) i

s ni

troge

n (1

2 lb

s p

er 1

00 lb

s o

f fer

tilize

r) S

econ

d nu

mbe

r (6)

is P

hosp

horo

us (6

lbs

) Th

ird n

umbe

r is

Pota

ssiu

m T

hese

are

refe

rred

to a

s th

e p

rimar

y o

r m

acro

nut

rient

s

Trac

e el

emen

ts o

r mic

ro e

lem

ents

Nut

rient

s th

at a

re im

porta

nt b

ut in

ver

y sm

all a

mou

nts

The

chem

ical

form

of t

he n

itrog

en c

ompo

nent

It i

s m

ost d

esira

ble

that

this

be

mos

tly in

the

nitr

ate

form

not

ure

a

Dosa

ge fo

r fer

tilize

r Do

not

exc

eed

reco

mm

enda

tion

Unle

ss y

ou k

now

that

you

r wat

er h

as a

n ad

equa

te s

uppl

y of

mag

nesi

um a

nd c

alci

um l

ook

for a

ferti

lizer

that

con

tain

s th

em B

oth

thes

e nu

trien

ts h

ave

been

foun

d to

be

very

impo

rtant

for s

trong

orc

hid

grow

th

Actu

al c

ompo

unds

from

whi

ch th

e nu

trien

ts a

re b

eing

der

ived

Ferti

lizer

s fre

quen

tly c

onta

in v

ery

smal

l am

ount

s (tr

aces

) of o

ther

ele

men

ts

This

sta

tes

whe

ther

the

ferti

lizer

has

a b

asic

or a

cid

reac

tion

Whe

re it

is m

anuf

actu

red

and

wha

t com

pany

dis

tribu

tes

it

Ferti

lizer

bra

nd n

ame

Tota

l nitr

ogen

12

Iron

(Fe)

0

16

12

5 n

itrat

e

Man

gane

se

008

ni

troge

n

(Mn)

07

a

mm

onia

cal

nitro

A

vaila

ble

6

0

Zinc

(Zn)

0

03

Pho

spha

te (P

2O5)

Pot

ash

(K2O

) 13

0

Co

pper

(Cu)

0

03

C

alcu

im (C

a)

7

Boro

n (B

) 0

01

Mag

nesi

um (M

g)

20

M

olyb

denu

m

001

(M

o)De

rived

from

ca

lciu

m

Deriv

ed fr

om I

ron

nitra

te m

agne

sium

nitr

ate

ED

TA z

inc

sulfa

te

pota

ssiu

m n

itrat

e amp

co

pper

sul

fate

bor

icm

onop

otas

sium

pho

spha

te

acid

am

mon

ium

mol

ybda

te

Plus

trac

es o

f sul

fur (

S) c

hlor

ine

(Cl)

cob

alt (

Co)

nick

el (N

i) s

odiu

m (N

a)Po

tent

ial B

asic

ity 4

20

calc

ium

car

bona

te e

quiv

alen

tpe

r ton

Mad

e in

USA

Reg

in

Ohio

by

Robe

rts F

low

er S

uppl

y

Use

14

teas

poon

per

gal

eve

ry o

ther

wat

erin

g

Orc

hidM

ixTM

Fer

tiliz

erPu

re W

ater

Fer

tiliz

er

12-6

-3

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 87

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 88

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 89

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 90

Chapter 7

Repotting orchids

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 91

Decomposes slowly

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 92

Drains well

Inexpensive

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 93

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 94

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 95

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 96

(continued)

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 97

12

3

4

5

(continued)

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 98

New growth

New roots

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 99

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 100

1

3

2

4

5 6

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 101

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 102

Chapter 8

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 103

Backbulbs

Mainshoot

Newshoot

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 104

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13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 106

Mother plant

20cm

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 107

1

2

3

45

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 108

1

2

3

4

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 109

36

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 110

Chapter 9

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 111

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14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 115

actual size

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 116

actual size

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 117

Defense of Defense

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 118

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14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 120

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 121

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 122

for Rookies

15_567594 pt03qxd 12405 918 PM Page 123

In this part

15_567594 pt03qxd 12405 918 PM Page 124

Chapter 10

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 125

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 126

Dorsal sepal

Petal

Column

Lip side lobeCallus

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 127

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16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 134

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 135

Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 136

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16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 138

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 139

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16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 143

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 923 PM Page 144

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 923 PM Page 145

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 923 PM Page 146

Chapter 11

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 147

1

24

3

5

6

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 148

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17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 924 PM Page 160

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17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 924 PM Page 168

Chapter 12

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 169

Column

Ovary

Petal

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 170

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18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 182

Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 183

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 184

bull Black Cherry

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 185

bull Eric Meng

bull Laser

bull Macabre

bull Raisin Pie

bull Red Fusion

bull Red Glory

bull Ruby Peacock

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 186

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Chapter 13

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 191

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1

2

4

3

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 198

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19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 203

Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 204

(continued)

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 205

Ease of flowering

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 206

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19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 210

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19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 212

Chapter 14

20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 213

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20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 215

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20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 226

21_567594 pt04qxd 12405 933 PM Page 227

In this part

21_567594 pt04qxd 12405 933 PM Page 228

Chapter 15

22_567594 ch15qxd 12405 935 PM Page 229

22_567594 ch15qxd 12405 935 PM Page 230

22_567594 ch15qxd 12405 935 PM Page 231

22_567594 ch15qxd 12405 935 PM Page 232

Chapter 16

23_567594 ch16qxd 12405 935 PM Page 233

23_567594 ch16qxd 12405 935 PM Page 234

23_567594 ch16qxd 12405 935 PM Page 235

23_567594 ch16qxd 12405 935 PM Page 236

Chapter 17

24_567594 ch17qxd 12405 933 PM Page 237

24_567594 ch17qxd 12405 933 PM Page 238

24_567594 ch17qxd 12405 933 PM Page 239

24_567594 ch17qxd 12405 933 PM Page 240

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24_567594 ch17qxd 12405 933 PM Page 242

Chapter 18

25_567594 ch18qxd 12405 925 PM Page 243

25_567594 ch18qxd 12405 925 PM Page 244

25_567594 ch18qxd 12405 925 PM Page 245

25_567594 ch18qxd 12405 925 PM Page 246

Appendix

Resources

26_567594 appqxd 12405 924 PM Page 247

26_567594 appqxd 12405 924 PM Page 248

26_567594 appqxd 12405 924 PM Page 249

26_567594 appqxd 12405 924 PM Page 250

26_567594 appqxd 12405 924 PM Page 251

26_567594 appqxd 12405 924 PM Page 252

Index 255

misting 69

Index 257

Index 259

miltoniopsis

Index 261

94 95

Index 263

pot 36 112tool 36 104 112 121

watering on 82

Index 265

Notes

0-7645-1771-6

0-7645-5093-4

0-7645-5307-0 0-7645-5331-3 dagger

0-7645-4074-2 0-7645-3758-X

0-7645-5295-3 0-7645-5232-5

0-7645-1664-7 0-7645-6924-4

28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 269

0-7645-5228-7

TRAVEL

0-7645-5146-9 0-7645-5418-2

0-7645-5438-7 0-7645-5453-0

0-7645-4345-8 0-7645-5589-8

0-7645-6852-3 0-7645-5784-X

28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 270

Dummies0-7645-5440-9

0-7645-5427-1

0-7645-6820-5 dagger 0-7645-2566-2

0-7645-5194-9 0-7645-4186-2

28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 271

28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 272

HCCAOS

Encyclia cordigera

Vuylstekeara Yokara

Phalaenopsis Ambo

Buddha lsquoSWrsquo

HCCAOS

a0_8jpg
  - Dedication
  - Table of Contents
  - Introduction
  - - About This Book
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Let There Be Light
        
        
        Fresh Air Please
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Besting the Bugs
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Minicatts
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Mixing It Up
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Overwatering
        
        Underwatering
        
        
        
        Too Much Fertilizer
        
        
        Insects
        
        
        Poor Water Quality
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Too Little Light
        
        
        
        Immature Plants
        
        Too Low Humidity
        
        
        Not Enough Water
        
        
        Appendix Resources
        
        Plant Suppliers
        
        Growing Supplies
        
        Orchid Societies
        
        Index

Page 4: Orchids - The Eye...Steven A. Frowine. first started growing orchids under lights when he was in high school. Since then, his love and sometimes obses-sion for orchids has continued

ISBN 0-7645-6759-4

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

1BRQQSQVIN

Composition

Donrsquot Bloom 243

Index253

02_567594 ftocqxd 12405 852 PM Page x

Mixing It Up 205

Index 253

Introduction

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 1

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 2

Introduction 3

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 3

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 4

Introduction 5

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 5

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 6

into Your Life

04_567594 pt01qxd 12405 851 PM Page 7

In this part

04_567594 pt01qxd 12405 851 PM Page 8

Chapter 1

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 9

petal

1 Petal2 Lip

Tulip Cattleya

11

23 3

341 1 1

3 3

6

55 5555 55

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 10

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 11

Silveryvelamen

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 12

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 13

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 14

and in Latin

(continued)

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 15

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Chapter 2

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Angraecum

Vanda

1 ft (30 cm)

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 28

Amesiella

Ascocenda

Ascocentrum

Ascofinetia

Brassavola

Brassia

Epidendrum

Laelia

Leptotes

Masdevallia

Miltonia

Miltoniopsis

Neofinetia

Neostylis

Odontoglossum

Oncidium

Phragmipedium

Rhynchostylis

Zygopetalum

Phalaenopsis

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 29

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Chapter 3

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 33

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 34

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07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 36

(continued)

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 37

range of markers

More expensive

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 38

Can smear

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 39

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07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 41

Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

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07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 44

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Chapter 4

08_567594 ch04qxd 12405 851 PM Page 47

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Parenthood

09_567594 pt02qxd 12405 853 PM Page 57

In this part

09_567594 pt02qxd 12405 853 PM Page 58

Chapter 5

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 59

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Very Bright Light

Lower Light

10_567594 ch05qxd 12405 854 PM Page 63

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1000

wat

t

=

AreaCoverage

400

wat

t

=

AreaCoverage

8prime times 8prime

250

wat

t

=

AreaCoverage

5prime times 5prime

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Low humidity

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Chapter 6

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Inte

rpre

ting

the

Orc

hid

Ferti

lizer

Lab

el

Ferti

lizer

des

igne

d fo

r a w

ater

sou

rce

cont

aini

ng fe

w n

utrie

nts

Firs

t num

ber (

12) i

s ni

troge

n (1

2 lb

s p

er 1

00 lb

s o

f fer

tilize

r) S

econ

d nu

mbe

r (6)

is P

hosp

horo

us (6

lbs

) Th

ird n

umbe

r is

Pota

ssiu

m T

hese

are

refe

rred

to a

s th

e p

rimar

y o

r m

acro

nut

rient

s

Trac

e el

emen

ts o

r mic

ro e

lem

ents

Nut

rient

s th

at a

re im

porta

nt b

ut in

ver

y sm

all a

mou

nts

The

chem

ical

form

of t

he n

itrog

en c

ompo

nent

It i

s m

ost d

esira

ble

that

this

be

mos

tly in

the

nitr

ate

form

not

ure

a

Dosa

ge fo

r fer

tilize

r Do

not

exc

eed

reco

mm

enda

tion

Unle

ss y

ou k

now

that

you

r wat

er h

as a

n ad

equa

te s

uppl

y of

mag

nesi

um a

nd c

alci

um l

ook

for a

ferti

lizer

that

con

tain

s th

em B

oth

thes

e nu

trien

ts h

ave

been

foun

d to

be

very

impo

rtant

for s

trong

orc

hid

grow

th

Actu

al c

ompo

unds

from

whi

ch th

e nu

trien

ts a

re b

eing

der

ived

Ferti

lizer

s fre

quen

tly c

onta

in v

ery

smal

l am

ount

s (tr

aces

) of o

ther

ele

men

ts

This

sta

tes

whe

ther

the

ferti

lizer

has

a b

asic

or a

cid

reac

tion

Whe

re it

is m

anuf

actu

red

and

wha

t com

pany

dis

tribu

tes

it

Ferti

lizer

bra

nd n

ame

Tota

l nitr

ogen

12

Iron

(Fe)

0

16

12

5 n

itrat

e

Man

gane

se

008

ni

troge

n

(Mn)

07

a

mm

onia

cal

nitro

A

vaila

ble

6

0

Zinc

(Zn)

0

03

Pho

spha

te (P

2O5)

Pot

ash

(K2O

) 13

0

Co

pper

(Cu)

0

03

C

alcu

im (C

a)

7

Boro

n (B

) 0

01

Mag

nesi

um (M

g)

20

M

olyb

denu

m

001

(M

o)De

rived

from

ca

lciu

m

Deriv

ed fr

om I

ron

nitra

te m

agne

sium

nitr

ate

ED

TA z

inc

sulfa

te

pota

ssiu

m n

itrat

e amp

co

pper

sul

fate

bor

icm

onop

otas

sium

pho

spha

te

acid

am

mon

ium

mol

ybda

te

Plus

trac

es o

f sul

fur (

S) c

hlor

ine

(Cl)

cob

alt (

Co)

nick

el (N

i) s

odiu

m (N

a)Po

tent

ial B

asic

ity 4

20

calc

ium

car

bona

te e

quiv

alen

tpe

r ton

Mad

e in

USA

Reg

in

Ohio

by

Robe

rts F

low

er S

uppl

y

Use

14

teas

poon

per

gal

eve

ry o

ther

wat

erin

g

Orc

hidM

ixTM

Fer

tiliz

erPu

re W

ater

Fer

tiliz

er

12-6

-3

11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 87

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11_567594 ch06qxd 12405 856 PM Page 89

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Chapter 7

Repotting orchids

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 91

Decomposes slowly

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 92

Drains well

Inexpensive

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 93

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12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 95

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 96

(continued)

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 97

12

3

4

5

(continued)

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 98

New growth

New roots

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 99

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 100

1

3

2

4

5 6

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 101

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 102

Chapter 8

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 103

Backbulbs

Mainshoot

Newshoot

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 104

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Mother plant

20cm

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 107

1

2

3

45

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 108

1

2

3

4

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 109

36

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 110

Chapter 9

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 111

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14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 115

actual size

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 116

actual size

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 117

Defense of Defense

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 118

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14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 122

for Rookies

15_567594 pt03qxd 12405 918 PM Page 123

In this part

15_567594 pt03qxd 12405 918 PM Page 124

Chapter 10

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 125

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 126

Dorsal sepal

Petal

Column

Lip side lobeCallus

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Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

16_567594 ch10qxd 12405 922 PM Page 136

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Chapter 11

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 147

1

24

3

5

6

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 148

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Chapter 12

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 169

Column

Ovary

Petal

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 170

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Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 183

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 184

bull Black Cherry

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 185

bull Eric Meng

bull Laser

bull Macabre

bull Raisin Pie

bull Red Fusion

bull Red Glory

bull Ruby Peacock

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 186

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Chapter 13

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 191

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1

2

4

3

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 198

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Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 204

(continued)

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 205

Ease of flowering

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 206

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Chapter 14

20_567594 ch14qxd 12405 903 PM Page 213

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21_567594 pt04qxd 12405 933 PM Page 227

In this part

21_567594 pt04qxd 12405 933 PM Page 228

Chapter 15

22_567594 ch15qxd 12405 935 PM Page 229

22_567594 ch15qxd 12405 935 PM Page 230

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22_567594 ch15qxd 12405 935 PM Page 232

Chapter 16

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23_567594 ch16qxd 12405 935 PM Page 234

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23_567594 ch16qxd 12405 935 PM Page 236

Chapter 17

24_567594 ch17qxd 12405 933 PM Page 237

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Chapter 18

25_567594 ch18qxd 12405 925 PM Page 243

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25_567594 ch18qxd 12405 925 PM Page 246

Appendix

Resources

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26_567594 appqxd 12405 924 PM Page 252

Index 255

misting 69

Index 257

Index 259

miltoniopsis

Index 261

94 95

Index 263

pot 36 112tool 36 104 112 121

watering on 82

Index 265

Notes

0-7645-1771-6

0-7645-5093-4

0-7645-5307-0 0-7645-5331-3 dagger

0-7645-4074-2 0-7645-3758-X

0-7645-5295-3 0-7645-5232-5

0-7645-1664-7 0-7645-6924-4

28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 269

0-7645-5228-7

TRAVEL

0-7645-5146-9 0-7645-5418-2

0-7645-5438-7 0-7645-5453-0

0-7645-4345-8 0-7645-5589-8

0-7645-6852-3 0-7645-5784-X

28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 270

Dummies0-7645-5440-9

0-7645-5427-1

0-7645-6820-5 dagger 0-7645-2566-2

0-7645-5194-9 0-7645-4186-2

28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 271

28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 272

HCCAOS

Encyclia cordigera

Vuylstekeara Yokara

Phalaenopsis Ambo

Buddha lsquoSWrsquo

HCCAOS

a0_8jpg
  - Dedication
  - Table of Contents
  - Introduction
  - - About This Book
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Let There Be Light
        
        
        Fresh Air Please
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Besting the Bugs
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Minicatts
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Mixing It Up
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Overwatering
        
        Underwatering
        
        
        
        Too Much Fertilizer
        
        
        Insects
        
        
        Poor Water Quality
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Too Little Light
        
        
        
        Immature Plants
        
        Too Low Humidity
        
        
        Not Enough Water
        
        
        Appendix Resources
        
        Plant Suppliers
        
        Growing Supplies
        
        Orchid Societies
        
        Index

Page 5: Orchids - The Eye...Steven A. Frowine. first started growing orchids under lights when he was in high school. Since then, his love and sometimes obses-sion for orchids has continued

Composition

Donrsquot Bloom 243

Index253

02_567594 ftocqxd 12405 852 PM Page x

Mixing It Up 205

Index 253

Introduction

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 1

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 2

Introduction 3

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 3

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 4

Introduction 5

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 5

03_567594 introqxd 12405 850 PM Page 6

into Your Life

04_567594 pt01qxd 12405 851 PM Page 7

In this part

04_567594 pt01qxd 12405 851 PM Page 8

Chapter 1

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 9

petal

1 Petal2 Lip

Tulip Cattleya

11

23 3

341 1 1

3 3

6

55 5555 55

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 10

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 11

Silveryvelamen

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 12

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 13

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 14

and in Latin

(continued)

05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 15

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05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 20

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05_567594 ch01qxd 12405 852 PM Page 22

Chapter 2

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 23

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 24

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 25

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 26

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 27

Angraecum

Vanda

1 ft (30 cm)

06_567594 ch02qxd 12405 852 PM Page 28

Amesiella

Ascocenda

Ascocentrum

Ascofinetia

Brassavola

Brassia

Epidendrum

Laelia

Leptotes

Masdevallia

Miltonia

Miltoniopsis

Neofinetia

Neostylis

Odontoglossum

Oncidium

Phragmipedium

Rhynchostylis

Zygopetalum

Phalaenopsis

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Chapter 3

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(continued)

07_567594 ch03qxd 12405 851 PM Page 37

range of markers

More expensive

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Can smear

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Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

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Chapter 4

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Parenthood

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In this part

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Chapter 5

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Very Bright Light

Lower Light

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1000

wat

t

=

AreaCoverage

400

wat

t

=

AreaCoverage

8prime times 8prime

250

wat

t

=

AreaCoverage

5prime times 5prime

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Low humidity

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Chapter 6

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Inte

rpre

ting

the

Orc

hid

Ferti

lizer

Lab

el

Ferti

lizer

des

igne

d fo

r a w

ater

sou

rce

cont

aini

ng fe

w n

utrie

nts

Firs

t num

ber (

12) i

s ni

troge

n (1

2 lb

s p

er 1

00 lb

s o

f fer

tilize

r) S

econ

d nu

mbe

r (6)

is P

hosp

horo

us (6

lbs

) Th

ird n

umbe

r is

Pota

ssiu

m T

hese

are

refe

rred

to a

s th

e p

rimar

y o

r m

acro

nut

rient

s

Trac

e el

emen

ts o

r mic

ro e

lem

ents

Nut

rient

s th

at a

re im

porta

nt b

ut in

ver

y sm

all a

mou

nts

The

chem

ical

form

of t

he n

itrog

en c

ompo

nent

It i

s m

ost d

esira

ble

that

this

be

mos

tly in

the

nitr

ate

form

not

ure

a

Dosa

ge fo

r fer

tilize

r Do

not

exc

eed

reco

mm

enda

tion

Unle

ss y

ou k

now

that

you

r wat

er h

as a

n ad

equa

te s

uppl

y of

mag

nesi

um a

nd c

alci

um l

ook

for a

ferti

lizer

that

con

tain

s th

em B

oth

thes

e nu

trien

ts h

ave

been

foun

d to

be

very

impo

rtant

for s

trong

orc

hid

grow

th

Actu

al c

ompo

unds

from

whi

ch th

e nu

trien

ts a

re b

eing

der

ived

Ferti

lizer

s fre

quen

tly c

onta

in v

ery

smal

l am

ount

s (tr

aces

) of o

ther

ele

men

ts

This

sta

tes

whe

ther

the

ferti

lizer

has

a b

asic

or a

cid

reac

tion

Whe

re it

is m

anuf

actu

red

and

wha

t com

pany

dis

tribu

tes

it

Ferti

lizer

bra

nd n

ame

Tota

l nitr

ogen

12

Iron

(Fe)

0

16

12

5 n

itrat

e

Man

gane

se

008

ni

troge

n

(Mn)

07

a

mm

onia

cal

nitro

A

vaila

ble

6

0

Zinc

(Zn)

0

03

Pho

spha

te (P

2O5)

Pot

ash

(K2O

) 13

0

Co

pper

(Cu)

0

03

C

alcu

im (C

a)

7

Boro

n (B

) 0

01

Mag

nesi

um (M

g)

20

M

olyb

denu

m

001

(M

o)De

rived

from

ca

lciu

m

Deriv

ed fr

om I

ron

nitra

te m

agne

sium

nitr

ate

ED

TA z

inc

sulfa

te

pota

ssiu

m n

itrat

e amp

co

pper

sul

fate

bor

icm

onop

otas

sium

pho

spha

te

acid

am

mon

ium

mol

ybda

te

Plus

trac

es o

f sul

fur (

S) c

hlor

ine

(Cl)

cob

alt (

Co)

nick

el (N

i) s

odiu

m (N

a)Po

tent

ial B

asic

ity 4

20

calc

ium

car

bona

te e

quiv

alen

tpe

r ton

Mad

e in

USA

Reg

in

Ohio

by

Robe

rts F

low

er S

uppl

y

Use

14

teas

poon

per

gal

eve

ry o

ther

wat

erin

g

Orc

hidM

ixTM

Fer

tiliz

erPu

re W

ater

Fer

tiliz

er

12-6

-3

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Chapter 7

Repotting orchids

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 91

Decomposes slowly

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 92

Drains well

Inexpensive

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(continued)

12_567594 ch07qxd 12405 855 PM Page 97

12

3

4

5

(continued)

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New growth

New roots

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1

3

2

4

5 6

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Chapter 8

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Backbulbs

Mainshoot

Newshoot

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Mother plant

20cm

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 107

1

2

3

45

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 108

1

2

3

4

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 109

36

13_567594 ch08qxd 12405 855 PM Page 110

Chapter 9

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actual size

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actual size

14_567594 ch09qxd 12405 856 PM Page 117

Defense of Defense

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for Rookies

15_567594 pt03qxd 12405 918 PM Page 123

In this part

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Chapter 10

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Dorsal sepal

Petal

Column

Lip side lobeCallus

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Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

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Chapter 11

17_567594 ch11qxd 12405 923 PM Page 147

1

24

3

5

6

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Chapter 12

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 169

Column

Ovary

Petal

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 170

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Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 183

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bull Black Cherry

18_567594 ch12qxd 12405 919 PM Page 185

bull Eric Meng

bull Laser

bull Macabre

bull Raisin Pie

bull Red Fusion

bull Red Glory

bull Ruby Peacock

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Chapter 13

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1

2

4

3

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 198

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Phot

ogra

ph c

ourte

sy o

f Mar

c He

rzog

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 204

(continued)

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 205

Ease of flowering

19_567594 ch13qxd 12405 917 PM Page 206

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Chapter 14

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21_567594 pt04qxd 12405 933 PM Page 227

In this part

21_567594 pt04qxd 12405 933 PM Page 228

Chapter 15

22_567594 ch15qxd 12405 935 PM Page 229

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Chapter 16

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Chapter 17

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Chapter 18

25_567594 ch18qxd 12405 925 PM Page 243

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Appendix

Resources

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26_567594 appqxd 12405 924 PM Page 252

Index 255

misting 69

Index 257

Index 259

miltoniopsis

Index 261

94 95

Index 263

pot 36 112tool 36 104 112 121

watering on 82

Index 265

Notes

0-7645-1771-6

0-7645-5093-4

0-7645-5307-0 0-7645-5331-3 dagger

0-7645-4074-2 0-7645-3758-X

0-7645-5295-3 0-7645-5232-5

0-7645-1664-7 0-7645-6924-4

28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 269

0-7645-5228-7

TRAVEL

0-7645-5146-9 0-7645-5418-2

0-7645-5438-7 0-7645-5453-0

0-7645-4345-8 0-7645-5589-8

0-7645-6852-3 0-7645-5784-X

28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 270

Dummies0-7645-5440-9

0-7645-5427-1

0-7645-6820-5 dagger 0-7645-2566-2

0-7645-5194-9 0-7645-4186-2

28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 271

28_567594 bobqxd 12405 934 PM Page 272

HCCAOS

Encyclia cordigera

Vuylstekeara Yokara

Phalaenopsis Ambo

Buddha lsquoSWrsquo

HCCAOS

a0_8jpg
  - Dedication
  - Table of Contents
  - Introduction
  - - About This Book
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Let There Be Light
        
        
        Fresh Air Please
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Besting the Bugs
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Minicatts
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Mixing It Up
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Overwatering
        
        Underwatering
        
        
        
        Too Much Fertilizer
        
        
        Insects
        
        
        Poor Water Quality
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Too Little Light
        
        
        
        Immature Plants
        
        Too Low Humidity
        
        
        Not Enough Water
        
        
        Appendix Resources
        
        Plant Suppliers
        
        Growing Supplies
        
        Orchid Societies
        
        Index

Date post:	07-Mar-2021
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Orchids - The Eye...Steven A. Frowine. first started growing orchids under lights when he was in...

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