Fascinating Orchids Draw New Follower
I have another new passion orchids. It began in February at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle. The same show where I fell pot over watering can for fuchsias. The moment I walked into the orchid showroom it was all over, except for the Master Card.
The room was filled with orchids - exquisite shapes and delicious colors. The mood was quiet and thoughtful, a little like an art exhibit. And, as with many art shows, the art, (and in this case, the orchids) could be purchased. And so it began …
I walked up and down aisle after aisle marveling over the vast variety of orchids available. I spotted an exquisite fellow. I asked the attendant if it was difficult to grow. She slowly studied me as if to say, “Can you properly care for this treasured specimen?” It was as if someone had briefed her on the attention, or lack thereof, I give to my houseplants. You see, orchid enthusiasts are a protective lot. They treat their plants like beloved members of the family. With an offer of a firm commitment to provide an environment to their liking, I was given the green light.
My potted friends rest on moistened gravel under banks of grow lights. There are four varieties with slightly different growing requirements. But until I learn more about each variety, they will be treated alike.
Temperature: According to orchid experts, most orchids like the same comfortable temperature as humans - 72 degrees or so for day time and 55 to 65 degrees for night time.
Humidity: Fill an inch-and-a-half deep tray with gravel, rock or vermiculite. Then fill the tray with water. Set the orchids on top of the medium. As the stones collect water, moisture is evaporated into the air, around the plants and the pots. If a little green algae forms on the pebbles, rinse them in a solution of bleach.
Light: Orchids require light. Though some orchid books say they will do just fine in a well-lighted window, I have mine under grow lights. I want them to bloom. However, hard, leathery, short, yellowish leaves can mean we’re giving them too much light. If the plants become weak or soft and don’t produce flowers, they may be receiving too little light.
Watering: Water requirements for orchids vary according to the variety. However, a good rule of thumb is to test the potting medium with the tips of your fingers. If it feels dry, water thoroughly. But keep in mind, overwatering is one of the number one killers of these plants. Mine definitely won’t die from too much water. The other houseplants will attest to that.
I have so many questions concerning my acquired treasures. What planting medium works best? Can orchids be grown successfully in our area without grow lights? And, how often do we feed them and repot them?
Questions, questions, questions. I hate to do this, because I know I’ll walk away with a few more gems to add to my collection, but I am going straight to the experts - the Spokane Orchid Society - for the answers.
The Orchid Society’s annual orchid show will be in conjunction with the Spokane Home & Garden Show at the Convention Center March 31-April 2. Experts will be on hand to answer all of our orchid questions as well as having orchids to purchase. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy.
On another note: Hold it. Don’t throw out those old flower pots. The Friends of Manito are asking if we would recycle them on April 1 and 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Manito Park. Bring your one-gallon, three- and four-inch pots, and flats to the Tekoa entrance of the park. There will be TFM members on hand to help you unload. Thanks a million.
Also, the WSU Master Gardeners’ lecture series continues Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. Journey through the small world of gardening with two excellent speakers. WSU extension agent Tonie Fitzgerald will take us through her lovely small garden. Then Master Gardener Milo Ball will introduce us to the wonderful world of dwarf conifers. Pre-registration is recommended by calling the extension office at 533-2048. The fee is $5, payable at the door.
The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Phyllis Stephens The Spokesman-Review