Orchids are the exotics of the plane world. Their shape and color are enticing, and their growing habits are odd. For centuries, they’ve been considered rare and difficult to grow. This is largely due to the perception that they are tropical in nature. That’s not universally true. In fact, orchids grow in all fifty states. Orchids are indigenous on all continents. Five types grow in Greenland. However, we’re not inclined to grow these particular varieties in our homes.

The proliferation of a few species of orchids that enjoy the same living conditions as we do has led to widespread commercialization of orchid houseplants. They can now be found in gift shops and grocery stores as well as greenhouses. If you can tend other indoor greenery with a few orchid-specific tips, you can grace your home with the rich palette of orchid jewel tones and  patterns.

Cymbidium were the first to be widely cultivated because they can be enticed to produce flowers every year. The second were Dendrobium, which are also epiphytes, meaning that their roots seek air. Not all epiphytes are Dendrobiums, but all Dendrobiums are Epiphyres. Palaenopsis are common because they are easy to grow at home. Paphiopedilums, also known as slipper orchids because of their unique pouch, bloom for weeks and have attractive foliage. Their care is similar to African Violets, requiring relatively low light e.g. an East-facing window, preferably with high humidity. Just put them on a pebble-filled saucer with a bit of water.

Wow! Such big names for pretty plants. If you’re planning on buying one for a Valentine’s Day gift resist the urge to select a fully bloomed specimen. Pick one that also has a few unopened buds for longevity.

Tips for caring for orchids

When the blooms are gone the orchid plant is less than lovely. The simple truth is it’s easy to ignore the poor thing. But it’s not dead. Keep rending it as though it were still blooming.

» Light. It may seem odd, bur the correct color for orchid leaves is the color of grass, a medium green. Before orchids bloom, the leaves will take on tinges of yellow. If leaves are deep green, it’s not getting enough light. Yellow leaves don’t necessarily indicate trouble. If a leaf turns white, it’s getting too much light, except just a bottom leaf—it will probably rum black and slough off.

» Water. The most common cause of death is root rot from overwatering. lf unsure, wait a day. The time to water is when the roots have dried out. This is especially true of the epiphytes.  These roots often creep out of the pot or cling to bark. Drain pots thoroughly after watering. Finally, gently soak up any moisture remaining in the center of the leaves to prevent damage to the crown.

» Air Circulation is important. Orchid enthusiasts often install fans. You can simply give your plants space to breathe.

» Feeding. Use balanced orchid fertilizers (20-20-20) monthly, following manufacturer instructions. Though no buds or blossoms may be present, the process for creating new ones is underway.

» Pruning for reblooming. Dying blooms should be removed cleanly with a sharp, clean razor knife as soon as they begin to falter. But there are differences in how to trim back species once all the blooms are gone. For the Paphiopedilums orchid cut back each stem to about an inch from the main stem, make each cut just distal to a notch. Remove any yellowing or brown stem parts. Palaenopsis species can rebloom from its smaller branches, so trim just above the node below each spent bloom. Tip the pot and trim damaged roots. Repot in a slightly larger pot using orchid medium (a mix of sphagnum, perlite, charcoal, coconut husk, or other light materials). For Dendrobium trim only to the main stalk, as new growth will occur there. Repot as above. //