When warm weather arrives, orchids need special attention to ensure they thrive and stay healthy. Here are some key points to watch out for when temperatures rise:
Temperature: Orchids come from different climates and have specific temperature requirements. In general, most orchids thrive at room temperatures between 20°C and 28°C. Make sure the temperature does not fluctuate too much and avoid sudden temperature changes, as this can cause stress.
Watering: In warm conditions, orchids’ water requirements may increase. Check the colour of the roots regularly. If the roots are grey the plant needs water. If they are green then they have sufficient moisture. Make sure the pot is well-drained and can drain excess water to prevent root rot. If the roots are brown then you may have given the orchid too much water. In some orchids, the orchid will make new roots on its own (after flowering).
Protection from direct sunlight: Bright sunlight can burn orchid leaves. Place your orchids in a location with bright, indirect light and avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hot hours of the day. A light curtain or sunshade can help filter the light.
Ventilation: Ensure adequate air circulation around your orchids to prevent mould growth and excessive heat build-up. H
The name Phalaenopsis stands for ‘(night) butterfly’ and is derived from the Greek ‘Phalaina’ (moth) and ‘opsis’ (similar to). The Phalaenopsis comes from the tropical rainforests of Asia, New Guinea and Australia. They grow on tree branches and in rock crevices, often near streams and rivers. The Phalaenopsis is the most sold orchid in Europe and is available in many colors. The plants usually give two or three branches. The Phalaenopsis orchid has an exotic appearance and a long flowering period; sometimes up to twelve weeks or more which makes it an ideal house plant.
The name Phalaenopsis stands for ‘(night) butterfly’ and is derived from the Greek ‘Phalaina’ (moth) and ‘opsis’ (similar to). The Phalaenopsis Grandiflora has very large flowers and is a real eye-catcher. The Grandiflora has its origins in Southeast Asia, the Himalayas and the Philippines. With a very long flowering period, sometimes up to twelve weeks, the Grandiflora is a stunner for every home or office.
The name Phalaenopsis stands for ‘(night) butterfly’ and is derived from the Greek ‘Phalaina’ (moth) and ‘opsis’ (similar to). The Phalaenopsis comes from the tropical rainforests of Asia, New Guinea and Australia. The Phalaenopsis Multiflora has a lot of small flowers and has a long flowering period, sometimes up to twelve weeks. Except in trees, this orchid also grows in the wild on highly air permeable soil, such as humus and on rocks and in rock crevices, usually close to rivers and streams. The plants usually give two or three branches.
The name Phalaenopsis stands for ‘(night) butterfly’ and is derived from the Greek ‘Phalaina’ (moth) and ‘opsis’ (similar to). The Phalaenopsis comes from the tropical rainforests of Asia, New Guinea and Australia. They grow on tree branches and in rock crevices, often near streams and rivers. The Phalaenopsis Tiny Dolls ownes its name to the small size: the plant is only 20 to 25 centimeters high and the flowers are 2.5 centimeters wide. These cute orchids remain small, even if they start to bloom again. The Tiny Dolls has been developed over the past ten years through an intensive cultivation program. With proper care, the Tiny Dolls will flower for eight to twelve weeks. It is available in many different colors.
The name Phalaenopsis stands for ‘(night) butterfly’ and is derived from the Greek ‘Phalaina’ (moth) and ‘opsis’ (similar to). The Phalaenopsis comes from the tropical rainforests of Asia, New Guinea and Australia. They grow on tree branches and in rock crevices, often near streams and rivers. The Phalaenopsis is the most sold orchid in Europe and is available in many colors. The plants usually give two or three branches. The Phalaenopsis orchid has an exotic appearance and a long flowering period; sometimes up to twelve weeks or more which makes it an ideal house plant.
The Paphiopedilum is by far one of the most unique and intriguing of all orchids. Its exotic, wax-like, richly colored blooms last for weeks and sometimes months. The Paphiopedilum comes from Asia and Central America. She grows between rocks and under trees to protect herself from the sun. The shoe-shaped lip serves as an insect trap; flying insects are lured by fragrances and the promise of nectar in the flower. Once in the lip, the insects can only exit through a narrow opening. This way they hit the pistil and the stamens and they get the pollen on their bodies. With a next flower, the pollen ends up on the pestle. Paphiopedilums have no attractive, glossy leaves. But after these leaves are fully formed, the flower stalk rises from the centre of the new growth to form one of the most unusual flowers in the world. Best of all, they are ideal for home growing.
Oncidium orchids, also known as the “Dancing Ladies” are very popular for ease of growing and long lasting sprays of small, distinct flowers with bright colors. The Oncidium, with 750 species, is one of the largest orchid families. This plant comes from the American continent – from Florida and Mexico to Peru and Argentina. The Oncidium does not need much and is easy to flower. The plant blooms on average for six to eight weeks. They will typically bloom once a year and can be grown in the home, as well as in a sheltered area in the garden.
The popularity of the Miltonia orchid is increasing rapidly, thanks in part to the development of methods at our growers that can produce plants in greater quantities. The Miltonia can be found along the river banks in Colombia and Brazil. Some striking features of the Miltonia are the bright colors. Some species spread a wonderful smell. The Miltonia is available in many colors: white, pink, red and purple. Because of the familiar shape and markings of these spectacular flowers, Miltonia are often called ‘Pansy Orchids.’ Their richly colored flowers blossom profusely. Miltonia orchids can easily be cultured at home or in a greenhouse. They normally bloom in the spring or fall.
The Dendrobium Berry Oda is also known as the ‘Bamboo orchid’, because it has many branches. The name Dendrobium stands for tree (dendron) and life (bios). It is a reference to the way the plants grow: on the trunks of trees. The Berry Oda is originally from Australia. What is striking about this type of Dendrobium are the beautiful purple flowers, the wonderfully light scent that it spreads and the large number of branches. The flowering period is unique. The plant starts to bloom in November and flowers, provided you take good care of the plant, with ease until the end of May.
Sheer beginners will love Dendrobium Nobile orchids. The name Dendrobium stands for tree (dendron) and life (bios). It is a reference to the way the plants grow: on the trunks of trees. The Dendrobium Nobile comes from South East Asia, the Himalayan region, Malaysia, South China and Japan. The Dendrobium Nobile differs from the other orchids by the bunch of flowers that form under each leaf. Each bunch has three to five flowers. In total they can have up to 50 blooms on one stalk, making for a stunning floral display. Dendrobium Nobile flowers for at least eight weeks. The flowers, especially in the morning, spread a light fragrance. The color varies from entirely white, yellow, orange, pink, purple and combinations thereof. These hybrids go dormant for a couple of months in the winter, losing some of their leaves in the process. The Cameleon growers have perfected the Nobile hybrids so closely that they can even cause them to bloom for any requested holiday. If you’re looking for an orchid with lots of helpful information available about it, this is the one to choose.
Brassias also know as spider orchids are simply spectacular. They come in various shades of green with variable darker markings on the petals and lip. With dark green leaves and oval pseudo bulbs, the flowers are sweetly scented. Brassias are mostly spring or summer flowering. The Brassia is easy to get in bloom again and does well in the windowsill.