Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: MaryW
Date: 09-23-2004, 01:06 PM (1 of 7)
|
My hubby bought me two orchids this past week. They are very unique. Very tall and gangly. I know they can be very tricky to grow. Does anyone have a clue how to grow these beauties? They are both in flower for the moment. LOL. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
|
From: Magot
Date: 09-23-2004, 02:17 PM (2 of 7)
|
Generally they like high humidity ( 50% or more) being rainforest plants. They have no root as such, being epiphytes, so water them once a week or so when the medium dries out but don't let them stand in water. The water that you use should be left to stand for a day before use (applies to mist spray as well I should imagine) to allow chemicals to disipate and for there to be no temperature shock to the plant. Light requirements varies species to species but probably a minimum of 4 hours daylight in winter ( can get special bulbs) if you want it to keep flowering. Temperature varies also species to species and they like a certain amount of airflow as I imagine you do yourself. I have a little epiphyte in my kitchen which likes to be misted daily. It's is growing like a triffid! I have heard that if you want them to keep flowering you have to cut the flowers when they bloom - all the energy goes into that bloom and so they produce no more - but you may want to research that. What a lovely gift! was it a special occasion? love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
|
From: Chrysantha
Date: 09-23-2004, 03:10 PM (3 of 7)
|
Growing Orchids is a lot like growing African Violets..they're picky, but once you get them going they go forever. Like Jan said, no wet feet, high humidity. I keep mine in a west facing window with blinds on it. That way they get all the afternoon sun, without the burn...
Chrys
|
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
|
From: paroper
Date: 09-24-2004, 08:49 AM (4 of 7)
|
My mother had one in her room. It bloomed constantly for over a year. It was quite pretty. The nurse watered it for her and I don't know how often she did it. We didn't even feed it although I know that there are special plant food for orchids.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-24-2004, 09:12 AM (5 of 7)
|
Ok, I have them sitting on my fireplace mantel in the dining room. They receive lots of indirect light. I have them elevated slightly with water in the bottom saucer for humidity. This better work. Cross your fingers.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
|
From: icetbear
Date: 09-24-2004, 09:20 PM (6 of 7)
|
Hi Mary, We have an orchid expert on my writing forum who has published several books on orchids. Along with the many great tips from other posters, try the web site below for more information. Take care, NanaBear http://forum.theorchidsource.com |
User: icetbear
Member since: 09-04-2004 Total posts: 66 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-25-2004, 05:39 AM (7 of 7)
|
Thanks Nanabear, I will do just that!
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
|
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-13734.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft