Orchid-Growing Tips From the Expert
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4 Comments
Dick Wells of Hilltop Orchids offers the following tips on how to successfully grow orchids:
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- Start with a phalaenopsis (fal-en-OP-sis), or “moth” orchid, as they are one of the easiest to grow and will reward you with multiple, large, showy flowers on each spike. A phalaenopsis will stay in flower from a couple of months to six or seven months,” says Wells.
- Choose a window facing east or west – or a southerly window if it’s protected from direct sunlight. Orchids like diffused light.
- Water every seven to 12 days, depending on how much heat passes over them. Water by placing the plant in the sink and pouring nonsoftened water over them. Let them drain, and then return to their normal spot.
- Fertilize every other watering.
- Repot every year or 18 months, but do not increase the pot size dramatically – generally no more than one or one and a half size larger. “If you overpot, the potting media will sour and the roots will turn brown and die. Orchids love to be root-bound,” says Wells.
- Be sure to use a soilless orchid potting mixture, not dirt.
- Keep your orchid in a plastic pot with holes in the bottom. If you like a decorative pot, place the plastic pot inside and disguise the top with moss, says Wells.
Every plant sold at Hilltop Orchids comes with a handy care and feeding manual to help anyone succeed at growing orchids.
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Carol Williams
April 17, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Hello,
I was at the Garfield park show Sunday and was interested in the Chartreuse “lady slipper” variety but it was sold.
I would like to come to the greenhouse and purchase one preferably a double shoot one with early bud phase if possible. will you let me know if you have any in stock?
Thanks,
Carol Williams
Blair Thomas
April 18, 2012 at 4:34 pm
Carol,
To find out information about purchasing orchids from Hilltop Orchids in Cloverdale, you can call them, (765) 795-6016. Or find more information on Hilltop Orchids’ website, http://www.hilltoporchids.com.
Thanks for reading,
Blair Thomas
My Indiana Home
Linda Burgess
September 15, 2018 at 2:14 pm
Hello My Sister lives in the old Sinclair house on 42 in Cloverdale. she has a greenhouse and log cabin store there as well. They love to garden as she is a Master Gardener. Don’t think she grows Orchids though so any tips for growing will be appreciated .Thanks
Linda
April 30, 2021 at 7:38 am
Thanks for the information.