Plant Care

Care Instructions — Click on a species below to see specific instructions.

Odontoglossum

oh-don-toh-gloss-um

Overview

The genus Odontoglossum is a large one, containing approximately 300 species. Botanists have tidied up the genus by moving some of the species to the genus Rossioglossum, but these are still commonly called odontoglossums. The exquisite inflorescences of these plants are produced from the bases of the flattened pseudobulbs, and are usually erect and arching. The flowers are often large and showy, and come in shades of white, yellow, or green, marked with purple or brown blotches.

Temperature and Humidity

Night temperatures of 52 to 55°F and day temperatures of 65 to 70°F are ideal. However, plants in prime condition will tolerate a wider range, from a low of 45°F to a high of 90°F, for several days. High temperatures tend to prevent the flowers from opening properly. Evaporative coolers installed in greenhouses in warm climates increase the chances of raising odontoglossums successfully. A humidity of 65 percent is ideal.

Light

Odontoglossums require between 1,500 and 2,000 foot-candles of light. They may be raised in maximum light, which results in improved flower substance, when provided with cool temperatures and plenty of air movement. In the house, an east-facing window is best.

Air Movement

Odontoglossums thrive in an atmosphere that is fresh and buoyant from the use of fans, ventilation and misting.

Watering

Odontoglossums require lots of moisture when rooted in a free-draining mix, but expect decreased vigor if the mix is allowed to remain soggy. Periodically, collect rainwater and use it to rinse fertilizer salts that accumulate in the mix.

Fertilizing

Nourish Odontoglossums in bark mixes with 20-20-20 fertilizer diluted to one-quarter to one-half of the recommended strength.

Miltonia

mil-toh-nee-a

Overview

Miltonias are the well-known "pansy orchids," plants with large flat flowers that look very much like the flowers in the popular genus Viola. Some miltonia flowers are lightly fragrant. There are two types of miltonias: the flat pansy-type flowers from high, cool areas of Colombia, and the Brazilian Miltonias whose flowers resemble odontoglossums.

Fertilizing

In fir bark culture, administer 30-10-10 fertilizer weekly at the rate of ½ teaspoon per gallon of water. Because pansy orchids are not deciduous, continue to feed them during the winter at the rate of ¼ teaspoon per gallon, but only if the plants need water.

Watering

Despite the presence of their water-storing pseudo bulbs, miltonia can't withstand periods of dryness. Water them as you would cymbidiums, keeping the medium moist — but not soggy — at all times. If the new leaves emerge pleated, the plant is not getting enough water.

Phalaenopsis

fal-en-OP-sis

Flowering

Flowers throughout the year.

Light

They grow easily in a bright window; an east window is ideal in the home. In overcast, northern winter climates, a full south exposure may be needed.

Water

Plants should be thoroughly watered and not watered again until nearly dry. Most problems occur by overwatering. If your orchid is growing in moss, water when the moss is slightly spongy to touch; if it is growing in bark, water every 5–10 days depending on the weather.

Fertilize

Provide your plant with nutrients on a regular schedule. If bark is the potting media, a high-nitrogen fertilizer (such as 30-10-10) is good; otherwise a balanced fertilizer (such as 18-18-18) works well. To encourage flowering, a high-phosphorus fertilizer (such as 10-30-20) can be applied.

Repotting

Phalaenopsis are among the most commonly grown orchids. If yours came in moss, it's best to replant soon after it finishes blooming — preferably into bark. Choose a pot one inch larger than the original container, just big enough that the roots touch the side of the new pot.

Dendrobium nobile

den-droh-bee-um NO-bi-lee

Overview

Dendrobium nobile and related species are native to Burma, India, Thailand and Indochina. Here they grow on trees, from the lowlands up to the cool highlands of the Himalayas at elevations of 4,000 feet. The species and their hybrids are extremely hardy, surviving temperatures ranging from warm to hot as well as enduring freezing conditions in some locales.

Temperature and Humidity

For differentiation of flower buds, it is important to expose plants to low temperatures. In the autumn when it becomes cool, do not rush to bring plants into the greenhouse unless a freeze is forecast. Leave them outside to cool, and they will bloom better. A night temperature of 40 to 50°F is ideal when in bloom.

Light

Small plants require no shade during the winter. However, 30- to 40-percent shade is needed from late spring through autumn for healthy growth. Full sun promotes vigorous growth.

Watering

When temperatures begin to rise in the spring, gradually start watering. In summer, water almost every day. In late September, gradually reduce watering. When night temperature falls below 50°F, water only enough to keep the canes from shriveling — once a week should be adequate.

Fertilizing

A low-nitrogen fertilizer is ideal for flowering specimens. Discontinue fertilizing after early August to guarantee many flowers.

Dendrobium

den-droh-bee-um

Overview

Phalaenopsis-type Dendrobium hybrids are derived from Dendrobium phalaenopsis. Commonly referred to as den-phals, they are among the easiest of orchids to grow under most conditions. These evergreen orchids reward the beginner with sprays of vividly colored long-lasting flowers in exchange for minimal care.

Temperature and Humidity

Den-phals thrive under a broad spectrum of temperature and light combinations. The recommended temperature range is between 50 and 90°F. A relative humidity of 50 to 60 percent is optimal.

Light

Direct filtered sun is essential for flowering, but provide 30- to 70-percent shade during midday. Bright light will generally encourage flowering, provided excessive leaf temperatures are avoided.

Watering

Thoroughly soak the potting medium, then allow it to dry out before watering again. Watering twice a week is generally adequate with properly potted plants in most climates.

Fertilizing

Apply a balanced fertilizer containing minor elements on a regular basis. When using inorganic media it is especially important to provide an adequate mix of nutrients, including minor nutritional elements.

Masdevallia

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Overview

Masdevallia are true cloud forest orchids, requiring constant moisture. They have no pseudobulbs and thus cannot endure periods without water. Most are from high elevations (between 6,000 and 12,000 feet) and need cool conditions. The showiest parts of a masdevallia flower are the sepals; the petals are tiny structures nestled in the center of the flower.

Light

Masdevallia usually grow in relatively shaded areas in the forest. In cultivation, about 1,000 to 1,400 foot-candles of light is adequate. The leaf color should be medium to light green. Too much light quickly produces yellow leaves.

Watering

Because masdevallia are relatively small plants potted in small pots, it is necessary to water often — usually two to three times a week in summer to about once a week in winter. Keep the medium moist but not sopping wet. Overwatering does not make up for lack of humidity and will cause root rot.

Fertilizing

Masdevallia are not heavy feeders. Apply one-half strength of a balanced fertilizer once or twice a month. Overfeeding may cause leaf-tip burn. (Shelldance Gardens 20-20-20 Professional Orchid food is great.)

Vanda

van-dah

Overview

Vanda are some of the most popular cultivated orchids. The broad spectrum of their flower colors include purple, brown, yellow, white, red, and blue. The flowers are large and long-lived, and often appear more than once a year. Vanda plants have thick upright stems bearing opposite ranks of leaves nourished by a tangle of aerial roots.

Temperature and Humidity

Vandaceous orchids thrive when the temperature during the day is 65°F or higher and night temperatures are not lower than 55°F. Humidity around 80 percent is appropriate on hot sunny days.

Light

Vandaceous orchids require strong light. Provide full morning sun when possible. Strap-leaved plants need additional protection during the hottest part of the day.

Air Movement

In the greenhouse, under summer sun, vigorous air movement from a fan is important to keep leaf temperature down and avoid cell damage from heat.

Watering

A high daytime humidity is essential, especially on sunny days. Vandaceous plants outdoors may need watering and misting several times daily during the growing season. Limit watering during cooler weather, on cloudy days or after repotting.

Fertilizing

Vandaceous orchids require copious quantities of nutrients. Give plants in the greenhouse a solution of a complete fertilizer, such as 20-20-20.

Cymbidium

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Overview

Cymbidium hybrids fall into two main groups, standards and miniatures. Standard cymbidiums bear flowers between 3 and 5 inches across and grow up to 3 feet tall. They require bright sunlight and very cool night temperatures. Along the California coast, where these requirements are easily satisfied, standard cymbidiums are considered low-maintenance outdoor plants.

Watering

Water cymbidiums thoroughly to avoid the buildup of fertilizer salts. Cymbidiums are native to monsoon areas, so they require ample water during their summer growing season. Water once a week, more frequently during warm weather, and less often in cool or wet weather. Overwatering will cause roots to rot.

Fertilizing

Provide a balanced formula (20-20-20) all year long, supplementing with nitrogen in summer to speed growth. Toward the end of the growing season (June), discontinue the nitrogen supplement to promote the initiation of inflorescence.

Paphiopedilum

paff-ee-oh-PED-i-lum

Overview

Paphiopedilum differ from other orchids in both the appearance of the plants and their flowers. One of the most obvious features that set the flowers apart is the lip, which is modified into a pouch like a cup. This pouch suggests the name "lady's slipper," a common name applied to paphiopedilums.

Temperature and Humidity

The green-leaved types ideally require a minimum night temperature around 50 to 55°F, while the mottled-leaved types need 60 to 65°F at night. Day temperatures should range between 70°F and 80°F. The humidity should be moderate, between 40 and 50 percent during the day.

Light

Paphiopedilums enjoy medium light intensity, requiring 800 to 1,000 foot-candles throughout the year for optimum growth. Avoid direct sun, except in the early morning.

Watering

Paphiopedilum do not possess pseudobulbs and must have a regular and constant water supply. Keep the medium moist but not wet. Water early in the day so that the foliage will dry before temperatures drop at nightfall. Typically water every five to seven days.

Fertilizing

Feed plants in fir bark with a high-nitrogen fertilizer (30-10-20 or 30-10-10 ratio) at half of the recommended strength. Fertilize greenhouse-grown plants three times and then apply plain water for the fourth watering to leach out any accumulated salts.

Bromeliads

broh-MEE-lee-adz

Overview

Bromeliads are among the most colorful plants living in the jungle canopy, rivaling even the orchids in the drama of their blooms and foliage. Many of these plants can be shaped like a vase, which will hold water, so the plant can slowly absorb the moisture as needed.

Light

Medium bright light will ensure that the foliage remains bright and in vibrant color. Many of the Bromeliads develop bright colors like we humans do — being out in the sun, it's a suntan.

Water

Drench your plants before they become bone dry — typically every 7–10 days. Pour out any old water and replace with fresh, as you would do with cut flowers.

Food

Nourish plants with very diluted, water-soluble fertilizer; a balanced blend (18-18-18) is good. Be consistent in feeding to promote even, steady growth.

Containers

Bromeliads like to be in small containers. Repotting is only necessary when the plant becomes too heavy for the container. Preferred planting mix is peats and coarse sand.

Tillandsia

til-AND-see-a

Overview

The popular air plants are members of the Bromeliad family. Rather than having a reservoir to hold water to drink, these clever plants absorb water on contact, like a sponge. Tillandsia plants are native to North and South America, with a wide range of habitats — living high in the canopy of trees, perched on the edge of a rocky cliff, even some happily clinging to a telephone line.

Light

Bright to very bright light is the rule — the more silver-grey or fuzzy the foliage, the more light they want to be happy.

Water

Drench plants typically every 5–7 days if your plant is living inside. More often as needed depending on the weather if growing outside.

Food

Nourish plants with very diluted, water-soluble fertilizer; a balanced blend (18-18-18) is good. Be consistent in feeding to promote even, steady growth.

Potting

Usually air plants are grown without pots, tied onto branches, suspended in coconut shells, or nested on rocks inside a tea cup.