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| Phalaenopsis "the moth orchid" |
Orchid are notorious murder victims by
gardeners and people who receive them as gifts (like me). I would like to think
that I have a green thumb, specifically when it comes to an orchid that I
received as a gift in June. The splendid delicate, purple orchid has despite
its elegance has proven a hearty addition to my plant family, and has continued
to bloom from June to the present (mid November.)
So am I just lucky? Is the light in my dining room here in
Portland, Oregon just right? Does my orchid get just enough water from the ice cubes I
place in its pot? I did some research and found some helpful tips for growing
orchids indoors and also found that the conditions in my Oregon home are quite
pleasing for orchids.
My orchid lives on my dining room table near a large north
facing window. Experts suggest growing orchids near eat-west facing windows but
not too close to the window-orchids get cold, they should be kept in 60-80
degrees temps when blooming indoors. If you keep and orchid on a window sil
move it at night when temperatures drop.
Bright light, but not direct sunlight-welcome to a nice day
in Portland, Oregon! The grey day light here in Oregon is on my side, it is
bright but not too intense in my dining room where my orchid lives perched on a
table.
Since June, I water my orchid with 3 ice cubes placed in the
pot when potting medium feels bone dry, now that it’s November and there is
less humidity in the air, I plan on watering
(ice cubing) a bit more often. Experts suggest placing orchids on wet gravel
in trays and using a mister to give flowers some refreshment now and then.
These
plants need moist air. Placing pots on wet gravel in trays is a good idea. Keep
1/2 inch of water in the gravel....this will evaporate and provide humidity.
Using a mister to give your plants an occasional spritz will also provide the
moisture your plants need.
Air circulation is important. Open windows when the weather is warm, or place a small fan in the growing space.
Air circulation is important. Open windows when the weather is warm, or place a small fan in the growing space.
What kind of indoor plants thrive in your home? Any orchid lovers out there?
