Orchids as blooming plants are fast becoming
one of this country's favorite houseplants!
Such collectors and enthusiasts as Sandy Murphy, who has been dubbed
by many in the Twin Cities area as the "Orchid Lady",
teach classes, offer culture sheets, show and sell them.
Even decorating magazines are encouraging readers to give Orchids
a try, as many varieties are among the easiest of all plants to
grow.
Orchids stand out, if for no other reason than they're among life's
few luxuries that cost less than they did 40, 50, even up to 150
years ago.
In Europe, whole fortunes were once spent on the exotic, showy plants.
Orchids were most expensive during the Victorian era, when every
English estate had a collection and owners sent collectors to the
wilds of places like South America to find them.
In the 1860's growers began to hybridize orchids, making the jungle
hunts unnecessary.
But it wasn't until 1920 that one researcher figured out a way to
create a sterile seedbed in a glass bottle from seaweed, sugar and
starches from which to grow the Orchid seeds that can be as small
as a grain of face powder.
This was the hallmark that made orchids available to everyone!
Growing orchid plants can be fascinating
and rewarding, whether you're interested on a commercial level or
simply as a hobby.
There are, of course, thousands of different
orchid plants...many with specific needs particular unto themselves.
Need some assistance on how to care for your
plants? We can help!
Please note... The culture sheets included
here are primarily intended for hybrid plants and are for general
care of some of the species in each genus.
If you are unsure, check with your grower
for specific plant care, browse the web, or check reference books
at your local or regional library.
Phalaenopsis the moth orchid,
is one of the best orchids for growing in the home, and is also
a favorite with greenhouse growers. Culture for Doritis, a related
genus, and Doritaenopsis, a hybrid between the two genera, is the
same as for pure Phalaenopsis. CLICK FOR COMPLETE INFO
Paphiopedilum or slipper orchids,
originate from the jungles of the Far East and Indonesia. They are
semi-terrestrial, growing in humus and other material on the forest
floor, on cliffs in pockets and occasionally in trees. They're easy
to grow in the home, under lights or in the greenhouse. CLICK FOR COMPLETE INFO
Phragmipedium originates from
the tropical areas of Central and South America, including areas
of southern Mexico south to Brazil. The basic culture of the genus
Phragmipedium is rather easy and will reward the grower with many
wonderful blooms. CLICK FOR COMPLETE INFO
Miltoniopsis are called the
"Pansy Orchid" because their flowers resemble pansies. Miltonias
come in most colors, and some have very interesting "masks" or "waterfalls"
as a design in the center of the flower. They sometimes are fragrant. CLICK FOR COMPLETE INFO
Cymbidium are native to the
foothills of the Himalayas and China and are accustomed to cool
conditions. Some are fragrant and their long leaves make them attractive
as indoor plants. CLICK FOR COMPLETE INFO
Cattleya The flowers in cattleyas
and their related hybrids come in most all colors of the spectrum.
Culture varies only slightly among most of these groups; this cultural
information is a general guide to "standard" Cattleya culture. CLICK FOR COMPLETE INFO
Dendrobium They thrive on the
humidity rising from the jungle floor and on the meager nourishment
obtainable from old leaves and other debris collected in the branches
of the trees. CLICK FOR COMPLETE INFO
Vanda Vandas are native to
Southeast Asia. Most varieties prefer bright light and warmth as
well as a reasonable degree of humidity. CLICK FOR COMPLETE INFO
Oncidium are known often as
the "dancing lady" orchid because, as you can see, the flowers resemble
dancing ladies. They come in most colors, and flower size is smaller
than most orchids. They have many, many flowers on each spike. CLICK FOR COMPLETE INFO
Lycaste This genus produces
large, showy triangular flowers that are waxy and long-lasting.
The plants are distinctive for their roundish bulbs and broad, plicate(pleated)
leaves. CLICK FOR COMPLETE INFO
