tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68658387226828239122009-09-21T15:40:09.347-07:00Sam Alexandernoreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6865838722682823912.post-20416715083190954732008-03-10T10:42:00.000-07:002008-03-10T10:45:43.238-07:00Here's a neat little article for beginner's. It's about the <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Care-For-Orchids&amp;id=1036534">care for orchids</a> and specifically about the Phalaenopsis species. This is by far the most common orchid people grow. It's one of the more tolerant varieties and is stunningly beautiful.<br /><br />Like all orchids, care does have to be taken. But this one is well suited to indoor growing.<br /><br />Enjoy!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6865838722682823912-2041671508319095473?l=careoforchidstips.blogspot.com'/></div>Sam Alexandernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6865838722682823912.post-85900212911158451342008-03-10T03:03:00.000-07:002008-03-10T03:17:29.690-07:00I just came across this small <a href="http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977176677&amp;nav=Namespace">photo essay</a> on orchids and thought it was worth sharing.<br /><br />Do scroll down past the blurb to see the photos<br /><br />Enjoy!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6865838722682823912-8590021291115845134?l=careoforchidstips.blogspot.com'/></div>Sam Alexandernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6865838722682823912.post-5076441955505133692008-03-10T02:51:00.000-07:002008-03-10T02:55:39.748-07:00Here's a good article on the <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Winning-Ideas-For-The-Care-Of-Orchids&amp;id=1029810">care of orchids</a> for beginners. It has eight easy to follow tips including:-<br /><br /><ul><li>Choosing the species according to the environment</li><li>Growing mediums</li><li>Drainage</li><li>Humidity</li><li>Air circulation</li><li>Rain water versus tap water</li><li>Specialist Orchid feeds</li><li>Re-potting</li></ul>Enjoy<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6865838722682823912-507644195550513369?l=careoforchidstips.blogspot.com'/></div>Sam Alexandernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6865838722682823912.post-77241708894372855822008-03-10T02:32:00.000-07:002008-03-10T02:49:14.851-07:00Cattleyas orchids are one of the easiest house plants to grow.<br /><ul><li>They bloom once per year.<br /></li><li>They need bright light, but avoid direct sunlight.<br /></li><li>They can tolerate light shade in the summer.</li><li>During growing season, water once per week and mist daily<br /></li><li>After growing, do not water for 6 to 10 weeks. This encourages good blooms the following year.</li><li>At other times, water every two or three weeks and mist daily.</li><li>Re-pot in spring if it's outgrown it's pot.</li><li>Between March and September, apply half strength high nitrogen feed every two weeks.<br /></li><li>Between September and March, apply half strength high potash feed.<br /></li></ul>The flowers are so spectacular they are worth the effort<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6865838722682823912-7724170889437285582?l=careoforchidstips.blogspot.com'/></div>Sam Alexandernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6865838722682823912.post-79733010367332493682008-03-10T01:51:00.000-07:002008-03-10T02:15:46.001-07:00If you are just starting out growing orchids, it's worth beginning with a popular easier growing species. Phalaenopsis is one that fits the bill. It's ideal for a house plant and more tolerant than most species.<br /><br />Major Requirements<br /><ul><li>Minimum temperature in winter: above 60 F</li><li>Maximum temperature in summer: below 82 F</li><li>Optimum temperature: 68 F to 71.6 F<br /></li><li>Avoid drafts</li><li>Avoid direct sunlight</li><li>Provide adequate humidity with misting</li></ul>Plus check out the <a href="http://careoforchidstips.blogspot.com/2008/03/winning-ideas-for-care-of-orchids.html">care of orchid tips</a> on this blog.<br /><br />You will be rewarded well with stunning beauty and flowers for many months of the year.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6865838722682823912-7973301036733249368?l=careoforchidstips.blogspot.com'/></div>Sam Alexandernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6865838722682823912.post-28020579433363406902008-03-10T01:42:00.000-07:002008-03-21T10:06:39.183-07:00Orchids are so delicate and beautiful that you take it for granted they must be really, really hard to grow. Well, I’m here to tell you it need to be. Not if you have the best care of orchids guidance on the market.<br /><br />It is best to choose a species suited to the environmental conditions that you will be able to provide. So, if you have a south east facing window sill that’s partially obstructed by shrubs you should go for a species that is happy in lower light conditions.<br /><br />Circulating air is necessary to help in the prevention of diseases but cold drafts must be avoided.<br /><br />Orchids require humidity. An inexpensive way of attaining this is to use a hand held spray several times a day. Do not spray too much at any time. And never spray open flowers as there is a chance brown spots will develop.<br /><br />The growing medium for orchids should be an orchard bark mix, fine or medium, or New Zealand sphagnum moss. Soil should not be used.<br /><br />Orchids should be planted in pots that have excellent drainage.<br /><br />Orchid plants need re-potting on average every 1 to 2 years. It’s best to re-pot after flowering but it should be carried out promptly if the moss or bark is looking packed or decomposed.<br /><br />Use a specialist orchid feed which has the correct balance of nutrients. Use on a regular basis.<br /><br />Rain water is preferable to tap water. It is a good idea to introduce a rain harvesting system in your garden. Early morning is the best time to water your plants. Generally speaking plants will need to be watered every 4 to 5 days but, naturally, it all depends on the temperature and orchid species.<br /><br /><a href="http://orchidanswer.com/" style="font-weight: bold; ">The Practical Guide To Orchid Care</a> covers all aspects of how to care for orchids. Believe me, once you start to apply the guidance you will not look back.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6865838722682823912-2802057943336340690?l=careoforchidstips.blogspot.com'/></div>Sam Alexandernoreply@blogger.com0