Arranged
along stems like so many exotic
butterflies, Phalaenopsis flowers
look almost too perfect |
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to be real.
But if you've never grown orchids before, you may
wonder: Can you grow these hothouse beauties without a
greenhouse? And can you get them to bloom again easily?
Happily, the answer to both questions is yes. Moth
orchids can bloom year after year in pots on
windowsills; household temperatures suit them fine.
Flowers come in white, pink, and other colors. Some have
spots, stripes, or web like patterns; all are gorgeous. |
Moth orchids are sold in 4-inch pots for $15 to $75
each. Choose a plant with at least two pairs of leaves
whose flowers are just starting to open. Display in
bright, indirect light (an east window is usually
perfect) out of drafts.
Caring for
Phalaenopsis orchids
* Cut off spent blooms. After blooms fade, cut stems
back to first node below lowest faded bloom; often the
remaining stem will produce another round of bloom.
* Feed when you water. Once a week, use tepid water with
a light fertilizer (a teaspoon of 19-31-17 liquid
fertilizer to a gallon of water). With a narrow-nose
watering can, irrigate just inside the pot rim, under
plant leaves. Allow pot to drain.
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Repot occasionally. When bark chips have decayed,
water the orchid, jiggle it out of the pot, and wash the
old bark from the roots, snipping off any dried or mushy
roots with sterile clippers. Repot in moistened,
medium-grade bark so the base of the bottom leaves sits
above the bark and 1/2 inch below the pot rim.
Author Jim McCausland
COPYRIGHT Sunset Publishing Corp.& Gale Group |
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