Growing Instructions For Orchids requiring Lower Light. These plants are best grown inside with little light or artificial light.   Keep evenly moist but not soggy.

 

Remember  blooms will last longer in the lower light inside your home.  Increasing Humidity will also make the blooms last longer.  See below about  increasing humidity.

Phone: 713-472-1364

Fax: 713-946-1749

Email: palmerorchids@hotmail.com
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Palmer Orchids

General growing tips

 

Orchids are hardier than most people believe.  Most thrive on neglect.  Many  problems are caused by over watering.  Repotting is another mistake novice growers make.  We are all tempted to upgrade to a bigger pot, because that is what other plants require.  Remember orchids do not draw any nourishment from what they are potted in.  They do not care about the pot,  they only use the pot to hold themselves upright and to feel secure.  They like to touch the pot on all sides so they feel that they are protected from falling.   Orchids do not attract many pests. Mealy Bugs, Scale and Aphids will sometimes attack, but if you look at the plants often they are easily controlled.  Fungus can be controlled by using cinnamon on the wound.  If the tissue is mushy and has an odor it is bacteria and you can apply the same ointment you use on cuts and scrapes on your hands. 

 

The Secret to growing and blooming orchids is to know what type of orchid you have and learn how to grow that particular orchid.  Common sense goes a long way, know how the orchid grows in nature and try as best you can to duplicate those requirements.   RELAX AND ENJOY GROWING

 

 

Fertilization:

We recommend you fertilize your orchids each time you water using 1/4 strength of recommended rate per gallon.

Use any brand of balanced, water soluble fertilizer,  (all three numbers the same —20-20-20,  14-14-14,  10-10-10)

The fertilizer does not need to say Orchids on the package, Orchids cannot read, but if you feel safer do not mix where they can see.

Application rate will vary with the fertilizer you use,  mix 1/4 of recommended strength, and water orchids using this mixture.

Easy way to remember is fertilize weakly—weekly except as noted above.  We fertilize year round on same schedule.

We use a bloom boost fertilizer on our plants once per month.  Bloom boost is labeled for “All blooming plants”

Bloom Boost will always have a high middle number  10-58-14  or 12-65-20.  (Super Bloom or BR-61 are examples)

Remember to spike an orchid use fertilizer with middle number that spikes above the other two numbers.

Summary: 

Use balanced fertilizer at 1/4 strength every week for three weeks, then use Bloom Boost at 1/4 strength on the 4th week of ea month

Jewel Orchid   Macodes petola  and Ludisia discolor    

Terrestrial (will grow in soil)  grown for foliage, blooms are insignificant.  Leaves become washed out if given too much light.

Miltoniopsis   The Pansy Orchid   

Best grown inside in north or east window.  Day time temp should not exceed 85 F.  Wonderful Fragrance,  maintain high humidity water every 5-7 days

Paphiopedilum  Complex “Bull Dog Type” 

Keep evenly moist, never let dry completely.  Fertilize sparingly repot every year to eliminate salts buildup

Paphiopedilum  Lady Slipper Orchid  “maudiae type” 

Treat exactly the same as Bull Dog Type shown above.

Phalaenopsis Moth Orchid    

Excellent house plant  blooms last 2-6 months.  East exposure is best, will tolerate Northern exposure.  Water once a week in the morning.  Do not allow water to stand in the crown, as it will rot and destroy the plant.  Requires a temp drop in the fall 20 degrees from day to night temp.  Other times keep temp above 60 and below 85.

Zygopedilum     Blooms every 4-6 months on upright spikes 3-9 flowers.  Flowers are fragrant.  Water twice per week, never let plant dry completely.   We find New Hybrids are easier to grow than species.

Low Light