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How to Attach A Phalaenopsis Orchid to A Tree
Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the most popular orchids around. Beautiful and tropical, these orchids grow naturally on trees in tropical and semi-tropical places. As epiphytes, Phalaenopsis orchids love living on tree bark in warm climates that mimic their native wild habitat. Just take a look at the photos on this page of lush, thriving orchids with long, robust root tips grabbing onto tree bark, and it is quickly apparent just how much orchids love growing on trees. Would you like to try growing your Phalaenopsis orchid in this rustic, natural style that promotes orchid growth and vitality? If so, keep on reading to learn how easy it is to…
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How Much Cold Can A Phalaenopsis Orchid Tolerate? Orchids & Cold Weather
As an arctic blast prepares to sweep all the way to the Florida Keys, a question on many orchid growers' minds is, "How cold is too cold for my orchid?" Well, it's on the minds of many of my neighbors, most of whom have a Phalaenopsis, Vanda, Cattleya or other orchid growing on trees or in baskets. As a matter of fact, in January, blossoms tumble from branches and baskets brightening each yard with flashes of color each more eye-catching than the next. It's like springtime in winter... that is until a Canadian cold front is forecast to blast frigid artic air our way. Which begs the question, "How cold…
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How To Grow Orchids Bare Root Without A Medium Or Pot
If you have an orchid, you are probably aware that most orchids are sold in media in some type of pot. Home gardeners often continue this pot-bound method of growing their orchids until suddenly they notice their orchid struggling. But, what if I told you there is a better way to grow your orchids? A method that mimics an orchid's natural way of growing? A method that avoids many orchid-growing problems, while offering a stunning, wild and rustic way to display your orchids... Well, there is, and this method is called growing your orchids "bare root" without a medium or pots. That's right, under certain conditions, you can grow your…
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How To Propagate A Dendrobium Orchid – Two Easy & Effective Methods
Dendrobiums may be the quintessential orchid in a family of spectacular floral showpieces. As one of the largest, most diverse orchid groups, the often tropical, showy Dendrobium embodies both the exotic beauty and sheer variety of the orchid family. Many of the Dendrobiums we know and grow are tropical in origin, but Dendrobiums are native to places as diverse as the foothills of the Himalayas, the jungles of Southeast Asia, and even the outback of Australia. Diverse Dendrobium species can certainly thrive in a variety of natural habitats. While the sheer variety of Dendrobium species makes it difficult to generalize about universal Dendrobium care requirements, there is one important commonality…
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What Do Red Root Tips On An Orchid Mean? Why Your Orchid Has A Red Root Tip, & Should You Be Worried?
Anyone who has ever grown an orchid before is familiar with the silvery-grey appearance typical of normal, if dry, orchid roots. Then, of course, every orchid grower knows the feeling of satisfaction upon witnessing those roots turn from silvery-grey to bright green after a much needed drink of water. However, when you notice your orchid's roots have suddenly turned an unfamiliar color, it can be a bit jarring, especially if that color happens to be an angry, fiery-looking red. Well, relax because in this post, I am going to explain that, while the color itself may look alarming, things are not always what they seem. Let's take a closer look…
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How To Easily Remove An Orchid From A Tree Even If Its Roots Are Well-Attached
Orchids mounted on trees or rocks are an awesome display of nature at its finest and most beautiful. Emulating how tropical orchids grow in the wild, orchids grown on trees and other objects add an uncultivated, wild and effortless vibe to your garden; even if you know your orchid had some help attaching itself. Orchids also love being mounted and quickly embed their roots into the bark of a tree or crevices of a rock. Plus, the arrangement makes caring for orchids easy. While this is all good, occasionally, there will come a time when you must remove or detach your orchid from a tree or other object on which…
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How To Care For A Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchid, One Of The Easiest Orchids To Grow
Next to Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium Phalaenopsis are among the most popular types of orchids grown by the home gardener -- for good reason. With the potential for profuse and cascading displays of beautiful flowers that last for months at a time, Dendrobium Phalaenopsis is a must-have addition to any gardener's collection. There are few things as inviting as stepping on a front porch to be greeted by a spectacular display of Dendrobium Phalaenopsis flowers spilling out of a hanging basket. On top of their obvious aesthetic appeal, however, I find my Dendrobium Phalaenopsis to be among the easiest of my orchids to grow and care for -- if you have the…
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How To Water & Fertilize A Vanda Orchid For Maximum Blooming Potential
Renowned for their large, long-lasting, show-stopping blooms in a rainbow of rare and vibrant colors, vanda orchids are definitely in a class by themselves. So much so that their blossoms are used to create the famous Hawaiian leis, an enchanting symbol of welcome, love and "aloha" spirit around the world. Under the right conditions, the vanda orchid has the potential to bloom all year round, up to four times per year. Plus, each blooming period lasts a long time with flowers lasting up to a month or even longer. In order to produce vanda'a beautiful blooms, however, vandas have some very exacting requirements, one of which is copious amounts of…
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Why Are The Leaves Of My Orchid Wrinkled & Leathery, & How To Fix Them
Have you noticed your orchid's leaves have been looking wrinkled, leathery, limp and droopy lately? Are dry lines and veins appearing in previously firm, hydrated leaves? If so, there clearly is a problem -- a dehydration problem. An orchid with flaccid, wrinkled leaves is definitely telling you that it is dehydrated. But, why is the question. While this may appear to be a simple watering problem, it is not quite that simple, since both an over-watered and an under-watered orchid display the same dehydration signs of limp, wrinkled leaves. Yes, somewhat counterintuitively, an overwatered orchid will also appear dehydrated. To get to the "root" of this problem, we must dig…
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How To Mount Or Attach Your Vanda Orchid To A Tree & Why You Should Grow Orchids On Trees
I talk a lot about the care and cultivation of the incomparable orchid here, but even among this amazing and diverse family of plants, vandas are in a class by themselves. Possessing a notably tall and stunning spray of flowers, vandas are also known for having a long-lasting flower that blooms in a rainbow of rare and vibrant colors, often accompanied by a sweet-smelling fragrance. All of these unique characteristics certainly earn vanda its place as a pre-eminent symbol of exotic, tropical beauty the world over. Let's take a closer look at how vanda's particular attributes, which include its love for heat, ventilation and humidity, also make epiphytic vanda the…