How to grow a Brassia orchid

This is my Brassia orchid.  I took it outside for the day and added some orchid mix to the pot, which sometimes is necessary, as orchid bark breaks down.  I've had it for a couple of  years and it has been in bloom more often than not.  

I thought it was an Oncidium orchid when I first saw one but their sensational flowers are a little different.  Their foliage is similar but if you compare them, you will notice that their pseudobulbs (the base of leaf growth)  have a longer and slimmer appearance than the Oncidiums.  

The Brassias are known as Spider Orchids because of the the very long "legs" on their flowers. To me, they look more like exquisite exotic dancers!  They give you a sense of what a wonder life can be.

These natives of Costa Rica, Mexico, Venezuela and other South American tropics bloom more often than most orchids indoors and are a great choice for someone who has not grown any orchids before.  They are one of the easiest of the orchid plants to keep in the house.

Care Instructions---

• Bright indirect light; not much direct sun
• Water when the soil feels dry about a 1/2" or so below the soil line for plants in 6" diameter pots.  Plants in larger containers should dry out a little more.
• The very best way to water orchids is to place them in the sink and give them a thorough soak , then let the water drain out for a few minutes.  
• A good misting when you water them is very helpful as they love humidity and that cleans any dust off the leaves.
• Mist daily or provide humidity in some way if your environment is pretty dry.
• Some good air circulation is helpful
• Fertilize regularly with orchid food or regular plant food

***To see some short video clips from my 90's TV series,  click here:The Indoor Garden

Wildcat orchid---Oncidium lanceanum x wildcat

This is the first orchid I ever bought. I've owned it for ten years and have divided it a couple of times, made new plants and gave them away. It's quite easy to do that and the newly made plants are usually a welcome addition to one of your friend's homes.

Orchids have had, in the past, a reputation as being among the more difficult plants to raise indoors. Some species do prefer a greenhouse but Oncidiums have turned out to be quite easy to keep in a normal home setting. The deep yet also vibrant colors of the wildcat's blooms add a zesty liveliness to your home. They lead your thoughts to a deep appreciation of the wonders of nature!  A magnificent sight!

This wildcat was hybridized from the Oncidium lanceanum species, a native of Trinidad, Guyana, Venezuela and Columbia. 

Care instructions:

• Bright light is necessary but not too much direct sun.  Mine thrives in a north-facing window.  Some morning sun should be good for it but keep it a little ways from a very sunny southern or western exposure. 
• Water as soon as the top of the orchid media feels dry. Watering correctly is crucial to the success of growing orchids.  It is best to water them in a sink where they can be thoroughly and evenly watered.  You can spray the leaves at the same time,  keeping them clean and providing some humidity.  
• The oncidium adapts well to an indoor environment but you may want to mist daily if the air is dry in your home.
• Fertilize regularly with orchid food or regular plant food. 

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***To watch short video clips on plant care from my 90's TV series, click below:

    The Indoor Garden TV

Phalaeonopsis Orchid

These tropical beauties are very popular these days, with good reason. Their butterfly-like flowers are sensational!  And the stunning blooms should last for at least a month. The blooms in the top picture are over 4 months old and are just beginning to fade! With diligent care, they hold up well.

Many varieties  are available on the market, most of them are white, sometimes with rose or purple. The new hybrids have brought us some other variations like the bright purple one seen here. You can find them almost anywhere you can buy plants.

The white blooms pictured above are from my own orchid plants. I've owned one of these plants for a long time and it has happily bloomed every  year, usually beginning near winter's end. The vibrant purple blooming phalaeonopsis belongs to a neighbor of mine. It was a gift to her and after awhile was declining in health. I told her the best secret that I have found to successfully growing orchids: when watering your orchid, make sure you put the pot in a sink, water it thoroughly and let it drain well. Gently spray the leaves, while you're at it.

The phalaeonopsis is an epiphytic orchid, meaning they grow in trees not from the ground. They naturally grow in exotic places such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and New Guinea.  

Care Instructions-- 

• For the Phalaeonopsis and most orchids--Bright indirect light or an hour or two of direct sun. They thrive in a north facing window or with a little morning sun. They can be placed in lower light for awhile, but should be returned to higher light eventually.  
• Give them water when dry about 1/2" below the soil surface.  Water thoroughly in a sink so that the water is evenly distributed. Let the excess water drain away in the sink for a few minutes before returning the plant to its decorative pot or saucer. That way it won't sit in water.
  
• The leaves like a cleaning and appreciate the moisture, too.  If your home is fairly dry, a daily mist of water would be very welcome as they do need some humidity. 
• Fertilize regularly and it should bloom once a year, usually beginning during winter, for at least a month, often longer.  

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***View short videos from my 90's TV series here:   The Indoor Garden TV show

©2012

All about Growing Orchids Indoors

Phalaenopsis Orchid

 

 

    

Oncidium orchid

Orchids are very popular! Their blooms are among the most lovely living things that can grace your home. I have several that are many years old, and they are like a gift that keeps on giving.  With the right attention, orchids will grow beautifully for you and live for many years in your home.

I've found the Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums, and Oncidiums to be quite easy to maintain, if you are regularly devoted to them. They do like bright light, or a little direct sun, although full afternoon sun is too much. An unobstructed north or east facing window is perfect.  Paphiopedilums or the Lady Slipper orchids prefer bright indirect light, no direct sun.  Both you and the orchids deserve the best care instructions you can get, so here they are:

 

Oncidium orchid

Care Instructions:

• Because of the bark media that they grow in, I've found the best way to water orchids is to, first, put them in the sink. A good thorough soak will make sure they are evenly watered. Let the water drain for a few minutes. Watering this way makes a big difference.
• You can also spray their leaves when you do this, keeping them clean and giving them some instant humidity. It's best to let them dry out about 1/2" from the top of the media before watering. I do prefer using touch rather than time to decide when plants are ready to be watered. 
• If you keep the temperature in your house below 70°F (or 21°C) in the winter, you shouldn't have to be concerned about the humidity levels, although a daily mist would always be appreciated. If your house temperature is over 70°F (or 21°C )in the winter, and if you keep your air conditioning below 75°F (or 24°C), you may want to place your orchid on a tray with pebbles in it and keep water in the tray just to the top of the pebbles so that the plant is not sitting in water. The evaporating water and a daily mist will definitely help with the humidity level.
• Fertilize them regularly, except when they are blooming. You can use a specific orchid fertilizer or a general houseplant food, which works well, too.
• Please click on comments, if you need any more information or have any questions about orchid care.  

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***For a variety of  video clips on houseplant care from my 90's TV series, click here:

The Indoor Garden TV show

©2009