Orchids

[sherrardk]

Does anyone know of a good source of information about ordinary, bought-for-decoration-from-a-supermarket orchids? We bought some too brighten up our house and they lasted longer than expected yet we don't know how to look after them - all the books we have looked at are aimed at orchid specialists.

[andyjevs]

There are several species of commonly kept orchids which are available fron garden centres and supermarkets. Cymbidiums are one variety but by far the best are the moth orchids or Phaelanopsis sp.

These are often bought just coming into flower and if kept on a bright, cool window sil and watered weekly, will last for many months.....mine lasted 10 months in full flower.

They really are superb value for money and available in many different colours.

I'm extremely lucky to live about 2 miles away from McBeans orchids. I went out there last year and bought a stunning Zygopetalum orchid which is gloriously scented.

Most orchids require a min night time temp of 12c and medium watering. They need to be fed well during the flowering period and love to be pot bound...so don't go potting them into bigger pots.

However, there are so many orchids....some come from the wet tropics, some from arid areas, some live in the UK and all require different conditions.....i'll have a look for some websites for you to see what yours needs.

Hope this helps

Andy

[andyjevs]

http://www.mcbeansorchids.co.uk/