FAQs

Orchids are the umbrella group of plants which are found all over the globe - such as Cymbidiums, Dendrobiums and Phalaenopsis.

Moth orchids are the moniker given to Phalaenopsis orchids due to the moth or butterfly shaped blooms they exhibit.

Once a fortnight or when the media turns bone dry - is the short answer.

I typically calculate the requirements based off the genetic makeup of the orchid. The higher elevation the greater the temperature fluxuations and less frequency of watering (Schilleriana for example). Therefore, I water a highland orchid dramatically one a fortnight. Conversely, a lowland species will require a steady temperature and greater frequency of available moisture (such as Bellina). For lowlanders, I water gently in a sphagnum rich (usually live sphagnum) media pot when i find the roots are opting for a silver tone.

Typically, orchids require bright light, without direct sunlight.

- (Think where you would stay in bright light without getting burnt) -

When reflecting on your light conditions note there is a difference between how much light an orchid requires to stay alive vs how much light required to flourish and bloom.

An orchid may require low light to stay alive but bright light to continue growing and flowering.

Consider a grow light if you want your orchid to bloom with confidence.

Either, cut or leave, depends on how you want your orchid to look.

Some orchid spikes will continue to grow and rebloom, they may even grow baby orchids from the stem/spike, but some may turn yellow and die off. Neither situations necessarily affects the health of the orchid (roots and leaves are more important). So you can decide to cut or leave the spike at your own will. Flower stems/spikes can continue to grow from the base.

I opt to leave the spike, allowing the orchid to determine what it wants to do, depending on the energy in reserve and growth possibilities. If it reblooms, I to find that this creates a orchid with interesting growth and blooms. Otherwise, a dying spike may even allow energy to be returned to the orchid for future growth and I can cut off once brown.

However, if a growing spike isn't the most appealing go ahead and cut it off, but this could delay your orchid another year before blooming again.

Pot an orchid in a mix of 1:1:1 Bark:Perlite:sphagnum moss. Specialty orchids may require a different composition. Bellina like phalaenopsis can require more sphagnum moss than a normal flower shop orchid.

Orchids will have a flowering seasoning every year, specifically during temperature dips. However, factors depend on health and energy reserves. Providing good lighting may be a prominent factor promoting flowers to bloom.