Confession time. I am more than a little obsessed with orchids. Why not? They are drop-dead gorgeous, the Grace Kelly of floral displays. Here’s their dirty little secret: some can be deceptively easy to grow. Phalaenopsis (fayl-eh-nop-sis) are the easiest to grow. Also called moth orchids, their round faces float above arched stems making them the darlings of home décor magazines.
And they are ever so undemanding. Just give them bright indirect light, very little water and a room with normal temperatures and they will be quite happy. Honest. Plus – drumroll, please – Phalaenopsis orchids bloom for two to three months starting right about now. Yes, that long.
I have a gaggle of orchid gals lined up on a table in my office, many of whom I’ve had for years. Last year’s birthday orchid (thanks, Dusty) bloomed off and on for six months. Just. Don’t. Overwater. That’s the primary cause of their demise. All they need is a gentle weekly spray of water in the sink. A tablespoon or two of water a week will do. Why? They are epiphytes. In the wild, they attach themselves to tree trunks and absorb the moisture and dissolved nutrients running down the bark during rain. They’re adapted to drying out in between rains because the root velamen acts like a sponge and holds moisture for a time. Those dangling “legs” growing up, down, and around are aerial roots. That’s what you spray.
In the wild, orchids drape themselves over tree bark and branches. They don’t need soil. The orchids we buy are in a special chunky bark potting mix that offers support and holds a bit of moisture. It’s okay to moisten that mix a bit and let it drain to boost the humidity. It’s also okay to add a bit of specialized orchid fertilizer to boost your orchid’s health and bloom time. Do you need a special orchid pot with decorative holes? Nope. But it does look kinda cool when those roots come rambling out aka Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors.
The most challenging thing about Phalaenopsis orchids is deciding which one to try. Petite or full-size? Fiery magenta, buttery yellow, or pure white? With or without contrasting veins, sepals, or spots? Stroll through any orchid display, and you’ll soon wear a slap-happy grin. Stay focused by looking for solid, deep green leaves, robust aerial roots, perky blooms, and many buds to maximize bloom time. Where should you look? Garden centers often have handsome plants, but I’ve found quite nice specimens at home improvement and grocery stores.
Once hooked, you might venture into other orchids such as Dendrobium, Cymbidium, Cattleya, or Lady Slippers. Forms vary from 6-inch ruffled blooms to cascades of tiny stars. And oh, the fragrances. Be dazzled by all the myriad colors and forms of orchids by visiting a public garden exhibit. Two outstanding collections are a day trip away. The U.S. Botanic Garden in D.C. has an annual orchid show, “Orchids: Masters of Deception,” from February 14 to April 27. And world-class Longwood Gardens offers an immersive experience with a floor-to-ceiling orchid display in their conservatory.
It’s easy to go overboard on orchids. And yes, there are support groups. The American Orchid Society’s website is a good place to learn more, as is our webpage. So, be bold. Try an orchid. It may become a delightful new obsession.
By Annette Cormany, Principal Agent Associate and Master Gardener Coordinator, Washington County, University of Maryland Extension.
This article was previously published by Herald-Mail Media. Read more by Annette.
