The Orchid Garden

Watering – - – - -Help?

Question:

I posted to this group asking about watering and fertilizing the orchids. I got several replys that requested more info. The orchids I have are kept inside and are potted in plastic in something that looks like big chunks. I have 1 cattleya, 1 phalaenopsis, 1 Trisuco( this is what the sticker says), 1 c.minucia (again-sticker name) and 1 in a clay pot that I don’t know what it it. It is a fairly large orchid and had about 15  pinkish lavendar blooms  on it when purchased(May, 1996). None of these have bloomed since the original blooms died. The large one (described last) was re-potted by a man at an orchid shop but I have not been able to get back in touch with him. I would appreciate any help on watering, fertilizing and general care. I love the orchids but I WANT BLOOMS! Thanks for any suggestions. Tully  

Response:

Tully:  Let’s start with some basics–which come even before watering! Your cattleya wants fairly bright light [not full sun, but 50% or so], and probably won’t bloom without it.  Your phaleonopsis wants much more shade than that.  You can tell if the light level is right by the color of the leaves.  A light green is great, if the plant blooms red or purple, a bit of that color in the leaves is even better.  Your phal also needs certain temperature conditions to initiate blooming, esp.  a large diurnal shift in the fall, with warm days and cool evenings [down to 55F or so].  // You still didn’t say if you keep the plants inside or out.  Watering depends in large part on your heat and humidity.  If the plants are in an airconditioned or heated indoor room, you will need to water more often than if they are outdoors in a humid environment.  BTW, where are you located? // About your last 2 plants, I can’t tell what they are from the "sticker names."  The C. in "c. minucia" could be cattleya, cymbidium, or who knows what.  Do the 2 unidentified ones resemble either of the two you’ve put a genus on?  Good luck, Kenni – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I posted to this group asking about watering and fertilizing the orchids. I got several replys that requested more info. The orchids I have are kept inside and are potted in plastic in something that looks like big chunks. I have 1 cattleya, 1 phalaenopsis, 1 Trisuco( this is what the sticker says), 1 c.minucia (again-sticker name) and 1 in a clay pot that I don’t know what it it. It is a fairly large orchid and had about 15  pinkish lavendar blooms  on it when purchased(May, 1996). None of these have bloomed since the original blooms died. The large one (described last) was re-potted by a man at an orchid shop but I have not been able to get back in touch with him. I would appreciate any help on watering, fertilizing and general care. I love the orchids but I WANT BLOOMS! Thanks for any suggestions. Tully  

Response:

Filed under: Cymbidium Orchids

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