Orchids are beautiful, but their
exotic looks make them seem like a
plant beginners should avoid. This is
not true! Some of the most beautiful
orchids require the same care as
many houseplants. The secret to
succeeding with orchids is to
choose varieties that fit your growing situation. The most limiting factor, especially in the Minnesota climate, is light. Phalaenopsis
(fal-en-OP-sis), the moth orchids, and Paphiopedilum
(paf-ee-o-PET-a-lum), the lady slipper orchids, are great
choices for most Minnesota homes.
Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum orchids like at least six hours
of filtered sun or bright shade daily. The Cattleyas require at least six hours of full sun daily to thrive and re-bloom. Orchids “see” light from above, not sideways, so they must be close enough to the source for the light to fall directly on them. Light is the most limiting factor in orchid culture. If they do not get enough light, they won’t bloom, no matter what you do. If you think the light is strong enough, the problem may be that it is not long enough each day. If the plant
is getting adequate light, be patient. The plant will cycle into a
blooming period when it is ready. One of the most important
aspects of orchid culture is the water you use. Never water them with tap water. Whether it is from a well or a municipal supply,
dissolved minerals will slowly build up and damage your orchid. Always use distilled, reverse osmosis, rainwater or melted snow
that has been brought to room temperature. Water captured from a dehumidifier can also be used. Orchids need to become nearly dry to the bottom of the pot between watering. Their saucers must always be emptied after they have finished draining. Wrinkled leaves can signal either too little or too much water. You can readily tell by pushing your finger into the potting medium up to the second knuckle. After you determine which it is, change your watering habits to compensate. Over-watering will usually turn the buds black before they fall off. It is always better to under than over-water.
The best way to feed them is to use a diluted, non-urea orchid
fertilizer every time you water. Mix it at one quarter to one
half the recommended rate.
Orchids like the same temperatures that we do, but can take it a bit cooler at night, around 65ºF. Most orchids that are commonly grown in the house are tropical and do not like the air temperature to fall below 55ºF. When the buds fail to open it’s called “bud blast” and may be due to: being kept too dry, temperature swings may be too wide or it may be too close to heating or air-conditioning vents.
Most orchids are grown in bark chips sold for that purpose. There
are also specially formulated soils sold for terrestrial orchids (the Paphiopedilum is one such orchid), but the bark will work for them as well. Orchids like their roots snug in their containers, so youshould not have to repot until you see roots climbing out of the soil or drainage holes. Then only go one pot size bigger. Over-potted orchids often do not bloom for many years. The only grooming needed is the removal of spent blooms and any dead material. You can cut off the bloom spike after all the flowers are gone, but be careful, many orchids re-bloom on the same spike and some even continue where they left off. Make sure the spike has dried before you prune.
Save on these beautiful fresh-cut and potted orchids all week
here at Bachman’s during our “all about orchids” sale.
Sale ends on March 17.
Quick Bird Feeding Tips
Here are tips for making your bird feeding
more successful, adapted from the Non-
game Wildlife Program of the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources.
Five Ways to Double the Number
of Bird Species at Your Feeders:
1. Feed the birds in all four seasons.
2. Provide water in all four seasons. It’s best if the water is
dripping, splashing or misting during the summer and heated
during the winter.
3. Use at least 8 to 12 feeders in your yard, grouping them
together in 2 or 3 clusters.
4. Provide protection from predators by placing feeders in the open,
at least 10 feet away from anything that might hide a predator.
This allows you to protect the birds. You can also fence off an
area with chicken wire or rabbit fencing (a wire with openings
no larger than 2 inches by 4 inches and at least 30 inches high).
5. Clean the bird feeders and the surrounding ground area regularly.
Top Ten Bird Foods for Minnesota:
1. Black Oil Sunflower Seed
2. Suet / Suet Cakes
3. Peanuts / Nuts / Peanut Butter
4. Safflower
5. Shelled Corn
6. Finch Mixture or Niger Thistle
7. White Proso Millet and Cracked Corn
8. Apples, Oranges, Grape Jelly
9. Mealworms
10. Sugar Water / Hummingbird Food
Flowers and gifts from Bachman’s make any day a special one. When you order your flowers or gifts online, you know you’ll be getting a beautiful fresh floral arrangement from a trusted florist known for outstanding floral design, plus quality and service.
If you’re sending flowers or gifts out of town, you can rely on us to choose the best florist from either the FTD or Teleflora nationwide flower network. Florists who can be counted on to deliver the best fresh floral arrangements and gifts, even when doing a same day delivery.
