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Care of the Flower Garden
Knowing how to care for your flower garden can make a big
difference in the look and over-all health of your plants. Here
are some simple hints to make your garden bloom with health.
1. The essentials must always be given major...
Easy Steps to Composting
It is becoming more and more obvious these days that we need to
recycle as much as we can, and anyone with a garden has a head
start and can make a great contribution. To many novice
gardeners, including myself, this subject can be...
Flower Care 101
Many words can be left unsaid when you have a flower to say it all. Among the most remarkable beauties created by God is the creation of splendid and aromatic flowers.
Flowers bloom in innumerous varieties, seasons and at many different places....
How to Grow a Forest of Sundews
HOW TO GROW A FOREST OF CAPE SUNDEWS Cape Sundews (Drosera capensis) are native to South Africa, and it is one of the most common carnivorous plants grown in cultivation. It is very easy to grow, and an adult plant will get up to 6 inches tall. As...
Self-cleaning Glass
The chore homeowners most detest is cleaning windows, not only
is it a time consuming task but when you're balanced on a flimsy
ladder with a bucket of soapy water in one hand and a cloth in
the other you tend to realise it's a rather dangerous...
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The Orchid Myths - What is the Truth
Here are some of the popular orchid myths
#1 Orchids are Carnivorous
They are not, in fact, they pollinate by luring insects to them but they do not eat the insects. This helps the orchid gardening
Orchid Myths#2 Orchids come from the Tropics
Some orchid flowers do come from the tropical climates but they grow in any climate and in any country, even Alaska.
#3 Orchids are Expensive.
Not anymore. Now with the increased number of orchid gardening and growers, the modern reproductive methods orchids now are reasonably priced.
#4 Orchids are Hard to Grow.
This orchid myths is now furthest from the truth. They are not anymore difficult than any other plant. They need the basics, water, light, air and fertilizer. And you can have a beautful orchid flowers that last for years.
Some Orchid Questions
#1 Are all orchids the same?
On the contrary o what most florists want you to believe, they come in over 28,000 varieties, they are the largest plant family. There are estimates of 110,000 hybrids today. They grow from thimble size (Mystacidium) to over 20 feet tall (Renanthera storei)
#2 What soil do they grow in?
Most orchids require no soil. In nature orchids are divided into 4 classes;
Epiphytes air plants (majority of orchids) grow on
trees
Lithophytes air plants grow on rock surfaces
Saprophytes air plants grown on decaying vegetation
Terrestrials ground plants grow in soil
#3 Do orchids only last a short time?
On the contrary most species can last for years if taken care of. There are some plants which were propagated in the 18th century and continue to live today.
#4 How often do they bloom?
It varies according to the variety and hybrid but they can bloom from once to 2 - 4 times a year. The blossoms can last for weeks to months which is a real plus.
#5 How old is my plant?
Orchids can take years to come to maturity and bloom. Typically, the plants are anywhere from 5 to 8 years old.
#6 Is conservation of orchids important?
According to the American Orchid Society this is a priority. Threats to orchids come primarily from loss of habitat and collecting. The AOS encourages the purchase of only artificially propagated orchids.
#7 Should orchids be protected from a draft?,/b>
This could be another orchid myths,but the answer is no, orchids prefer moving air but should not be over a heating or air conditioning vent.
About the Author
Bob has a website devoted to orchids with loads of information, orchids-plus-more.com. You will also see a large selection of stunning orchids.
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