Jewel Orchids

The beauty of an orchid in bloom is an amazing sight. The flower seems so delicate and fragile that you are almost afraid to breath near it. These plants are normally seen around Easter and are one of the most beautiful plants when flowering.

The Jewel Orchid

Have you ever seen a jewel orchid? This plant has an entirely different look. The leaves are the crowning beauty of this plant. They are often a deep red with veins of gold and a lighter red often resembling a piece of velvet cloth. They may also be a maroon either on top or underneath with veins of white throughout the leaf.

Many times the jewel orchid is grown for the beauty of the leaves rather than the flowers. The plants with dark red, almost blood red leaves are gorgeous. In fact, the most common jewel orchid found in stores is known as haemaria discolor, which means blood red. If you want the leaves to stay this beautiful color, keep them from receiving too much light. If they do, those wonderful deep dark red leaves will lose their color.

Care of the Jewel Orchid

The jewel orchid loves humidity and a level of 70% to 80% is perfect. The light should be low and the night time temperature around 60 to 60 degrees. Daytime temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees will suffice. If you can keep the humidity at the right level for this plant, it will grow inside. The bathroom is one place you may find they are perfectly at home.

Since the jewel orchid does not require a lot of light, they also do not require very much fertilizer. If you fertilize, do it very moderately. Add water to weaken the fertilizer before using it on the jewel orchid. Over-watering can is a problem with this plant as well as under watering.

Since the soil around the jewel orchid dries out rather quickly to provide the loose soil needed for the roots to get oxygen. This is often mistaken for needing water and the plant gets more water resulting in over watering. The plant will develop pleated leaves when over watered as well as when it is under watered. The best way to tell if they are being watered too frequently or not enough is to check the roots. They will be pulpy and dark if the plant is being over watered. The roots will be firm if it the orchid is not receiving enough water. When healthy the roots should be a light green.

When watering, do not use cold water. Use lukewarm and water them in the morning. The plants need watered, not just misted. The water should not contain a water softener. This process takes away the nutrients needed by the jewel orchid.

Growing the Jewel Orchid

If you want to create more orchids, the best way to do this is by taking the part of the stem that connects to the roots and cut off some pieces. Then put them in either water or soil that has been watered well or even Sphagnum moss. They will grow roots and then they can be planted. This may take several weeks.

Although most people like the jewel orchid leaves better than the flowers, the stems, which are yellow and the white flowers can be cut and put in a vase for a centerpiece. Some of the jewel orchid blooms do have a scent that is quite pleasing. This is another aspect of putting them in a vase. They can fill the room with a very pleasant fragrance.

Repotting the jewel orchid usually only has to be done about every two years. When the time is right for repotting, the plant will have roots that are coming out of the pot. It is important to remember that orchids do not like being put in a pot that is much larger than they are. The next size up is sufficient when repotting any orchid. This allows the roots to get used to the extra moisture when watering them.

The jewel orchid is usually chosen for the beautiful leaves it has rather than the blooms. They make a great house plant if given the right humidity and temperature. The jewel orchid when properly taken care of can last for many years. While the most common variety of jewel orchid is native to Burma and Indonesia, it seems to be doing just fine in the U.S. as well.

How to Make Orchid Flower Arrangements

Orchids are gorgeous blooms. Their petals are delicate and structured, and their beauty is truly unparalleled. Additionally, orchids have a gorgeous scent surrounding them. Their aroma is exotic and refined. It is all of those details that make orchid flower arrangements such a beautiful and unique addition to any home or special event.

There are many different varieties of orchids. Typically, orchid flower arrangements can be made with any of the varieties available. Some of the most common choices are Dendrobium orchids, cymbidium orchids, and vanilla orchids. However, your choices are not purely limited to these types. In fact, orchids have some of the most diversity in both shape and color available. Each of these blooms can bring an exquisite refinement to any arrangement that you are trying to create. In fact, it has even been said that orchids are somewhat of a good luck charm. Orchids are supposed to welcome wealth and love to any location so why not add them to your home?

When looking to create your own orchid flower arrangements you are going to need to start by getting yourself the proper supplies. Obviously, you are going to need to have some orchids to create your arrangement. Spend some time researching which varieties you would like to use. It might also be a good idea to spend some time with your local florist discussing the different varieties of orchids that are available. Be sure that you invest in your flowers, as they are the centerpiece of your arrangement. Additionally, you will need to select a vase or container to place your orchids into. This choice allows you to really express your taste and personality. Additionally, you are going to want to elect some stones or pebbles to anchor your arrangement with. Again, you can use this help to amplify the stylistic choice that you are trying to get across, and of course, you need to be sure that you have sufficient water for your arrangement.

Once you have your materials, you can begin to put your arrangement together. The first step that you need to do is to trim the stems of each orchid. The length that you are trimming them to really depends on the height and size of your vase. Assess how high about the top of the vase you want your flowers to be and cut them accordingly. From there you are going to want to use greenery to supplement your blooms. Again, you have a choice in what type of greenery you want to use. Additionally, you may want to add those small stones to the base of your arrangement to anchor your blooms and greenery. Those stones will give your arrangement an extra spark and flair. Lastly, you should add the water to your container. You need to add enough water to the arrangement to fully submerge the base of the stems, but you do not want it to overflow out of the vase.

So, how do you use an orchid flower arrangement in your life. An orchid arrangement is a beautiful gift to give as well. Flowers can brighten anyone’s day, and a personally arranged bouquet can really make their day. Additionally, orchid flower arrangements can be a truly stunning addition to a wedding or a special event. The fantastic thing about adding orchid flower arrangements to an event is that it does not take many of them to make a very big impact on the attendees. Additionally, an orchid flower arrangement gives an instant boost to how “expensive” the decorations look. That being said, orchid flower arrangements are fairly affordable. With them, you will be able to improve the quality of your decor without breaking your budget. However, do not underestimate what a great addition an orchid flower arrangement is to your home. With a simple flower arrangement, you can make a big impact on the overall design impression of your home!

Orchid Care After Blooming

Everyone is aware of how beautiful those orchids are during the time when they are in full bloom. Many orchids have delicately arched branches with an abundance of large, colorful flowers. Unfortunately, the blooming cycle for orchids is only a part of their annual cycle. After these plants have delighted us with their floral displays, they will eventually lose their blossoms and they will then have to cycle through a dormant period before springing into blooming action once again.

Here are some of the very best tips to help you care for your orchids after they bloom.

It is an excellent idea to give your plants a thorough rinsing so that you can clean the leaves, roots, and potting medium. This will refresh and revitalize your orchids. Just set the plant pot in a sink. Then you can pour a gentle stream of room temperature water over the plant. Instead of using freshly drawn water, you should fill a gallon-size milk jug with water the night before and allow it to sit for 12-24 hours beforehand.
Try spraying the orchid roots and leaves with a diluted fertilizing solution a few times each week. This will help encourage the plant to generate strong, new growth in the upcoming weeks.
Any orchid that you have had in your home for 12-24 months will benefit from being repotted. This is a relatively easy process, but you just need to be careful as you perform each step of the orchid repotting process. First, you need to remove the orchid from the existing pot and then shake the roots to remove any old potting material. Next, you will need to gently rinse the roots of the plant, trim away any roots that have die and place it in a new, slightly larger pot. Add enough orchid potting material to fill in around the plant and then give it a thorough watering.
After your orchids have bloomed, you might want to inspect the pots to make sure that the drainage holes are open and can allow water to flow freely from the container.
When orchid plants have completed their blooming cycle, they should be protected from direct sunlight and direct airflow. Filtered sunlight and some indirect air currents from a small fan are what these plants need now.
Use this time to inspect all of your plants. You can check the potting medium, leaves and pots to make sure that there are no problems that need to be addressed.
If your orchid has already bloomed and it is now the summer season you may want to place your plant in an orchid basket and suspend it from a tree branch. This will provide some indirect sunlight as well as a little humidity for your orchid.
During the summer months, you should continue to water and feed the orchids on a regular schedule. Even though the plants may not look like they are doing very much, they need the food and water to store enough energy to produce new buds.
Allow your orchids to stay outdoors until the temperature readings reach the low 50 range. These temperatures will often help encourage the plant to produce new flower spikes and new blooms.
Once your orchids have bloomed and this cycle is completed you have a choice about what to do with the flower spikes. Most people will leave these spikes alone for several weeks and continue to feed and water the plants on a regular basis. You may notice new flower spikes being generated on the older spike. Sometimes these new growths may even produce some additional blooms.
If you do not notice a secondary flower spike then you will probably note that the older spike is beginning to shrivel up and turn brown. When this occurs, you need to remove this spike by cutting it as close to the base as you can manage without damaging the plant.
There is one other method to deal with flower spikes that have already bloomed. As soon as the blooming cycle is over go ahead and remove the spike from the plant as quickly as possible. When you follow this step, you will usually see some new spikes being produced in 10 weeks to 9 months time.

Growing Orchids Outdoors

When you grow orchids outdoors, you are less able to control the environment. This means that the plants are much more vulnerable to the effects of weather and temperature. They can also become the victims of animals, insects, and other pests. If you know what steps to take you can give your outdoor orchids a number of advantages.

These plants need to have a sheltered outdoor environment and here are some suggestions and ideas about how you can arrange this type of setting.

Keeping your Outdoor Orchids Safe

You must check these plants once or twice a day to make sure that there is no damage occurring as the result of animals, weather, or insects.
If you use clay pots to house your orchids they will dry out very quickly. This can stress your plants in a short period of time. The same results are noted if you place the orchid pots on surfaces that are dark or set them on surfaces made of pavement or concrete.
The humidity level is lowered by high heat and dry winds, so you must always be aware of the weather and provide additional moisture for orchids.
If the weather temperature outdoors is lower than 60 you may want to bring your plants back inside your home.
Even these light loving plants have to be protected from the scorching rays of the sun. Provide them with some shady respite during the hottest part of the day.

A reasonably mild climate is what most orchids prefer. Southern Florida and some coastal regions in California provide ideal settings for growing orchids outdoors. In these locations, the days and nights are warm, and the refreshing breezes from the ocean provide humidity. Even the winters are mild, and there are few days when these plants will have to be brought indoors.

Do you have a nice sunny location in your yard where you would like to place an orchid pot? Vandas, Dendrobiums, Cattleyas, and Oncidiums are all species that thrive in warm, sunny environments. Just make sure that you provide them with a little shade during the middle of the day. You also need to water and mist these plants more frequently when they remain outdoors.

The Moth Orchid and the Ladyslipper Orchid are good choices if you want to add some colorful orchids to an area that is shady, and well protected from direct light. Even though you have matched these orchids to an environment they like, you will still have to be vigilant regarding their routine care.

Top Tips to Remember

When you grow your orchids in an outdoor setting, you must protect them from heavy rains, strong winds, and heavy salt spray from the ocean. If the weather is too unpredictable play it safe and move your orchids back indoors for a few hours, or even overnight.
If you set the orchid pots beside walls, it will give them some protection from the wind. You might also consider placing them beneath the branches of ferns or shrubs. This will give them some shade from the sun and protect them from heavier rains and winds.
Whenever you first set your orchids outside in the spring and summer, you must protect them against sun damage. To prevent these plants from becoming sunburned you should introduce them to the outdoors by using progressive steps. This lets the plants acclimate to the environmental changes over a period of time.
Aphids and slugs love orchids too. Always check your plants for any evidence of these interlopers. Both slugs and aphids can be removed easily. Pick the slugs off with your fingers or a pair of tweezers and dispose of them. Aphids can be removed with a soapy spray solution and damp cloth.
Never bring any orchids back inside your home without first giving them a thorough inspection. This will prevent you from inadvertently bringing any insects back inside along with the plants.

Growing Orchids Indoors

To many devoted fans, orchids are plants that appear as delicately beautiful as tropical treasures, and they enjoy providing them with meticulous care throughout the year. Growing orchids indoors is a hobby that is attracting many new fans today, thanks to the wealth of information that is available. You can use these suggestions with your own orchids. If you provide them with the care they need you will be rewarded with strong healthy plants and beautiful, colorful blooms.

There is no reason for you to keep discarding older orchids after they have completed their blooming phase. When they are dormant they may not have the same dazzling effect on the senses, but the blooming cycle will return if you are patient. Even though many people consider orchids to be temperamental plants, most are quite resilient and forgiving of an occasional misstep concerning their care.

Here are some simple tips and ideas to help you as you learn how rewarding and exciting growing orchids indoors can actually be.

Light Exposure

If you want your orchids to perform at their maximum potential then you need to make certain that you give them enough light. Orchids love the sunlight, but they need the indirect or filtered light that can be found when you place them in front of a window. During the summer season, the sun’s rays are powerful enough to scorch the plants if they are not protected from direct sunlight.

Select a window that faces toward the south or at least one that faces the southeast. This will provide the orchids with at least 8-10 hours of indirect sunlight exposure. The indirect lighting is most reminiscent of the sunlight they would receive in their natural, rain-forest setting.

Most people find that a southern facing window in the bathroom or kitchen is an ideal location for orchids because they get to bask in the humid moisture levels of these rooms. During the late fall, and winter months you can move your indoor orchids to areas that receive more direct light from the sun. The sun’s effects are not as intense during these seasons, and this makes it possible for the orchids to tolerate a certain amount of direct sunlight.

Water Requirements for Growing Orchids Indoors

When it comes to water, orchids would prefer you to err on the side of caution. Too little water is much better for these plants than too much. Many individuals do not understand that orchids like a gentle shower of refreshing water, not a long-lasting downpour.

You should provide enough water to soak the orchids and the medium in which they are planted. If you are not certain whether your regular water is Ph balanced use purified watering solutions that you can buy at the store. Rainwater is another option that many people choose to use with their houseplants.

Orchids cannot be left in standing water, so be sure that the excess water drains from the pot. A good rule of thumb is to water these plants once a week during the winter and at least 2-3 times during the summer season.

Humidity is necessary for healthy, beautiful orchids. You can mist your plants regularly with a few squirts of water from a misting bottle. Only mist your plants early in the day so that the water can have a chance to evaporate before the nighttime hours arrive.

Why Use Bark?

Did you know that an orchid is actually a parasitic plant? This explains their long, intricate roots. If you were to visit a rain forest, you would see the orchids growing happily among the trees. Those winding roots make it possible for them to hold onto the bark of the trees and the branches. The roots are also the primary way these plants absorb water. Potting soil is not a good idea when you have orchids. Instead, you should always use an orchid potting mix that is made from bits of bark. This provides orchids with a more natural environment in which they can live and grow.

Ventilation

Growing orchids indoors means giving them enough room to breathe. They need adequate air circulation and should be spaced far enough apart so that their large leaves do not overlap. A small fan can also be used to circulate the air among these plants.

Fast Facts on Feeding

The right amount of food and fertilizer is critical for healthy orchids. These plants need an orchid fertilizer formula that can be applied at least every 3 weeks. During the months of February-September, you should use fertilizer with a higher nitrogen mix (30-10-10) to create healthy roots and leaves. From October-January, you should encourage buds and blooms with a 6-30-30 formula instead.

Simple Orchid Growing Tips

Here are 8 simple ideas that can help you to easily grow orchids in your home.

Tip 1: Use Plant Clips

You have probably seen many of these clips at stores or being offered for sale online. These are very similar to small hairclips and are used to help you keep the orchid flower spikes in an upright position. Using these tiny plastic holders will not damage the delicate structure of the spikes, and it will let you arrange an artful display of the blooms. These are usually made in the shape of a butterfly and they add a touch of whimsy to your potted plants.

Here’s an additional tip just for you: You can even color code the clips so that it makes it easy for you to keep track of which colors of orchids you have even when they are not in bloom.

Tip 2: Adjust the Room Temperature

Many people think that growing orchids is very difficult, but you just have to be aware of some of the peculiarities of these plants. In order to get more blooms, you have to change the temperature of the environment. If you are growing your orchids indoors you must make sure that the change in the room temperature at night varies by 15-20 degrees F from the daytime temperature. Many species will not show one bloom unless the daytime thermostat reads 75-85F and the nighttime reading is set from 60-70F.

Tip 3: Use skewers as stakes

There is no denying the convenience and usefulness of stakes when you have orchids in your home. Of course, you can buy commercially manufactured stakes to place in the pot to support the flowering stalks, but there is no need to shell out extra money for such a simple product.

Get some of the disposable wooden skewers that are designed to hold kabobs on the grill. These are made of lightweight bamboo, and they are sturdy enough to support your plants without damaging the roots or flower spikes. If you need a taller stake, or if you prefer a more natural, rustic look why not use some of the small diameter branches that you can gather free. Just dry the branch and then trim it the height that is needed.

Tip 4: Root Runners

The roots of an orchid can sprawl in many directions. Sometimes well meaning orchid lovers attempt to tame these roots by forcing them back into the containers. This should never be done. If the roots of your orchids are really annoying your sense of aesthetics, you can get your plant a new and bigger pot.

Tip 5: Hang those Orchids in the Air

If you have any Dendrobiums you may already be aware of how tall and top heavy they can become. These plants are perfectly at home when placed in a wooden orchid basket. The hanging basket will support their weight and tall height and this type of display adds charm and character to the room.

Tip 6: Sick Plants Need Space

Always remember to separate those sickly or diseased plants from the healthy specimens. Allowing an orchid that has problems to remain part of the group is a recipe for disaster. Whatever plant disease is affecting it can quickly spread to the others. Isolation and adequate space for your sick plants will help you keep any problems under control.

Tip 7: Color Coding for Special Needs

If you have some orchids with particular maintenance, or feeding, requirements you can mark the pot with a colored sticker, or a small piece of colorful electrical tape. This is an unobtrusive way of reminding you to give special care to some of the more finicky orchid specimens. You might want to use one color for all plants that require special fertilizer and another color for those on which you notice scale.

You can also color code your bottles of spray, fungicides, water, etc. If you cannot find different colored spray bottles, just use colorful tape to designate what each bottle contains. This will keep you from mistakenly spraying your plant with ineffective water when you really needed to use an insecticide.

Tip 8: Go Green with the Insecticide

One of the safest sprays for insects can be made at home. Combine 1 teaspoon of a gentle, biodegradable dishwashing liquid and 1 gallon of water. The soap should always be added to the water because this sequence of steps will prevent the formation of excess bubbles. This is a formula that is dilute enough to be used with delicate orchids. Spraying this mixture on tiny insects will eliminate the problem quickly without harming the plants.

How to Take Care of Orchids

Learn Orchid Care the Easy Way

Orchids are stunning tropical flowers and they have special needs that must be met if they are to be grown successfully. The window of error with orchid care can be quite small; and anyone who is planning to grow these plants must know what requirements are necessary for the different species. If you want to fill your home or greenhouse with these colorful and exotic flowers here are some of the facts regarding basic orchid care.

Proper Lighting

Most of the tropical orchids are able to be grown in a room of your home that receives filtered sunlight during the day. They can also be grown successfully in a greenhouse or in a room where plant lights are used to mimic the effect of the sun. If you are using artificial lighting with your orchids the best combination is generally a mixture of fluorescent and warmer white lighting.

When orchids are being raised in a house, most growers will place the plants near a window so that the orchid can receive the benefits of this natural light. Prolonged, direct sunlight exposure can damage the plants and you must carefully monitor the amount and type of light the orchids are receiving. Bright sun can create scorched areas on the leaves, wilt the plants and it can damage the delicate flowering blooms.

A window that receives indirect or filtered light from the sun is a perfect setting for orchid enthusiasts to use to grow their plants. The available light can be increased, if needed, with the use of some type of growing lights designed for tropical plants.

Some orchids have very particular lighting requirements. For instance Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilums will grow well if they are given filtered sunlight or bright indirect lighting during the winter months and provided with shade during the summertime,

Temperate Temperatures

Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum are orchids that must have night temperatures that are controlled between 60–65° F throughout the year. Cattleyas, Laelia and Sophronitis are all orchids that prefer a nighttime temperature that ranges from 55–60°. The lovely Vandas does best when placed near a south facing window and it requires a temperature between 50-58F at night. Cymbidiums enjoy this same night time temperature setting once they have set their flowering spikes.

Humidity and Air Ventilation

Orchids require specific levels of humidity that range from 45-65% if they are to be grown successfully. This airborne moisture can be achieved with the use of simple pebble trays. Just place a pan or tray under the orchid pots. Fill the pan almost to the top with pebbles or small river rocks. Then add water to the pan until the rocks are just covered. The orchids can then be set on the rocks and their roots should remain slightly above the level of the water.

You should also mist your plants periodically, especially if the day is particularly hot or sunny. A light mist of water will provide the orchids with additional humidity. Always perform misting early in the morning or close to the middle of the day. This will allow the plant to dry before nighttime. Orchid enthusiasts know that damp plants in the late evening and night is an environment that encourages fungi, diseases, and bacterial growth.

Proper ventilation is another crucial factor that is needed for healthy orchids. Do not place these plants too close together. Their leaves should not be overlapping with those of other plants. A small fan on a low setting or opening 1 or 2 windows in the room are both ways that you can increase the air circulation and improve the ventilation for your flowers.

Water, Drainage, and Feeding Requirements

Orchids will thrive if they are handled properly and given a proper growing environment. It is crucial that you provide them with adequate drainage. Never use a pot that has a sealed bottom because the water cannot drain away from the roots.

The watering requirements of orchids are much lower than you might think. These plants should only receive water when they are dry, as opposed to giving them regular daily drinks. The water from infrequent showers and rains are what these orchids are designed to handle.

Most of them have pseudo-bulb structures that store excess water in much the same way that cacti and other succulent plants do. If your orchid has these pseudobulbs present, you should refrain from providing any extra water until the orchid has become completely dry to the touch. Cattleyas are orchids that possess pseudobulbs.

The more common Phaelaenopsis and Vandas do not have pseudobulbs; and neither do the Paheiopedilums. These are all species of orchids that need to receive water when you determine that the plants are moderately dry.

Remember that all of the different orchid species will require a little more water if they are in their active growing phase.
The water used for your orchids should be room temperature. Never use cold water because it can send the plants into shock.
When watering an orchid you stop only when the water is seen draining from the bottom of the pot.
Feeding for orchids occurs when you water these plants. It is only necessary to feed orchids with every other watering. There are many commercially prepared orchid formulas that can be easily added to the water.
For orchids that are in an active growing state use a food that is labeled 20-20-20. This provides a balanced diet for your plants
Orchids that have completed the new growth phase can use a formula that is 10-30-20 because they need less nitrogen at this time.
Most orchid foods are so concentrated that you will only need ¼ of a teaspoon of the food for each gallon of water.

Growing Orchids Outdoors

If you have your orchids growing indoors in your home, you should begin moving them out of doors by the middle of May. When growing orchids outdoors, you should provide them with shade for protection. If you are careful about where you place the orchids, they can be left outdoors during most of the summer. They must be protected against direct sun exposure and long rains however.

Vandas and Cymbidiums are sun-loving orchids and they can survive everything but the strong mid day sunlight. Some of these flowers will eventually be able to weather a full day in the sun late in the summer season. Phaelonopsis and Paphipedilums must be kept in full shade when you take them outdoors.