You’ll often see the thick, fleshy roots of moth orchids creeping their way out of pots. Don’t be concerned – these beautiful orchids are epiphytic or saprophytic, meaning they grow
on trees or rocks
, which explains their climbing roots and the loose, chunky organic potting mixes they are generally planted in.
What time of year do orchids flower in Australia?
They do not require a great deal of work. The most commonly grown cymbidium orchids bud in winter and flower from
May through August and September
to produce stunning long-lasting flowers. Some orchids are capable of producing up to four flower spikes from each bulb and have erect, fleshy leaves.
Can orchids survive winter outside?
Most require warmth in winter, though some will stand cooler winter temperatures for short periods of time while dormant if kept dry. They like bright,
lightly shaded conditions
.
How often do you water orchids in Australia?
5. The right amount of water. How often should you water your orchids? Give them a drink straight from the tap; a
light water at room temperature once a week
is all your orchid needs.
How do orchids grow successfully?
These plants thrive in strong light, but not direct late-afternoon sunlight (although dendrobiums can handle more sun). They also need high humidity and airflow around the roots. They need regular periods of drying alternated with heavy watering. Orchids do best in
temperatures above 50 degrees but below 85 degrees
.
How do I get my orchid to flower in Australia?
Once you’ve pruned or repotted, be sure to give your orchid a feed. Like most orchids, phals are hungry, so a specialised orchid-food,
high in potassium
will encourage flowering, and is best applied every three weeks (or in accordance with the product instructions).
Where do you plant orchids?
South- and east-facing windows
are usually the best spot for orchids. West windows can be too hot, and northern ones are usually too dark. If you don’t have a good window location for your orchids, they will be perfectly happy growing under artificial lights.
Do orchids like sun or shade?
Orchids
thrive in the sunshine
, and the living room tends to get the most sunlight in your home. Indirect sunlight is best. So one of the best places to keep your orchid is near a north- or east-facing window.
What is the lowest temperature An orchid can tolerate?
Generally temperatures between 50° and 80° F (10° to 27° C) are ideal for orchids; but occasional brief periods of temperatures above 100 F (38 C) or drops even
into the 30s (0 C)
will not harm most orchids as long as no frost forms on the leaves.
Where should I plant my orchid outside?
They like a position in part shade, with high humidity. They are prone to root rot so must not be overwatered. Paphiopedilum, slipper orchid – These orchids can be grown
outside the tropics with some shelter
.
How long does an orchid last?
How long your orchid flowers last, greatly depends on the variety of orchid as well as the care that the blooms receive. Phalaenopsis orchids, one of the most popular types, normally bloom 1-2 times a year and the blooms can last anywhere from
60-120 days
.
What is the easiest orchid to grow?
The easiest orchids to grow are
Phalaenopsis (moth orchids)
which are the ones you see here. They are available in all sorts of colors and patterns, and the flowers last several months with the potential to rebloom again a few months later.
What do you do with an orchid after the blooms fall off?
After the flowers drop from the orchid you have three choices:
leave the flower spike (or stem) intact, cut it back to a node, or remove it entirely
. Remove the flower spike entirely by clipping it off at the base of the plant. This is definitely the route to take if the existing stem starts to turn brown or yellow.
Do orchids like bathrooms?
Since a bathroom environment is naturally warm and humid thanks to steamy showers, and most bathroom windows don’t let in much direct sunlight, your
bathroom
is actually the perfect place for your orchids to thrive.
Is it okay to water orchids everyday?
No orchid variety needs to be watered every day
. In fact, overwatering can cause an orchid’s roots to rot and eventually die. Unlike many houseplants, orchids should only be watered when they begin to dry out. Watering only when they’re almost dry mimics an orchid’s natural environment.
How long does it take for an orchid to rebloom?
It takes
a month or two, or even several months
for Phalaenopsis orchids to rebloom. Many other varieties of orchids bloom annually.
