Young Orchids

For the newbie orchid grower, starting off with younger orchid plants is a great way to learn how to care for them as you watch them grow and blossom. When getting a young orchid plant for the first time, try and find out as much about it as possible. Knowing what species it is is very important, as is the sort of environment it is found in the wild. From here you'll have a better idea what watering, temperature, light and humidity requirements it needs.

Make a list of supplies you may need for your young orchid plant. This should include the correct potting mix and a specialized orchid fertilizer. Keep a plant pesticide and fungicide handy in case your plant suddenly gets attacked by something. Orchids generally need repotting once a year so there is no hurry to get another pot just yet. A water sprayer is handy as it is easier to control the quantity of water you give your plant.

It is essential that you get the potting mix right. Most orchids do not grow in the standard garden soil or garden plant potting mixes. There are species of orchid that prefer a bark potting mix and others that prefer a sand mix. Always leave the young orchid plant in the potting mix that you received it in. Don't repot the plant until it has grown to a size where it has overgrown the existing pot. When you do repot, select a pot size slightly bigger as orchids do not like being transferred to containers that are much larger then the one they are in.

Often young orchid plants are kept in potting media that appears quite dry. This is done on purpose to prevent fungal infections. Orchid roots rot very easily if they are over watered. It is much better to gradually water the plant over time, rather than do a sudden soak if the potting medium is very dry. Because young orchid plants are not yet flowering, they require different light intensities to those needed by mature orchids. If the lighting is too low, the leaves will start to turn a dark green color. Gradually increase the light by changing the plant's position and when the leaves appear a healthy light green color then that should be fine.

A great online Orchid resource site can be found at Orchid Care Learn more about growing orchids at Orchid Growing Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jan_Wilson

10 Top Orchid Growing Tips - Avoid the Common Mistakes That Others Make!

1. Perhaps one of the best orchid growing tips I can give you is to read and research about the sort of orchid you are thinking of buying before you actually buy it. The reason for this is that there are so many different varieties with so many of them having different requirements. So it's best to ensure that you can provide the right conditions first before committing to buying an orchid.

2. Try and keeping the water for watering your orchids at a similar temperature to the environment the plant is situated in. Tap water is often too cold for them. So think ahead and keep some water already for when you need it. This may well avoid some leaf spots that will only go when the leaf dies.

3. Make sure when you mist an orchid plant that the plant won't get direct sunlight on to the leaves and flowers. This will stop any leaf burn occurring or flower damage.

4. Be very careful when choosing an orchid to buy. Check that the leaves are fresh and don't look stressed. Get up close and make sure there is no evidence of spots and leaf discolouration or bugs for that matter! If the plants are in full flower they may be coming to the end of the blooming period, so perhaps it might be better to find one approaching flowering or you could have to wait some time for flowering to happen again.

5. Providing enough light is one of the most crucial orchid growing tips. The plants need sunlight, although not usually direct sunlight to bloom. So if you have a plant that isn't flowering try putting it in a position where it gets more sunlight.

6. All orchids fall into one of three growing types. There are ones that grow on a host, which is usually another living plant such as a tree maybe. Then we have orchids that grow directly in the ground and lastly those that grow in places like on rocks. It's important to know what type your orchid is so you can recreate its natural environment.

7. If you don't have an area that provides enough light for your orchids then it's very possible to use artificial light. One variety that likes artificial light is Phalaenopsis.

8. Air circulation is a need of most types of orchids. Avoid placing them in drafts though for optimum results.

9. Making sure you understand the watering needed for your variety of orchid is essential. Most orchids don't require much water at all, usually once a week as a very general rule. If the roots are too wet and stood in water the roots will rot and kill the plant. So make sure the drainage is good in the pot to avoid this.

10. Orchid plants in the main need humidity. You can create this by adding a small tray of coarse grit or small pebbles under the main pot. Put in a small amount of water, the plant will then absorb the moisture it needs.

There are hundreds of orchid growing tips, these are some of the more common questions that crop up regularly. You only learn by doing so go out and get yourself a plant, take the time to find out its needs and you won't go far wrong.

Lynne Ivatt is an orchid enthusiast learn the rest of her secrets to becoming an orchid growing expert at orchid growing tips visit http://www.completeorchidcare.com

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Orchid Disease Control - Five Household Remedies

These tips cover five household remedies for the control of orchid diseases.

• For general disease prevention, maintain all your work area clean and disinfected. Chlorine bleach is a powerful disinfectant - add 1 ounce of household bleach per gallon of water. Mix well and spray the solution directly onto work tables, benches, cutting tools, walkways, and even onto the plants. Bleach will control fungus, bacteria, and algae.
• A paste made of common household glue, such as Elmer's, and ground cinnamon is effective to cover and protect wounds on orchids. The cinnamon protects against fungus and the glue forms a waterpoof barrier. This remedy is a "last resort" for heavily damaged plants that you really want to rescue.
• For preventative maintenance to your orchids' potting media, add a 5% solution of hydrogen peroxide to your fertilizing mix. The hydrogen peroxide attacks root pests and bacteria while providing oxygen to the roots. Your orchids' roots should easily tolerate this low concentration of hydrogen peroxide.
• Some orchid growers have reported that Listerine is very effective for treatment of crown rot. Pour it directly onto the infected area and let stand for 5 minutes, then drain the excess liquid. Repeat three times, three days apart, then evaluate the infection before additional treatments.
• To sterilize used pots, soak in a 10-15% bleach solution and let stand overnight. Of course, you should clean out all media first, and especially remove white root residue (and other organic material) with a scouring pad, as they may contain viruses.

Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that you are using these tips at your own risk - remedies that work for others may not work in your environment, so you should test the remedies in on a single orchid first. Even though these are homemade or natural remedies, they are still chemicals and toxic (at least to diseases and pests.) Therefore, personal protection is important. Use proper gloves, and eye and skin protection and exercise caution when applying. Never apply any of these remedies in the heat of the day to your orchids as they can cause damage. Do not use on hirsute (hairy) orchids. And do not store left-over mixtures in violation of federal labeling laws which require identification and warning statements on all chemical containers.

Michael Anderson is co-author with Steve Frowine (author of four orchid books including the Orchid title of a well known series) of the web site, UncutOrchids.com. To get a free, 40-part video course on orchid care and the "Orchid of the Day" newsletter, click now on this URL: UncutOrchids.com. Michael lives in the enchanting town of Guanajuato, Mexico, where he also offers Guanajuato apartments to vacationers and visitors.

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Care of Dendrobium Orchids

Dendrobiums

This month I am focusing our attention to the care of Dendrobiums. These are one of the most popular of retail orchid plants. They are a true epiphyte or air plant. There pseudopods can gather and hold water very efficiently. Generally there will be a hybrid phalaenopsis and dendrobium, commonly known as Dtps.

Potting

This needs only to be done every two to three years and it should be with a porous, free draining media. This may be a combination of wood chips, small stone and and pieces of styrofoam peanuts. This will allow the draining of water and fertilizer. Dendrobiums seem to grow best when the pot is smaller than the size of the orchid plant.

Lighting

The dendrobium orchids require about 50% sun or bright light. They will do well in an east or west window as well as a shaded south window.

They also do well under 4 - 40 watt fluorescent lights directly over the plant.

Temperature

These plants need a difference in temperature between the night and day. Preferably this difference should be about 10 - 15 degrees. The night temps they like is 60-65 with days between 80 - 90.

Air circulation is needed and is especially when the temps are above 90 degrees.

Water

Like most orchids Dendrobiums need to be kept moist while actively growing. When it is mature, as are most of orchids-plus-more.com plants they should dry between watering.

Dendrobiums thrive when the humidity is about 50 - 60%. Humidity trays are usually needed while the plant is in the home.

Fertilizer

Use a balance fertilizer like Jack's Classic 20-20-20. Use weakly, weekly. That is, use a solution which is between 1/4 to 1/2 the recommended dosage.

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This site is devoted to these wonderful orchid plants. Did you know they are the second in popularity only to the poinsietta plants? You will find a good deal of information on how easy orchid care really is. They are wonderful to have around your home or for that special gift. Orchid flowers are beautiful and can last for months. Your plant will be appreciated for years and years.

http://www.orchids-plus-more.com

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Orchid Care - What The Leaves Tell Us

Orchid Care Leaves Tell Us About Orchid Health

Over the past 20 years the orchid supply has become almost limitless. All in all orchid care leaves is becoming more important to all the orchid lovers. The leaves can also give very important information about the orchid plant.

Orchid care leaves can help you to diagnose what is wrong with your plant. I imagine this as one of the best ways to see the early signs of potentially fatal diseases.

Leaves can be yellow, blackened or brown or they may become shriveled. Let's learn more about orchid care and what to do.

Blackened leaves show their effects on the body or the tip of the leaf. If it is on the body of the plant it is usually due to the hot sun causing a leave to burn. Orchid care would tell us that if this may to the case put the plant away from direct sunlight.

If sun burn is not the cause and the size of the spots continue to grow then it may be a bacterial or fungal disease. orchid care leaves suggest to cut off the affected part of the leave and treat it will a fungicide like natriphene.

What about blackened or brown tips of the leave. This could be caused by excessive minerals in your water. This is fairly common in well water. With orchid care you should have your water tested.

It also could be caused by excessive fertilizing, especially cymbidiums or once again a fungal infection. If it seems to become larger you need to cut off the affected and treat the plant with a fungicide.

Leaves may also be mottled or streaked black or brown. They are telling us that this could be from a viral infection. Caring for orchids tells us to determine this special tests are needed and can be provided by your local agriculture experiment station. You will need to send in a leave. As in humans, there is really not much for treating this right now. Orchid care leaves also suggest that you isolate this plant right away.

Yellow leaves are probably the most common ailment we see. Good orchid care would tell us that it just could be a natural phenomenon called old age. If it seems to e happening to the oldest leaves don't worry.

On the other hand it could be from, too much light (most common), not enough nitrogen in the fertilizer or if the medium is primarily bark. Other causes include being subjected to low temps or loss of roots.
Orchid care would suggest to first change the lighting and potential for low temps. Keep in mind that in the North being on a window sill during winter can be a cold spot.

Another condition that you could see in orchids are small spots that turn from reddish brown to black. These are most likely caused by fungal infection.

As orchid growers we need to remember that humidity is needed for proper orchid growth and the orchid supply. Too much humidity favors the growth of fungus.

The last orchid care leaves tip I want to mention is the shriveling of the pseudopods. Pseudopods are very efficient water storage areas of the plants. If there is not enough water given to the plants or the humidity is too low the leaves will shrivel. Also, if the root system is dying you can get shriveled pseudopods.

Leaves sure do tell us a great deal about orchids and help us to keep diseases at bay and not becoming fatal

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** This article can be used freely as long as the author and the Orchids-Plus-More.com are identified within the article

This site http://www.orchids-plus-more.com is devoted to these wonderful orchid plants. Did you know they are the second in popularity only to the poinsettia plants? You will find a good deal of information on how easy orchid care really is. They are wonderful to have around your home or for that special gift. Orchid flowers are beautiful and can last for years. Your plant will be appreciated for years and years.

The article may be reproduced in full with the name of the author and the web site, http://www.orchids-plus-more.com cited in the article.

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Understanding Treasures of Troy and White Orchid Video Games

When IGT first released Treasures of Troy and White Orchid, players, and most slot attendants, didn't understand the 1,024 way MultiWay feature. I have to admit, I found that I couldn't explain it to the slot attendants myself. I found myself researching the game feature so I could explain it. Although it appears to be just a regular video game with 40 lines, The Treasures of Troy game is actually two games in one.

First, it is a 40 line 20 reel game, as opposed to the 5 reels that most of our games have. It looks like a 5 reel game at first glance, but if you look closer you will see that there are 5 columns (not reels) of 4 rows. Each of these "picture windows" is a separate reel. Watch the way the game plays and you'll see each window stopping on its own instead of an entire column stopping together as most reel games do.

Second, in addition to being a 40 line game, it also has an option to buy into a MultiWay feature similar to Aristocrat's Reel Power games giving players an additional 1,024 ways to win when they double their wager. Here's how that feature works:

When you wager the additional amount (40 x your line bet) to enter the MultiWay feature, in addition to being able to win based on payable combinations on each of the 40 lines, you can now win based on symbols on each column. You must get 4 or 5 of the same symbol in each column on an active payline to trigger a win, however, if you get more than one of the winning symbols in any of the 4 or 5 columns, your win is multiplied.

Examples:

These examples assume a payout for 5 WS (Winning Symbols) = 40 credits times your line bet. Some WS pay higher amounts. The examples below assume the minimum bet of one per line (40) plus the feature wager (40).

#1: You get one WS in each of the 5 columns on any payline and it pays you 40 credits. (40×1x1×1x1×1=40)

#2: You get two WS in the first column and one in each of the 2nd through 5th columns and you are paid 80 credits. (40×2x1×1x1×1=80)

#3: You get two WS in column one and column four and one in each of the other columns and you are paid 160 credits. (40×2x1×1x2×1=160)

#4: You get WS on all 4 reels of the 1st column, 2 in the 2nd, 2 in the 3rd, and 1 in the 4th and 5th and you are paid 640 credits. (40×4x2×2x1×1=640)

And, finally,

#5: You get WS on all 4 reels of all 5 columns and you are paid 40,960 credits. (40×4x4×4x4×4=40,960)

And that's just the MultiWay part of the game. 4×4x4×4x4=1,024 is the maximum number of ways you can win, and hence the name MultiWay.

Clear as mud? It is confusing, but if you think about the examples above and watch the game when someone is playing it with the 40+ MultiWay feature activated it will become clearer. Just remember that four or five WS on a payline will trigger the feature when the additional wager is placed.

By the way, this is basically the same way the Carnival of Mystery game works, except Carnival of Mystery only has three rows by five columns for a maximum of 243 ways to win.

Rick Brock has been involved with the casino gaming industry for over 24 years working in and around casinos in a variety of roles. He has worked at casinos in Nevada, California, Minnesota and Mississippi and has consulted for casinos in California, New Mexico, Louisiana, Minnesota and Mississippi.

Rick has worked in nearly every position in the Slot department from Change Person to Slot Mechanic / Slot Technician to Slot Manager. He was most recently the Director of Gaming for Lakes Entertainment, a casino management company that manages Indian casinos in Michigan, Oklahoma and California.

Rick's website is dedicated to informing and educating slot machine players and can be found at: http://www.Midwest-Casino-Slots.com

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Orchid Flower Tattoos Can Be Feminine Or Masculine

Tattoos or at least the concept of tattoo art designs have been around for many, many years. Ranging from simple dots and lines to the more intricate designs are present in mummified remains found in several caves and burial grounds all over the world. This just goes to show that tattoos have been a long fascination of the human mind, ancient or modern.

Now, if you are planning to enter the world of tattoo art designs, then go and read on. Still, if you are just really in for the knowledge, then read on. If you are planning to start to have a tattoo art, then start it simple. Remember, that tattoos are permanent, so you might want to think about what to get first before you actually start the inking.

If you want a tattoo for life, then try an Orchid flower tattoo designs. Flower tattoos are great designs, as they show dual sides of simplicity and complexity. Simplicity in a sense that it's just a flower, but complexity in a way that the design varies, the shapes and colors vary as well.

Rushing for a good Orchid flower tattoo design in a tattoo parlor? A pretty good suggestion is to first have a temporary tattoo that lasts for around a week or so. Have a feel of the flower design. Then, just as this design starts to fade, you can go back to your tattoo artist to have it inked permanently.

Orchid flower tattoos are not just for the females. Men have tried this design and also loved the way the flower art has shown color and beauty in the tattoo art.

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Respect Your Orchid's Roots

Orchids have always been highly sought after for their striking and distinctive blooms. Their representation of purity and wholesomeness has made them appropriately graceful décor at weddings and christenings while their vibrant colors and unique shapes have made them anchors of many arrangements and bouquets. These blooms dazzle us as decoration and amaze us in nature where they can be found growing on trees and rocks as if they were on stage. Just like on Broadway, to pull off an incredible performance requires a lot of hard work backstage, or in the orchid's case, below the potting surface.

The root system of an orchid is responsible for providing the life sustaining stability and nutrients to the plant. To keep your orchid in award-winning form, you must keep its roots happy and healthy.

Orchid roots require a good amount of air circulation and breathability. This can be achieved by using a pot with large holes in the sides and base to allow for maximum air flow and water drainage. You should also use a specialized potting material to surround the roots. No ordinary potting soil or compost will do. These fillers are too compact and will retain too much moisture for the roots to survive. Filling the pot with a matter specialized for orchids containing balanced bulky absorbent material will provide the most positive growth results.

The pot itself can be made of different materials depending on your orchid's preferences. A container made of porous organic material such as terracotta or clay to allow for more water absorption.

Transparent plastic and glass pots are also good because they allow unobstructed observation of the roots so any problems can be spotted early on. However, they will retain more moisture and let in more sunlight which some root systems have trouble tolerating.

When it comes to watering your plant, less is more. The roots are designed with tiny extensions and a protective skin to be very efficient at absorbing and storing the water that the plant needs. The leaves of and orchid also collect and store moisture from the air. An excess of moisture can quickly overload the root system and makes it easily susceptible to root rot. Simply check the dampness of the soil around the plant and only add water when absolutely necessary.

If your roots are healthy, that means they are growing. Eventually they will get too big for their pot, and they will begin to break and the entire plant will suffer from a lack of nutrients. Even though the symptoms can be life threatening, the treatment is rather simple; you just need to get your orchid a bigger pot. This will generally be necessary every 18 to 24 months. Root growth rates do vary among the different families of orchids so you should talk to your local plant expert to determine when to anticipate getting your bloom a new home.

By keeping your root system happy and healthy, you are ensuring that your orchid will have the support it needs to present splendid shows of foliage and flowers for years.

Carl Harrison is an orchid enthusiast. For more great tips and advice on orchid roots, visit http://www.theorchidresource.com.

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White Orchids

Orchids get their name from the Greek word "orchis", which means testicle. Orchids have over 17000 species and come in variety of pure colors and combinations. White is the color associated with purity, virtue, and innocence. Hence, white adds a hint of elegance and glam to the orchid flower.

Orchids collectively form a family called Orchidaceae, which account for nearly thirty thousand members of the plant kingdom. These flowers grow mainly in the tropics although species are found everywhere except in arid dessert regions. They have been largely domesticated for their monetary value and the orchid trade is today one of the largest profitable botanical vocations in the world. Most of the orchids that are sent across the planet originate in South America, Central America, and Tropical Asia. Many of the species that are part of this trade are being hybridized to reap in more profits. Although this may be beneficial to national economies, the plant kingdom is suffering as a consequence. Many orchid species are so hybridized that none of the original characteristics are sustained. These hybrid species, though far more sturdy have much shorter life spans and are hard to reproduce. Moreover, these hybrid species, when accidentally released into the wild, slowly wipe out indigenous species through competition.

The greatest sufferer in this race for survival is the white orchid. White is generally a recessive color in the plant kingdom and when white orchids are crossbred with colored ones, there is only a 3:1 chance that the offspring will be white. In fact, most white orchid plants end up with bicolor off springs in their second or third bloom. Naturally, white orchids are generally more abundant on the African continent, although the only pure strain white orchid comes from Thailand. Orchids belonging to the genii Aerangiis, Angraecum, Cyrtorchis, Neobenthamia, and Rangeris are exquisitely white.

Orchids provides detailed information on Orchids, Orchids for Sale, Care of Orchids, Growing Orchids and more. Orchids is affiliated with Hibiscus Plant.

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Orchid Growing Tips - Soil Preparation For Orchids

Orchids come in many varieties and are vibrant and hardy plants. However, many people do not know of this curious fact, but orchids do not grow in soil.

Epiphytes are orchids that cling to trees, supporting themselves on the bark. They receive all the water they need when rain water runs or drips down the tree. They can obtain what it needs from the air.

Lithophytes are a variety of orchids that grow on rocks. Saprophytes grow in leaf litter, and terrestrials are found growing in sand.

Orchids, like other plants, prefer certain conditions when growing in the wild. You need to bear this in mind when growing them under greenhouse conditions. Being aware and armed with information of what makes them thrive, you can provide a good environment for them.

It is easy to maintain a setting similar to their natural habitat for orchids. It is simple to obtain volcanic rocks or fir bark chips. Most orchids only need small amounts of water at regular intervals. Allow enough time between watering for them to dry. With a loosely packed base, it is easily drained.

Your orchids should be re-potted every two or three years. Not only will they begin to outgrow their pots, but the material that they grow in will usually begin to break down as well. This is due to too much water or insect activity. If your plant's roots are beginning to grow over the side of the pot, it's time to replant.

It is far easier to re-pot such plants when we compare it to traditional plants. Do remember to exercise caution when dealing with plants. This step should only be done when the plant is at its most dormant stage. For instance, it would be in early Spring, before its major growth spurt.

Be cautious when you take the plant from its pot and remove any remaining material from its roots. To give the plant the best chance of surviving in it's new pot, clip off any damaged or unhealthy looking roots.

Many times this move will be made to a larger pot. Refill the pot with the proper growing media, whether it's bark, lava rocks or something else. There is also a special orchid sphagnum moss that works quite well for some types. Clear a place to insert your plant and refill up to the crown (rhizome). If necessary, support the plant with a stake. Use it for a while, until the plant can grow without toppling.

Keep in mind that the orchid absorbs the majority of the nutrients from the surrounding air and not the growing medium. Make sure you provide proper airflow.

The amount of air available to the roots is dependent on the chip size. Make sure you have the right potting material for your specific plant. When the plant begins to sprout fresh leaves, you can use a bit of 18-18-18 to fertilize it.

Moses Wright is an orchid enthusiast. He started a site to help fellow orchid lovers to learn more about orchid gardening tips and orchid soil preparation.

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The Existence of Black Orchid Flower

The existence of the black orchid flower is surrounded by several imaginary swine with a whole lot of expectancies, delusions, and central fairies about the likelihood of its subsistence. These flowers are basically regarded as the unicorns of the orchid family. Since centuries, several flower fanatics and poets lacked the need for this flower, as it was believed that this flower are potential for summoning the evil spirits, which they usually mentioned in their tales or scripting. In the early 19th century, when the trend of orchids was in the bursting mode, a huge amount of rumors were splashed regarding the exploration of the black orchid flower. However, all these rumors were baseless and the existence of this flower was still a mystery, as several orchids grower are still attempting to raise this imaginary orchid species for several years. But unfortunately, till date none of the type of this flower is explored or depicted.

Innate Beliefs:

Although, in case, if the facts for the existence of the black orchid flower is not considered as a usual hope, gratefully for the entire Depeche Mode loving Goths, turtlenecked beret-wearing Bitnicks in the swarm of the garden, Allen Poe fans, and Edgar, there exists certain dim shades orchids, that are quite creditable for portraying as the black orchid. A majority of these illustrated species are quite attractive that an individual may desire for, though that individual in no way craves to be a furtive vampire or specifically desired of himself as an admirer of the morbid. The existence theory of the black orchid flower possesses several various allusions in its exploring secrecy, in the titles of arenas, cafes, and various other alliances. In actuality, the desirable admirers of the black orchid can also scroll on the manuscript of Dave McKean known as the "Black Orchid". The evaluations of the current progressions in the discovery of the black orchid are still far to achieve a successful growth of these fantasy species of orchids. Certain successive breeds of the dim orchids had been nurtured by the orchid growers, and the Laelicattleya Lc Mem is one of them.

Dim Achievements:

The Vanda David Gardner is one of a dim form of the black orchid flower that has purple shades beneath its black stains. Further, a black tongued orchid known as the Epigeneium amplum, and the Liparis nervosa, which is Japanese artificial innovational breed of the black orchid are certain dim instances of the black orchid blooms. But, when these orchids are viewed closely, it can be observed that they are not actually black. Hence, it has proved to be a quite difficult task for various orchid growers to crossbreed a perfect black orchid flower.

If you would like to learn more about Growing Orchid and receive a FREE Newsletter on the subject visit the authors site http://www.growingorchidhelp.com

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Lady Slipper Orchid

Known in America as the moccasin flower, the Lady Slipper orchid is so named because of their slipper-shaped pouches on the flower. There a few genera of Lady Slipper orchids in the subfamily Cypripedioidea, but the genera most well known to gardeners is the Phaphiopedilum, native to Southeast Asia. In order to grow Phaphiopedilum Lady Slipper orchids there are several points that you need to keep in mind. The environment temperature can be gauged depending on the leaf type; plain-colored leaf types prefer a cooler temperature with daytime highs of the upper 70 degrees F and night temperatures of around 50 degrees F. The warmer-growing mottled-leaf plants thrive in temperatures in the upper 80 degrees F and night-time temperatures of around the mid-60s.

Phaphiopedilum orchids dislike direct sunlight but still need to be in a well lit area. They thrive in a high humidity environment and this can be created by placing the container on a tray containing pebbles covered with water. Like most orchids, a once-a-week drench watering is sufficient, but you do need to ensure that the potting mix does not dry out.

For the hobby Lady Slipper gardener, I suggest starting out with one of the many hybrid varieties, rather than a species, as hybrid plants are more tolerant and their flower colors and patterns are more attractive than the original species. I love to grow the 'Maudiae' hybrids as they are inexpensive and have wonderful color ranges, deep merlot being my favorite. Some gardener friends of mine have had successes with a species Lady Slipper, like the Phaphiopedilum wardii.

Selecting your plant at the garden store is most important as buying a healthy plant at the start will save you a lot of time and money. Check the root system by supporting the container with one hand and then gently wriggling the base of the stem. A plant that has a good root system will be well anchored in the container. Have a good look for any sign of disease. Wipe off any potting mix at the base of the plant and look carefully around the root collar for signs of brown rot (dark spots). Inspect for fungus infections on both sides of the leaves. If you see any light brown spots, or small pitted spots, then do not get that plant. Mealybugs and scale insects are the two main pests you need to search for. Signs of their presence are black soot on leaves or fine white fluffy masses on the plant.

Growing Lady Slipper orchids is very rewarding and the beginner should not be deterred by the amount of information he, or she, needs to be successful at it. For more valuable orchid growing information, have a look at Growing Orchids

Jan Wilson is an orchid enthusiast and has her own orchid care website at Orchid-Care.org

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Do You Know About A Bamboo Orchid

Bamboo Orchid Plant

When you think of bamboo you really think of bamboo sticks, don't you?
There is an orchid that grows wild in some of the warmer climates like Hawaii and Southeast Asia called the Bamboo Orchid Plant. This is a very pretty orchid plant that easily grows on the hillsides.
Imagine having a bamboo orchid plants in your backyard that are growing behind your home. What a pretty site that would be.

These orchids usually grow to 5-6 feet. The stems are actually the pseudobulbs. A new pseudobulb grows each year.

One of the variety, Sobralia, can grow well in light shade as well. This genus doesn't grow as tall either. It usually tops out at about 4 feet.
Temperature range is quite wide, from a low of 40 degrees to a high of 80+. You don't see the bamboo orchid plant very much in the cooler climates of the Northeast or North Central states. If any they are usually indoor plants or out in the summer only.

My wife has one of these that is still quite small, but this summer she is putting it outside just to see what it will do.

Bamboo orchid plants need to stay moist. Do not allow them to dry out. Humidity is also very good for them as well. So if indoors you should be sure the humidity is about 50%. If not you can use a humidity tray.
Fertilize them about every other week with a weak, diluted solution.
Some people can have flowers on their orchids all year round. We haven't had that luck. And the flowers are fragrant.

If you can get one of the bamboo orchid plant I am sure that you will be able to see it grow. Imagine, growing a five foot orchid!

Visit our Orchid Store: [http://www.orchid-store.orchids-plus-more.com]

The article may be reproduced in full with the name of the author and the web site, http://www.orchids-plus-more.com cited in the article.

This site http://www.orchids-plus-more.com is devoted to these wonderful orchid plants. Did you know they are the second in popularity only to the poinsettia plants? You will find a good deal of information on how easy orchid care really is. They are wonderful to have around your home or for that special gift. Orchid flowers are beautiful and can last for years. Your plant will be appreciated for years and years.

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Orchid Wedding Bouquets: 2 Things To Consider

When you are planning your wedding, flowers are something that are very important to use. You need to have just the right kind of flowers to fit the mood of your wedding, and to match with the colors of your wedding. Be sure that you are using the best kinds of flowers for you. If you have decided that you would like to have orchid wedding bouquets, there are several things that you should know. First of all, they are beautiful. Orchid wedding bouquets are among the most popular flowers to use in weddings because of the beauty that comes from orchids.

1# However, there are other things that you should know about Orchid bridal bouquets. You should know that they are going to be expensive, because there is a lot of care that has to go into raising the plants, and therefore they aren't something that can be found cheap. However, if this doesn't matter to you, you should go ahead and use them.

2# Another important thing that you should realize when it comes to Orchid wedding bouquets is that you need to think about the temperature of the wedding. If you are going to have a wedding that might take place in an extreme temperature, you have to take care so that the Orchid bridal bouquets don't wilt or freeze. Also, if you need to have the plants shipped to you, you should know that depending on what temperature you are located in, it might be difficult.

Good Outweighs Work

Even though it might be pricey and difficult to get the flowers to you for your Orchid wedding bouquets, it is going to be worth it in the long run. These flowers are absolutely beautiful, and they can enhance the look of your wedding very much.

April Kerr sells real orchid jewelery [http://www.shakeitbaby.co.uk/jewellery-shop/flower-jewellery/flower-jewellery.htm] both in her retail shop and her wholesale jewelery shop. They are all handmade in Thailand and fairly traded.

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The Significance of Orchid Potting Mix

The growing materials required for the orchids are very diverse from the other plants such as vegetables or trees. Rather than organic composts or soils, orchid plants require a suitable blend of aerating materials as well as water retaining materials. Ratio of both the material depends upon the kind of orchid that is grown. Undue moisture, usually settles around the pockets of the orchid potting mix, owing to this there is quick decomposition of the compost. The arising of this situation results in rotting of the roots of orchids and also, the leaves of the plant turns yellow. An amateur orchid grower will conceive that owing to less watering the plant has refuted to this condition. Perhaps, then the grower will over water the plant and thereby, further harm the roots and ultimately destroy the plant.

Organic Orchid Potting Mix:

The orchids usually grow, if a blend of organic as well as inorganic fibers is used in combination. These Orchid potting Mix are easily available in any local nursery, they are very simple to use and not so expensive. Alternatively, an orchid grower can also create his own mix involving a whole range of materials. Every mix accompanies with itself a whole lot of benefits that can be virtually experimented in order to gain the experience. Majority of the materials that are employed for Orchid Potting Mix is fine, coarse ranks and medium. Below mentioned are the organic alternatives of the Orchid potting mix:

1. Fir Bark: These are very easy to obtain, cheap, comparatively slow with respect to decomposition. However, finds difficulty in retaining the water at the outset.
2. Coconut Husks: These are amid the first kind of fibers ever employed for the orchids. They are economical, accommodates water reasonably well and lightweight. However, they get decayed quiet rapidly as compared to fir bark.
3. Redwood Bark: They retain water in a better manner than the Fir bark as well they decay at a slow pace.
4. Tree Fern Fiber: They are perfect Orchid Potting Mix owing to their ability to do proper drainage. They are slow in decomposing but are very rarely available.

Inorganic Orchid Potting Mix:

Below mentioned are the alternatives with respect to inorganic materials:

1. Lava Rock: They have a very good drainage capability and do not crumple. However, they are heavier potting mix.
2. Charcoal: The Potting mix made up of Charcoal are slow in decaying. They assimilate the toxic matters.
3. Vermiculite: They are good in retaining water, which results in enhanced level of aeration to the orchid plant.
4. Pearlite: This mix assimilates water, has high resistance to decay, is light and is used together with supplementary inorganic material. If this Orchid Potting mix is used solely, then it will result in admitting excessive water.

With the help of the above ingredients, an orchid grower can make customized orchid potting mix for a specific orchid.

If you would like to learn more about Growing Orchid and receive a FREE Newsletter on the subject visit the authors site http://www.growingorchidhelp.com

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Some Basic Facts About Orchids and Orchid Care

Because they are so many types, it gets more and more challenging to care for your orchids. They are not harder to grown than many other flowering plants. But still...

Before going into caring about these precious plants, here are some facts about orchids.

- There are more than 100,000 kinds of purebreds and hybrid Orchids. There are about 800 new species added each year. Orchids, scientifically known as Orchidaceae, are the biggest family of flowering plants.

- Some orchids bloom once a year; others bloom several times a year; some bloom continuously

- Orchids do prefer a middle range of temperatures, neither too hot nor too cold. Some warm-growing species can take easily hot weather; some cool-growers are not harmed by very cold temperatures, but it depends on the plant.

- The world's largest orchid can grow up to 20 meters long. Yep, that's right. It's quite big, don't you think?

- The first man-made orchid hybrid was created in 1856. Over the years hybridizers have learned to cross as many as five genera to create a single plant - the equivalent of mixing a hummingbird with a blue jay, eagle, mallard and whooping crane. The orchid scientist John Lindley, on viewing the first hybrid, exclaimed: "You will drive the botanists mad!" And they have.

- Sadly, Indiana has 42 native orchid species, several of which are endangered.

- The swollen roots of native European orchids were used in ancient and medieval times as aphrodisiacs.

You can find these and more tips at my blog.

An avid organic gardener http://organic-gardening-ideas.blogspot.com/ http://about-orchid-care.blogspot.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcia_Gallik

Orchid Mix

Beautiful and magical, orchids are quite special. They look extremely pretty inside your home and add a mystical touch to the decor. Of course orchids need more love than other plants, it requires much more attention and care to grow orchids in your home. But every proud owner would say that it is truly worth the effort. While growing orchids, it is important that you make use of a special orchid mix as these special plants cannot survive on standard compost or patting mixes. Your orchids shall thrive, only if you use special mixes that permit adequate drainage through the air pockets present.

It is important that you use special orchid mixes to help your orchid grow. There are many factors that contribute to growing orchids, although many people believe that the green house is the only place to grow orchids, it is a true fact that orchids can be successfully grown at home with the right effort and care. Orchid mix is certainly an important factor that shall help you grow your very own orchids.

The sort of materials that you can choose for your orchid mix are varied, while some may work extremely well for certain kinds of orchids, they may not serve as the best option for other kinds. Simple mixes may contain gravel, charcoal, sand and bark chippings. Orchid mixes play an important role in nourishing and feeding nutrients to the plant, but with time you would notice that the material around the roots becomes dense which is a signal for you to repot it with some new orchid mix.

Seedling shall do well with a finer mix, you can move up in coarseness once the plant matures. As mentioned before, you must keep re-potting the orchid so as to ensure proper growth but keep in mind not to carry it out until the plant has flowered or shows new growth. Now the fact remains that every type of orchid is different and every orchid requires a special type of orchid mix. Therefore it is essential that you do the proper research and find out which particular mix is best suited for the particular orchid you are growing.

Either you may opt to purchase the orchid mix at your local garden supply store or you may even make your own mix through trial and error method. Sphagnum moss, charcoal, sponge rock, redwood bark etc can be extremely beneficial for orchid plants. If you decide to mix your own, consider combining granite chips, charcoal, sponge rock and granite chips for good results. Do not be hesitant to experiment with the orchid mix as you may be surprised with the end product.

As you know orchids are epiphytes which mean that there is little possibility that they shall grow in ordinary soil, therefore it is necessary for you to find the special blend of mix that would suit your orchid the best. Make sure to find out adequate information about the orchid you are growing, this shall help you care for the plant better and help it grow. Follow all the proper instructions and directions in order to see your orchids bloom. Good luck!

Shane Dolby is an orchid enthusiast. For more great tips and advice on orchid mix, visit http://www.orchidshelp.com

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Orchid Flowers Care Tips

Orchids are exquisite flowers that are known to have an amazing effect on people, usually in the holiday season you will see more orchids on the streets, they are out on florists windows so shoppers can admire this flower and in some cases give them as holiday gifts to their friends and family.

In the past orchids were not to be found on the western markets and were abundant only in their natural habitats, which are much more tropical and humid, it is natural that today we enjoy more orchids then ever because of the modernized efficiency of the flower industry. Orchids are a thing of beauty, one of the most impressive flowers you can have at home is an orchid.

Horticulturists are not the only people in the world who have the passion to study and love flowers. There are those who do this as a hobby and the individual has the choice if working with roses or orchids.

There are more than 25,000 species of orchids that have been recorded. This doesn't take into account the hybrid versions being developed by scientists. The interesting thing about these plants is that these don't have to be always planted into the ground unlike other flowers.

Orchids can be grown either indoor or outdoor. Like other plants, it needs two basic things namely water and light. The hobbyists can use artificial light by using a lamp but the best source is still the natural kind that comes from the sun.

This process as everyone knows is called photosynthesis. The person should just be careful because some of the species are sensitive when there is too much light that can even kill the orchid.

Research shows that many people want to garden these varieties in the outdoors. This is because of the vast space in the backyard or in the front porch.

The most important thing that the person should be familiar with are the three types of species that are generally being grown. Each of these have different needs so the person needs to understand how these are able to bloom and survive given the environment.

The first type of orchid is called the Epiphytes. The individual should place this plant on a high shelf or stand so that it can live and grow near to its natural habitat since this species comes from trees.

Orchids are beautiful delicate and consist of a huge variety of different orchids, there is a lot to learn about these mysterious flowers, read about Orchid Care Tips at Daniel Roshard Orchids site http://orchid.zupatips.com

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Orchid Blooming Tips - Provide Some Fertilizer But Not Too Much

In their natural habitat, orchids are usually found attached to the branches and trunks of trees. Their natural environment provides sufficient nutrients derived from decomposing bark, leaves, animal droppings and other organic matter. To have thriving orchids in your growing environment, you will need to replace the missing nutrients that nature no longer provides. This is usually accomplished with fertilizers.

Three of the basic nutrients that help orchids grow are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Of these, nitrogen is most responsible for the growth of healthy leaves. While healthy leaf growth is of obvious benefit to the orchid, excess nitrogen can inhibit flowering by diverting the plants' growing energy to the leaves instead of to the blooms.

Secondary Nutrients that can Benefit Orchids

In addition to the three key nutrients that orchids need, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, there are other minerals that will benefit the plant in trace amounts. These include calcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron, copper, iron, chloride, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc. If you find that you are grappling with how and what to feed your orchids, the best advice is look for fertilizers formulated especially for the requirements of orchids. If these are not available at your local garden center, fertilizers formulated for flowering ornamental plants are a good substitute.

You can also prepare effective home-made fertilizers --- use a teaspoon of Epsom salts in a gallon of water to provide extra magnesium. Supply extra calcium by crushing seashells or eggshells and spreading it over the medium. Soaked, strained and diluted manure is also rich in minerals and organic nutrients that will help in orchid development. Fertilizers in liquid form are effective and convenient for many orchid growers and should work well for you. There are dozens of other feeding tips available at reputable web sites. Whatever methods you use to keep your plants healthy, make sure you research them thoroughly before first use -- beautiful orchids are well worth the effort.

Fertilizer Cautions

When in doubt about the amount and frequency of fertilizations, the best rule is, "less is better than more." Synthetic fertilizers contain salts which can damage roots by dehydration. Never exceed recommended dosages, and water the media thoroughly (until the water flows freely from the bottom of the pot) to flush out excess salts. Only fertilize healthy plants during their growing season; if the plant is dormant during winter months, fertilizers should not be applied.

Michael Anderson is co-author with Steve Frowine (author of four orchid books including the Orchid title of a well known series) of the web site, UncutOrchids.com. To get a free, 40-part video course on orchid care and the Orchid of the Day newsletter, click now on this URL: UncutOrchids.com. Michael lives in the enchanting town of Guanajuato, Mexico, where he also offers Guanajuato houses to vacationers and visitors.

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Information on Ghost Orchid Flowers

The Ghost orchid flowers are on the verge of extinction. Therefore, it is against the law of both the central as well as the state, for eliminating or repositioning of these endangered species of the orchid family. Basically, these flowers are observed on the plants in hardwood hills, marshy areas, and at the pitches of cypress. Normally, the roots of these flowers are gray-green in color, with a size of around 20 inches. The seeds of these are most of the times scattered by breeze and are grounded on certain turbulent surfaced plant. The sprouting of these seeds is not possible unless a specific fungus is present near the seeds.

Another significant stuff is that these flowers need not be puzzled with the Eurasian Ghost Orchid, as it is a constant hemicryptophyte of the orchid species (Orchidaceae). Other general names for this species are the White Frog Orchid and Palm Polly. Previously, the ghost orchid flowers were categorized under Dendrophylax, but recently, it has been shifted to the Polyrrhiza family. Certain synonyms for this species are referred as Dendrophylax, Angraecum, Polyradicon, and Aeranthes lindenii.

Overview:

The World Checklist directory of the Monocotyledons of Kew Botanical Gardens still consider the Dendrophylax lindenii as the approved name, whereas Polyrrhiza lindenii is regarded as a homotypic synonym. The nickname "lindenii" is obtained from its explorer Jean Jules Linden, who very first explored the ghost orchid flowers in the year of 1844, in Cuba. These flowers mainly receive their moisture and nutrients directly from the air and sun. They are attached in a mesh of huge, twisted and crowded mass of a plant.

A majority of these species of orchids are found in the damp, marshy woodlands in the Bahamas, Cuba, and southwestern Florida. This member of the orchid family is greatly on the edge of dying out. They are quite rarely observed in bunches that are traded on a huge cash price. The nurturing of this particular flower outside from its locale has proved to be a quite impossible task, as it needs specified nurturing circumstances. This requires to be raised away from its hereditary puddle fulfilling the requirement of huge humidity. These flowers are mentioned on the II Appendix of CITES and is completely isolated throughout the Florida state and commandment of federal defense.

Appearance:

These orchid flowers mainly bud in the period between June and August, with a total of around ten aromatic flowers and one flower is unwrapped at a time. Abide the barb emerging from the set-up of the roots, a flower of 3-4 cm wide and 7-9 cm lengthy is known as the white flower. The minor edge of them generates two lengthy petals coiled somewhat in the downward direction similar to the rear legs of a sprinting frog.

If you would like to learn more about Growing Orchid and receive a free Newsletter on the subject visit the authors site http://www.growingorchidhelp.com

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The Wide Variety of Orchid Species

Orchids are very beautiful and unique plants, with amazing flowers. These flowers come in astonishing color combinations, and add an exotic touch to any location. In nature, orchids are usually aerial plants, so their roots grow in the air or attached to tree trunks.

There are over 25,000 known species of orchids growing worldwide. This number is always growing due to new discoveries in remote locations, as well as the creation of new hybrid varieties. Many of these varieties are found in rainforests and tropical areas where they thrive in the humid climate. There are three main types of orchids, although this by no means encompasses all of the known or commercially available orchid species.

Dendrobiums are among the most popular types of orchid plants. Some bloom with white flowers, while others are purple or yellow. These are usually found in Asia and other tropical areas, including the Philippines, Borneo, New Zealand, Australia, and New Guinea. Due to demand, there are many newly created hybrid species based on Dendrobium orchids. These are specially created to have large, exotic flowers, unlike those found on most other plants, and many bloom for longer seasons than most other orchids.

Cattleyas are another type of beautiful orchid. These are found in some South American countries, as well as parts of Asia. These are among the most extravagant species of orchids, and each plant produces from one to eight flowers per season. The amazing colors of these flowers range from white and yellow to dark purple. Cattleya orchids do not grow tall, but instead spread out along a tree trunk or other surface.

Another unique orchid species, the Vanda, is a very strange looking type of orchid. Their leaves grow on a single tall stalk, with flower stalks sprouting from the leaves' bases. These stalks can grow up to twenty individual booms of exotic flowers. Vanda orchids are found in India, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, the Himalayas, Australia, and New Guinea.

These three types of orchid species are just a few of the different species. There are many rarer or more exotic orchid species, as well as newly discovered species that have actually existed for hundreds of years in remote areas of the rainforest. Yes, these beautiful plants can grow with special care in places very different from rainforests or tropical climates, such as the average home. Many hybrids, in fact, are grown particularly for adaptation to indoor climates.

What better time than right now to explore and learn more on the subject of orchid care phalaenopsis. It's time for a better insight on http://www.plant-care.com

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So Your Orchid Won't Rebloom

Reblooming is still the biggest problem for orchid growers and enthusiasts. There are certain times of the year that most orchids bloom. You can see when these times are in my book, Mastering Orchids in the flowering table.
There are three or four steps you can try to get your orchid to re-bloom.

1. One of the first things to look for is light. Without the proper lighting your orchid will not have new flowers. Light is the most important factor to help with this process. This is one of the first things to try. Remember in the winter the amount of light is lessened and this can have an effect.

2. Next is a change in temperatures. This is especially true for phalaenopsis orchids but does hold true for other genera of orchids. It is recommended that your temperatures vary about 10 - 15 degrees between day and night time. This is easier to do in the Northern climates.

It may be a simple as putting your plants outside when the weather gets cooler. This may need to be done in Southern climates.

3. After your orchid is finished blooming you should cut the spike back. You will notice little "bumps" on the spikes, these are called knuckles or more properly nodes. About 2 inches above the 3rd node from the bottom of the spike cut the rest of the spike off.

After you have done this the spike needs to be protected from disease. This is accomplished by using cinnamon powder or melted wax over the cut area. Cinnamon is should be used on any cut area.

4. If all else has failed there is one last trick to reblooming you can use. And that is to get the orchid into darkness. Yes, I said darkness. There are some experts who recommend this as a first step. I don't. This may be true especially for cattleyas but can be done for all orchid genera.

To do this the plant needs darkness for at least 12 hours a day. This can be accomplished by putting it in a dark basement or putting a lightweight dark cloth over it.

These steps will get your orchid to produce more of those great looking blooms.

Be one of the first to get my new e-book, Mastering Orchids, your guide to growing beautiful orchids. This will answer your orchid questions and you get it for half price ($9.95) PLUS a 15% coupon for an orchid purchase. Subscribe now

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Specialty of Blue Orchid Bouquet

People since time memorial are in search for a magical blue rose. Man simply appears to be passionate about finding not just the rare specie, but also a truly outstanding one. To get a blue rose seems to be beyond the imagination, perhaps this craving can be filled by a blue orchid. Blue orchid bouquet is extremely special, since the blue color seems to be really uncommon to be found in any genus of flower. The blue orchid has 2 original varieties and one among them is coerulescens in which the pigment of blue is evident only on lip, whereas the sepals color is white. The second blue orchid bouquet can be made up of a specie called coerulea, which sepals are blue colored. The hybridization of the blue orchids barring the botanical breeding alliance remains out of realms of simple hobbyists. People are constantly involved in the process of hybridization of blue orchids, in order to prepare blue orchid bouquet that is unique as well as rare.

Where the Blue Orchid Bouquets can be used?

Blue Orchid Bouquets are less common and hence, if given on any occasions will make the person remembered for a lifetime. Most of the orchid bouquets are made by cutting the flowers when they are farm fresh, perhaps in front of the person purchasing it. The blue orchid bouquets can last for a long time, perhaps 1 to 2 weeks if sufficient care is taken. The bouquets made up of blue orchids are ideal to be gifted on the occasion of wedding ceremony. Additionally, they can also be used to decorate the hall of nuptials. The freshness and vividness brought by the blue orchid bouquets are simply amazing. An individual can even give blue orchid bouquet as a thank you gift to the people attending the auspicious occasion. The availability of an entire bouquet made up of blue orchids is hard to find. However, a person can easily catch hold of bouquets made up of blue orchids along with other several flowers.

Tips for Creating Blue Orchid:

Since, the availability of blue orchid bouquet is comparatively less in the market, it is very essential to understand the thumb rule that can guide a breeder to make blue orchids. The main task to be dealt by the breeder is, to determine how the blueness changes or behaves in different environment. The basic idea behind this determination is to ensure that the blue orchid remains to be blue irrespective of the varied conditions. A breeder while selecting the variants of blue orchids needs to select the one having noteworthy coloration, the one probably grown in natural surroundings in normal settings. It is suggested to use the orchids having green hues, since they bring the blueness and avoid the orange orchids, since they bring out red color.

If you would like to learn more about Growing Orchid and receive a FREE Newsletter on the subject visit the authors site http://www.growingorchidhelp.com

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Moth Orchid Care

Phalaenopsis (Moth orchids) are so called because the flowers of some species resemble flying moths. Moth orchids are the most common orchids found in gardens and homes as their flower blooms can last from weeks to months. Flowers come in a wide range of colors; yellows, pinks white, lavender and are arranged as arched sprays. Their popularity is also due to their tolerance of temperature and light conditions in the average home.

Moth orchids prefer temperatures between 55 degrees F to 85 degrees F. The day and night temperature difference is important for flowering and Moth orchids flower best at daytime temperatures of about 75 degrees F and night time temperatures of about 60 degrees F. The optimum positioning for a Moth orchid is near an east or west facing window where the plant will get the morning and evening sun, but won't be burned in direct midday sunlight. If you are growing these orchids in a greenhouse, you'll need to protect them with shade cloth. If too little light is an issue where you live, consider using fluorescent lights with the timer set to 10 hours lighting. Orchids need good air circulation and a low-speed oscillating fan, or ceiling fan, will be adequate.

Moth orchids will not survive heavy watering. They should receive a good drench and then only watered again when the potting mix is nearly dry. Try not to get any water on the flowers. Use your finder, or a pencil, to determine whether the media at the bottom of the pot is nearly dry or not as you don't want this area to be over-watered and rot the roots. Moth orchids prefer humidity levels of between 50% and 75%. The best way to provide humidity to your orchid plant, is by placing the pot on a shallow tray, containing pebbles, and filled with water. The water level must not cover the bottom of the pot or else capillary action will be sucked up into the potting mix and this will be too damp for your plants. Fertilize your plant with N:P:K fertilizer (liquid or slow-release), but when your Moth orchid is about to flower, use a fertilizer that has a higher phosphorus concentration. Once the orchid is in bloom, stop fertilizing altogether. Constantly check your plants for pests and remove them with a soft cloth that has been dipped in soapy water. Common pests may be slugs, mites, mealybugs and aphids.

Do you adore orchids? If so, then you must visit Growing Orchids for more valuable orchid care advice.

Jan Wilson is an orchid enthusiast and has her own orchid care website at Orchid-Care.org

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Different Types of Orchid Planters

The plants of orchids are quite unique and hence, they need unique types of orchid planters. There are loads of multicolored planters for orchids in the market that suit best with the respective blooms of the various orchid plants. An individual is hoarded by loads of varieties of distinctive and beautiful planters for orchids. The nurturing process of the orchids is quite easy and consigning them in unique orchid planters will boost their attractiveness. Several people live under the faulty assumption that the orchid garden is not similar to a conventional garden, but the fact is that orchids are nurtured on certain trees or planters. Orchids have their innate locales in the tropical regions of Central America and Asia. Taiwan is considered as the chief exporter of the both the planters as well as the plants of orchids. The plants of orchids are bound to be extremely stunning, if they are nurtured in the orchid planters. The orchids are also able to flourish constantly and beautifully, if they are suitably nurtured in suitable planters in an orchid nursery.

Types and Proficiency:

An individual will be delighted and very gifted to find an orchid nursery that is fully equipped with just planters of orchid. A majority of planters may be merged with certain thin stripped containers for a genuine appearance. The planters can be of leaf shape, circular, and square shapes. The pot of orchids can be easily plunged into these genuine orchid planters or else, the orchid plants can also be dipped in them straight away. The baskets that are creased with moss and sheet inside the planters possess excellent finishing. The distinctive method of creating the planters that best suits with the charismatic look of the orchids is the process of creating planters with coconuts. Basically, the orchids are tropical plant species and the plants of coconut are also tropical in nature, which ultimately makes the orchids feel that they are somewhat in their natural habitat. The hangers are also a better compliment for the orchid planters and orchid plants, as the tubers present in them are capable to fix themselves similarly as of other plants. Hence, it is quite obvious that organizing and managing the planters for orchids is not that difficult.

Shady Planters:

The exotic orchids are most preferred to place in a stunning metallic green planter that would provide a supplemented sense of modishness and classiness. The dimension of this gorgeous metallic green planter is 4 ¾"H x 4"D with a general dimension of around 16"H. Further, the orchid planters that are also quite outstanding and which represents the shape of the lotus is known as the black ceramic planters. The dimension of the black ceramic planter is 5"H x 4.5"D with a general measurement of 14"H.

If you would like to learn more about Growing Orchid and receive a FREE Newsletter on the subject visit the authors site http://www.growingorchidhelp.com

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Choosing an Orchid Tattoo Design

Men, of course, would prefer a tattoo design that expresses masculinity and strength. After all, a tattoo is a form of self-expression in itself. For the same reason, women prefer something very feminine and the most common choice is that of a flower. But with so many different flower designs, how does one begin choosing? Perhaps you no longer want a rose as it has become too common and a daisy or something similar doesn't appeal to you either.

Then you might want to try getting an orchid tattoo design. Orchid tattoos are very interesting, unique and not to mention very exotic in appearance. They aren't as common as a rose or lily but in terms of beauty, it doesn't disappoint. The fact that it is one of the most cultivated kinds of flower in the world only adds to the variety of design one can choose from. An orchid tattoo design can come in many different shapes and hues. One of the most popular is the cattleya which has long been a symbol for all things exotic and mysterious.

This tattoo is often found on people's shoulder blades, lower stomach, lower back and the foot. But perhaps the most beautiful placement is in the ribs as this would follow the curves of the body in a very elegant manner. The colors are what brings it further to life. But a design inked in black and white isn't at all unattractive. In fact, many tattoo aficionados find that it looks more stunning when done in black and white.

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Orchid Home Garden

Orchids are still very popular plants for the home and garden, although many gardeners get overwhelmed with the huge number of orchid species and knowing their particular growing conditions. Here I will summarize the different types of orchids and suggest which ones would be best suited for your orchid home garden. The orchid family has over 30,000 species and more than double this number of cultivars or hybrids. Thus we need to understand a bit of orchid ecology before we select orchids for our home or garden. There are four broad types of orchid, each coming from a different growing environment. There are the climbing epiphytes, whose roots attach to the bark of trees, and the saprophytes which live on decaying matter. Terrestrial orchid plants grow in the soil and lithophytes can survive on rocks with very little soil.

The home gardener therefore needs to choose plants depending where she wants to display them. Fortunately plant breeders have done the selection for us and now days there are many varieties of easy-to-grow orchids that we can raise. The most common orchids found in garden centers are the Cattleya, Dendrobium, Cymbidium, Ondontoglossum, Paphiopedilum, Oncidium and the Phalaenopsis. As an orchid gardener you'll need to decide what is best for your own particular situation - space available, climatic conditions and the color of the orchid blooms which you like the most. I have listed the most popular garden and home orchids to give you an idea what to choose.

Cattleya:
This orchid is also known as the "Queen of Orchids". They are epiphytic orchids from temperate regions.

Dendrobium:
These epiphytic orchid plants produce a generous spay of flowers and there are many different colors found among Dendrobium varieties.

Cymbidium:
Cymbidium orchids originate from South America and are among the most common home and garden orchids found, mainly due to the blooms lasting for months.

Ondontoglossum:
These are cool growing Tiger orchids, originating from the Andes Mountains. Their colorful flowers usually have delicate patterns and markings.

Paphiopedilum:
Originating from East Asia, flowers often are stripped or spotted. Commonly known as the Slipper Orchid, they have broad leaves and prefer indirect sunlight.

Oncidium:
These South American epiphytes prefer a drier potting mix and have distinctive mottled markings.

Phalaenopsis:
Also known as the Moth orchid and their flowers come in a wide variety of colors.

Once you have chosen your orchid plants, you may need further advice and help in caring for your orchids. Come and visit Orchid Care for more orchid care advice.

Jan Wilson is an orchid enthusiast and has her own orchid care website at Orchid-Care.org.

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Orchid Leaves Turning Yellow? Find Out Why and How to Solve It

If your orchid leaves are turning yellow it isn't always cause for concern, but it is definitely a good reason to take a closer look. The simplest and most common reason is that the leaves are just dying off. If some of your lower orchid leaves turn yellow it is probably nothing to worry about.

In the most extreme cases it may mean that your orchid is diseased. Usually bacterial or fungal disease will show up as yellow spots on leaves which are not old. If you can see yellow spots and this is outlined in black then you definitely have a fungus problem and this should be look at further.

Once you are certain that this is the problem, you can buy some Physan which in most cases will clear up the problem and stop your orchids turning yellow.

Another cause of your leaves turning a yellow color is too much light. Light is very important to orchids but too much or too little can cause problems. If your orchid is receiving too much light this can result in burns to the leaves which display as yellow spots. The solution to this one is simple, simply give your orchid less light and keep it in the shade a little longer each day. Unfortunately once this happens though, your orchid leaves will stay yellow and you will not get green leaves again until some leaves regrow.

While it is not common some other factors that can cause orchid leaves to turn yellow are:

• Too much water: If you think this is a concern make sure the roots are not rotting, and simply water the plant less for a few days.
• Extreme Cold Weather: Make sure you keep the orchid in a moderate environment

There are several reasons why your orchids leaves may be changing to a yellow color. Take all of these factors into consideration.

Of course, there may be other issues related to your orchid and it is a good idea to take steps to make sure you are providing the best possible orchid care. For some secret tips and tricks head over to http://www.orchidcarerevealed.com and learn more. You can grab their free orchid care report by clicking here

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Orchid Cactus Care

Orchid cactus care isn't really anymore difficult than caring for any of the other orchid varieties, if you follow the steps the experts use. In the wild, these plants usually grow on other plants, say large trees and simply live from the environment around them like any other orchid.

The basic steps for Orchid Cactus Care

Blooming for an orchid cactus is always during the warmer months of spring and summer. They are quite resilient and can be kept inside our outside usually, unlike many other orchid species. However it is very important not to give your plant too much sunlight as this can cause problems with the leaves and flowers. With most of my orchids I like to keep them behind blinds, so the sunlight is scattered.

Fertilization and Watering are the other 2 vital issues in the orchid cactus care program. The orchid cactus does not prefer their roots to be wet and hence, it is advised to plant the cactus in such a way that the water is drained easily. Soil need not to be tightly packed, but in fact a mixture of inorganic, organic as well sand material needs to be used.

I advise to only water the cactus when the top most layer of pot media is completely dry, excessive water can damage your root system and lead to root rot.

Humidity is also important for orchid cactus care but not something to lose sleep over. You can simply take the standard approach and place the pot on top of some pebbles or specific humidity trays. However, the humidity in the average home should be sufficient for the plant to grow.

Orchid cactus care can be trick IF you don't know what you are doing. The real secret about orchid care is to keep yourself up to date on the latest tips and tricks and orchid care guides. You can check out the most up to the minute orchid care book by clicking here.

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Prune Your Orchids With Five Quick and Easy Steps

It's very important that you prune your orchids once it's flowered especially if you want to promote new growth and have a plant that is healthy and repeatedly blooms. A large majority of novice orchid growers are nervous about the pruning task, afraid that they will damage the plant.

Pruning your orchid doesn't have to be a daunting task especially if you apply the following five steps below.

Step 1 - Timing Your Pruning Right

When you prune, it should be when the orchids are dormant and there are no more blooms. The best time to do this is usually during the months of October and November, mainly in early October to late November. If you postpone the job, you'll miss the window to get it done and your orchid will once again bloom but it may not allow for new growth.

When to prune can depend on the orchid variety especially with the kinds of orchids that flower many times during the year. However, if you are unsure of when to prune, do it during the months of October and November.

Step 2 - Identify Your Orchid Type

Different orchid groups show an individual uniqueness where growth and flowering is concerned. For starters, look at the phalaenopsis orchid variety. This variety will need to be pruned once the flower begins to exhibit signs of wilting. However, other varieties will have to be pruned when the stems turns brown. Make sure to have instructions on hand before you attempt to do any pruning. You can find information online or in your local greenery.

Step 3 - Have The Right Pruning Tools

When you are ready to prune, it's best to have the correct tools to do the job. The most important tool you're going to need is a pair of scissor style secateurs. This tool will prune the stem effectively without causing damage to the plant. Disinfect the secaterus by wiping them down with a dilute bleach solution. Make sure you wear sterile gloves to protect your skin.

Step 4 - Know What and Where To Prune

Before you begin pruning your orchid plants, you should know how to prune it. How do you prune your orchid? Start by cutting back the actual orchid branch where the flower stems instead of the cutting the supporting stems. Cut about a quarter of an inch away from the stem node. Be sure you take particular care with the kind of orchid you are growing. Certain orchid varieties will be trimmed differently from other orchid varieties.

Step 5 - Check The Orchid Roots

When you prune some orchid varieties, it's best to check the roots at the same time. Healthy roots will have a green or grayish film and look agile. If your orchid plants are brown, brittle and mushy, then you should cautiously do away with them to allow new growth to occur.

As you can see, it doesn't take long to figure out how to prune your orchid plants. All you need are sterilized secateurs to cut away the dead parts to give your orchid a new lease on life for the next growing/blooming season.

Carl Harrison is an orchid gardener and enthusiast. For more great tips and advice on pruning orchids, visit http://www.theorchidresource.com

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Orchid Fertilizer

Orchid fertilizer? Orchid food? Is there a difference or are they the same thing? Orchid plants make their own food using carbon dioxide, water and sunlight, so orchid food/fertilizer actually refers to orchid nutrients. Like most other plants, orchids need the macro elements (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and a range of micro elements, such as calcium and zinc. There are many orchid fertilizer recipes, so which ones do you use and when? With orchids, you really are wanting flower blooms for as long as possible. Giving high nitrogen concentrations to your orchid plant will only encourage foliage growth and not flowering. High nitrogen is fine when the new shoots are emerging but the other two macro elements are more important for flowering. Potassium is the element that is responsible for flower development and phosphorus for flower production. Commercial orchid fertilizers list the N:P:K ratio as numbers, for example 30-10-10 has three times the nitrogen concentration as potassium and phosphorus. Because these ratio numbers are merely percentages, the gardener needs to work out the actual concentration of nutrients that the plant requires. For example, 150 to 200 parts per million (PPM) of nitrogen (N) is fine for periodic feeding of orchids.

Most orchids are grown in soil-less potting mixes and so micronutrients need to be fed to the plant. It is very important that you check the orchid fertilizer label to see if they have these listed. Micro elements are needed by the orchid plant for new growth and support for the flowers. The orchid fertilizer formula that you use needs to match your potting mix. Orchids that are grown in bark medium will require more nitrogen as bacteria present in the bark utilize nitrogen for themselves. If you are wanting to use organic fertilizers, that is fine but you'll need to use larger quantities as they contain relatively low nutrient concentrations. Slow-release fertilizers are not that effective in orchid potting mixes as the granules tend to be washed out through the medium before the nutrients are released. Water-soluble orchid fertilizers work well. A rule of thumb here is to "fertilize weekly, weakly". When in doubt, too little is better than too much.

What fertilizer to use on your orchid plants can be challenging to the hobby gardener. If you want more advice on orchid fertilizers and orchid care in general, I recommend having a look at Growing Orchids for further help.

Jan Wilson is an orchid enthusiast and has her own orchid care website at Orchid-Care.org.

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How to Take Care of Orchids in Six Easy Steps

Orchids are known to be relatively tough to grow and people come up with terrifying horror stories about how they failed to grow one. But these are easily over shadowed by the hundreds of success stories, some of them from first-timers about how they managed to grow these beautiful plants, and how they enjoy relishing their beauty for hours together. Orchid growing doesn't have to be a tough nut to crack and can be done in six easy steps as follows:

STEP 1

Choose a clear plastic pot for your orchid. This gives an immediate advantage in that you are able to monitor the roots of your plant, and also look out for any pests. It is essential to use a good medium for your orchids. A good choice can be tree ferns, known to provide excellent aeration and retain moisture for a long time. Coco plaques can be a refreshing alternative and orchids are known to love it.

STEP 2

Avoid over- watering. This is a common mistake committed by first -timers leading to the death of orchids, and must be avoided at all costs. It is important to plan your watering frequency based on the climate of your surroundings, the type of medium used and the type of your orchid. Always test the soil for dampness before watering. Rain water is best for your orchid as it contains useful organic matter compared to tap water.

STEP 3

Orchids need a certain level of humidity in their surroundings. It would be imperative to boost its humidity, if the surroundings are not humid enough. During summers, these plants can be placed in a shallow dish containing pebbles and water to restore their humidity. Orchids must be spared from watering during late afternoons or early evenings, as these can lead to condensation and rotting of roots.

STEP 4

Light is an important factor for the growth of your orchid and this must be made available in the right amount. Direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided, as this can cause sunburns. If light is not available due to climatic conditions, it is recommended to use a fluorescent light above the plants and these have been known to produce good results

STEP 5

Maintain the right temperature for your orchid. There is a wide misconception that orchids grow in high temperatures. However it is important to maintain a right balance of temperature and humidity, failing which orchids will grow but not bloom.

STEP 6

When orchids are moved from their natural habitats to your homes, they no longer get to eat their favorite foods comprising of decomposing leaves, bird/animal droppings etc. You can make sure that your orchid gets this by feeding it with fertilizers. Specially formulated orchid feed can be purchased from garden centers and various compositions are available; some to help enhance growth and regeneration, others to promote flowering.

It is highly recommended to note the subtle differences between each type of orchid and read the instructions that come with your orchid when you buy them.

As it can be seen, caring for these lovely plants can be as simple as following six easy steps. The return of investment is high, with enthusiasts claiming that they can spend up to 2 hours staring at their natural beauty. So why not start caring for these lovely plants from today on?

Carl Harrison is an orchid enthusiast. For more great tips and advice on how to take care of orchids, visit http://www.theorchidresource.com

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