Slave To Orchids

My absolute favorite flower is the orchid. I started collecting orchid plants in my teens. I have attended many orchid shows. Unfortunately, they are very poisonous to cats. When I got kittens, I had to get rid of my plants for a long time. I now have a garden in my kitchen that the kitties can't get to. I am so happy I get both cats and plants now!

Orchids are beautiful, but they are very hard to keep happy! Generally, once the flowers die off, the plant will not re-bloom without proper care. I currently have 3 orchid plants of different varieties.

The plant that I have had for well over 1 year is being quite stubborn. I received this one as a gift from my boyfriend. It was the biggest orchid I had ever seen and stood about 3ft off the ground. It has grown 4 new leaves and new roots, but no new flower stalk yet.





























The Lady Slipper orchid I got at Chicago's flower and garden show 9 months ago has also grown new leaves, but no new flower stalks. I haven't had this one as long, so I will give it some time.















On the other hand... The orchid I received as a gift, from my sister, 7 months ago is growing a new flower stalk! Hooray!! I am so excited! I am hoping my other 2 plants follow suit.















These are the things I did to promote healthy new growth in my orchids:

• Supplemented light with an artificial sun lamp. I use a GrowSpot 12 watt LED bulb from Sunshine Systems. I let the plants get natural sunlight from sunrise until 3pm. The sun lamp then comes on from 3pm to 7pm. This 1 bulb has lasted, with daily use, for 9 months and is still going strong.
• Re-potting. I re-potted all 3 of my orchids. I moved them into bigger, well-draining containers. I used Miracle Grow orchid soil in the new pots. The re-potting gave room for the roots to spread out and I was able to remove any rotten roots.
• Fertilizing. I use Miracle Grow orchid food about once per month.
  
• Weekly watering schedule. I only water my plants ONCE per week. It is important to not over water! The orchid soil will hold enough water for a week. A well-draining container is very important. If the roots stay too wet, they will rot. If you have an orchid that is not planted in soil (bark, moss, nothing), the 3 ice cubes a week schedule will work too. I have found that with soil, the ice cubes are not enough to saturate the roots.
  
  

Just Add Ice Orchids has a fantastic site about orchid care. They are also very helpful on their Facebook page. I will keep you posted on the new growth in my orchids and any new additions to my collection!