Orchid plants make beautiful house plants. The flowers are long lasting and when the plant has finished blooming, it is not hard to get the plant to re-bloom again.

Orchid plants have become one of the more popular flowering plants being sold in the greenhouse, over the past few years. They make beautiful gifts, and are a good way to brighten up a room. 

Some orchid plants are easier to grow than others. The varieties that are available at the garden centre are the varieties that do not need extensive care. Stick with varieties such as the easy to grow ‘Phalaenopsis’ also known as ‘phal’ or moth orchid, ‘Colmanara’, ‘Wilsonara’, ‘Oncidium’, ‘Zygopetalums’, ‘Miltonia’, and ‘Dendrobium’ orchids. These orchids are best suited for growing in the home.

When choosing an orchid plant, look for a healthy, well-grown plant. The plant should have healthy roots. There will be a few roots that are visible and they should be a silvery green. A plant with brown, shriveled roots should be avoided. Choose a plant that has a lot of unopened buds, with just a few open flowers. These will bloom for many weeks as the buds will slowly open. Some plants may have 2-3 stems of flowers, and these will cost a little more money, but will put on a beautiful show.

When transporting the orchid home in cold temperatures, make sure that it is wrapped in a protective sleeve, and go straight home. Don’t leave it in the vehicle for any length of time. When you get home, take the plant out of the sleeve, and place it in an east or north facing window, as they do not like direct sunlight. Keep the plant away from drafts, and heat vents. Orchids prefer to be in room temperature of 20-29 Celsius Orchids thrive well in a high humidity, which most homes do not have. Kitchens and bathrooms that have showers tend to have a higher humidity as there is water being used. Placing orchid plants on a pebble or humidity tray also works well.

The most common problem with Orchid plants is overwatering. Orchid plants prefer to be slightly dry before they are given water. When giving water, use room temperature water and drain out any excess water. They also enjoy the occasional gentle shower.

When an orchid has finished blooming they can be made to bloom again. Cut the finished flower stalk half way back. Place the plant in a cooler room for 6-8 weeks where the night temperatures are around 15 Celsius. A new flower stalk will grow from the old spike or from the base of the plant.

Orchids rarely need to be transplanted as they prefer to be root bound. The time to transplant, is when the plant has outgrown its current container. Wait till it has finished blooming and is beginning to produce new growth. Choose an orchid pot or a ceramic or clay pot. Use an orchid mix as orchids are not grown in soil.

-Jos

Jos Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Home and Garden Centres in Prince George:

• Highway 16 west at Kimball Road

• Highway 97 north at Northwood Pulpmill Road (this location closed for the season)