Cornelius Nurseries Orchids

While there are many species and hybrid orchids, the most familiar types are phaleonopsis, dendrobium and cattleya, the corsage types. They will require about the same care when grown in the home. Most all dwarf varieties do well indoors as they require less humidity. Thirty to fifty percent would be enough humidity for most orchids. Temperatures required would be very close to that of the average home. Sixty to sixty-five degrees at night and sixty-five to eighty degrees during the day. Place your potted orchid on a pan or clay saucer filled with gravel. Small size gravel is best, and add water, just enough to keep the gravel moist. Do not let the bottom of the pot set in water.

Potting Procedures
Orchids growing in 5, 6, 7 or 8 inch pots will probably need repotting every year. Be sure the pot or container has a large drain hole and fill the bottom one-third of pot with broken or chipped pottery (washed well). Clay pots, wire or wooden baskets or small redwood tubs would be fine for home growing. When you remove the orchid from the old pot, remove as much of the old potting mixture as possible being very careful with the root system. Next cut off all dead roots or partially dead roots (black or brown), to live tissue which is white. Position the plant in new pot and slowly work the new bark in and around the root system until all roots are covered. Rhizome clips are available which stabilize pseudobulbs in their pots. They can also be made by hand. Loose orchid plants will not bloom. Water plant well into its new medium.

The Potting Medium
Fir bark of medium size is fine. Use no soil. Fir bark is fast becoming the most popular and best orchid planting medium. Osmonda, a tree fern fiber is still used, but with less ease in potting. Osmonda does contain more nutrients than fir bark. Tip: Soak 1/4 cubic foot of potting medium in one quart of water to which 2-3 drops of dish washing liquid have been added and let stand for 1/2 hour before using.

Watering
There is no single rule which will tell when to water orchids. Small pots dry out faster than larger ones. As long as the bark in the pots seem moist or damp the plant is fine. We would say, any time you are in doubt, don't water. When you do water, water slowly and thoroughly until water comes out the drain well. Remember do not let surplus water remain around the pot. Tip: See specific recommendations for varieties listed on back.

Fertilizing
Use a regular orchid plant food, beginning in March and continue through September. Once each month is enough if you wet planting medium well as when watering. Follow manufacturer's directions. Tip: Ease back your feeding for winter and summer.

Insects
Insects and diseases affect your orchids. Watch them closely and spray if needed. Scale insects should be wiped off with a damp cloth. Consult your Cornelius Texas Certified Nursery Professional for all current recommendations.

Misting your orchid plant
This is very important. Mist your plants daily when possible. Do this early in the day so that the leaves and stems will be dry by nightfall when light intensity is low. Misting early in the day will help avoid most fungus problems.

Tip for Orchid Success!

Phaleonopsis
1. Give bright indirect light - not direct sunlight!
2. When blooming is over, the spike can usually be cut back to the next node and many times will produce a secondary flower spike from there. After secondary spike is finished blooming, check for other nodes swelling (an indication of possible spike buds). If none are productive, the original spike can be cut to one inch from the base.
3. Water thoroughly every 7-10 days.
4. Repot once a year after blooming.

Cattleya
1. Give bright indirect light
2. Blooms appear from within a flat sheath that emerges from the pseudobulb. Once the sheath is visible, check to make sure that no insects exist that could damage. It takes several weeks to months for flowers to develop inside the sheath.
3. Water thoroughly weekly until hot weather, then usually two times a week may be needed. In 90 degree temperature or higher, check to make sure there is enough moisture in the pot.

Dendrobium
1. Give bright indirect light
2. When blooming is over, the spike can be cut back to the thick stalk.
3. Fertilize once a month.
4. Repot once a year after blooming.