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Orchid plants are easy to grow with the right conditions. To optimize their health and encourage the plants to re-bloom the following season there are certain things to keep in mind. Your plants will bloom for weeks, and whey they do loose their flowers they will continue to provide you with greenery. Each orchid family requires a little different care; here are some suggestions:
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PHALAENOPSIS
America's favorite orchid requires modest light and consistent moisture
They like bright light but no direct sun. in the home or office, an east, west, or shaded south window is ideal.
Water frequently enough so the plants don't dry out between waterings.
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CATTLEYAS
With their big, showy blooms, these corsage orchids are what people most often think of when they hear the
word "orchid".
Cattleyas need nighttime temperatures of 55-60 F and daytime temperatures of 70-85 F. They can tolerate up to 95 F during the day if humidity, air circulation and shade are increased
Cattleyas need to dry out thoroughly between waterings, but the humidity should be at 50-80% with good air circulation.
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ONCIDIUM
An extensive New World genus with a wide range of optimal growing conditions. Light conditions may vary from bright to nearly full, direct sun depending on the species. In the home, east, south or west windows are ideal.
Oncidiums require intermediate to warm temperatures 55-60 F at night and 80-85 F during the day. Water requirements will vary, because a species with large fleshy leaves will need less-frequent watering than one with thin leaves.
The potting medium should be allowed to dry at least halfway before re-watering. Humidity should be at 30-60%; placing the pots in trays with moist pebbles works well in the home.
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DENDROBIUM
These lovely and delicate plants will continue blooming for weeks to come.
Make sure they are in a warm and bright room. They love morning sunlight and require water about once a week.
Make sure that the water doesn't stay in the plant. They prefer full drainage and do not like to be sitting in water. Orchids generally love a fine mist occasionally if the conditions are dry. Once it has lost its flowers, continue to feed it once a month and water once a week. Some plants bloom two times a year depending on conditions.
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BRASSIA
These exotic specimens have large spidery shaped flowers that form long spikes. They love humidity, so an occasional misting is wonderful for this orchid.
They prefer bright light and good air circulation. The Brassia does not like to fully dry out. Water just before they are near to drying out.
Fertilize 3 out of 4 waterings with a diluted orchid fertilizer. They do not like temperatures below 55 degrees, so in the winter you may want to make sure they are not in a drafty cold area.
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MILTONIOPSIS
Also called "Pansy Orchid". They have smaller leaves that are a bit more fragile than other orchid leaves.
If they are exposed to direct hot sunshine, they will become sunburned. It is important that the Miltonia have bnght light and moderate humidity. Ample ventilation is also needed for this lovely plant.
Watering needs lo be frequent so not to dry out. If they are not getting enough water, you will notice an accordion like pleating on the leaves. Temperatures should be not less then 50 degrees at night and about 65-80 degrees in the daytime.
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