What you need to know about orchids

what you need to know

Moth Orchid

Phalaenopsis, easy to grow with blooms that can last four months

Potting: bark mix or moss

Water: every five to seven days in bark mix

Light: east exposure or bright indirect sun

Lady Slipper Orchid

Paphiopedilum, relatively small plants with large yellow, white, pink, green and burgundy flowers

Potting: small bark or medium coconut mix

Water: every five to nine days

Light: north or east exposure

South American Lady Slipper Orchid

Phragmipedium, exotic-looking; some with petals up to two feet long

Potting: small bark mix

Water: every three to four days; prefers rain water or distilled

Light: east, west or south exposure

Zygopetalum Orchid

Green and purple waxy flowers with sweet fragrances

Potting: medium bark mix

Water: every three to five days

Light: north, east or shaded west exposure

Dancing Doll Orchid

Oncidium alliance, wide range of colors and shapes with haunting fragrances

Potting: small bark mix

Water: every five to seven days

Light: east, west or south exposure; protect from hot afternoon su

Cattelya Orchid (Corsage orchids that say “smell me”)

Potting: medium bark mix

Water: once a week, allowing media to dry

Light: west or south exposure; protect from hot afternoon sun