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April Gardening Tips
The temperatures are rising, the birds are singing and the sun is shining- Spring is here! The weather, rather than the calendar, dictate when to start working in your garden.
April 1, 2024
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Meg’s Favorite Orchids: February
February-the month of love. Spread the love and bring a pop of color to your home with Orchid plants. As there are over 20,000 different Orchid species, Meg Gallagher, English Gardens Orchid Buyer, picks some of her top choices we’ll have in stock this month:
1. Cattleya Orchid
Available in a multitude of colors, this Orchid’s flowers come in white, lavender, purple, yellow and red. Often used in corsages, they also look beautiful in home décor. Typically the blooms last at least two months.
Light: Needs indirect light, two to four hours per day.
Water: Water with tepid water. Keep moist at all times.
Humidity: 50-80%.
Temperature: At night, keep temperatures between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. During the day, between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilize: “Weakly Weekly”-Fertilizer with one quarter to one half of the recommended dilution.
2. Dendrobium Orchid
Available in striped and spotted colors, Dendrobiums come in white, yellow, green, pink purple and red. Their blooms typically last anywhere from two to five months and bloom once or twice a year. Cut Dendrobiums are popular in arrangements.
Light: Bright light with up to 50% sun.
Water: Do not let plants completely dry out between waterings, do not over water.
Humidity: 50-60%, place on tray over moistened pebbles.
Temperature: At night, keep temperatures at 65 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, keep temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilize: “Weakly Weekly”-Fertilizer with one quarter to one half of the recommended dilution.
3. Miltoniopsis ‘Pansy’ Orchid
This show-stopper Orchid originated in Brazil and has developed into hybrid plants with bright, colorful blooms.
Light: Needs indirect light, two to four hours per day.
Water: Water with tepid water. Keep moist at all times.
Humidity: 50% and up.
Temperature: During the day, temperatures should be between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, keep temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees.
Fertilize: “Weakly Weekly”-Fertilizer with one quarter to one half of the recommended dilution.
4. Phalaenopsis Orchid
The easiest orchid to grow with long-lasting sprays of blooms.
Light: Requires bright indirect light. Place in an east, west, or shaded south window for best results. Foliage should be firm and a medium olive color. Dark green limp leaves indicate too little light.
Water: Do not let plants completely dry out between waterings. Water approximately once per week, depending on potting medium.
Humidity: Create humidity by placing pot onto tray with pebbles and water. Or try using a humidity tray.
Temperature: Mature plants need temperature difference between 15 to 20 degrees from day and night. Night temperatures should be between 60 to 65 degrees and days between 75 and 85 degrees. Temperatures too low could cause bud drop.
5. Zygopetalum Orchid
This Orchid produces striking flowers in varying shades of green, brown and purple. They’re coveted for their strong and rich aroma which resembles a Hyacinth’s fragrance.
Light: Requires bright indirect light.
Water: Water once a week.
Humidity: 70%, place on a tray over moistened pebbles.
Temperature: Night temperatures should be between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit and day temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilize: “Weakly Weekly”-Fertilizer with one quarter to one half of the recommended dilution.
6. Paphiopedilum ‘Lady Slipper’ Orchid
Aptly named, this Orchid features a unique pouch that resembles a slipper. These delicate blooms last for weeks.
Light: East, west or shaded south window.
Water: Keep moist at all times, but avoid over-watering.
Humidity: 50-60%, place on tray over moistened pebbles.
Temperature: At nights, keep temperatures between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. During the day, between 70 and 85 degrees.
Fertilize: Monthly.
7. Intergenetic Exotics Orchid
Looking for a uniquely shaped Orchid that features delicate blooms? This is the plant for you! The blooms can last up to five weeks.
Light: Requires bright indirect light.
Water: Allow to dry out slightly in-between watering.
Humidity: 50-80%, place on tray over moistened pebbles.
Temperature: Mature plants need a 15 to 20 degree difference between night and day. Night temperatures should be between 60 and 65 degrees, while day temperatures should remain between 75 and 85 degrees. Temperatures too low can cause bud drop.
Fertilize: Every three weeks during the growing season.
8. Latouria Dendrobium Orchid
Characterized by its large flowers with speckled black or purple markings on the inner surface, this Orchid’s blooms last for several weeks.
Light: Generally bright, yet unfiltered lighting is best.
Water: Depending on the species, water year round with a slight drying period. In general, do not allow for extended dry periods.
Humidity: High humidity.
Fertilize: A quarter to half of the recommended strength every two weeks. Flush heavily with water once a month to drain any fertilizer salts.
Explore more of Meg’s favorite Orchids at our Orchid Festival on Saturday and Sunday, February 17 and 18. There will be Free Seminars and a Make It & Take It Workshop on both days. For a complete schedule, visit our events page.
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