Care Sheets

Phalaenopsis Care - 2009

Temperature: Phalaenopsis are warm growing orchids. They tend to grow during “tropical periods” June, July & August in the Northeast. However, to achieve long lasting flowers “room temperature conditions” are best. The minimum temperature at night is 60 °F, while the average daytime temperature should be around 70 °F for long lasting flowers. Occasional deviations will not harm your plant, except when it is in bud - chilly temperatures may cause the plant to stop budding and drop buds.

Light: Phalaenopsis will flourish indoors under bright indirect sunlight. Phalaenopsis should not be placed in direct sunlight.

Water: Water often enough to keep continuous moisture just below the surface of the medium, but be cautious of over-watering. Watering every 7 days is a good starting point. You may need to water every 4 days or 12 days depending on the plants location. Let the top surface of the pot almost dry out and then water completely with warm water. Put in a sink and water the pot and leaves and not the flowers.

Humidity: Phalaenopsis enjoy warm moist air, with a humidity level of 60-70% being ideal.

Feeding: Good results may be obtained by using balanced house plant food at half strength. Feed your plant once or twice a month during flowering and weekly during growing periods.

Repotting: Plants can be repotted every two years and can go back into the same sized pot. We like sphagnum moss.

When the flowers are finished: If you would like to try to get a few additional flowers open from the original flower spike, you can cut it back, just below where the first flower opened. The original spike may create a branch and flowers on one of the nodes of the spike. This process can take 3 to 4 months. Alternatively, you can cut the original spike all the way back to the plant and let the plant grow new leaves. A plant with new leaves has more energy to produce more flowers on a new spike. Once the season moves into fall and you have grown a new leaf it will most likely produce a new flower spike.

Continue taking good care of the plant by following the directions above.

Cymbidium Care - 2009

Temperature: It is important to grow Cymbidiums outdoors from May to early October. Bring them inside before the first frost. The plants will tolerate temperatures as low as 32 degrees. When the plants are brought indoors in the fall, place them in a bright (south or east window) cool section of your home. The plants like night temperatures from 55 to 65 degrees and day temperature 60 to 65 degrees. These cool temperatures will initiate the flower spikes.

Light: When growing Cymbidiums outdoors, place the plant where it receives nearly full sun (80% of full sun). Full sun will burn the leaves, which is not good. When you bring them indoors for the winter, give them as much light as you can while still keeping them cool and moist (indoor max temp 70 degrees F (south, east or west windows).

Water: During the growing season, which is generally spring, summer and fall, cymbidiums should be watered frequently and heavily; in winter, with less sun, watering can be somewhat reduced. These plants have long, thin leaves which are prone to tiny, almost invisible spider mites on the undersides. To avoid getting the mites, wash the leaves with a hose or in a shower and keep the plants away from warm dry areas. A bright, cool and humid atmosphere is ideal. Keeping the potting mix moist is also important.

Humidity: Orchids like higher humidity levels.

Feeding: Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) with every other watering during the growing months and once per month during the flowering and slow growth periods. Slow release pellets work well during the growing months.

Potting: The important thing is to have a light, porous medium, capable of holding moisture but draining thoroughly (50% coarse peat moss 50% bark). Once the plant is root bound and the bulbs are at the edge of the pot, repot the cymbidium into a pot 3” to 4” in diameter larger than the original pot.

Cultural Tips for our Ferns & Spike Moss as Houseplants

Temperature: Best growth occurs between 70°-80°F. Temperatures outside this range tend to retard growth. Temperature below 60 degrees will stop growth.

Light: These plants have low light requirements. Provide bright light with no direct sun. Keep ferns away from South and West windows.

Water: Ferns do NOT tolerate standing water but must be kept moist by watering fully from the top and then letting the pot almost dry out. Remember to be more careful not to over-water in colder temperatures.

Humidity: Dry air kills ferns. Find locations away from direct heat and drafts.

Feeding: Houseplant food applied every other watering at labeled rate or less. During the winter monthly fertilizing is adequate.

Soil: A light peat moss mix. Must drain well yet still provide good water holding capabilities. Avoid vermiculite and/or sand, which tend to plug the air spaces needed for healthy root growth.