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ORCHIDS
IN BLOOM ALREADY? Lucky you. Many cattleyas, phalaenopsis, and
slipper orchids bloom in the spring. Be sure to keep plants in bud
or bloom well watered and do not allow them to dry out. This
also includes orchids that generally like to dry out a bit, such as cattleyas.
You'll get nice full flowers that last for their full
potential-for phals this may be three months, for cattleyas this
could be three weeks.
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GETTING
READY TO GROW. Once your orchids have bloomed, or if you know they
are not spring bloomers, this is a good time to repot your orchids in
fresh mix. Spring is an excellent time to repot as it gives the
orchid time to get established before the more stressful heat
of summer. It also allows the plant to get established so it can get
on with the work of growing once warmer brighter weather
arrives.
Basically, you want to
repot your orchids about every 12-18 months, or sooner if the
potting mix is mushy, stays wet, or is smelly. This will be most
noticeable with a bark mix. While cattleyas and paphiopedilums can
be repotted at any time, wait until you see new
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and other orchids before repotting. If the mix is
broken down, always repot as soon as you can.
OUT
FOR THE SUMMER?
Many growers summer their
orchids with great results! The brighter light, and plentiful fresh
air will rejuvenate your orchids and help them grow faster and
better than they might indoors. Remember though, it is only spring.
Do not move orchids outside until a few weeks past the last frost
free date in your area. Cymbidiums and other cooler growers may be
the exception, but if the weather is going to be cloudy and wet for
days on end, you're better off keeping your orchid inside for now. There'll be more on this in our summer care guide.
For now,
enjoy your flowers.
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 Now is
a perfect time to repot this epicattleya. New roots with green tips are emerging prolifically and are still short enough
so that the plant can be repotted
without damaging them.
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GROW YOUR
COLLECTION
Orchid
nurseries and growers have already started shipping plants. This is an excellent
time to build your collection. The weather is mild enough that orchids are
unlikely to get stressed or damaged by weather extremes. Blooming size
plants will also have a whole season of growth ahead of them to reward you
with flowers later this year or next.
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