Shake it Baby

Go into any shop that sells plants you’re more than likely to see the Phalaenopsis genus of orchids.  The main reason for this is that they’re very easy to care for.  Most orchids are thought to be very difficult to tend but the Phalaenopsis is an ideal for choice for most people.  Plus the flowers are simply gorgeous.

Light and Temperature

They like a little bit of bright light however if you place them in direct sunlight for even just a few minutes, this can damage their leaves.  They prefer light which has been filtered through curtains or outside trees because in the wild they grow on trees which provide natural shade.  If you put them in a south facing window, make sure they are shaded.

Phalaenopsis orchids prefer a warm climate where during the day temperatures are around 75-85F/24C-29C.  But they’ll do best if the night time temperature dips down to produce a 15-20 degree Fahrenheit difference, not too much more nor less. For areas where the summer nights can cool off to 45-55F (7C-13C), it’s best to keep them indoors or in a greenhouse.

Watering and Humidity

As with most orchids, Phalaenopsis like humidity levels to be around 60-70%  This is too humid for most humans so you can increase the humidity for the plant by using a humidity tray.  All this means is that you should place the pot on a tray of watered pebbles.  You can also use a mister to spray the plant.

Some orchids don’t like a lot of water however the Phalaenopsis is an exception.  Make sure that their roots are kept wet.  Make sure that the roots don’t dry out.  Normally watering the pot once a week is suffice.

Feeding and Potting

Feeding once per month with a high nitrogen fertilizer is ideal. Just dilute one teaspoon in a gallon of water and you’ll have plenty for weeks.

Use a medium-grade wood bark in the form of chips as a growing medium to provide support to the plant.  Re-potting is only needed every other year although it’s unlikely that you’ll need a larger pot as the roots generally grow upwards.

When the flowers die and drop off after three months, cut the stem back halfway.  It can take a year for them to re-grow however these plants often produce blooms twice per year.

Provide simple care and you’ll be rewarded with huge flowers of pink, white and other colours.

No Comments » Posted by April / Home and Garden

Wow, did you know that there are over 20,000 species of orchid that grow naturally in the wild with a whopping 100,000 hybrids?  It’s not surprising why buying orchids for your home can be confusing.  Although it’s unlikely to find that many species in your local garden centre, here are a few you might like.

Cymbidiums are very hardy orchids and will reward you with a display of flowers every winter and spring if cared for properly.  They can endure extreme temperatures too which means near-frost conditions and full sunshine.  They come in a variety of colours to choose from as well.

Dracula has got to be the weirdest name for an orchid.  Far from sucking your blood, the name in fact comes from the Latin word meaning “little Dragon” and resemble this mythical beast.  They’re similar to the more familiar Masdevallia and there are over 100 species that hail from Central America. Ecuador is full of them.

As a result they are happy with warm days and cooler nights.  The flowers are hairy but give a beautiful contrast to the more commonly found forms of orchid.  Their sepals are very long and will often taper down at the ends. They are covered with dense hairs and give the plant an unusual appearance.

Another type worth investigating is the Stanhope intermedia. Natives to western Mexico, they grow in the humid barranca forests of the Pacific slope at high elevations (900-1,500m/2,950-4,900ft). They bear yellow, highly fragrant flowers on a pendant with an orange hypochile.

Other Stanhope varieties grow in Panama, Columbia and all the way to South America.  Although the flowers often only bloom for a few days, the actual plant is very attractive.  They can even give off a fresh mint scent which can only add to their attractiveness.

They thrive in warm conditions that provide moderate light. They should be kept slightly moist by means of proper pot conditions and a humidifying tray.

The Zootrophion hypodiscus is another fine choice. Native to Ecuador, they grow in the wild at high elevations of 2,100m/6,900ft.  The flowers that are given out are a deep purple and they are very rounded which tapers at the base of the leaves.  The lower sections are offset with white so the effect is really dazzling.

If you like flowers through out the year, the Zootrophion hypodiscus makes a great choice.  They prefer moist and cooler growing conditions and do well in moderate light.  This is ideal if you live in a cooler part of the world as many orchids prefer more tropical conditions.

Elleanthus amethystinus is found in Venezuela and provides a unique look to any collection. These orchids have small, pink flowers that bloom more than once per year. They may grow as tall as 50 inches/20 cm and the foliage looks slightly like bamboo leaves at certain times of the year.

They also like bright sunny conditions which is unusual for most other orchids.  Just make sure they stay nice and moist.

No Comments » Posted by April / Home and Garden

If you’re looking for a natural insect repellent then the most popular herbs are Citronella, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Lavender and Peru Balsam Bark. Eucalyptus even has antibiotic qualities.

If you have suffered an insect sting, small cut or abrasions then you’ll want to make a poultice. Add a half a cup of lemon balm to a blender, then slowly add water whilst blending. Do this until you have created a paste which you then apply to the affected area. Then cover with a bandage or gauze.

Alternatively you could try this recipe – mix 2 drops of roman chamomile, 1 drop of peppermint, 3 drops of lavender with 3 drops eucalyptus in a container and mix well. Then add in 1 ounce cider vinegar. Moisten a cotton ball with this mixture and dab it onto the bite to relieve the pain.

Insect Repellent – add 60 drops of citronella essential oil into a spray bottle and add 2 ounces of witch hazel extract. Shake to bottle well before you use it. Apply to exposed areas to keep those bugs away. Citronella will keep those critters away whilst the witch hazel moisturises and soothes.

Further Reading:

• How to Get Rid of Bruises
• Absolutes in Aromatherapy
• Aromatherapy Blends: Do’s and Dont’s to Blending

No Comments » Posted by April / Home and Garden