 |
East Everglades
Orchid Society
15220 SW 232 St.
Miami, FL 33170
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Orchids in the Garden
and on the Patio
|
|
Properly selected and cared for, orchids can be among the showiest and most exotic of all garden or patio plants. There are many areas through-out the southern and central United States where temperatures for a good portion of the year are compatible with the needs of many orchids. Some coastal areas are nearly frost-free year round. In these areas, with some protection from excessive sun, wind and rain, lovely orchid plants can be successfully cultivated on the patio or as a part of the landscape. In frost-free areas, the plants can be left in place all year. Where frost or temperatures below 40 F threaten, plants can be brought into the home to be grown on windowsills, under lights or on an unheated patio where the coldest temperatures are avoided. The trick is in selecting plants that are already adapted to your particular area. First, though, consider some basic cultural needs of the plants. |
|
|
LIGHT
No flowering plant will do well in deepest shade, and orchids are no exception. Orchids generally come from environments where dappled light is the norm. The hotter the sun, the more midday shade is required. In humid or coastal areas, more sun can be given. The required amount of light will also dictate your selection of plants. If you can offer only one light situation, select only plants that can do well under those conditions.
TEMPERATURES
In most cases, you will be limited to whatever Mother Nature provides, eased only by the amount of shade you supply. Generally, there are many lovely orchids that will do well in the temperature range from 40 to 90 F. Your particular temperature conditions will influence your choice of plants.
HUMIDITY
Most areas with satisfactory temperatures will have adequate humidity. Anywhere from 40 percent and up will do. Only in the deserts will it be unsatisfactory. In such areas, grouping orchids with other plants can create a microclimate that will suit them.
WATERING
This will depend greatly on your plant selection, and whether the plants are grown under cover. In general: Most orchids require at least some air circulation around their roots yet are intolerant of excessive moisture at the roots.
FERTILIZER
Fertilize regularly, at a low dosage of approximately one-half strength, with a fertilizer appropriate to the potting mix in which the plants are grown. A Selection of Plants Cattleya Alliance Hybrids Especially good are hybrids with Laelia anceps in their ancestry; half sun, temperature-tolerant. Cymbidiums Only in areas with cool summer nights, not for the Gulf states; nearly full sun. Dendrobiums Among the many choices, Indian and Australian types best; half sun, temperature-tolerant. Encyclia Species and Hybrids Half sun, very temperature-tolerant. Epidendrums Especially the brilliant reed-stem types; need almost full sun, temperature-tolerant. Oncidiums Mexican species, or higher-elevation types; bright shade to half sun. Paphiopedilums Lady's-slipper orchids are for the shaded garden. Phaius The nun orchid, with broad leaves and tall spikes; shade to half sun, keep moist. Spathoglottis Broad, palmlike leaves and spikes of purple and yellow flowers; shade to half sun. |
|
A Selection of Plants
Cattleya Alliance Hybrids: Especially good are hybrids with Laelia anceps in their ancestry; half sun, temperature-tolerant.
Cymbidiums: Only in areas with cool summer nights, not for the Gulf states; nearly full sun.
Dendrobiums: Among the many choices, Indian and Australian types best; half sun, temperature-tolerant.
Encyclia Species and Hybrids: Half sun, very temperature-tolerant.
Epidendrums: Especially the brilliant reed-stem types; need almost full sun, temperature-tolerant.
Oncidiums: Mexican species, or higher-elevation types; bright shade to half sun.
Paphiopedilums: Lady's-slipper orchids are for the shaded garden.
Phaius: The nun orchid, with broad leaves and tall spikes; shade to half sun, keep moist.
Spathoglottis: Broad, palmlike leaves and spikes of purple and yellow flowers; shade to half sun.
|
|
|
| American Orchid Society |
|
The American Orchid Society is the world's leading provider of information about and related to orchids. We invite you to join us and learn about the world's most fascinating flowers and plants. Your membership entitles you to our monthly award-winning magazine Orchids, a free copy of our cultural guide Your First Orchid and the AOS Orchid Source Directory, a 10 percent discount on items purchased through The AOS BookShop and Orchid Emporium, and free admission to the International Orchid Center in Delray Beach, Florida.
American Orchid Society
16700 AOS Lane
Delray Beach, Florida 33446-4351
Phone: (561) 404-2000 - Fax: (561) 404-2100
E-mail: TheAOS@aos.org
WWW: http://www.orchidweb.org |
|
|
|
|
|
|
