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We Supply Spectacular Orchids!
Cymbidium Orchids on the patio.
For current Orchid prices and
container sizes, please see our Interior
Plant List.
To order, please CALL toll-free (877) 871-1170 or
FAX a list (877) 251-2824.
e-mail: Sales@donaleaplantbrokers.com
Cymbidium:
Cymbidium Orchids are well suited to
California's mild outdoor climate year-around.
Examples of Standard Cymbidium Colors
Miniature Cymbidium
| General
Information - Cymbidiums |
There are two basic
types of Cymbidium Orchids: Standard and Miniature.
The miniature varieties bear more but smaller flowers and bloom earlier
(November through March) than their Standard counterparts. Standard
Cymbidiums bloom from late December through May. Cymbidiums are a
cool-loving orchid and are best grown outdoors. |
| Temperature |
Cymbidium Orchids
will tolerate considerable summer heat as long as they get cool night
temperatures of 50-60 degrees F. Spiking or flowering plants should
be protected from temperatures below 35 degrees F and above 70 degrees F
and always be protected from frost. Cymbidium Orchids need cool
night temperatures in the fall to promote flowering, making them an ideal outdoor
orchid. |
| Light |
Cymbidium Orchids
should receive morning or afternoon sun, yet be protected from hot mid-day
sun. A yellowish green leaf indicates the plant is receiving enough
light. Dark green leaves indicate the plant is not getting enough
sun. |
| Water |
Cymbidium Orchids
should not be allowed to go dry, but should not be kept soggy
either. Thorough watering once per week is usually adequate with
more watering in warm weather. Do not allow Cymbidiums to sit
directly in water. Do not use artificially softened water. |
| Feeding |
Cymbidium Orchids
should be fed with 30-10-10 fertilizer from February until
September. Then switch to 6-30-30 fertilizer from September
to January to promote flowering. Use 1 Tablespoon per gallon of
water once per month. |
| Repotting |
Cymbidium Orchids
should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the pseudobulbs are
bulging against the sides of the pot. Ideally, the best time of year
to repot is between February and end of June, immediately after
blooming. Fine grade fir bark works well for most areas. You
may want to add Perlite or charcoal to improve drainage is you tend to
over water. For optimum results, dampen the potting medium
thoroughly before using. Remove plants from old pot and work old
bark out of roots. Trim roots to approximately half the depth of the
new container. Cymbidiums do best in heavy duty black nursery pots
with the side/bottom drain holes. When dividing Cymbidiums, make
sure to leave 3-5 pseudobulbs (with leaves) per division. Trim away
any dead roots, thereby eliminating the possibility of rot. Select a
pot large enough to accommodate 2-3 years new growth. Add about an
inch of rocks to the bottom of the pot for better drainage and then add a
layer of bark. Tap bark firmly into the pot using a blunt instrument
such as the handle of a trowel. Do not be alarmed if the Cymbidium
does not flower the following year after repotting or dividing. They
often skip a blooming season after repotting or dividing. Newly
repotted Cymbidiums need special care for about 2-4 weeks
afterwards. They should be kept in a shaded area out the sun and be
watered sparingly, just enough to keep the potting medium barely moist and
to encourage new root growth. No not fertilize during the 2-4 week
recovery period. You may resume regular watering and fertilizing
after the recovery period. |
Dendrobium &
Dendrobium 'Nobile':
Examples of Dendrobium
Dendrobium 'Nobile'
| General
Information - Dendrobiums (Phalaenopsis Type) |
Dendrobiums that are
called Phalaenopsis type are so named because their flowers resemble those
of the Phalaenopsis Orchid, and their flowers are often used as cut
flowers. Phalaenopsis type Dendrobiums are evergreen, while some
other varieties of Dendrobiums shed their leaves in fall and winter. |
| Temperature |
The ideal day temperature
for Dendrobiums is 75-85 degrees F. The ideal night temperature is 60-65
degrees F. Occasional temperature extremes are tolerated if exposure
is not prolonged. |
| Light |
Dendrobiums enjoy
full morning sun and require shading from the intense sun between 11AM and
3PM, with less shading in the late afternoon. An overhead light
source on a regulated timer is best. |
| Water |
Phalaenopsis type Dendrobiums grow best when
their potting medium becomes dry between
watering. They are epiphytes in nature (growing on trees) and are
used to drying out between rains in their native habitats. Do not
use artificially softened water. |
| Feeding |
Orchid fertilizer
20-20-20 can be used year around at 1 Tablespoon per
gallon of water. Feed Dendrobiums once per month. |
| Repotting |
Repot Phalaenopsis
type Dendrobium Orchids every 2 years in the Spring after booming or when new
growth begins. A mix of 10 part Fine-Grade Fir Bark to 1 part
Perlite works well in 6" or smaller pots, while medium grade Fir Bark
works well in larger pots. |
Miltonia (pansy
Orchid):
 
| General
Information - Miltonia |
Miltonia Orchid
popularity is rapidly spreading, thanks to modern hybrids which are
vigorous and floriferous. There is an irresistible charm to the
richly colored flowers and culture is easy either in the home or the
greenhouse. Because of the shape and markings of the spectacular
flowers, Miltonia Orchids are known as the "Pansy Orchid".
The beautiful, flat flowers are borne on slender arching stems form the
bases of the most regularly formed bulbs. Miltonias generally bloom
Spring and Fall. They bloom profusely and the flowers last up to
month on the plant. The Miltonia flowers do not last as a cut
flower. Brazilian Miltonia flowers are long lived on the plant and
as a cut flower. |
| Temperature |
Columbian Miltonia
Orchids (Miltonopsis) like house temperatures at night between 55-60
degrees F and 70-75 degrees F during the day. Brazilian Miltonia
Orchids (spectabilis, warscewiczii, Anne Warne and clowesii) prefer warmer
temperatures of 60-65 degrees F at night and 70-80 degrees F during the
day. |
| Light |
Grow Miltonia
Orchids near a window avoiding direct hot rays of mid-day sun. From
1500 - 4000 foot candles of light is preferred. Always adjust plants
gradually to higher light intensities. |
| Water |
During overcast
days, water carefully and do not allow water to stand in the leaves or
soft rot may occur. Always water Miltonia Orchids in the morning so
foliage is not moist at night. Keep roots damp, but never
soggy. Crinkled leaves area sign of insufficient water. Water
thoroughly from the top of the plant, allowing water to flow freely
through the pot and away from the plant. Never use artificially softened
water. Never allow the bottom of the pot to stand in water. |
| Humidity |
Miltonia Orchids
prefer moist air, requiring a minimum of 40-50% humidity in the immediate
vicinity of the plant. Humidity should be increased with higher
temperatures. The ideal humidity range is between 55-75%
with as much ventilation or air movement as possible without any cold
drafts. Humidity can be increased around the plant by placing pot on
an inverted saucer in a baking pan filled with pebbles and water.
Keep the water level in the baking pan just below the top of the pebbles
so that the orchid will not get root rot from standing directly in
water. Morning misting of foliage is also helpful for increasing
humidity, especially during periods of hot weather. |
| Feeding |
Use 30-10-10
orchid fertilizer approximately once per month during the time you see new
growth developing. Feed once per month at half strength at all other
times. |
| Repotting |
Make cure to allow
room in pots for about two new growths. Do not over pot Miltonia
Orchids. Repot every 2 years directly after spring
blooming. They may be divided at the time of repotting if the plant
has attained large enough size to allow for divisions of 3-5 bulbs,
although large showy plants can be produced simply by moving the plant to
a larger size pot. When repotting to pots larger than 6 inches in
diameter, use very shallow pots. |
For current Orchid prices and
container sizes, please see our Interior
Plant List.
To order, please CALL toll-free (877) 871-1170 or
FAX a list (877) 251-2824.
e-mail: Sales@donaleaplantbrokers.com
Odontoglossum:
 
Oncidium:
| General
Information - Odontoglossum & Oncidium |
Odontoglossum
and Oncidium Orchids are becoming very popular both for ease of growing
and long-lasting sprays of flowers. They can be grown both inside
the house as well as in a sheltered area in the garden. Oncidium
Orchids bloom once per year. Some Odontoglossum Orchids have been
known to bloom two or three times per year. All combinations of
"Odonts" and Oncidiums have been produced through hybridizing
and offer a wide range of color patterns as well as cultural flexibility. |
| Temperature |
Oncidiums and their
hybrids prefer intermediate temperatures, 60-65 degrees F at night and
70-80 degrees during the day. Odontoglossums prefer cool
temperatures, 55- 60 degrees F at night and 70-75 degrees F during the
day. |
| Light |
Most Odontoglossums
and their hybrids prefer filtered, subdued green light. Oncidium
Orchids prefer bright light, much the same as Cattleya Orchids. The
leaves should be bright green as opposed to dark green or reddish
green. Reddish green indicates too much light and dark green
indicates not enough light. |
| Water |
Odontoglossum
Orchids must be kept continuously moist (but not soggy or water-logged)
below the surface of the potting media. Allow Oncidium Orchids to
become moderately dry between watering. Generally, they require more
water while the new shoot is growing and less water once the bulb has
formed. |
| Humidity |
Odontoglossum and
Oncidium Orchids both prefer moist air, requiring a minimum of 40-50%
humidity. Humidity should be increased with higher
temperatures. The ideal humidity range is between 55-75%
with as much ventilation or air movement as possible without any cold
drafts. Humidity can be increased around the plant by placing pot on
an inverted saucer in a baking pan filled with pebbles and water.
Keep the water level in the baking pan just below the top of the pebbles
so that the orchid will not get root rot from standing directly in
water. Morning misting of foliage is also helpful for increasing
humidity, especially during periods of hot weather. |
| Feeding |
Fertilize
Odontoglossum and Oncidium Orchids at least once per month. Feed a
high growth 30-10-10 orchid food for the first 6 months
after blooming and then switch to high bloom 6-30-30 fertilizer for
the next 6 months. Good results may also be obtained by using
high growth 30-10-10 year around and cutting back to half strength when
plants are not developing new leaves. Take are to keep water out of
the new growth at the base of the plant. Never allow bottom of
orchid to stand in water. Never use artificially softened
water. |
| Repotting |
Repot Odontoglossum
and Oncidium Orchids at least every 2 years. As a general rule,
repot them when the new shoot is 2-3 inches tall or when new roots
appear. All the old potting mix should be removed from the roots and
any dead root should be removed. If dividing, keep the divisions in
clumps of 3 to 5 mature bulbs. Medium to Fine fir bark is
preferred. The base of the new growth should be potted about 1/2
inch (no deeper) into the fresh bark. After repotting, keep mix
barely damp until the new roots begin to penetrate the bark, then resume
normal watering. |
Paphiopedilum (Lady Slipper) & Cypripedium:
Paphiopedilum = warm climates.
Cypripedium = cooler climates, outdoor growers.
Please Note: Native Cypripedium
are almost extinct because of indiscriminate collecting and deforestation. We sell
only plants that have been propagated from seed, never wild-collected plants.
Paphiopedilum (Slipper Orchid)
Cypripedium
| General
Information - Paphiopedilum |
The exotic,
wax like, richly colored blooms last for weeks or sometimes months!
They are ideal for home growing. Lady Slippers have no pseudobulbs
and are made up of attractive glossy green leaves. After leaves are
fully formed, the flower stem rises from the center of the newly developed
growth. |
| Temperature |
Paphiopedilums are divided into two temperature groups: warm and cool
growers. The attractive mottled-leaf types come from warmer
temperature zones and do best with a night temperature between 60-65
degrees F and a day temperature between 75-85 degrees F. The solid
green leaf types come from higher cooler altitudes. They require and night
temperature between 50-60 degrees F and a day temperature between
65-75degrees F. |
| Light |
Place
Paphiopedilum Orchids in any bright window and protect from direct sun.
Leaves should be a medium green color. If the leaves are too pale or
yellowish, the plant may be getting too much light. Paphiopedilum
Orchids
prefer the same light intensity as African Violets. |
| Water |
Paphiopedilums must be kept constantly moist but never soggy. Do not
use artificially softened water. |
| Humidity |
Paphiopedilums like moist air, requiring a minimum of 40-50% humidity in
the immediate vicinity of the plant. Humidity should be increased
with higher temperatures. The ideal humidity range is between 55-75%
with as much ventilation or air movement as possible without any cold
drafts. Humidity can be increased around the plant by placing pot on
an inverted saucer in a baking pan filled with pebbles and water.
Keep the water level in the baking pan just below the top of the pebbles
so that the orchid will not get root rot from standing directly in
water. Morning misting of foliage is also helpful for increasing
humidity, especially during periods of hot weather. |
| Feeding |
Use a high
Nitrogen fertilizer 20-20-10 year around. Feed once per month at
1/4-1/3 Tablespoon per gallon of water. Paphiopedilum Orchids are sensitive
to fertilizer burn. Never use artificially softened water. |
| Repotting |
Paphiopedilum
Orchids should repotted every year with a fresh well-draining
potting medium, such as fine grade Wonder Bark or Super Orchid Mix. After
repotting, water sparingly until new roots are well started and then
resume normal watering It is important
that the base of the growth be potted no deeper than 1/2" in the
medium. |
Phalaenopsis (Moth
Orchid):
  
 
Examples of Phalaenopsis Colors
| General
Information - Phalaenopsis |
Phalaenopsis
Orchids, commonly referred to as the 'Moth Orchids', are considered one of
the easiest orchids to grow and bloom in the home. The long-lasing
sprays of flowers bloom in perfection up to 3 months. The flowering
season varies and the the plant may bloom more than once during the year. |
| Temperature |
Phalaenopsis
enjoy much the same temperature ranges as people. Minimum night temperature between 60-65
degrees F and a day temperature between 70-80 degrees F. Occasional
deviations are not harmful, except when the plant is in bud. Chilly
temperatures may cause bud drop. |
| Light |
Place Phalaenopsis
Orchids in any bright window and protect from direct sun.
Leaves burn easily. Phalaenopsis
Orchids
prefer the same light intensity as African Violets. |
| Water |
Phalaenopsis must be kept constantly moist
below the surface of the medium, but never soggy. One thorough
watering per week is usually adequate. Do not
use artificially softened water. |
| Humidity |
Phalaenopsis like moist air, requiring a minimum of 40-50% humidity in
the immediate vicinity of the plant. Humidity should be increased
with higher temperatures. The ideal humidity range is between 55-75%. Humidity can be increased around the plant by placing pot on
an inverted saucer in a baking pan filled with pebbles and water.
Keep the water level in the baking pan just below the top of the pebbles
so that the orchid will not get root rot from standing directly in
water. Morning misting of foliage is also helpful for increasing
humidity, especially during periods of hot weather. |
| Feeding |
Use a
Urea-free fertilizer 20-10-20 year around. Feed every 2 weeks
at 1 Teaspoon per gallon of water. Phalaenopsis Orchids are sensitive
to fertilizer burn. Never use artificially softened water. |
| Repotting |
Phalaenopsis
Orchids should repotted every year with a fresh well-draining
potting medium, and may be put back in the same pot because the grow
upwards and do not spread. A medium grade Fir Bark works well
with the base of the bottom leaf at the surface of the medium. After
repotting, water sparingly until new roots are well started and then
resume normal watering
NOTE: When the last flower drops,
cut the flower spike halfway down for possible rebloom.
|
Vanda & Zygopetalum:
 
For current Orchid prices and
container sizes, please see our Interior
Plant List.
To order, please CALL toll-free (877) 871-1170 or
FAX a list (877) 251-2824.
e-mail: Sales@donaleaplantbrokers.com
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