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Culture Info
Phalaenopsis (fal-eh-NOP-sis) Phal. 'The Moth Orchid'
- Phalaenopsis do best with 60-70% humidity.
- Phalaenopsis prefer warm temperatures with 18°C minimum winter nights (except if forcing flowering) and 32°C summer day maximum. Ensure 6-12°C day/night difference to aid flower formation.
- Avoid leaving water standing in the crown of the plant as this causes fatal rot.
- Diffused bright light, no direct mid-day sun as this will burn the leaves.
- Water when just dry – slightly damp
Doritanopsis (door-I-tan-OP-sis) Dtps.
- Same as Phalaenopsis.
Paphiopedilum (paff-E-oh-PED-ih-lum) Paph. 'Lady Slipper' or 'Slipper Orchid'
- Paphiopedilum do best with 60-70% humidity
- Grow Paphiopedilum in intermediate temperatures with 14°C minimum winter nights and 29°C summer day maximum. Ensure 6-12°C day/night difference to aid flower formation.
- Avoid leaving water standing in the crown of the plant as this can lead to fatal rot.
- Bright diffused light, no direct sun.
- Water when just dry – slightly damp
Oncidum (on-SID-E-um) Onc. 'Dancing Ladies'
- Oncidiums do best with 50-60% humidity
- Grow Oncidium hybrids in intermediate temperatures with 14°C minimum winter nights and 29°C summer day maximum. Ensure 6-12°C day/night difference to aid flower formation.
- Bright light but avoid direct mid-day summer sun.
- Water when medium is dry, more when in active growth.
- Other genera that are like Oncidiums: Miltonias, Brassias, Odontoglossums, Odontonias, Odontocidiums, Colmanaras, Burragearas, Vuylstekearas, Brassidiums, Miltonidiums, Wilsonaras, Miltassias.
Cymbidium (sim-BID-E-um) Cym.
- Cymbidiums do best with 50-60% humidity
- Grow Cymbidiums in a bright window in the winter, in the early spring (April) place outside in a sheltered location (bring in during periods of late frost) move the plants slowly out into an unprotected area to get them use to higher light levels. Give them the brightest light they can get. Cymbidiums may need protection from summers bright mid day sun. Water frequently (every 1-3 days) and fertilize 1-2 times per week. Do not give nitrogen fertilizer after June 15. leave the plant outside until just before the first frost (say late October) the difference between the day and night temperatures will induce flower formation.