Orchids flowering tropicals for every gardener

When I was a young teenager, my passion for orchids began after seeing an ad in a magazine for an orchida-month promotion. The orchid bug had bit and I started reading anything about orchids I could find. There were not a lot of resources back then, this was pre-internet, but after 35 years I’ve learned a lot. I began to attend orchid shows and exhibitions, and once I became a member of my local orchid society, I absorbed as much information as possible. Today, I am responsible for Powell Garden’s orchid collection and would like to share my recommendations for fellow orchid enthusiasts at all levels.

Beginner Level

Moth Orchids, Phalaenopsis, are the most widely available orchid and are sold in some of our local Kansas City garden centers. Their blooms can last for months, which make them great for an indoor flowering plant. They prefer moderate light levels available through east windows or shaded south and west windows. They grow great in indoor light gardens too! If your moth orchid fails to bloom again, I recommend a temperature shock. A temperature shock is achieved by allowing the temperature to drop between 50°F and 60°F in the fall.

Lady Slippers, Paphiopedilum, specifically the mottled leaf types, have exotic flowers and beautiful mottled foliage. They can grow alongside your moth orchids. Their flowers can last up to several months and come in colors ranging from deep reds to green with warts and hairs along the petals.

BRENT TUCKER Lead Horticulturist

Brent Tucker is Lead Horticulturist of Tropical Collections at Powell Gardens where he can realize his passion with orchids and tropical plants. Besides designing and building seasonal displays using tropicals and orchids he leads the annual Orchid Delirium exhibition.

Intermediate Level

Dancing Ladies, Oncidium Alliance, is a big group of related plants that have been interbred to create a huge array of hybrids. The flowers can vary in size and color, including shapes, spots, and bars. Because of the many parents used in breeding, their culture can differ. Dancing Ladies prefer bright indirect light such as that from a west or south window. Allow the growing medium to dry somewhat and feed monthly. Flowers last about three weeks, but they make up the shorter flower life with an abundance of flowers or very exotic coloration. Grow these in a west or south window with some light shading.

Pansy Orchids, Miltoniopsis, are related to Dancing Ladies and are used to create unique hybrids. They

Opposite page: Cymbidium hybrid can be grown much like Dancing Ladies but do prefer cooler temperatures. Grow them in a cooler room or even in the basement under lights. Flowers last about four to six weeks and are delightfully fragrant.

Advanced Level

Corsage or Queen of Orchids, Cattleya, are one of my favorite orchids. Some of them have huge showy flowers and can be quite fragrant. I place these in the advanced level because they require very bright light, even some morning sun, and they tend to be large plants. However, breeders have been producing miniature plants that can easily be grown on the windowsill and can bloom multiple times of the year. Keep in warm temperatures, which are easily ob(continued on page 12)

Above: Moth Orchid Phalaenopsis

Below: Cattleya hybrid

(continued from page 11) tained in a south or west window.

Dendrobiums are also in a large group of orchids that come from many habitats and have different culture requirements. The flowers can be uniquely shaped and have colors not found in other orchids like green and near black. Like cattleya, they prefer very bright light and most like warm temperatures. The nobile Dendrobiums, however, like cooler temperatures and require a dry and cool rest in the winter to form flower buds for spring. Dendrobium can range in very tall plants to miniatures which lend themselves to windowsill much more easily. All Dendrobium like to be grown in rather small pots for the size of the plant.

Boat Orchids, Cymbidium, is another favorite of mine with rather large flowers. They can be difficult to grow and flower due to their size and temperature requirements but with current breeding they are becoming easier to grow for the home grower. Plant size is being reduced to a more manageable size but also there are “warm growers” that don’t need a temperature shock to induce flowering. They do need bright light and some space as most are still too big for the windowsill.

In addition to the basic cultural information above, there are a few other ingredients that help grow a beautiful plant. Most orchids appreciate humidity above 50% this can be achieved by grouping plants together, a humidifier or an indoor greenhouse tent. You can provide air movement with a ceiling fan or an oscillating fan in the growing area. I caution against using the popular “ice cube a week” method to water orchids. Instead, use tepid water to saturate the entire root mass when the potting medium is dry to the touch and an orchid fertilizer can be used once a month to feed.

There are many tips and tricks that can make you a successful orchid grower I encourage you to check out our Orchid Delirium exhibit, at Powell Gardens, that begins in March as well as our Orchid Symposium. More information and dates are available on our website, powellgardens.org.

I also encourage you to check out our local orchid society, the Orchid Society of Greater Kansas City and the American Orchid Society. Happy Growing!