I have been trying to get my orchids in shape this winter. They are scattered throughout the garden; some reside in trees and others in pots. I installed Cattleyas and Onicidiums in my Mango trees and have been tending the existing plants in the garden. It was a surprise to me that the orchids did not necessarily like residing in the boots of a Cabbage Palm – except on the north side. The plants that were not doing well were rehydrated and relocated. Who knew orchids could be rehydrated? I certainly did not. All have been watered daily and treated to a feeding with sea kelp spray – another odd detail in orchid culture. We will see how this goes.
Above is the prettiest flower in the house. A Phalaenopsis Orchid of unknown origin I picked up at our local farmer’s market. Of course, I am unable to resist a good deal on an orchid, these are frequently available there and my collection is growing. Another surprise to me is that these will rebloom after a while – if you don’t cut the stem off. Below is one I left, untrimmed, in my foyer a little too long. I thought (foolishly) it might enjoy a trip outside. The leaves began to yellow and I quickly brought it back inside. Flowers soon!
Here is a close up of the flower. The vase is Blenko glass from the 1950s. It was a wedding gift my parents received and passed down to me. Homage to the high heeled shoe! This vase is very difficult to use for flower arrangements, so I am pleased to have this orchid displayed in it.
That’s all from my garden. Sea kelp included. I hope everyone is safe and warm.
Please join Cathy at RamblingintheGarden to view more vases from other gardeners..
The Shrub Queen 
What a pretty orchid! I’ve read that they like indirect light. I have mine just to the side of a window. I need to try the kelp spray… mine limp along with my semi-neglect!
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I’ve not had much luck with orchids but my son in law grows them. When in bloom he keeps them hanging on his front porch and when not in bloom in a shade house.
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There is a place down here that sells them 3 for 24$
That’s why I have several!
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I like to imagine orchards in trees. Right now I’m looking at snow in trees.
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I think one precludes the other!
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Orchids, mangoes, oh my…two of my favorites, one to gaze on and one to eat. We have snow here in NJ. Ice on top of the snow. Wish I was in a warmer place right now, it is beautiful, but treacherous too.
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Oh, boy. Stay inside and look out the window! That cold front is arriving here.
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Epiphytic orchids dislike certain allelopathic trees, like redwoods, cypress and pine. Perhaps palms are allelopathic also, which would be why only certain species, such as Nephrolepis, infest them.
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That is an interesting thought and the palm is infested with just that! It is very common to see dendrobiums growing in palm boots.
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Are dendrobiums the only orchids that grow in palm boots? One would think that if they can do it, their relatives could do it also.
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Actually there are Dancing Lady Onicidiums in there and a small Phaelenopsis. The others did not like the Eastern exposure.
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Orchids are magical. Thank you for sharing! I’ve grown orchids a few times, and they survive for a season or two, but then fail. I think, perhaps, I keep the temperature in my house too cool for them in the winter. Thanks for the tip on the kelp spray, should I try to grow them again.
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Thanks, Beth. I agree. Otherworldly. I think it’s probably the lack of humidity where you are – something we never lack! I am intrigued with the kelp spray.
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This is really interesting, Amelia, hearing about all your orchids and where and how you keep them – have you mentioned them before? I don’t remember an orchid focus before. I have occasionally been given one as a gift but have never got one to rebloom so ditch them. like my spent amaryllis. I had read that you trim the stems down after flowering, but you say not? Thanks for such an interesting post
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Thanks, Cathy, my orchids appear in SOS sometimes. I occasionally cut them for a Vase but most of them last longer on the plant. I have two friends who are orchid lovers that have given plants to me. It takes a while for them to establish in trees and they are a bit tricky to site properly and tons of water! There are some that grow in the ground as well.I think the Phalenopsis are the ones to leave the stem on. I would say the plant that is showing buds probably flowered in May or June.
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