Question:
In our bay window, we have a Phalaenopsis that blooms beautifully every year and a Dendrobium that never blooms. Both have healthy dark green foliage and are watered twice a week. Any suggestions? Dave S.
Answer:
The two most popular orchids today are the Phalaenopsis ('Moth orchid') and the Dendrobium ('Hawaiian Lei orchid'). They are popular because the colorful flowers last for months and the plants are considered 'easy to grow'. It is common to see both types in bloom, arranged together, and situated on a table - all of which adds artistic flair to any home décor. However, the two plants cannot be grown side by side on a permanent basis because they have different light requirements. Phalaenopsis need low light, sometimes defined as bright indirect. A north window or heavily shaded east, west, or south window are best. Dendrobiums, on the other hand, prefer intermediate light, also referred to as filtered direct. North exposure is not sufficient. East, west, or south sunlight that has been partially filtered by blinds, or sheer curtains is suggested. 'Dark green' foliage is a clue that the plants are only getting low light. The color of the foliage is indicative of the amount of sunlight the plant has received. Dark green represents low light, medium green is moderate, and light green/yellow is high. Dendrobiums that have dark green foliage probably will not bloom. Simply move the Dendrobium to a higher light location and new flowers could appear in as little as 3 months.
Question:
I am curious if there are any orchids that would live in a cubicle? I want something more exciting than the usual office greenery but can only offer fluorescent lighting. Any creative solutions? Amanda M.
Answer:
I can't help thinking about the popular comic strip, Dilbert, which takes place entirely in a cubicle. No doubt plastic orchids would be chosen over living ones.
The 'usual office greenery' these days is plastic so you are to be commended for stepping 'out of the box' and trying a real living plant. Florescent lighting limits the orchid choices to just two - Paphiopedilums (Lady Slippers) and Phalaenopsis. These low light plants will be perfectly content in their cubicle as long as they are watered regularly (2x/week), given adequate humidity (50% +), and shielded from everyday office politics. Successful culture may require measuring the moisture content in the air then placing the pots on a humidity tray during the dry winter months. The true test will be if either plant can 're-bloom' in the cubicle or merely grow new leaves. A creative solution might be to introduce only blooming orchids to the office and, when finished, whisk them away to a more favorable environment.
Question:
My Dendrobium fell off a plant stand spilling the top portion of the potting media. Should I try to cover the exposed roots with woodchips from my husband's wood chipper? Genca M.
Answer:
Unless your husband happens to be grinding up Douglas Fir trees into ½" nuggets, it would be best to purchase a small bag of 'orchid bark'. Many Virginia trees are not well suited for orchid growing including Pine which is too acidic. Now might be the perfect time to completely repot the plant which, no doubt, was traumatized by the fall. Dendrobiums do well in clay pots that are sized just large enough to accommodate the root structures. Fill the remaining space with small pieces of fir bark and pack tightly. Then add a pot clip and this orchid wont need another re-potting until 2010.