About Orchids
About the Mini Phalaenopsis… is it truly a mini Phal, or is it a different variety that just looks like a Phal?
Mini Phalaenopsis are true Phals which have been hybridized using dwarf or compact growing parents.
In stores, I sometimes see outdoor ground orchids. How are these different than other orchids?
The “ground orchids” are terrestrial plants, meaning that, in nature, they grow in the ground. Most of the commonly grown orchids are not terrestrial plants; they are epiphytes and are found growing on trees. One commonly grown ground orchid is the Spathoglottis Plicata.
Evidently my cat likes my Phalaenopsis as much as I do. She just ate the flowers off of it. Are they poisonous?
Orchid flowers are not poisonous, in fact, some orchids are edible and used in certain culinary dishes as garnish.
I purchased a blooming size orchid that had a flower on it at the time. How long will it take to re-bloom?
It depends on the type of orchid. In most cases, it will bloom again in about one year with adequate care.
I love chocolate and heard there is an orchid that smells like chocolate. Is this true?
Yes! There are a few varieties of orchids that smell like chocolate: Maxilaria tenuifolia and Onc. Sharry Baby ‘Sweet Fragrance’ are probably the two most popular varieties.
Will the scent of my orchid change with each blooming season?
The scent will likely stay the same, although the presence and/or intensity of the fragrance may vary depending on the time of day and the temperature.
Can I cross orchids at home? What supplies do I need?
Making an orchid cross (pollination, hybridizing, or orchid breeding) is a fairly simple task. All that is required is a toothpick and a means to label the flower being pollinated. However, germinating the seed once it is mature is much more difficult and most often done under laboratory-like conditions.
What is the best resource for orchid information?
There are numerous sites on the web that offer good information about orchids. We suggest starting with the American Orchid Society.
How can I find a local orchid society?
Either search for one through the American Orchid Society or visit a local orchid show. The local company putting on the show will most likely have a membership sign-up desk present.
About the Mini Phalaenopsis… is it truly a mini Phal, or is it a different variety that just looks like a Phal?
Mini Phalaenopsis are true Phals which have been hybridized using dwarf or compact growing parents.
In stores, I sometimes see outdoor ground orchids. How are these different than other orchids?
The “ground orchids” are terrestrial plants, meaning that, in nature, they grow in the ground. Most of the commonly grown orchids are not terrestrial plants; they are epiphytes and are found growing on trees. One commonly grown ground orchid is the Spathoglottis Plicata.
Evidently my cat likes my Phalaenopsis as much as I do. She just ate the flowers off of it. Are they poisonous?
Orchid flowers are not poisonous, in fact, some orchids are edible and used in certain culinary dishes as garnish.
I purchased a blooming size orchid that had a flower on it at the time. How long will it take to re-bloom?
It depends on the type of orchid. In most cases, it will bloom again in about one year with adequate care.
I love chocolate and heard there is an orchid that smells like chocolate. Is this true?
Yes! There are a few varieties of orchids that smell like chocolate: Maxilaria tenuifolia and Onc. Sharry Baby ‘Sweet Fragrance’ are probably the two most popular varieties.
Will the scent of my orchid change with each blooming season?
The scent will likely stay the same, although the presence and/or intensity of the fragrance may vary depending on the time of day and the temperature.
Can I cross orchids at home? What supplies do I need?
Making an orchid cross (pollination, hybridizing, or orchid breeding) is a fairly simple task. All that is required is a toothpick and a means to label the flower being pollinated. However, germinating the seed once it is mature is much more difficult and most often done under laboratory-like conditions.
What is the best resource for orchid information?
There are numerous sites on the web that offer good information about orchids. We suggest starting with the American Orchid Society.
How can I find a local orchid society?
Either search for one through the American Orchid Society or visit a local orchid show. The local company putting on the show will most likely have a membership sign-up desk present.