Orchids are epiphytic as well as terrestrial herbs, from both tropical and temperate parts of the world, with exceedingly showy, irregular flowers.
Selecting orchids with which the average amateur is likely to succeed presents a rather difficult problem, for different conditions and individuals will be found in each instance. The problem is more that of the conditions encountered than the varieties chosen, and this applies to the grower and the location where the plants will be grown. … Read more
One of the easiest orchids to grow at home is Phaius grandifolius, commonly known as the nun’s orchid. Although the handsome foliage is large and palm-like, individual leaves are 2′ to 3′ feet long and 5″ or 6″ inches wide. Growth is upright and compact, so a plant will take little room in your window. … Read more
Some say you can; some say you can’t. All I know is that we do grow orchids in our living room. Quietly defying all the people who said we could never grow them at home, we brought some budding plants back with us from Guatemala after getting permission from the proper authorities. To the amazement … Read more
Why do more people not enjoy the pleasure of growing orchids? Is it because they feel these plants are delicate and difficult to raise, or do they have a greenhouse? Orchids are tough plants, so one must only follow a few elementary rules to grow them to his heart’s content in the attic, spare room, … Read more
Growing orchids in the home is a rewarding hobby for an increasing number of home gardeners. Beginners, familiar only with the florist’s orchid, the cattleya, are amazed to learn how many others can grow in the ordinary home. All that is required is common sense and a little knowledge of the natural conditions in which … Read more
You don’t need high temperatures to grow orchids. There is a common belief among those who have never grown orchids that they require an excessively hot greenhouse, imitating conditions of the tropics. This is a mistaken idea. Temperature Requirements For Orchids Many orchids can be grown in a cool house – a greenhouse where temperatures … Read more
Many of us are familiar with the charming lady’s-slipper orchids. These flowers live in the damp, marshy forests of our northern states. These orchids are a popular choice among naturally growing orchids. Gardeners have admired and loved them for many years. Tropical Asian Cypripediums Another type of lady’s-slipper orchid originally comes from tropical regions of … Read more
We often think of orchids as exotic flowers found only in the tropics. Yet, many beautiful species are still growing in the meadows and partly shaded areas of our forests and even in the suburbs of some of our cities. About 150 species are found within the United States and Canada, and, of course, the … Read more
Dear Editor—Recently, I came upon a natural woodland planting of Pink LadySlippers and became so taken with them that I removed some and transplanted them in various spots in my garden. Later, I was advised to move all my newly acquired plants to areas in the garden that would provide partial shelter from the sun … Read more
As I remember the old nursery tale, the ugly duckling emerged in the spring as a lovely swan after a winter spent in loneliness because of his unattractive plumage. Orchids, like ugly ducklings, will never win any prizes for graceful foliage, but an orchid in bloom is a sight to quicken the pulses. At such … Read more