an east-facing window, and only need
to be watered every other week while in
bloom. Some experts suggest watering
with one or two ice cubes as a means
to slowly moisten the soil. These moth
orchids do best in temperatures between
75 and 85 degrees and have a typical
bloom time of late winter to early spring.
Another common orchid is the
paphiopedilum, or “lady slipper.” This
sophisticated species grows best in or
near a sunny window. They need to be
watered twice weekly, but be careful
not to overwater and never allow the
blooms to get wet. Lady slippers grow
best when they are kept between 55 and
80 degrees, or cooler nights, to initiate
flowering buds. They respond well when
repotted annually in a fresh Douglas Fir
bark medium.
If you buy an in-boom orchid, don’t
pick the one with the most blooms, even
though they are alluring, as your orchid
plant will bloom much longer if you
choose one with several unopened buds.
The American Orchid Society warns that
you should never re-pot an orchid while
it is in bloom.
Whether you want to become an avid
orchid grower or you just want to have
one to brighten up your home, you will
find that everyone loves orchids.
Known as the “moth orchid,”
these phalaenopsis are
thought to be the easiest
orchid to grow and get to
re-bloom.
Since Florida is an
orchid-rich state, it
is not unusual to find
many varieties of
wild orchids.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 115