Cultivation
The information below is very basic and we recommend that you also consult the orchid books or seek more advice from an expert for more detail. Orchid composts can be obtained at the meetings of the Society.Cymbidium
Suitable for indoors and conservatories. Night temperature above 45F and keep below 86F in the summer. During autumn,winter and spring night temperature should not exceed 55F. In the summer place plants outside but protected. Shade 50%.
Do not allow plants to dry out. Water once a week at least in the summer adding an orchid fertiliser but every 4th week use plain water only. In summer, may need daily watering. In the winter every two weeks but not if still wet.
Compost - orchid bark compost (not garden bark), coir with some charcoal. Must be free draining.
Repot when plants really fills a pot. Time is between end February to end of June.
Read the books for more details
DendrobiumSuitable for indoors and conservatories.
Over winter temperature can drop to 10C but give plenty of light and air circulation.
During growth period, March to June, keep damp as new growth develops. Increase water between June and November and water sparingly during the winter.
Feed during growing season with an orchid fertiliser.
Keep in small pots, they do like to be overpotted. Use bark and perlite keeping an open mix.
Phalanopsis (Moth orchid)Probably the best known orchid at present as it is available in every plant related outlet. Most plants come from the Dutch nurseries.
Temperature, minimum 60F to 86F. Bright filtered sunlight with highest levels through autumn and winter but not in direct sun as the leaves will scorch.
Keep compost evenly moist. Plunge pot into water (with orchid fertiliser) and then drain. Roots like to come over the side of the pot - do not try to tuck them back into the pot. Ideally put the pot on a tray with pebbles that are just kept moist. Do not get water into the crown of the plant.
When a spike has finished flowering do not cut it back to the base as it will probably develop more buds. Cut just above the last bud and another shoot may develop.
Do not over pot. If repotting becomes necessary use orchid bark, perlite and charcoal.
PaphiopedelumPlants with plain green leaves need a temperature of 50-77F. Those with mottled leaves like 68-86F.
Do not put in bright sun, they prefer a dappled light but in winter give as much light as possible.
During the summer water freely but allow to nearly dry out between watering. In cool less watering. Use orchid fertiliser at half strength and every fourth watering do not use fertilser.
Repot using finely chopped bark when the plant needs dividing.
MiltoniaTemperature should be a minimum of 58F at night to 84F during the day. They do not like draughts. Keep in a shady position, direct sun will scorch the leaves.East or west windows are best.
They do not like to be too wet and prefer rain water. A weak fertiliser can be used once a month between March and October.
Repot annually between February and April using a medium bark and perlite