Cultural Notes for Orchid Varietals

Cultural Notes for Cattleya Alliance
Cattleyas have earned the reputation as the “Queen of Flowers” and are known to the public as the ultimate in floral corsages. Corsages are today sadly out of date, but the plants are cultivated for the showy and long lasting blooms. More than 50 species of the flamboyant, intricately designed flowers are found growing wild in the foothills and mountains of Central and South America. While some species are offered by growers, the most popular plants are manmade hybrids derived from the hybridising of Cattleyas with some of their close relatives to produce a range of colour, size and form. READ MORE

Outeniqua Orchids Best of Breed

Cultural Notes for Cymbidium Orchids
Your Cymbidium plants will flower during the cooler months. When they have lost their blooms, the spikes should be cut off and the plant inspected to see if it needs repotting or dividing. If it is a fairly small plant, but is filling its pot, it can simply be knocked gently until it slides out of its pot. Replace it in a bigger pot, making allowances for about two years growth. Larger chunks of potting medium, such as pine bark, should be placed in the base of the new pot , the plant is then put in and potting medium tipped in to fill in the sides. Press down firmly and water well. READ MORE

Cultural Notes for Miltonia Orchids – the “Pansy Orchid”
The popularity of Miltoniopsis orchids is spreading, thanks to modern hybrids which are vigorous and floriferous. There is an irresistible charm to the richly coloured flowers and culture is easy, either in the home or in the greenhouse. Because of the shape and markings of the spectacular flowers, Miltoniopsis are commonly known as the “Pansy Orchid”. The beautiful flat flowers are borne on slender arching stems from the base of the most recently formed bulbs. Miltoniopsis generally bloom in Spring and Autumn, with the best results in Spring. READ MORE

Cultural Notes for Odontoglossum / Oncidium / Brassia Alliance
The Odontoglossum/Oncidium Alliance is becoming very popular both for ease of growing and long lasting sprays of flowers. They can be grown in the home, on a stoep, as well as in a sheltered area in the garden or in the greenhouse. Oncidium types will bloom once a year, although some Odontoglossums have been known to bloom two or three times a year. All combinations of “Odonts” and Oncidiums and related types have been produced through hybridising and offer a wide range of colour patterns as well as cultural flexibility. READ MORE

Cultural Notes for Paphiopedilum Orchids
The exotic, wax-like, richly coloured blooms last for weeks – sometimes months! They are ideal for home growing. The blooming period generally begins in May and continues through September, with a few varieties blooming during the Summer months. Most hybrids offered today are derived from Paphiopedilums and Phragmipediums which have gained the popular nickname “Lady Slipper” because of the slipper-like pouch. Lady slippers have no bulbs, but are made up of atttractive, glossy, dark green leaves arising off short enclosed stems. READ MORE

Cultural Notes for Phalaenopsis Orchids
Phalaenopsis orchids have become popular as house-plants due to their ease of culture and beautiful, long-lasting flowers. The name, Phalaenopsis, means “moth-like”, and in their native Philippines the wild species are said to resemble flights of moths in the jungle. Modern Phalaenopsis hybrids are very colourful and can be found in white, yellow, pink and with spots and stripes. The wedding favourites are the large white flowers with yellow on the lip. These flowers will last for months with proper care. When the first spray of flowers is over, cutting the stem just above the third or fourth node can sometime initiate a side stem giving more flowers. READ MORE

Cultural Notes for Phragmipedium Alliance.
This is a genus of approx. 21 species distributed from Mexico to Brazil and Bolivia. The plants are epiphytes, or more commonly, lithophytes or terrestrials at elevations from 400 to 2,200 metres. Most species can be cultivated under intermediate conditions in pots with abundant water throughout the year. READ MORE