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Orchid Greenhouse

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-651 -- More Projects »
PHOTO

Figure A
Gardening expert Jamie McMurray explains some basics about orchids (figure A) and how to plant, care for them indoors.

  • There are more than 30,000 species of orchids.

  • A common misconception about orchids is that they are hard to take care of, but they are actually very forgiving plants.

  • Orchids can be grown in your living room, basement or any other space in the home.

  • Make sure that orchids dry out completely between watering to keep fungus and bacteria from growing.

Here's how to successfully grow orchids in your home:

Planting Orchids

Materials:

orchids of choice
plastic tray in which to place the orchids
sheer fabric
three artificial grow lights with full-spectrum bulbs
ornamental gravel
spray bottle
oscillating or stationary fan to help with air flow
thermometer

Steps:


  1. Place the tray in a place where bright indirect sunlight exists. Be sure the light is not directly on the orchids, or the leaves will get burned.

  2. A good idea for avoiding this is to place a sheer fabric on the window.
PHOTO

Figure B
  • Three grow lights* are ideal for this setup (figure B). Place them about six inches above the plants.

  • Orchids generally like a moist, humid environment. Filling the tray with gravel and wetting the gravel in water creates this humid effect. Placing the plants close together also helps.

  • Be sure to place the orchids in a spot on the rocks where they are not touching the water.

  • Misting is a great way to water the plants, but don't do it too heavily, or water will accumulate in the crown of the plant and rot it.

  • Watering should be done in the morning so that the plant stays moist during the day, when it needs it the most. Watering at night may result in bacteria and fungus.

  • Make sure to thoroughly drench the plant so that the water literally runs out the bottom. Another method is to submerge the entire pot in a pail of water.

  • If you use fertilizer, do so once a week and use a weak application each time.

  • Orchids love a good breeze, so set up a small fan to circulate the air. This helps keep insects and bacteria from accumulating on the flowers.

    * Here's a good rule when it comes to figuring out the amount of light to which your plants are exposed: It's the 16-14-12 rule, which means the plants should be exposed to 16 hours of light in summer, 14 hours during spring and fall and 12 in the wintertime.

    • Guests
    Jamie McMurray
    Landscaper/Owner
    Simply Green Landscape Design and Installation
    Phone: 310-403-1925
    Fax: 310-388-1019
    E-mail: smplygrn@aol.com
    Website: www.simplygreeninc.org
    Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-651
    •Pampered Feet
    •Orchid Greenhouse
    •Calcium-Rich Baby Foods
    •Smart Solution of the Day
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