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Please
use this page as a reference for any questions you have regarding the general
care of various Orchid types. We have compiled the best care sheets of the
American Orchid Society along with some of our own to provide you
with excellent growing support. Be sure to check out the FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS link. It's a great place to start!
 FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS At this link you will
find general trouble shooting information.
 PHALAENOPSIS
(And Doritaenopsis) Commonly called "the moth Orchid", this
Orchid type is great as a gift or for a beginner grower. Easy to grow in home
environments, such as on windowsills with filtered light and in moderate
temperatures, these plants
provide months of bloom enjoyment.
 CATTLEYAS
Known for brilliant colors, this Orchid as a
general rule thrives in brighter light than the Phalaenopsis. Plant size can range from a few inches to more than two
feet tall, with some types producing clusters of flowers.
ONCIDINAE
An amazingly varied group, these Orchids come from
diverse New World ecosystems, such as the cool mountains of Peru to sea level
rainforests. More popular types have the notable "dancing doll"
form, while others, such as Miltoniopsis, carry delicious fragrances. Be
sure to pay close attention to the culture for the Oncidinae you choose to grow.  ODONTOGLOSSUM
These Orchids originating from high altitude
environments love areas where the weather is relatively cool year 'round.
New England and Upper Midwestern Growers should have a wonderful time with
these. Exciting hybrids such as Odonticidium and Odontonia (to name 2)
have unusual flowers.
DENDROBIUM
Very popular
Orchids
from which you can get a lot of bloom for your buck. Dendrobiums send up long spikes and the flowers sweetly fill these
sprays. The plant itself is often an attractive group of stalks which
provide the Orchid with nutrients and store water. Great for cut flower
arrangements.
 CATASETUM
A thrilling Orchid with pseudobulb growths and inflorescences
of heavily textured, waxy flowers. Often deciduous these Orchids have challenging cultural properties including strict active and dormant
periods, which are marked by the growing or dropping of leaves.
 PAPHIOPEDILUM
Also known as "the lady slipper" Orchid, this genus grows naturally in moist, cool areas under cliff overhangs or
along shady stream sides. Some hybrids, most notably the Maudiae crosses,
are more warmth tolerant and achieve first bloom on
fairly young growths.
 PESCATORIA
(And Pescoranthes) A wonderful selection if you want to try
something different. Originally collected from regions in Central &
South America,
these leafy Orchids send out lots of flowers from the base and oftentimes
bloom 2 to 3 times a year. They grow well and make a nice presentation in
hanging baskets. For the Orchid breeder this newly collected alliance
makes very versatile hybrids.
 PHAIUS
(And Phaiocalanthe) Also known as the "nun's Orchid" this
large-leaf plant loves cool, dark environments and grows great in a filtered light
corner of a room. The wonderful pleated foliage is great by itself and
with the tall spikes of flowers this is a superb Orchid. Being very rapid
growers it is sometimes best to think of this plant as a potted garden plant.
 VANDACEOUS
These Orchids with their origins in the steamy
rainforest of tropical Asia, love bright light and warm temperatures. Some
of the hottest colored flowers also come out of this alliance. If you
desire eye-popping purples, or succulent oranges this is the Orchid for
you.
 CYMBIDIUM
Originating from
Asia, Cymbidiums are known for long lasting flowers with elegant lips, which
make superb corsages or are enjoyed as long sturdy sprays on their plants.
Standards can be large and showy while miniatures are better for warmer growing
conditions.
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