Adventure to See Outstanding Orchids

11/11/2025 | Eco Garden Network | Garden Joyride

I had the pleasure of visiting the San Diego Botanical Garden and they were featuring an Orchid Exhibit. I wanted to share the amazing results with you but first some care tips.

Orchids are:

· Mostly epiphytes that grow on branches, roots in air

· Not parasites, but are fully photosynthetic

· Recognize by flowers – 3 sepals and 3 petals (lip), fused reproductive organs

· Over 27,000 recognized species, grow everywhere

except polar and desert regions (they can be grown there, but don’t grow naturally)

Care for your orchids:

Water: do not overwater; roots need to dry out

· Use room temperature water; no ice cubes

· Alternate water and fertilizer; allow water to drain from the pot

· Too much water: leaves are sickly green or yellow

· Too little water: leaves or pseudobulbs shrivel or wrinkle

Temperature: most orchids need cooler nights; needs vary by species

Warm daytime temperatures are tolerated – 70 to 85°F
Cooler nights – 60 to 65oF is best
Too cold: mottled yellow leaves
Too hot: brown or dry leaves

Light: orchids need more light than you might think

Position near an east or north facing window
Too much light: leaves develop burned patches or turn brown; add a thin curtain to diffuse light
Too little light: leaves are dark green, floppy, and will not flower

Humidity: group orchids together, or with other plants to increase humidity

Some orchids require very high humidity (Vandas, from Thailand), others require less

Too much humidity: results in fungal growth
Too little humidity: plants grow poorly and will look dry
Use a tray of gravel under pots to increase humidity,
Avoid hot, dry, or windy conditions

Fertilizer: 30-10-10 is recommended for indoor orchids; alternate with water

Use fish emulsion for outdoor orchids
Cymbidiums need 10-30-10 before and during flowering

Purchasing an orchid:

Select a plant with green, undamaged leaves, with both buds and flowers
Examine the leaves and stems for insects, scale, mites before purchasing
Isolate the new orchid from other plants for 6 months to monitor any developing insects or mites

On to the beauty! ENJOY