Vandaceous -3,000 fc to 2,000 fc of light worked into full sun. Southern exposure full sun in winter and outside for summer. (Warm Grower) Cattleya - 2500 fc (yellows) to 2000 fc (white and lavender). South facing. Minimum. 4 hours direct sun (Intermediate to Warm Grower)

Cymbidium - 3000 fc to 2000 fc South to Southeast facing. Cool grower - leave outside in fall as late as safe from frost.

Phalaenopsis - Southeastern exposure of filtered south window or partially shaded greenhouse. (Warm Grower)

Paphiopedilum - Eastern exposure, shaded. Southern exposure or filtered Western exposure. Intermediate temperatures - requirements vary by species - please ask for information.

Dendrobiums - Much variety in growing needs. Please ask for information.

Odontoglossum and Miltoniopsis - "Cool" growers - need a way to keep them cool in summer!  Gravel pans and grow lights augment "in home" growing space.

Mixes for Orchids:
Vandaceous - Large fir bark or tree fern chunks or volcanic rock in Florida pot or basket.

Cattleyas and Phalaenopsis - 4 parts medium bark, 2 parts medium charcoal, 1 part course perlite or fine volcanic rock.

Paphiopedilums - Fine bark, fine charcoal, course sand, milled sphagnum or course peat.

Cymbidium - Equal parts of fine and medium bark, with added peat or milled sphagnum, palco (redwood) fiber, and perlite or course sand.

Cool Growers - Same as Cattleyas and Phalaenopsis, but all media are fine grade.

Note: - Fine grade media also good for all seedlings. Keep pots as small as possible.

Watering: - (Adjust watering to your mix and climate)

Vandaceous -Mist daily, water dry. Need more fertilizer than Cattleyas.

Phalaenopsis - Crown must be dry by 4 P.M. to avoid rot. Water when almost dry. Need more fertilizer than Cattleyas.

Cattleyas - Water when dry. Mist if roots are exposed, fertilize every other watering during growing season.

Paphiopedilums - Keep evenly moist but not wet. Fertilize lightly - add dolomitic lime 3 to 4 times yearly to sweeten mix.

Cymbidium - Keep evenly moist but not wet. Mist daily outside in summer to cool. Heavy feeders - add Osmocote in spring and Mag Amp in fall.

Slabbed plants - Mist daily. Water twice a week, thoroughly wetting roots and pad. Fertilize during any active growth period.

Note: - All orchids should be well flushed once a month with clear water to remove excess salts.

Containers for Orchid Growing:

Vandaceous - Basket or Florida pot.

Cattleyas - Terra Cotta or white plastic pot.

Cymbidium - Deep, black nursery pots or plastic-lined deep terra cotta pots.

Phalaenopsis - White plastic azalea pots.

Dendrobium - Terra cotta pots.

Pesticides, Bacteriacide and Fungicide for Orchids:

Always  Inspect you plants, it is best to treat your orchids as soon as you see a problem. Then continue an established routine of preventative treatment with pesticides, fungicide and bactericide.

Insecticides -Develop a monthly spraying program to keep those pests away. We regularly use Malathion™, Orthene™,  Safer's Insecticidal Soap (liquid) as needed. Neem Oil works well.  Identify your pest problem and consult with your local Garden Store as there are many different over the counter pesticides.

Fungicides: There are so many brands that are readily available, we use Aliette™, Physan 20™, Dithane™. In the hot summer months, consider spraying your orchids more frequently, inspect your plants for signs of infection, Otherwise, spray your orchids monthly. Again, consider developing a regimen that uses alternating products.

One product may work better for you than another. Alternate sprays because one item may not be effective against all insects or fungus. It is important to have a consistent routine. It is difficult to rid your orchids of an infestation, so be diligent in your efforts. Don’t forget to use clean tools to reduce the risk of spreading diseases from one plant to another.

Most importantly, decide whether pesticides and fungicides are right for you. Only you can decide how this will affect your environment. Remember, these products should be used with care.

All of us experience a bout with an insect or fungus problem at one time or another. So don’t get discouraged. It takes a little work to keep your orchids healthy and happy. Good luck!

Safety Tips: Any pesticide or fungicide must be used with great care. These are toxic products. Always follow the label directions. Protect yourself while using these products; wear gloves, masks, etc. Remove pets from the area.

Repotting Time Intervals (after flowering):

Paphiopedilums - Yearly

Cool Growers - 1 to 2 years in the late fall

Catts and Phals - every 2 years

Cymbidiums - 2 to 3 years as early in spring as possible

Vandaceous - Correct mix as needed without root disturbance.

Note: - Excellent drainage is a MUST for healthy roots.

Orchid Fertilizing Schedule For Potted and Basketed Plants:
Spring -  30-10-10 alternated with organics such as fish emulsion or liquid seaweed. Cymbidiums also require osmocote in March.

Summer - Balanced fertilizer 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 as directed, EXCEPT Cymbidiums change to 10-30-20 on July 15.

Fall - Blossom Booster - 10-30-20. Cymbidiums require Mag Amp in September. Nobile Dendrobiums prefer 0-20-20 (mix from Sudbury)

Winter - The Dark Months - Balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20 half as strong and half as often as in summer.

Slabbed Plants: All Seasons - Add weak fertilizer solution to mist once a week in winter, twice a week in growing months.

Note: - A regular fertilization schedule is necessary when using straight tree fern, charcoal or volcanic rock and these media contain no nutrients