Orchids

I have always liked orchid flowers. but have never had much success with house plants so never really considered growing them. I tend to neglect plants so eventually they dry out and die! However in a moment of weakness in a garden centre, I spotted a rather sad looking phalaenopsis (not that I knew that was what it was at the time!) With beautiful pale pink petals and a deep pink centre. It was reduced as it had been rather bashed and didn't look very healthy! Always a sucker for a charity case, I bought it and brought it home. All the instructions on the pot were in german, so a little while on google was required for some simple care instructions! ...  Read the complete review

I always thought Orchids were tricky plants to grow so I was rather surprised when one day, walking round a craft show, I stopped to admire some beautiful orchids and I chatted to the chap on the stall. He told me that actually they were quite easy plants just so long as you follow some very simple rules. Needless to say, ever the sucker for a good sales pitch, I left the fair clutching an Orchid plant and drove the 200+ miles home to East Anglia determined to try at least to keep the plant alive for a while. To be perfectly honest I wasn't too concerned if I failed because I thought that at least I would get to enjoy this plant whilst the flower lasted and as ...  Read the complete review

I am very much a novice but so far either my three orchids are easy to look after or I have had beginners luck. Two were gifts, a Cymbidium and a Phalaenopsis, the other, an Odontoglossum, was a half price bargain after Mothers Day in B&Q, looking decidedly sad with a dead flower. I shall keep an eye open now after such festive events for similar bargains; as full price orchids tend to be silly prices at £12 plus. I have a good basic book on orchid care and the following may be useful advise for other novices like me. In summary: almost all orchids need humidity all year round; some need a reduced temperature at night; most need maximum light all year round and ...  Read the complete review

Orchid plants are members of the largest family of plants - Orchidaceae and are simply known as Orchids. It is estimated that there are about 25,000 species of orchids growing in the wild. Orchids are probably the most diverse group of plants that thrive in almost all kinds of climates except probably the arctic ! Basically they are parasites that feed on Large tree trunks , preferring shade and very little light. The many varieties that one gets to see in most plant nurseries and garden centers tend to be hybrid varieties that have the characteristics of Orchids and other similar species too..The flowers from the original wild varieties are hardy and ...  Read the complete review

When one of my friends came to stay with me a couple of years ago she bought me a potted orchid as a present, much the same pinky colour as in the picture. It was lovely to look at, but I was a bit concerned - no matter how hard I try, I seem to kill off every plant I look at - they just wither and die! I'm not sure why as my parents can grow pretty much anything without any effort... You name it, I've done it: windswept, browning, leaves curling up, leaves going wrinkly, leaves falling off, brown skeletons, accidental freezing to death - I've done it. I could make a fortune as a foliage assassin. So I wasn't convinced this orchid would last ...  Read the complete review