Herself's Houseplants

Wilsonara (Cda x Odm x Onc ) orchids are crosses between Cochlioda, Odontoglossum and Oncidium orchids.

Wilsonara orchids require more light than most orchids. I give mine several hours of very bright, indirect sun. No direct sun.

Keep moist but not sitting in water. You’ll probably want to plant this orchid in sphagnum moss or potting soil.

Temperature should be above 50′F

This is an easy to grow orchid.

It is nice to see some new orchids coming to the local plant dealers.  This is the first Grammatophyllum I’ve had or seen.  Outside this plant wants light shade, which indoors means a bright, sunny window.

Temperatures can be as hot as 105′F These grow outside in Houston but it’d really be much happier if you kept the temperature under 85′F.  Nights should be around 55′F So find a drafty window or door to put it near.  Or place it outside in light shade when not in bloom.  It can tolerate an occasional light frost.

Watering should be frequent, water frequently but do not let it sit in water.

Grammatophyllums are from the rainforests of Asia, so keep the humidity as high as you can.

As you can see in the photo these are large orchid plants, so they are great for floor plants.

Watch for rust, give it more sun if you see the rust fungus on the plant and better air circulation.

The more sun it gets the more blooms you will get.

Fertilize regularly, most orchid growers are now using the time release pellets when they repot their orchids.  I still prefer my liquid fertilizers.

This is an epiphytic orchid that prefers cooler temperatures, down as low as 40′F but can withstand temperatures up to 100′F.  That said Maxillaria orchids will be happiest between 55′-70′F making it perfect for indoor growing if you can keep the humidity up.

Give this plant as much light as you can, find your brightest window indoors.  If you place it outside in the summer it might need some protection from the sun.  Watch the leaves.  White or light brown spots on leaves mean it’s getting too much sun.

Keep the roots moist but not sitting in water. Do no let this orchids’ roots get dry.  If you have it planted in bark you’ll want to water it daily.  Sphagnum moss is a better medium or coarse potting soil for indoor growing.

Propagate by division.  Or you can take a backbulb that has already flowered, separate it from the main plant along with some roots and plant it.  It will provide nutrition for the new bulb.

These orchids are from the rainforests of Central and  South America.

Florescence Elements flower show

At the Houston Florescence show this year small was in, small landscapes, small water gardens, and wreath shaped dish gardens.

( photos of the more traditional arrangements are Herself’s Houston Garden, Florescence photos