Five Easy to Grow Orchids

Cattleya – the ‘Queen of Orchids’ is found wild in Central and South America. Commonly associated with corsages, it produces several large, fragrant blooms each year. Although the flowers are short lived, it is considered the most beautiful of the orchids. Cattleya prefer direct light from the east or west, or filtered light from the south.

Dendrobium – the ‘Hawaiian Lei’ orchid grows naturally in New Guinea and Australia. They can bloom from new and old growth and flower for 6-8 weeks. Dendrobium prefer direct light from the east or west, or filtered light from the south.

Oncidium – the ‘Dancing Lady’ orchid is native in Central and South America. It produces a large showy spray of flowers for 4-6 weeks in fluorescent yellow, pink, white, and brown. Also available as a miniature, these flowering friends prefer direct east, west light, or filtered from the south.

Paphiopedilum – the ‘Lady Slipper’ orchid, indigenous to Southeast Asia, is esteemed for its mottled foliage and long lasting, unusual pouch-like flower. Bright indirect light make this ideal for growing under fluorescent lights or a shaded window.

Phalaenopsis – the ‘Moth’ orchid from the Philippines, New Guinea, Indonesia, and Australia is quickly becoming the most popular orchid. The large, brilliantly colored petals last for three months on gracefully arching sprays. They require bright indirect light, and like most orchids, they don’t like to stay wet as crown rot will set in.

My name is Mary Jo Lally and I am the orchid buyer for American Plant. It is our company's goal to become your home for orchids and orchid supplies.

If you have any questions, special needs, special orders, or just a special interest, please call me-it’s what I do.

I would also be delighted to talk to garden clubs, civic Groups, you name it-about orchids. I hope to here from you soon.

When purchasing your next orchid, ask for the card. Here's how it works: Purchase 10 'in-bloom' orchids at regular price, and your 11th orchid is free.*

* The value of the free orchid is equal to the combined average of the 10 purchased orchids.