Northern & Central Midwest

December, 2006
Regional Report

Web Finds

The American Orchid Society
The American Orchid Society is the official place to go for information on orchids. Although they offer memberships, you don't need to join to access plenty of information online. They provide cultural information, the "orchid doctor," variety listings, and best of all, links to laboratories and growers for seedlings and mature orchids. They also offer instructions on how to hand-pollinate orchids.

Favorite or New Plant

Moth Orchid
Phalaenopsis, also called moth orchids, are perhaps the easiest for the homeowner to grow. They respond best to bright light with no direct sun. An east or west window should provide plenty. Give them plenty of humidity with either a tray of moist pebbles under the pot or a humidifier. Keeping the orchid in the kitchen or bathroom helps with this. Keep the soil evenly moist, and provide a general, balanced fertilizer at one-quarter strength every week. Seedlings need more moisture and more warmth than mature plants. Repot your moth orchid every one to two years as the mix breaks down. Growers recommend using long-fiber sphagnum moss instead of bark mix because it doesn't break down as quickly and holds moisture well.

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