"terrestrial orchids such as the Chinese ground orchid (Bletilla striata), nun's orchid (Phaius tankervilleae) and Spathoglottis orchids... can be planted in pots of potting soil or in garden beds... ... Most of the orchid species that are native to Louisiana... are terrestrial... one native epiphytic orchid in South Louisiana, the fly speck orchid (Epidendrum conopseum) ... Ochids native to higher elevation where the temperatures are cool would do poorly in Louisiana's steamy summers. ... You can "summer" your plants outside during warmer times of the year... move them to an outside spot that receives the appropriate light. No more than a couple of hours of morning sun or dappled light (too much direct sun will burn the foliage) is needed for shade-loving orchids such as phalaenopsis and paphiopedilum, while direct sun for most of the day is preferred by sun loving orchids such as vandas.
Spending time outside also provides a temperature drop between day and night of at least 10 degrees and good air circulation, which orchids prefer. ... Orchids that do not have water-storage organs, such as phalaenopsis, should be kept moist and allowed to dry only slightly before watering. To keep your orchid growing vigorously, fertilize it regularly from spring to early fall" URL : http://thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080602/LIFESTYLE/805310350 *************** Regards, VB _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
