Orchids are on our mind these days. Maybe it’s because we’re fresh off a visit to the New York Botanical Garden to see the final weekend of the glorious Orchid Show. Maybe it’s that these spindly beauties evoke a spring awakening that we’ve been begging for here in New York (seriously spring, what took you so long?). Or maybe it’s that they remind us of ourselves in this season: fussy and temperamental, needing specific attention and care and loads of encouragement before bursting forth in glorious bright blossoms.
Sweet, tempestuous orchid. You’re a pain to care for. But love, you sure make it worth the effort.
Just as I wonder
whether it's going to die,
the orchid blossoms
and I can't explain why it
moves my heart, why such pleasure
comes from one small bud
on a long spindly stem, one
blood red gold flower..
- excerpt from Sam Hamill's The Orchid Flower
CARING FOR YOUR ORCHID AT HOME
There's a lot of drama surrounding orchids, the notoriously "difficult" plant for the home. Follow these simple care steps and you'll find yourself a new beautiful bestie!
WHERE DO I PUT IT?
Phalaenopsis Orchids or "Phals" for short like to be near the sunlight, but not drenched in it. Pick a cozy spot near a window that will cast sunlight but may offer some afternoon shade.
HOW DO I FEED IT?
Over watering an Orchid is the fastest way to end your little friend's life, so be careful! At the same time, these little princesses do not appreciate a drought. As a rule of thumb, aim to water them twice a week.
ANYTHING ELSE???
A little bird once told me that she puts ice cubes in the base of her orchid. WHY? Placing 2-3 ice cubes per week will give your orchid the "cool drop" it needs to set a new bloom, making both of you very happy :)
