I have waited for almost a year.

And now they are beginning to open.

A few weeks ago  we talked about how to get orchids to re bloom. 
http://ginaceramics.blogspot.com/2016/01/orchids-like-bath-now-and-then.html

First I noticed the new spikes.  These orchids have been waiting patiently in a quiet corner by an east facing window.  

All they needed was a weekly watering and a lot of light 
(not direct sun).








I never know what color they will be  (I should label them).
Sometimes you can tell by the new buds.  

All of the buds will open and will bloom for at least another 

6 months or more. 

In another corner, these orchids have been blooming for more than 
5 months.  Soon they will fade and the blossoms will drop one at a time. 

Over the years I have had some very colorful orchids. 

I love them all.

This corner, in my dining room, faces south and west. 
 Conditions are just right and often I will be rewarded with secondary spikes. 

After blooming, these Dendrobiums like to be placed outside where they will be watered with the rest of the plants.
  
 They need a light frost to set their spikes.   That is in October in our area.  

Often I place several orchids into one decorative planter.  They don't mind as long as you water them at least twice a week.  

Miltonia orchids come in many sensational colors and have a very haunting scent.  

Their blooms only last a couple of weeks and it is difficult to make them bloom again. 

That is why I like Phalaenopsis orchids.  It may take a while but they will reward you with  many blooms.

You can tell how healthy your orchid is by the length of the spike they throw.  

When all the blooms have fallen off look for the buds at the end of the spike to grow and thicken.  Often you will notice an additional 5 or 6 new blooms forming. 

Most people prefer an all white Phalaenopsis.
Sometimes a little color is just what the doctor ordered.  

This is still my favorite Phalaenopsis, white with a pink center. 


Have a wonderful week 

Gina 

http://betweennapsontheporch.net/

When it's cold and dreary outside

Bring a few winter flowers into the house.

Paperwhites are easy to grow inside your house. 

Friends brought oranges and lemons from California.

Cymbidium Orchids are repeat bloomers if you leave them outside in the Summer. 

After blooming Phalaenopsis like to be placed by an east facing window.

A few sprigs of Christmas Greens will do wonders.

Phalaenopsis orchids come in many colors.  They bloom for 4 to 6 months in my house. 

Orchids make especially nice Christmas gifts.  

Sometimes a trip to the Florist is called for. 

Long lasting Alstroemeria are a good choice.

White flowers always look so special. 

And don't forget the special gift for a very special friend.  


Happy Christmas planning.  

Gina 

http://betweennapsontheporch.net/

Miltonia Orchids

Have you tried growing Orchids?

My Miltonia Orchid blooming for the second time this year. Miltonias, also known as Pansy Orchids, have an exotic fragrance and come in startling , spectacular colors.




Phalaenopsis orchids are the easiest to grow. They will bloom year after year. All they need is a little attention and a location where they receive indirect light. Twice a week run water through them and let drain for about 20 minutes. Thats all.




Once they bloom you can move them to anywhere in your house. Blooms last for up to 5 months. Miltonias are like Pansies. Their beautiful faces follow you wherever you are. Have you tried growing orchids?

Gina