This is the time of year

When I get very jealous.

It is icy and freezing outside.

No flowers in my garden.

Stay safe,

Gina 

Don't let that stop you.

You don't have a green thumb?

Then you are the perfect candidate to dazzle your friends with growing this very beautiful Orchid, namely the Phalaenopsis Orchid.






The problem with  not being able to grow orchids does not originate with you. Long before you take your orchid home, the dye is cast. 

From the grower to the seller a lot of unkind things can happen to an orchid. 

Now, a few growers are changing the way orchids are packaged and shipped. They are packed in bark AND moss. It is the moss that helps retain moisture. That is the secret. 

Give them a bath now and then and let them drain in the kitchen sink as you see above.

Keep them away from heat and cold. 

Try to purchase your orchid when they first arrive in a place such as Costco. If you see buds that are discolored, do not buy the orchid. It is already doomed.

Phaleonopsis come in many colors.

White Orchids are still my favorites. 

Next time I will share a few secrets on  how to make orchids re bloom. 

Have a great week dear friends, 

Gina

A new crop

Still trying to convince you how easy it is to keep orchids.

These orchids have been dormant for about 6 months. 
Place the dormant plant by an east facing window and protect from direct heat.
I noticed new spikes a few weeks ago.

Last year, about this time, an older group was just beginning to throw new spikes.

Here they are, a year later, still going strong.  

When we go on an extended vacation I place crumbled up newspaper inside the container and add about 2 to 3 inches of water.  
The paper soaks up the moisture and keeps the orchids happy. 

If you see a blight on your leaves just cut it off and reshape the leaf with scissors.  
You can remove an entire leaf and it will not hurt the orchid. 

Orchids are tough.

Wish I was. 

Gina 

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Orchids like a bath now and then.

My Phalaenopsis orchids go into the kitchen sink now and then.

Where I thoroughly rinse them, leaves and pots, and then let them stand in the sink to drain.

The problem with not being able to keep orchids blooming does not originate with you. Long before you take your orchid home, the dye has been cast.




                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                      

From the Grower to the Seller many unkind things can happen to an orchid plant.  

   

Try to purchase your orchid when they first arrive in a place such as Costco. If you see buds that are discolored, do not buy. The orchid is already doomed.  

Orchids thrive when they are placed in a spot which receives a lot of light, away from direct heat (fireplace) and cold (drafty windows or doors). 

Once all of the blossoms have opened you can place your orchid  into the middle of the house where they receive less light but will bloom for another 4 to 5 months. 

Phalies come in many colors. 

Phalaenopsis orchids make long lasting cut flowers. 
"Harden" them in a glass of water and place in refrigerator overnight.  

My orchids bloom repeatedly.  As soon as they have finished blooming I place them in an out of the way place and into a very large ceramic cache pot.  An east facing window is preferred.  

 Make sure that they receive just enough moisture to survive.  

Be patient.  It will take about 6 to 8 months for them to rebloom.  

ginaceramics.blogspot.com

Phalies are at home in many environments, even a hospital room where they are a welcome gift.  

How can one resist? 

So, next time you see an orchid for sale, bring it home.  
You will forever be hooked on orchids.  

Have a wonderful week dear friends.

Gina 

Where would you rather be?

Out in the cold with the Help?

It snowed last night, another six inches.

 You could be in my little and very humble greenhouse.

We need the moisture, our Farmers and Ranchers are happy.

Kumquats and Rosemary grow in my Greenhouse

But Baby it's cold outside.

My Greenhouse is not warm enough for my orchids.

They are very happy inside my house usually sitting by a north or east facing window.

But my Geraniums think that my Greenhouse is the coolest spot ever!

What are you doing today?

Have a great week my dear

Blogging Friends

Gina

Winter Break

 Where else but in sunny California

Where the Lemon Grove is in bloom all year round.

Where the oranges are sweeter than anywhere else.

Where the flowers grow in wild profusion.

And where the trees emit a heady perfume of blossom and fruit.

All lovingly tended by our friends J & B.

At La Casa el Grande, in Rancho Santa Fe.

And my favorite shop is right around the corner.

Trader Joe's, where orchids can be had for a song.

I brought many home.

Even a small lemon tree. Laden with tiny lemons. 

Now in my dining room.

Thank you J & B for letting me pick to my hearts'  content.

Gina 

Why I love Orchids

It's because they are repeat bloomers,

especially the Phalaenopsis Orchid.

And of course, because they are so exotic.

Do you remember when orchids were very expensive.  I do.

Now you can purchase orchids in grocery stores and many other non traditional plant places.

And they come in so many different colors.

There is never a need to have a plastic Phalaenopsis.

They cost less than a flower bouquet yet each flower spike lasts 4 months or even longer.

When they finish blooming,  place them in an out-of-the-way place, water once a week and watch them bloom again.

Phalaenopsis Orchids  are not difficult. Once they bloom they are very happy in any light condition. However, you must keep them away from  direct heat.

 Place Phalies wherever they are appreciated the most. 

Give them a try, you will be so pleased that you did.

Gina