Thursday, September 30, 2010

Basic Information About Orchids

Orchids are growing in popularity.? They are becoming one of the favored houseplant varieties.? Even the traditional favorites like African violets are losing appeal.? The orchids come in so many colors and sizes that everyone has a favorite among the bunch.? With all the information that is available today, growing orchids is simpler than ever.? They do require some very specific amounts of vital resources.? Light, water, food, and air must be provided in amounts that match their natural growing environments.? There are orchids that thrive in both cooler and warmer climates.? Most will thrive inside the average home with a temperature of between 75 and 85 degrees. Growing orchids does take time and attention devoted to them to becoming the true beauties that they are.

The Phalaenopsis orchid is considered by experts one of the easiest orchid plants to grow.? These hardy plants are adaptive and thrive in an office or home environment.? The bud will open and remain that way up to twenty four weeks.? Some species will have blooms that only last for up to a month.? There are even a few special species that will bloom for a whole year.?? Some prefer to bloom several times a year.? It is all dependent on what type environment these beauties are being adopted into that can dictate how often they bloom.?? Growing orchids needs to be done in a protected area, away from changes in temperature and light.? Light sources need to be carefully controlled by the grower.

Growing orchids is best done when they are planted in bark rather than in potting soil.? A grower can even grow orchids in sphagnum moss.? Many times consumers will notice that when they buy a live potted orchid at local nurseries it will be planted in moss.? The roots of the growing orchids need air circulation to survive. Potting soil is so heavy that it literally smothers the plant.? Watering routines vary depending on the species and the time of year.? Summertime usually requires the plants to be watered every week.? The hotter it is the more water the orchid will need.? One of the biggest obstacles is finding a spot in the home that can be to set up everything and no have it disturbed.? There is something exciting about growing orchids.

Light is a very specific need for growing orchids.? Without light, the orchid will not have enough stored energy to bloom.? With too much light, it will burn and die. Yellowing leaves will occur with too much sunlight or too little food.? Trying to the find the right mix of light, water and nutrients can present several problems.? Fertilize the plants with special orchid food about once a week. While orchids appear so light and delicate for all their faults, they are hearty plants.? They are resistant to loss of moisture and heat.? They are, however, very sensitive to changes in light and temperature.? Growing orchids may be exciting, but it is also challenging.

Growing orchids can be a lot of fun and provide the grower with beautiful flowers.? The mainstay of orchid growing is patience and consistency.? Without both, these plants will not flower and will be damaged. The patience of the grower is well rewarded when yet another beautiful flower pops out.


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Why Phalaenopsis and Cattleya Orchids Are Perfect for Weddings

Among the most popular flowers for weddings around the world are orchids. The selection of just the right flowers creates the moods and visual glamour every couple wants on their wedding day.

And two of the most sought after orchids for weddings are the Phalaenopsis (Phal) and Cattleya orchids.

Phalaenopsis Orchid, is commonly known as a Moth Orchid. This beautiful flower is the result of cross-pollination which has produced gorgeous hybrid orchids known to be one of the easiest orchids to cultivate as an indoor plant.

And the Phalaenopsis orchid offers flower colors of white and tints of white as well as other colors to fit almost anyone's choice for a wedding. When the Phal orchid is in bloom, a healthy plant will hold the blossoms for 2-3 months.

The Cattleyas orchid is another orchid frequently chosen for weddings because of it extraordinary colorful blooms and wide diversity of color choices. The petals of the Cattleyas orchid have the classic image of an orchid with beautiful unique blooms and petals that have the characteristic frilly edge. The Cattleyas orchid generally remains in bloom for 3-4 weeks depending on growing conditions.

When brides and grooms select orchids as a wedding flower they are often used in a variety of ways. The two most common places of use are for the wedding bouquet and table decorations.

Orchids are among the most widely selected wedding flower because they are known for not only their unique flowers and colors but also their fragrance. The classic white orchids are second to none as a perfect wedding flower.

In selecting wedding flowers, consideration must be given to possible allergies among the participants and guests that will in close proximity to fresh flowers on tables and bouquets.

Beyond the sheer beauty of the Phalaenopsis and Cattleyas orchids for weddings, they also express an inner and unique beauty that every marriage symbolizes. They also reflect the deep personal relationships of the newly wedded couple.

Finally, orchids are a perfect wedding flower because they are fundamentally hardy. Like any flower, they must be protected against chilly temperatures if the wedding is held in cold climates. And they can be damaged and potentially lose petals if they are not handled with reasonable care.

In spring and summer conditions, orchids do well and most importantly they can be purchased throughout the year depending on the particular orchid type you choose.

Every bride and groom seeks to create a wedding ceremony and reception that will never be forgotten. And choice of flowers for bouquets, table decorations and other reception sites is one of the most important choices to be made. Certainly the beauty, colors, symbolism and availability of orchids make them one of the best choices possible.


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Benefits and Uses of Orchid Flowers and How to Care for Them

Gardening specialists from around the world all love Orchids, sometimes referred to by their scientific name of Orchidaceae. These beautiful flowers cross-pollinate rapidly and can often be observed to take over vast gardens.

There are two major types of Orchids. First is the Phalinopsis and next is the Oncidiums. Allow me to elaborate a bit more about their characteristics.

Phalinopsis are the easy pollinators, causing them to propagate easily to the extreme satisfaction of owners. Phalinopsis orchids are used by advanced gardeners for cross pollination, meaning, they could "breed" this orchid with other species and as a result, could create a more distinct kind of orchid. This is one of the factors as to why there are still tons of unidentified orchids around the world.

Now, as to the second type of orchids, they are the ones that are preferred by more affluent gardeners. They are called Oncidiums. Oncidium orchids are relatively expensive. They are more expensive because most of the rare and hard to find orchids belong to this specie. Their growths are well augmented and are nurtured better indoors. Meaning, they seek places where sunlight is not as strong. Like Phalenopsis, Oncidiums are good cross pollinators, so new hybrids are released in the market every year.

In taking care of orchids, regardless of whether or not they are of the Oncidium or Phalenopsis specie, is that their water and light requirements must be taken into great consideration. Study your orchid's need for you to avoid any harm that may befall to your plant. Once you get a hang out of it, you will soon develop your own way of taking care of orchids.

Aside from beautifying your garden, Orchids have a variety of other uses. Some are used to make perfumes, fabrics, drinks, and so on. If you are that of person who loves to drink alcoholic beverages, an orchid could also help you! Jumellea fragrance are used to make rums.

Some orchids are also used to satisfy one's taste buds. For instance, did you know that vanilla is a kind of orchid? Yes! Vanilla is an orchid used to give any food that distinctive sweet vanilla taste. Another orchid that is used in the food industry is purple terrestrial orchids. These orchids are turned into powder for cooking Turkish soups or beverages.

In summary, orchids have a lot to offer. Be sure to add these magnificent flowers to your garden today.


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How To Find A Suitable Sprinkler Pump

Finding a suitable sprinkler pump depends on what you'll be using it for. I'll assume that you're a private citizen and you're doing your research into sprinkler pumps to water your garden. There are many kinds of lawn sprinkler pumps available and if you're on the verge of buying one then hopefully what's written here will help you with your research.

Lawn sprinkler pumps are used in most instances to irrigate large gardens, farm land and grassy areas. How big is the area that you need watered? The larger the area the more powerful a pump you'll need and also you'll require more hose pipes and sprinklers coming from the pump in order to water the area.

Do you have a nearby stream or river? Perhaps you collect rain water in your own barrels and so you have a readily available and easy access to water. In which case this is perfect. All you'll need to do is set up the sprinkler near your source, dip a hose into it and the pump will suck the water from source to destination.

Do you have neighbors nearby? In which case you'll have to consider the noise! Some pumps are very noisy but as a general rule of thumb, the smaller the pump the quieter.

You'll also need to check the duration that the pump will work for. Some pumps only work for periods of 15 minutes out of every hour. This is because they need to prime themselves, however you can purchase pumps that work continuously in all situations, terrains and temperatures.


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Choose Your Vegetables Gardening Style

Every person has his own certain growing styles. He could choose right style that will fit the nurture of his/her organic garden and helps to grow their vegetables effectively, besides that you can have an edge over other gardeners. You probably have your very own specific style that could be your preference. But first what are the different types of gardening styles that you can grow? Here are some of the types that you may consider--

Home Gardening

This is the most common of all techniques. If you are just a beginner and not yet tending to produce vegetables for industrial reasons, then domestic gardening is for you. The primary purpose of home gardening is to get a family of a steady supply of vegetables and at the same time, keeping artistic appeal to your backyard. You can soothe your eyesight time by time.

This is a favorite method as -

It does not require too much space.It can easily be cultivated in windowsills, balconies and other small areas that have sufficient light source.Easy to monitor and at the same time, easy to maintain or free from pests.

Another good thing about home growing is the ease with especially for beginners from having no knowledge of planting and then expanding to other gardening styles, both deems the fancy of the maturing gardener.

Dedicated Gardening

This style involves commercial areas that are known for its green quality and are often marketed as such. Parks, botanical gardens, amusement parts and other tourist attractions come under this category. A staff is required to maintain according to its size, so effective administrative skills with gardening proficiency are required. Commercial gardens are usually custom-made for delivering in profit to certain causes or organizations.

Impact Gardening

If you are up to the challenge of blocking weeds with minimal costs, then impact gardening is for you. It involves using a relatively small space and maximizing its gardening potential. The plants are often congested together.

In this technique you can get a lot out of a small space. It keeps weed levels low, and makes gardening fast and easy. It is also rather attractive, gives a more uniform look to your garden. You can design your garden according to your taste and requirements by applying impact gardening technique

Indoor Gardening

Indoor gardening technique includes the gardens of glasshouses, greenhouses and academic institutions. It is an all season technique and there are systems available for heating and air conditioning for certain types of plants. If you really love cultivating plants in and out of season, then indoor gardening is for you. Residential gardening also comes under the indoor gardening.

Water Gardening

In this technique you use water surface instead of soil for your plants. Water garden requires minimal supervision and use water organisms. You can use your backyard pond or even a water tub to grow plants. This is a bit of a challenge for most gardeners because it usually doesn't involve the initial conditions of other traditional gardening techniques. Water gardening requires sufficient water facilities to cultivate and use only for aquatic purpose. Water lily, elephant ears are the most common water garden plants.

Community Gardening

If you need some motivation and want to work with experienced gardeners to have some knowledge then the community gardening is for you.

Here you can be motivated by group efforts to involve concentrated efforts of the different members of the community. It comprises a huge scope, when members of the community are given independence to style their own areas in any way they choose or like according to their interests.

So here are all initial gardening styles to choose from, that you can use to have your own backyard or windowsill garden style to fulfill your own inner aesthetic sense or to have your own "herbs "or "basic vegetables" garden.


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Important Facts About Bonsai Trees

Bonsai is the actual art of growing small trees that resemble full-size trees. The entire purpose is to enjoy the beauty of the tree and the pleasure in growing them. After World War II, information regarding them became more available in the West including exhibitions that are still held. Literature translated into English about the bonsai trees also became more readily available.

The history of the bonsai is directly linked to the Chinese penjing which means tray scenery. Penjing is divided into three specific categories including trees, landscape and water and land. The Japanese pronounce bonsai as penzai which comes from penjing.

There are particular varieties that can be grown inside however; the majority of these are tropical and subtropical species. This type of tree will require a lot more attention than the regular house plant including watering. In comparison to the outdoor bonsai, it will have leaves year round, but will never have the moss covering that some people desire.

When gathering materials for growing; seeds are rarely used as it is much better to start with partially grown specimen. The aged appearance is important and in order to get this it must come from a partially grown plant or what is called mature stock. When making a selection it is wise to choose a particular type that will grow well in the particular area in which it will be cultivated in.

There are a couple of different ways in which you can begin with collected mature stock. Cuttings can be taken and placed in a growing medium until they develop roots. Layering is a technique that encourages rooting next to the source branch before removing it to be potted.

Purchasing nursery stock is another option that is available. This is a way that can allow the plant to have a couple of seasons to mature before having to be transplanted. The disadvantage to nursery stock is that it is often already shaped, but it can be worked on immediately. It may limit the way in which a trunk can be trained to grow.

There are special tools available to assist with the care of the tree. Watering will most likely be a constant task as most specimens require full-time moisture. It is also important not to over water or there is a chance of causing root rot. Repotting will also be frequent until the final planting. It encourages new growth of roots and keeps them from becoming bound to one pot.

There are many techniques used in the development of the bonsai including leaf trimming, pruning, wiring, clamping, grafting, defoliation and deadwood. Any of them can be used, but there are particular aesthetic characteristics associated with the tradition. The key principles associated with the aesthetics are miniaturization; able to fit in a container but aged in appearance, proportion among elements; must closely resemble a real full-grown tree, asymmetry, no trace of the artist; wiring cannot leave marks and gravitas; needs to express wabi or sabi. With some patience and effort it is possible for anyone to enjoy the tranquility that developing and caring for bonsai trees can bring to a home.


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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Fragrant Orchids - Tantalizing Tidbits to Tease and Teach

Orchid Fragrance = Pollination

Why are orchids, or any other flowers, fragrant? It's surely not to please people, although sometimes the first hint that an orchid is about to bloom is its fragrance wafting across the room.

Orchids are fragrant because they need to attract pollinators in order to reproduce. So, really it's a matter of survival! Most orchids are dependent on a specific pollinator to get the job done. This means that fragrant orchids smell the way they smell because it needs to attract whatever creature it is that pollinates them.

Since orchids come from every part of the world (except those that are covered in ice or are desert regions), there are many, many potential orchid pollinators. Usually they're insects. The orchids that are native to each different world habitat have a fragrance that attracts pollinators that also live in that habitat.

As you gather more orchid information, you'll find that the bright colors and the patterns on orchid blooms are also meant to attract pollinators. Even the shapes of many orchids are meant to mimic the shapes of insects, another orchid technique to attract some attention from potential pollinators!

Night or day

It's interesting to note, that orchids are normally fragrant either during the day or during the night, but usually not both times. Sometimes their fragrance wanes during the times of the day or night that pollinators are not active.

For example, green and white orchids are usually pollinated by insects that fly at night. So, come dusk, green and white orchids dispense their sweet perfume into the evening air to lure night flying insects towards them in order to achieve pollination. These types of orchids include Brassavola nodosa (the Lady of the Night orchid) and Rhyncholaelia digbyana.

Most of the Cattleya species are fragrant in the daytime because that's when their pollinating insects are most active.

Insects smell the fragrant orchids before they see them. Bees are attracted to sweet and spicy fragrances. Flies are attracted to fragrances that are not quite so sweet - garbage, decay, animal droppings, and other good things like that.

Most orchids have a floral fragrance, but others smell like raspberry, licorice, vanilla, coconut, lilacs and citrus.

Orchids to buy

Different fragrances appeal to different people - hence the multitude of colognes and perfumes on the market today. Different intensities of fragrance are also attractive to different people.

If you plan on buying a fragrant orchid, be very sure that the fragrance and intensity of fragrance is appealing to you. Even the most gorgeous blooms lose some allure if they carry a fragrance that is unappealing or too heady for the area in which orchids are kept.

Orchid hybridists, using all sorts of orchid information, are attempting to hybridize orchids with amazing scents all the time. This is not always as easy as it sounds. You cannot simply pollinate one fragrant orchid with another and expect to get a combination of scents, the same intensity of scent, or even any scent at all.

Orchid fragrance is still somewhat of a mystery to man. And the mystery of the orchid is one of the aspects of its "personality" that makes it so attractive to mankind.

Patianna is a successful entrepreneur with a passion for orchids. An orchid enthusiast for much of her adult life, her goal in her ebooks, articles and website - Growing Orchids 1 2 3 - is to erase the mythological barriers that would stop someone from growing and enjoying orchids in their home and or garden because they may think it's too difficult to do.

Get more great information on orchids, visit http://www.growingorchids123.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patianna_A.


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Time To Think Spring Bulbs

For the longest time, bulbs were largely ignored. The one notable exception was, of course, saffron. Saffron comes from the stamen of Crocus sativus. Today it seems to have been reduced to little pricey tubes used in Middle Eastern cooking. But, in its day, saffron was used to dye cloth, to flavor and color food and even as a substitute for gold leaf in illuminated manuscripts. In the 10th century, the Saxon medical books advised using it, mixed with oil, after bathing. It took until the end of the War of the Roses in 1485 before people began noticing the beauty and horticultural benefits of bulb.

Roses have been cultivated for more than 5,000 years. Bulbs are relatively new to the game.

The tulip first made it to the west in 1554 appearing in Vienna and Prague. Twenty years later, they made it across the English Channel.

An interesting historical note: Sixty-five years later, tulips triggered one of the world's first financial crisis in The Netherlands. At its peak, some hapless soul traded 1,000 pounds of cheese, four oxen, eight pigs, a dozen sheep, a bed and, lastly, a suit of clothes for a single Viceroy tulip!

Hyacinthus began appearing in English gardens a few years after tulips in 1576. Daffodils (narcissus), surprisingly didn't arrive until the early 1600s. I say surprisingly since their origins are found in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. I guess no one was looking.

Spring-flowering bulbs are a blessing to the beginning gardener since they are fully self-contained. All the nourishment they need is already in the bulb. When you plant them in the fall, you can pretty much forget about them until they pop up come spring. It is a further reminder that our plants are doing lots of hidden activity throughout fall and winter.

In addition to not needing much care, they are relatively inexpensive and, in many cases, readily naturalize. The one caveat is bulbs don't like to be in heavy, wet soil. Too much water in the ground can cause them to rot.

There are spring bulbs for just about every garden need. They come in an array of shapes and colors. I'm going to share my favorite spring bulb and it is a hard choice but I am expecting a bulb shipment next month of a hundred Tulipa gregiannii and T. Kaufmanniana. This are small, early primitive tulips I've learned to love. They don't grow much taller than 4 or 5 inches with a spectacular bloom some think look a lot like water lilies. You can see pictures if you Google Tulipa kaufmanniana but the pictures don't do them justice!

I think virtually every garden could use some of these. If you do plant them, your visitors will be blown away. Remember, you heard it here!


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Orchid Care Instructions - A Proven Checklist for Mastering Orchid Care

Because orchids have a reputation as being hard to care for, following basic orchid care instructions is vital for any orchid grower.

In fact, many people avoid becoming involved with orchids altogether because they hear all too often about what a handful they can be...how they have to be continuously repotted....or how you have to have just the right balance of light and water, and so on.

In truth, orchids aren't quite as finicky and fragile as most people would lead one to believe, but it pays to have some general idea of what you're doing before you jump in. Which is why following these tips should produce great results for you:

First of all, you should recognize that no one set of orchid care instructions is going to suffice for all orchids. A recent count has it that there are some 35 thousand different species of orchid in the world, and each one has different needs.

Where one orchid type might thrive in warm, humid climates, another might do well in shady, cool areas. It pays to make sure that you know what particular type of orchid you have, and how to properly care for it.

In addition, every year your orchid should be repotted. This is because orchids are all about the roots; their roots grow and expand substantially faster than similar flowering plants, and they require a great deal of room and access to air. This is why orchids need to be transplanted to larger pots periodically. If you leave your orchid in a container that is too small for it, you'll definitely stunt its growth potential.

When considering any "essential" orchid care instructions, it may also be wise for you to practice plant division on your orchids. Some of the larger orchids can be quite beautiful, but bear in mind that the more blossoms a plant has, the more energy it requires to sustain itself.

Sometimes it can be better to divide a large plant in two, so that it becomes two smaller plants, each with a healthy root system, and an impressive array of blooms. Each orchid, being smaller, now has to consume less energy to sustain itself.

Bear in mind WHERE you place your orchid is also very important. Because orchids have such drastically different requirements, simply moving your orchid from one location to another, even temporarily, can be enough to kill it.

If your orchid thrives in humidity, never move it somewhere where it will dry out. Believe it or not, many orchids meant to be grown outside dislike the direct sunlight and should be planted accordingly.

One last piece of orchid care instruction to keep you happy as an orchid grower is to rotate your plants so you always have at least a few plants near the blooming stage.

In other words, have some new plants, some "NBS" plants, and some "BS" plants at all times. This keeps you actively engaged with all parts of the orchid life cycle and keeps you sharp. practice.

Don't try to shortcut the adventure of growing orchids! Remember these orchid care instructions are time-tested strategies for getting the most of your plants.


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Consider Planting A Vegetable Garden

Undertaking a vegetable garden is a very rewarding hobby, but you can expect some hardwork and frustration on the way. But hard work also means it is good exercise for your body and a way you can relieve any stress that you may suffer from. It will also help you to obtain much needed vitamin d from the sunlight that you will be exposed to. Growing your own vegetables may be an essential part of our future with the concern over dwindling fuel supplies, and the food can taste that much better than the stuff you buy in grocery stores and you can be certain that it is free from pesticides and chemicals.

Vegetables are easier to grow than flowers because they are more resilient in different types of weather. The more space you have is all the better for planning a vegetable garden, but some plants can be grown in plant boxes. If you use canes, poles and stakes to create a vertical garden then more space wil be available to plant on the ground. Your garden needs to be exposed to a minimum of 6 hours of sunshine and it is also advisable to have a source of water close by. To avoid problems with soil erosion and water run-off try to choose a site where the ground is reasonably level rather than on a slope.

The more traditional way to plant vegetables is in neat, organised, straight rows. But more and more gardeners are opting to plant them in beds rather than in rows. These beds have to be small enough so that you can pull out any weeds. A good tip is to build a raised bed to grow your own vegetables. This is better for the plants, but also much easier on your knees and back. You can make a raised bed garden using wood, paving slabs or stone.

Soil preparation is vital for a successful vegetable garden. A good mixture of sand, silt and clay is the best balance for your garden. The soil should not be so hard that it doesn't crumble it when you squeeze it between you fingers, but it must not crumble if you are just picking it up. To improve the quality you can dig manure or compost in to the soil or just place some organic matter on top of the soil. This should be undertaken in the fall.

Easy vegetables you can grow include potatoes, sweetcorn, broad beans, radishes and runner beans. Crops that can be grown in plant pots include chard, rocket, parsley, tomatoes, mint and chives. Herb gardens are also relatively straightforward to plant - particularly if you obtain a pre-planted pot from a shop.

Rotate the vegetables that you plant to help avoid a build up of pests and diseases. Crop rotation is also beneficial when the previous crop helps the growth of a new one. For example, beans put nitrogen in the soil and this will in turn help the growth of broccoli. Whatever you decide to do, don't grow the same crop for more than two consecutive years in the same plot. Experiment by using trial and error, but as always please enjoy your gardening.


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Growing Phalaenopsis - The Easiest Orchid

Also known as phal, moth, and ice orchids, Phalaenopsis are the most popular orchids for many reasons. They are relatively inexpensive. They are considered by many to be the most beautiful which is saying a lot given that there are over 30,000 species and 100,000 hybrids. They are the most commonly sold orchids in garden and home centers, and now even in supermarkets. They have long lasting blooms, and many consider them the easiest orchid to care for - a perfect orchid for beginner and amateur orchid lovers. This article reviews the characteristics of the phal and optimum growing conditions.

Epiphytic and Lithophytic. Most phals are epiphytes, meaning that in nature they grow on other plants non-parasitically, that is, without deriving nutrients from their host. Moth orchids derive nutrients from dew, rainfall, air, and any material that accumulates around the roots. Some phals are lithophytes meaning that they grow on rocks. Phals can even be found clinging to buildings and poles.

Photosynthesis.Unlike the roots of our other houseplants that are damaged when exposed to air and light, the roots of the phal perform photosynthesis, converting sunlight to energy. Thus they prefer a clear pot with a special orchid mix made of bark chunks that won't absorb much moisture and allow air to circulate.

Blooms. Phals have multiple large, showy flowers on each spike which bloom 3 to 4 months, and sometimes as long as 6 months. When the blooms are over give them a cold spell by watering with and ice cube daily or 3 to 6 ice cubes once per week for 6 weeks. This will produce a secondary spike on the old stalk and your orchid will rebloom.

Soil. Phal soil must not be soil as we know it but rather a medium of bark chunks or sphagnum that allow water to flow around the roots and immediately out the bottom of the pot.

Temperature. The optimum temperature is normal home and office temperature of 70 to 80 degrees F during the day and 60 to 70 at night. Phals can tolerate temperatures as high as the 90's but will need more frequent watering.

Humidity. Optimal humidity is no less than 50%. Higher the better. One way to increase humidity is to place your potted phal on top of a bed of stones in a deep dish or tray. Keep the stones wet, but do not let roots or an absorbable pot (such as a clay pot) touch water, otherwise the orchid will continuously absorb water which is lethal. I don't recommend misting since water droplets left on leaves or flower petals, especially overnight, can cause rot.

Light. An east-facing window is ideal. Be sure any light is filtered through white shades or curtains to prevent sunburn, mirroring the dappled light of the tropical forest floor. 12 hours of light is optimal. Grow-lights can be used where light is significantly less than optimal such as winter months in extreme northern and southern latitudes. Bright green leaves indicate good light. Dark green indicates not enough light. Yellow leaves can indicate too much light (or too much water, or a disease, or natural die-off of lower leaves).

Water. Phalaenopsis prefer water early in the morning once every 7 - 10 days - more during summer, less in winter. More if consistent temperatures are higher than optimal. More when blooming or a large plant. Watering can be as often as 2-3 times a week. Get to know your particular orchid because phal roots want to dry out before being watered. Place under a tap and run water over the bark medium for about 15 seconds. Tepid water is ideal. Water should run right over the roots and bark medium and out the bottom of the pot, moistening the roots and flushing away harmful deposits. Phals do not like soggy roots - I can't emphasize this enough. If you are doing the ice cube method be sure to do a normal watering once a month to flush away harmful deposits.

Fertilizer. Moth orchids like a weak fertilizer. Commercial brands are fine, but dilute the instructions by ? to ?. Apply every other watering. Try making your own organic fertilizer - there's a free recipe on my website. Do not use fertilizer pellets or sticks since these apply too much too often.

Purchasing.It's difficult to even find a phal that's not in bloom at the time of purchase, but if possible purchase a not-yet-blooming plant, because travel from store to home can be traumatic causing blooms to drop. Look for unblemished leaves and petals - orchids are particularly susceptible to disease so be sure yours is healthy. Inspect the roots to be sure they are firm and not mushy.

Repotting. The only difficulty about orchids in general, including phals, is repotting. It is a necessity every 2 years or when roots are growing out over the rim of the pot. The continued health of your orchid depends upon repotting and propagation. It's not brain surgery but you need to follow step-by-step instruction. Go to my site or google orchid repotting for guidance.

Conclusion. Your phal thrives on consistent care like all the rest of our houseplants. And try talking to your orchid! Amazingly, research indicates that plants do better when we talk to them. And take a good long look at your orchid blooms - such beauty!

Jan Gilbert is an author for the Orchid Growing Center at http://www.secretlifeoforchids.com/. This website is a free resource for orchid lovers of all ages and levels of experience. The mission of the Center is to make orchid growing easy and inexpensive, and to educate the public about the stunning beauty, fascinating history, and endless adventure in the wild world of orchids.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jan_Gilbert


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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Orchids Dendrobium - Seven Reasons for Their Enormous Popularity

By Patianna A. Platinum Quality Author Patianna A.
Level: Platinum

Patianna is a successful entrepreneur with a passion for orchids. An orchid enthusiast for much of her adult life, Patianna has provided guidance in growing ...

Dendrobium orchids continue to grow in popularity for many reasons. Some because of their hardy nature. Some because of their aesthetic beauty. Some the most important reasons can be condensed into the following seven:

There are so many species and hybrids. Dendrobium orchids are an enormous genus that's comprised of over 1200 species and hybrids - perhaps as many as 1600. So there's something for everyone.These orchid types and hybrids also come in many colors including lavenders, pinks, yellows, oranges, reds, magenta, chartreuse, white and other colors as well. Colors range from the more common colors to rare and exotic colors.The blooms come in many shapes and sizes too. So there's at least one dendrobium to fit any home or garden.Orchids dendrobium are inexpensive to buy and are readily available year-round in most gardening stores.They are excellent flowers for use during functions such as meetings and conferences and are widely used in hotel and restaurant lobbies as well. can be used over and over again, if you can keep people from walking off with them.Because they are inexpensive and hardy, it's not uncommon for brides to have the blooms shipped to them for their wedding. The bride and her attendants may make the wedding bouquets and table arrangements themselves- a significant savings over flowers arranged by a florist.As orchid types go, dendrobiums are relatively simple to grow.

To help you enjoy these wonderfully beautiful orchids, make sure that you learn and work with your dendrobium orchid's simple needs:

Enough light - If the leaves get too light in color, move the plant away from the light, if they get too dark, move it closer to the light.The right temperatures - Keep your dendrobium between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night and between 70 and 90 degrees during the day.Enough water - Drench your plant but make sure the roots don't stay wet too long.The right fertilizer - Fertilize weakly weekly (a weak solution once a week).A snug fit - Keep your orchids dendrobium in pots that look just a little too small for the plant. Dendrobium roots like to be a bit crowded.

Follow the above advice and you're sure to be rewarded with a healthy plant and some magnificent blooms.

A Final Word

When these orchids bloom they'll bloom for six to eight weeks and sometimes longer. They often bloom in the summer, a real boon to anyone who likes to display flowers in their homes.

In the final analysis, dendrobium orchids offer an enormous variety of colors as well as sizes and shapes of blooms. The blooms last for weeks and sometimes for months. They come in many different sizes from 8" to a foot tall to three to four feet tall. A small specimen looks adorable sitting on a window sill and a large dendrobium has a magnificent presence and can be the focal point of any room.

They are available year-round and they're inexpensive. And because of their hardiness, they can be used for a large variety of purposes.

What's not to like about these orchid types and hybrids? No wonder they are so popular!

Patianna is a successful entrepreneur with a passion for orchids. An orchid enthusiast for much of her adult life, her goal in her ebooks, articles and website - Growing Orchids 1 2 3 - is to erase the mythological barriers that would stop someone from growing and enjoying orchids in their home and or garden because they may think it's too difficult to do.

Get more great information on orchids, visit http://www.growingorchids123.com/

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Article Submitted On: September 19, 2010


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Orchid Types - The Top 10 Most-Popular Types of Orchids

With literally thousands of orchid types to choose from, how can you pick the one that's right for you?

Above all, the most important thing to consider is how well your new plant is going to adapt to the environment you're able to give it.

To help you in choosing a plant that's especially well-suited to YOU, here's a "Top 10" rundown of the most popular types of orchids.

Cattleya: Cattleya orchids are perfect for you if you'll be growing them in areas with a lot of natural light such as the Midwestern United States or Central or South America. These plants reward their orchid growers with an extravagant display of colorful blooms. They seem to be sending back out the very sun they soak up.

Phalaenopsis: Phalaenopsis orchids, or "moth orchids", are ever popular among beginner growers because they're one of the most resilient and sturdy orchid types out there. They can survive many of the inevitable beginner's mistakes that would kill less hearty plants, and their blossoms put on a great show to boot.

Vandas: Vandas are one of those orchid types that does best in a hanging basket rather than a closed-in pot. While all orchids like to have sufficient aeration around their roots, these types absolutely crave it.

Dendrobiums: Dendrobiums are popular because they're relatively easy to care for, and also come in a huge variety of shapes and colors. A good "all-purpose" orchid, dendrobiums can produce some of the most impressive blossoms of any orchid with relatively minimal maintenance.

Paphiopedilum: Paphiopedilum orchids are quite interesting. They tend to produce only a single blossom per plant, but the blossom is of such elegance and vibrancy that you have to see it to believe it! This unique quality makes the paphiopedilum a very popular orchid type.

Oncidiums: Oncidiums are one of the most diverse orchid types. They come in more than a thousand different variations of shapes, sizes, and colors. If you can support the environmental needs of an oncidium (ask your orchid supplier for the exact requirements depending on type), then you can certainly find a style that matches your desires.

Miltonia: Miltonias are orchids that reward you with a warm and pleasant fragrance in addition to the visual splendor of the flower. While all orchids have some kind of scent, the scent is the focus with Miltonias. This makes them perfect for indoor growing!

Phragmipedium: Phragmipedium orchids are interesting in that they are one of the few orchids to produce vibrant flowers in an intermediate environment. You see, normally it is the extremes of climate that produce the most interesting colors. But this type of orchid is great for you if you have a temperate and mild climate but desire bright blossoms.

Odontoglossum: Odontoglossums are recommended for you if you're going to do your growing in an orchid greenhouse. While these plants are relatively easy to care for and produce massive beautiful blooms, they just simply require too much heat and humidity to thrive indoors. Treat them right!

Cymbidium: Cymbidium orchids always put on a show whether or not they're in bloom thanks to their long thin leaves. These leaves, which sometimes reach up to four feet in length, can provide a stunning cascade effect that makes this orchid type very popular indeed.

Now after evaluating your environment and what you can provide, use this handy list of orchid types to choose your next orchid plant.


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Gardening - Tips For Preparing Soil For Planting

Soil is a base in all kinds of gardening. Actually this is the base of everything. This will be the bed, or the house of your plants. You need to choose the right soil to grow your organic food crops. You should base your decision in picking out the plants on the types of soils that are available in your area. Unquestionably you have to know your garden soil very well in advance before seeding.

Depending on your location, the soils that you have may differ on many factors. Different types of soils need certain care and attention. Like, clay can hold up water better than the sandy kind. You need to know these kinds in details to be able to improve your organic gardening soil, and you also need to know what crops do better with your available type of soil.

Once you have picked the right kind, you are now on you way to the first steps of your gardening venture using the organic method. The soil needs water, sunlight and air just like human beings to exist. So make sure your soil getting all necessary natural nutrition. Then you have to organic matters placed on the soil as an add-on help.

What is Organic Matters?

Composting is the process where you recycle rotting matters like leaves, grasses, peelings of fruits or vegetables, even manures and fish heads to act as your soil's fertilizer. This is organic matter that you will use in your garden to feed your soil and get your organic crops in return.

Not only are you going to feed the soil, you also have to attend to it regularly. For this purpose you will use mulching. Mulching is like massaging the soil to keep its shape. This way, you will be able to get rid of the pests that your soil has gotten through by the time.

Changing soil

You can have opportunity to change your pot's soil effortlessly. Additionally you could also mix different kinds of soils into your garden, like spreading more fertile soil from other regions to your acquired area for some certain crop to get full growth of the plants. You could swap it by mulching and send into deep for root's nutrition.


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A Portable Orchard

Whilst many good value home insurance companies will cover the contents of a garden or outdoor area, some cheap home insurance packages don't include this kind of cover. It is always worth checking the intricacies of your policy carefully whenever you receive a quote.

If your outdoor space is limited but the thought of a mini orchard still appeals, you needn't give up your leafy dream. A wide variety of fruit trees can flourish in pots including apple, pear, plum and cherry trees.

The blossom of these trees is as stunning as their structure - in fact, in terms of their visual appeal, fruit trees are as beautiful as a lot of purely ornamental plants. Yet fruit trees have the added bonus of producing an abundance of delicious fruit each year. Dwarf pears are especially stunning: more like bushes in appearance than trees, dwarf pear trees cover themselves in an effusive white blossom in the spring and are perfectly happy living in a pot.

Contrary to what you might think, you don't need to plant fruit trees in enormous pots either; a snug container will keep your tree manageable and will also force them to produce a good crop much faster than it would if it had more root space.

Having your own crop of home-grown fruit is a real incentive to keeping this sort of vegetation. There is nothing quite like an apple crumble made with your own apples, or being able to gorge yourself on home-grown cherries whilst relaxing in your garden on a cool, late-summer night.

Another benefit of keeping fruit trees is the rich and varied history of the different varieties, many of which are traceable. For example, the original Bramley apple tree comes from Nottinghamshire and was grown from pips planted by a young girl in 1809. Your potted trees are therefore not just part of your family's present enjoyment, but they are part of a long history of fruit trees in the UK.

With all they have going for them, it is easy to grow attached to fruit trees over the years. However - and despite the many advantages - keeping them in pots does increase the risk of theft. Reputable home insurance can offer you financial protection (some policies can pay up to ?500 towards plants in any one claim).

With the added security home insurance brings, there is no reason not to begin your own portable orchard in time for this year's harvest!


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Bonsai Trees And Why They Are Special

Have you ever had a favorite plant? Was it something that you germinated, planted, waited for and grew successfully? There is nothing quite like the feeling of seeing something finally sprout after weeks of tender maintenance and patience. Bonsai trees are the perfect example of this process, since your patient efforts reward you with a miniature version of an outdoor tree.

When considering this type of plant, you first need to match the environment it will be growing in. Some of these trees are strictly indoor, while others prefer to be outside part of the time. Also, some enjoy full sunshine while others thrive in a mostly shaded placement. This is fully dependent on the type of tree you choose.

There is special soil available for bonsai seeds, and you can also use plant food once they start growing. Most of them need watered daily, and they are not typically a really hardy plant. So once you find a place where they are happy and growing well, it is probably best to allow them to stay there.

As your bonsai tree grows, you will find out how to shape and trim the branches. It's important to do this the right way, because either undercutting or over-cutting will create problems for your miniature plant. Once wood branches start to appear, you can also use special shaping wire to help form the familiar shapes of these beloved trees.

For the adventurous tree grower, consider growing one that produces fruit. They are especially fun to watch develop and having a miniature orange tree or berry tree on your counter or desk will give you a little taste of the outdoors. The fruit may be edible, but keep in mind that it will also be quite small, due to the size of the tree's branches.

Purchasing the trees can be expensive, but if you shop around, you can get quite the bargain. While full-grown trees come at a hefty price, you can also find some variations that are just as pretty, but less pricey. Certain companies offer magazines to the entire United States, but are not allowed to ship to every state, so check with the company before placing an order with that particular distributor.

If you have a green thumb or are just interested in recreating some of the amazing and beautiful plants from the Orient, a bonsai tree is a fabulous choice. With the right care and maintenance, they can live happily for many years and be passed down from family member to family member. Educate yourself to the care that your particular choice requires and the efforts will show results for a long time to come.

Bonsai trees are special and not something you see everywhere. When your friends and family see what you have grown, it will be a testimony to your patience as well as your stability. These are the types of plants that show a lot of their owner's personality and can be a very charming introduction into your home or office.


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Home-Grown Grapes

If you have decided to grow grapes at home you need to remember several things. Grapes require full sun, moderate water, and a lot of attention to pruning and protection against pests and diseases. You will have the most success if you choose a variety particularly suited to your soil conditions and climate.

There are three basic types of grapes: wine grapes, table grapes, and slipskin grapes. Wine grapes include such types as Cabernet and Chardonnay. Table grapes are commonly Thompson seedless or Red Flame. Concord is a common type of slipskin.

There are many aspects to growing grapes but here are the outlines of the six main steps.

First, decide which type of grape that you want to grow. Be sure to check with your local nursery to see which specific variety best matches the conditions in your area.

Second, plant the grapes from nursery stock or cuttings. Make sure the site has full sun in order to have the best fruit production. Developing grapes require sufficient heat. If you plant the vines in shady areas, they are likely to develop fungus based diseases. Most varieties should be spaced 7-8 feet apart.

Third, amend the soil. Make sure that it is loose, fast draining and loamy. Grapes put out deep roots so the deeper you amend the soil, the better it is for the vine. Most grapes require 36-70 inches of loose soil before hitting bedrock.

You will probably want to have the acidity level of the soil checked as well. Soils with too much or too little acid may need to be amended to make them satisfactory for supporting the vine growth.

Fourth, build a trellis system to support the vines. Vines are not capable of bearing the weight that the ripening fruit causes so they will need the support of t trellis structure. Without a support system, the grapes will bend to the ground where they will be susceptible to rot.

Fifth, prune the grapes when they are in their dormant stage. Remove the long runners to keep the plants compact and under control.

Last, remove long runners mid-season to keep the plants under control and to encourage fruit development.

If all has gone well, you should have a great crop to harvest. Just keep in mind that grapes do NOT ripen after they have been picked. Therefore, choosing just the right moment to harvest them is critical. The color of the fruit isn't a good indicator of their maturity. What determines the readiness of fruit for harvest is the percentage of sugar and the ratio of sugar to acid.

The average temperature must be greater than 50 degrees F for grapes ton continue to mature. If the temps are routinely below this, the grapes will not ripen. Rain can also cause the fruit to shatter or crack so you want to bring in the harvest before the rains begin.

Once the grapes are off the vine you can enjoy the fruits of your labor-literally. Sip wine made with the unique taste that can come from your grapes. Make those jams and jellies and enjoy with your breakfast. Or, just pop them into your mouth for a delicious burst of flavor. In any case, enjoy the adventure of creating your own vineyard.


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Monday, September 27, 2010

Plantable Business Cards

By Carole Galassi Platinum Quality Author Carole Galassi
Level: Platinum

Carole Galassi is the CEO and Creative Director for The Funeral Program Site and The Wedding Program Site, both extremely wonderful online resources for program ...

Did you know you can now get plantable business cards? If you want to create a business impression, try handing this out in your next meeting or new prospective customer! It will definitely be a conversation piece and they will appreciate the fact that you are environmentally friendly.

This is a great way to promote that you are a green business owner. If you want to ensure the customer will have something to remember you by in the long run, you may consider handing out traditional cards in addition to these plantable ones.

You don't have to be limited to using this as a business card however. You can be creative and use then for other things such as place cards, name cards, or even a little note card. Because they are convenient in size, people love to have them since they fit conveniently inside a purse or wallet. Most people will want to plant them and you will be the reminder to them each time they see the wildflowers blossom.

What an ingenious idea! A visual representation of your business through the form of plantable seed cards. It will make a lasting impression and one you can be proud of since it is healthy for our earth. It is also a unique idea so that will make you stand out from your competition. The plantable business cards come in a 4-color process ink which means you can have various color choices in the printing text and company logo. There are many seeds in one card and can bloom a nice bunch of flowers.

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Article Submitted On: September 19, 2010


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Lasagna Keyhole Gardening - Your Guide To A Successful Raised Bed Garden

Some people just naturally have green thumbs and the ability to make anything grow under any kind of circumstance. I, on the other hand, have two very black thumbs. How bad you may ask? Well, if you are a gardener you know that people who grow zucchini often end up with so much they are practically begging people to take them off their hands. This black-thumbed gardener, however, has two zucchini plants and so far this summer only one zucchini has threatened to grow while all the others have started and promptly molded, turned brown, or fallen off the stems. That's pretty sad, wouldn't you say?

Early this past winter while flirting with thoughts of living off the edibles in my garden, I read an article about keyhole gardening. These are basically raised bed gardens in the shape of a keyhole, exactly as the name says. The gardener stands in the longish section of the keyhole and is able to reach all parts of the keyhole within an arm's distance from all sides of the raised bed. The writer spoke of how this style of gardening has helped many people in parts of Africa feed and support themselves. I thought to myself that if they can do it in arid, hot regions, why shouldn't I be able to accomplish something similar here in Alaska, home of all things humongous?

Since it was January, the dead of winter and months still ahead to fantasize about giant green zucchini, squash, green beans, and the like, I continued my research. I read about a woman who did something called "lasagna gardening". She placed leaves, newspaper, grass clippings and dirt in layers which eventually broke down into compost.

There are different heights of raised bed gardens, probably as many different heights as there are different people and different tastes. My house is toward the bottom of a slope. My garden area consists mainly of clay which does not drain well and stays wet most of the planting and growing season. My attempts at low raised beds resulted in poor root growth for anything I planted, while grass and chickweed thrived, suffocating what few edibles did grow.

I decided to do a combination of the keyhole and lasagna style gardens. Pallets being discarded by stores around town became the walls of the keyhole garden. With the help of my long-suffering husband, we measured the area and then dug down approximately a foot into the clay to insert the standing pallets. The clay, incidentally, does a fantastic job of being glue, both for me when I stood in it shoveling and chopping, and to hold the pallets steady. Once the pallets were in place, with braces nailed at the corners for added support, we laid weed mat at the bottom of the bed. Then came all the fun stuff. Truckloads of black soil purchased from a place in town, wheelbarrows of long-dead leaves, brown glass clippings, truckloads of goat compost from a friend with more than she knew what to do with, newspapers, and cardboard boxes. We made layer after layer, at one point actually trying to keep track but eventually just trying to remember not to put two layers of the same thing in at once. I thought it was simply beautiful when it was finally layered to within six inches of the top.

At a height of four feet, and a distance of approximately 1.5 arm length from every side, it is very comfortable to work. I planted mint, catnip, pansies, several other flowers that my 7-year-old son chose, and strawberries. Oh my goodness! I thought it was beautiful before, but nothing compared to the bounty sprouting up from that layered mass of recycled materials and dirt. Everything I planted grew, and I did very little to help it along other than an occasional watering and oo-ing and ah-ing over it at every possible opportunity.

If you have difficulty growing and keeping your garden alive, try building this raised bed. Layer recycled materials such as listed above. If you are unable to find goat manure, rabbit is probably the next best thing. You may surprise yourself, as I did, with how well your garden grows!


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Selecting Fruits for Container Garden

The fruit plants used for container garden are mostly dwarf trained forms of apples, citrus fruit, nectarines, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, and plums. All these plants can be grown in pots and tubs whose diameter and depth should be round about 45-60 cm (18-24 inches). Soil based potting compost would be ideal along with proper drainage at the bottom of the container.

Fruits Container Gardens

Proper watering and feeding is necessary for all plants. Besides this, a proper sunlight and shelter will also be necessary for fruits. It is important to thin out the trees to remove the excess from the plant so that it will grow properly in the wooden tub. Remember, fruit trees require regular pruning depending on the fruit type and the circumstances in which it is grown.

Selecting Fruits

In the container garden the fruits grown are trained as dwarf pyramids or dwarf bush trees. As the space is limited these are procured on dwarfing rootstocks to keep their size small. For apples and pears, you need to grow varieties to make certain that cross pollination of the flowers takes place. Otherwise the fruit production would be the minimum. You can use 'family' apple or pear tree for extreme confined space.

Apples

Apples on dwarfing rootstock M9 or M27 should be grown as dwarf bush or dwarf pyramid trees. Make certain that the cross pollination take place. The best varieties you can grow together are 'Egremont Russet', 'Discovery', 'Cox's Orange Pippin', 'Ashmead's Kernel' and 'Greensleeves'.

Pears

These are grown in a pretty much same manner as apples. Two varieties should be grown to ensure that they cross pollinate. The well known varieties are 'Doyenne du Cornice' with 'Beurre Hardy' and 'Williams' 'Bon Chretien' with 'Conference'.

Cherries

Cherries don't need to cross pollinate. Buy a self fertile variety like 'Stella' on the dwarfing rootstock 'Colt' and grow as dwarf bush or dwarf pyramid.

Plums

Buy a self fertile variety like 'Victoria' on dwarfing rootstock 'Pixy' grow as dwarf bush or dwarf pyramid.
Peaches and Nectarines

These are grown as dwarf bush trees and what you need to do is to pollinate the flowers by hand that appear early in the year. You need to dab the centre of each flower with a soft artist's brush to transfer the pollens from one flower to another.

Citrus Fruits

Fruits like C. aurantium, the Seville orange, sweet orange and citrus sinensis should be grown as dwarf pyramid or dwarf bush tree. As these plants are tender plants, they need to be kept under a greenhouse to prevent frostbites.

Grape Vine

It is very open to training. The height of the grape vine would be about 1.8 m (6 inches) and it is grown as standard in container, i.e. a single permanent stem with new growth being produced at the top.

Strawberries

These are an attractive feature of any patio. The most modern patio usually have these grown in proprietary Tower Pots, whereas in strawberry barrels in cottage patio. The former is a tall cylinder with planting pockets on the sides, and the latter is an ordinary timber barrel with 5 cm (2 inches) diameters holes bored in the sides, 20 cm (8 inches) apart.


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How to Grow Grapes

If you want to start growing grapes there are several things to consider. It takes time, energy, and patience to grow grapes successfully. Many books have been written on the subject but the process is briefly outlined for you here.

Step one is to decide which types of grapes you are going to grow. It is more than just going to the nursery and randomly selecting something you think looks good. The final selection you make will depend upon the climate zone in which you live, the type of soil that you have, and the exposure to the sun. You also have to think about whether you are growing table grapes or if you are growing wine grapes. Once you have that information, you can head out to the nursery where they will be to help you select the variety that is best for your specific situation. Just remember, you will have to wait about three years before you get your first crop so pack some patience in your pocket.

Once you buy your rootstock you have to remember that you must keep the roots wet until planting. If you are going to plant them the next day, it's OK to soak the roots in a bucket of water. Longer than that, however, can ruin the roots. You can wait longer than a day to plant but you will have to make sure that the roots are properly stored and watered.

The next step in the process is the actual planting. Most vines need to be planted 8-10 feet apart in soil that has good drainage. Grape vines don't like to have "wet feet" and stand in puddles of water.

Just because they don't like "wet feet" doesn't mean they don't like water, however. You will need to make sure that the vines get plenty of water during the first month or so. You will need to soak the entire root of the vine and keep the roots moist for the first month. This allows the roots to settle in and anchor themselves.

Make sure to tend to the soil around the base of the vine. It is not uncommon for vines to have roots that extend out 5-6 feet so be sure to clean out the weeds.

In the first couple of years you will have to check the leaves of the plant carefully. The leaves should be dark green in color. If not, it may mean that you need to supplement your soil with specific nutrients. You may find that you have to add about six inches of compost or manure around the base.

Grapevines need to be trained to grow on a trellis or other supporting structure. You will need to build a trellis system. Once built, you will need to teach the vines how to position themselves on the trellis. This can be a little tricky. Make sure the vines are pointed in the right direction.

Pruning is a vital part of the grape growing process. Grapes need careful pruning in order to assure that the plant gets enough light and to encourage the growth of fruit. Pruning usually takes place in the late spring or after the hardest part of the winter has passed.

You need to be diligent about protecting your vines from pests or other animals such as deer. You may find that placing a net over the vines will help. But be sure that there is ample circulation of air because grapes are dependent upon good airflow to maintain their health and to protect from diseases such as fungus.

Finally, you must harvest the fruit. Be sure not to harvest them too early. It is not the color of the grape that determines prime harvest time. Rather, it is the sugar content and the balance between the acid and sugar that is the key.

If you do all of these things you may be rewarded with some sweet fruit. Beware that raising grapes involves a considerable investment of time and energy. However, in the end, as you sit sipping the wine made from your grapes, or munching on those plump sweet fruit, you may forget, at least for a moment, about all the work you had to put in.


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A Living Piece Of Artwork - The Bonsai Tree

Bonsai trees are miniatures made to look like fully mature trees. Various techniques are used to shape the tree and keep them small. They are usually planted in containers and are included in both indoor and outdoor displays. These delicate trees are only grown for their beauty.

The practice of creating bonsai trees started in China with specimens that resembled animals, birds and mythical creatures. The Japanese are most known for bonsai culture. They took the idea from the Chinese around AD 1195 and took it to new heights. Buddhist monks began to cultivate them through the practice of Zen. Soon wealthy families all had their own collections and a gardener who worked primarily on the bonsai trees. Bonsais were introduced to the world at the Paris World Expedition in 1900 and are found all over the world today.

Bonsais are formed from shrubs or trees that have wood-like stems and are a perennial. Those plants that have small leaves or needles and grow small are perfect specimens and most can be found at the local garden center. Find shrubs that have branches growing close to the bottom of the truck near the soil line. Gnarled or textured wood is most preferred.

Perfect specimens include most types of juniper, small statured pines, hemlock and some cedars. Japanese White Pine grows slowly making it a great choice. Trident Maple is a deciduous tree that grows small and can be formed easily. Chinese Quince has been used for centuries and lives the longest and is most durable. Many other shrubs can be used such as rosemary, lavender, and hydrangea.

Many techniques are used to produce a bonsai. Removal of leaves or needles is necessary to make the specimen look like a tree. A common practice is to remove all leaves and stems below all branches and keep the ones that grow above. Pruning of branches is also necessary. The top of the plant may be removed to make it smaller and some branches within the tree structure are removed to make it pleasing to the eye.

Wire is wrapped around branches to shape them into artistic forms. Aluminum wire is used but copper is the best because the color blends in with the bark of the branches. Deciduous specimens can have the wire removed in about six to nine months while evergreens take several years.

Care of a bonsai is intense. Because it is grown in a pot it must be monitored closely. It must be watered frequently but too much water can cause it to rot. Bonsais must be repotted when they become root bound. A water-soluble fertilizer must be used to give it the nutrients it would normally get from the earth.

Special tools are needed to trim the bonsai. Regular sized tools are too bulky and large so bonsai tools are small and very sharp. Leaf trimmers, a small rake and brush, plant shears and wire cutters are all needed.

Containers are very important because this will encase the roots of the tree. Ceramic pots are traditional and can be glazed or unglazed. All containers must have large holes that are covered with screen before the soil is placed in so it cannot escape.

Make bonsai from shrubs or purchase one that is already started. True bonsai are designed to last for centuries and be passed from one generation to another. They are very difficult to cultivate and take a great deal of time, but are worth all the trouble just because they are so beautiful.


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Organic Rose Gardening for Beginners

Growing roses is always beneficial to their owners, but the use of pesticides can poison your soil and take over the great benefits of growing roses at home. Organic rose gardening is the best way to raise roses and without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, you will notice you can still receive the same results. Everything is the same when it comes to organic and chemical rose gardening; the only difference is a healthier and more sustainable plant with the use of organics.

You are probably asking yourself why you should use organic products. Many people are under the assumption that in order to conduct organic rose gardening you must put in twice as much effort. This is untrue. There are a lot of benefits to organic rose gardening as well. You can use your rose petals for potpourri, teas, and even making your own fragrances. If you were to make teas from roses grown by chemical pesticides, you can actually risk your health. By growing with chemical fertilizers and pesticides you can actually risk the health of family and friends that you share your grown roses with.

There are many insects and pests that can affect the growth of your roses. Always be sure to know just what insects and pests threaten roses in your area. There is never a more sad sight than that of a dead or dying rose bush in someone's lawn. The insects you need to watch for when growing your rose bushes are the same whether you use organic rose gardening or chemical methods. These pests include: Japanese beetles, caterpillars, rose chafers, rose midge larva, rose slugs, scale insects, and stem girders.

If you have any of these harmful pests, purchase an organic pesticide rather than a chemical one. Organic pesticides will not harm your roses, only the pests that reside in them. Many organic pesticides are specifically designed to kill specific species of pests. You can insure that you are ridding your rose garden of not only the pest, but any eggs they may have laid. Always be sure to spray on top and below your leaves. Insects and pests have a habit of coming back, but by spraying thoroughly the first time you will not have to worry about them returning.

Another way to avoid using chemical pesticides is to plant your roses alongside other plants that can help eliminate insects and pests as well as attract insects that promote the health of your organic rose garden. Not only will these types of companion plants assist in your pest problem, but they will create an overall aesthetic appeal to your garden. Some of the best plants to grow alongside your roses are garlic and onions. Their pungent smells will typically diminish the pest problem right away. The only drawback to using onions or garlic next to your rose bushes is that they cannot be nice to look at. Especially when they are planted alongside gorgeous roses.


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Sunday, September 26, 2010

Some Information Regarding Bonsai Trees

Many people all over the world look at growing Bonsai trees. There are many reasons for why people do this. There are of course a number of things that you should be aware of when you are growing a Bonsai.

Before going any further with Bonsai trees knowing a little about the history is a good idea. The idea of the Bonsai actually originated in China and moved to Japan. Literary works where these trees were mentioned increased during the 17th century. There is also a bonsai that has survived since this time and is now stored in the Tokyo Imperial Palace as one of the National Treasures of Japan.

When people want to grow a bonsai they will often wonder what type of seeds can be used. There are in fact no special bonsai seeds that you will need to get. Any type of tree can be made into a bonsai. Due to this fact all you have to do is find a tree that you like and get the seeds. From there you will just have to follow the usual procedure of creating a bonsai.

Of course when growing bonsai trees it should be noted that many people will not grow them from a seed. Propagating is the usual process people will use. This process uses a cutting from the plant you to grow. The cutting should be placed in a medium that will allow it to start growing roots. The best cuts would be young and thin cuttings.

There are many things that growing bonsais entail. Leaf trimming is a technique that many people use when shaping their trees. This technique is the removal of selected leaves to give an aesthetically pleasing sight. This is often used to clear the leaves off the bottom of a branch which has a bunch of leaves on the top. Some people will also use this technique to rid a branch of all its leaves to give it a deadwood look.

To get the tree to the small size you want you will have to do some pruning. It is this that is the first step in creating a bonsai from a sample. Many people remove the top of the trunk in order to make the tree compact. Any branches that do not fit into the design of your tree will be removed. Pruning does not only relate to the branches but to the roots as well. You should also keep in mind that all pruning needs to be done carefully as bad pruning can weaken or even kill the tree.

The caring for a bonsai is also very important. As the pots for the trees are small watering needs to be monitored carefully. Too little water can cause the trees to go into drought but too much will cause fungus and root rot. Repotting is something that should also be done at certain intervals. These intervals will depend on the age and vigor of the tree. When the tree is still developing you should repot them more often than when they are matured.

Bonsai trees are something that many people look at growing. Of course when you do this you will have to keep many things in mind.


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Buy Poppy Seeds - Transform Your Garden With Poppies

Including Poppies Brings a Number of Advantages

There are number of ways to transform any garden without having to spend vast amounts of money on landscaping, and one such way to do so is to invest in some plants and/or buy poppy seeds. A wonderful family of species, offering a wide variety of sizes, colors and characteristics, poppies can provide a fantastic accompaniment to every garden. And whether gardeners opt for annual varieties, or perennial species that will return year after year, once you've bought poppy seeds a great love affair is likely to start.

With brilliant blooms, some varieties of poppy produce abundant flowers of whites, creams and pastel blues and pinks. Meanwhile, for gardeners who want to explore deep, vibrant colors, explosive Iceland or California poppies are the perfect plants. And with a great range of planting options depending on the species, the poppy family provides a plant for every environment, shady and moist, or sunny and dry.

Annual varieties, including Peony poppies and the popular California poppies, are ideal for containers and tubs. Brightening any patio or decked area, they are easy to care for and will provide a welcome spark of interest. Meanwhile window baskets and even hanging baskets, providing they are kept moist, can offer something a little different to catch people's eyes. And with plants easy to germinate and grow, vast quantities of small plants can be produced, packing every space with color and creating a stunning spectacle for all to see.

Elsewhere, with Mother Nature on their side, annual varieties of poppy also seed freely, allowing for gardeners to ensure a plentiful supply of plants the next year. Seed pods can either be collected and stored in paper bags or envelopes ready for sowing, or allowed to burst naturally, scattering seeds across the garden for a natural look.

While many may be fond of the annual poppies, there is no better way to showcase this wonderful family than with perennial varieties such as the Oriental poppy and dwarf or alpine specimens. These return every year, becoming stronger and healthier plants as they mature, and therefore producing more flowers of better quality. Oriental types are ideal for the herbaceous border, dying back in the winter before producing stunning displays of color the following spring. With large flowers rising into the air, any poppy lover will never tire of Orientals, and with blooms of blue, white, pink, orange and more, perfecting the ideal collection can be an ongoing challenge. Meanwhile, ideal for rock gardening or placing in gravely areas for an innovative planting scheme, little alpine plants of only a few inches will hug the ground while producing a radiant array of flowers.

Whether wanting an explosion of color for one season, or wanting ongoing and yearly blooms, poppies are ideal. While many plants take time to mature, a collection of both annual and perennial plants will allow for vibrant flowers the first year, with perennial plants blooming later. And with poppies being notoriously self seeding, gardeners will always have a constant supply of plants. So, for transforming gardens, whether it is pots, rock gardens or borders that need a lift, buy poppy seeds and develop a passion that will only grow.

And now, to learn more, and to buy poppy seeds in a...


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Pests, Fungal Infections and Environmental Orchid Problems

Orchid suffer from many of the same common problems as the majority of house plants. But they also suffer from some fairly specific ones too. This includes many of the same pests and fungal infections plus environmental factors such as over-watering, poor lighting and general damage.

Most of these problems can be easily identified and solved with a little time and attention.

Common Orchid Pests

Pests come in two varieties, those that are harmful and those that are not. Of the non-harmful types most are there just to feed on decaying plant material and some can even be beneficial but depending on how you feel about them you just might not want them in your home, centipedes for example.

Aphids are a nuisance common to most plants, attacking new plant growth where the surface is thinnest and easier to break down. Although they can be quite destructive they are relatively easy to keep under control with general house plant insecticides.

Slugs and snails are often brought in from outdoors if you kept a plant outside during the summer or in a greenhouse. They can also hide pretty well in potting media coming out at night to eat your plants. The dead give away that these are your problem pest is the silvery trails they leave. Fortunately they are large enough to be picked off by hand, but check your potting medium for any that are hiding themselves or simply replace it entirely.

White Scale may show up as yellow spots on your leaves with a small white or cream coloured centre which is the hard outer shell of the insect itself. You can treat this directly with some oil based solution to suffocate the occupants but they can survive in the roots for around six months so you'll need to apply insecticide on a regular basis for some time.

Environmental Conditions

The conditions and care you give your orchid will have a big effect on it's ability to thrive and even its chances of falling victim to viruses and fungal infections. A weak plant is far more susceptible to these things.

Too much strong direct sunlight can cause burns on your orchids leaves and may leave nasty marks too. Avoid placing your orchid in direct sunlight, you could simply move it, shade it with something or diffuse the light with frosted glass.

Over-watering will cause many problems including root loss and limp leaves. If your orchids leaves are limp this may be a sign of root loss usually due to them being in contact with water for too long. If you think this may be the case then first check that the potting media is not to compacted through decay.

Decaying potting media will prevent adequate drainage and retain a lot of moisture next to the root. Replace the media and make sure your orchid is tightly potted. If the problem remains then you should probably water it less often, make sure that the roots are completely dry before you water again.

Some problems can be caused by incorrect feeding, too much and young leaves could turn brown and die. Too little feed and your orchids leaves may be mottled, yellowing or abnormally developed. See if your fertilizer is suitable for orchids, non-specialized orchid feed may not contain the required nutrients and trace minerals that your orchid needs.

Fungal Infections

If you're plant has a fungal infection it's possible that it was already weakened due to conditions or damage. These infections usually show up as blackened areas of the plants originating from the pseudobulb and spreading.

In this case prevention is easier than cure, as damage from a fungal infection is usually permanent. Treatment in most cases involves removing the infected area with a sharp clean blade and treating the wound with a fungicide or hydrogen peroxide solution applied directly to the infected area. Don't worry about rinsing the solution off as it will break down safely and naturally.

You can prevent many of these problems with your orchid by taking a little time to check that it's being kept in the optimum conditions. Check that your orchid is kept in a suitable temperature range for its species and avoid watering or misting with cold water as the shock can weaken your plant making it more susceptible to disease.

Treat cuts when they occur, you can do this with an application of sulphur powder or everyday cinnamon powder.

If you're treating an infection or pest problem with spray or other solution make sure you don't miss the underside of the leaves.


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Use Worms To Improve Your Garden

If you enjoy gardening and ensuring that you are growing the best possible flowers and vegetables, then you will need to make sure you have the best soil. You will want to find new ways to ensure that you have rich soil, which will benefit your plants. One very natural way to keep your soil in the best possible condition is to have worms in it. The worms play a big part in helping the environment and worm farms are now very popular to keep.

Worms are found in all soil even soil which is in bad condition but they will thrive better in soil which is healthy. The healthier the soil is then your worms will be in prime condition and they will breed, the more worms you have the better your soil will be. The whole cycle will work out well and you will produce great plants and crops. Good quality soil holds moisture well due to the organic matter found in it. Although worms do not in fact have lungs; they can breathe in good quality soil because of the high levels of oxygen that is found in the soil. The worm will then release carbon dioxide back into the ground through their skin.

In the world, there are only four types of worm. There are garden worms, earth worms, manure worms and night crawlers. Every worm will play a different part in the function of your garden and ensure that it is in the best possible condition. If you can have all of the different worms in your worm farm then you will have an excellent farm. The worm's main purpose is to convert organic waste into high levels of nutrients that will be in the soil feeding your plants. The worms also spend a great deal of time digging tunnels through the soil, which loosens it making it healthier.

When you first start out worm farming, you may not have any worms at all. This situation is solved simply by adding organic waste to your garden. You can build your own compost heap, which will produce the right waste to place on your garden. This is a great way to help the environment and cut down on the amount of rubbish produced. You will find that the worms have an instant attraction to the waste and will start working straight away. The only time they will then leave your garden is if you stop producing the organic waste. If you do then they will simply go elsewhere and live in another garden.

Worm farming is now a million dollar business and you can find worm farms on huge scales. Many people now produce worms for other gardeners. Whatever size your worm farm is you will enjoy doing something natural to get the best results. If you want to have a worm farm inside a worm farm bin then this is easy enough to do. You can control exactly what your worms are doing and you can watch them through the glass. This is a great way to get children involved in gardening and show them how they can help the environment.


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Working Your Soil

Fall is the ideal time to pull together your gardening tools, turn your existing garden soil, add compost from your worm bins (the ideal compost material), and add coir and dried leaves in order to have the most viable soil for your next planting season. By treating your soil with worm compost and coir, you are enhancing your soil so that it has better water retention, aeration, drainage, and stability. This way, the soil has more antibiotic properties to protect against pathogens and more natural plant growth hormones. Experience has shown that by using worm compost, you greatly enhance your soil's viability. I strongly urge the use of worm compost as this has the ability to reduce multiple types of bacteria that are pathogenic to animals and people.

Whether or not you plan to plant fall and winter items, preparing the soil for your next planting is paramount. However, it would be ideal to give your "worked" soil about three to four weeks (more if possible) to "rest" and restore itself through the methods that you have just used. Then your next planting season will have a much enhanced soil with proper balance to nourish your new plants.

Nutrition for your plants does not have to always come from chemical additives. This is especially true when runoff occurs and damages lakes, streams, and wildlife. By using a worm composting system, the liquid produced (compost tea) is an ideal fertilizing component for your plants. It is natural and full of nutrients for your soil and plants, helping to keep the proper ph balance. Compost and compost tea are great for use with potted plants.

Think of the whole process as being an integral part of the natural way of disposing of your scrap paper and food waste (not meats, animal bi-products, dairy, and limited citrus), contributing less to landfills, and helping the greening process. May your gardening labors bear much fruit, beauty, and a true sense of joy for having been a part of your garden's creation. Refer to www.gardentreasures4u.com for other ideas on making your garden beautiful and enjoyable.

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Article Submitted On: September 16, 2010


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Real Benefits From Indoor Bamboo Plants

Have you already decided on what type of plant you'd like to place inside your home? I suggest that you place in plants that are convenient and are very easy to take care of. One of the most flexible indoor plant are indoor bamboo plants. These plants, unlike bonsai plants are very easy to maintain at home. Unlike indoor cactus plants, bamboo symbolizes several positive energies. As a whole, this type of indoor plant has a lot of advantages to anyone who plans on getting one.

What are the things you already know about indoor bamboo plants? Have you seen them in many Chinese movies? In Chinese, bamboo plants are constantly used in many different ways because they are very versatile and strong. They are also very abundant in China. They mean luck to Chinese people. During Chinese New Year, they are often given as a gift with red ribbons around it which also follows the law of energy in Chinese called "chi".

Bamboo has some attributes which makes it one of the most important and useful plants. It is strong and tall. Its simplicity makes it elegant and beautiful. Its flexibility makes it easier to use for creative purposes.

Aside from the characteristics mentioned above, let us look closely on how indoor bamboo plants can benefit us. They basically add beauty to a house. Their stalks are often braided to form a more artistic look.

Taking care of indoor bamboo plants is easy. In fact, they are the easiest plant to take care of. They can thrive on both water and soil. You can also regrow them by cutting one stalk from it. They are pretty strong and sturdy. In fact, they are formed into many different forms by Chinese people to use them for martial arts, cooking and more.

Indoor bamboo plants are very easy to take care of compared to bonsai plants. All you need to do is to constantly change the water two or three times a week to make sure that it is not utilizing a stagnant water. Make sure that you do not use water directly from the faucet. You can however leave tap water for 24 hours and use it on your plant.

Bonsai tree seeds are required to grow an indoor bonsai tree. Indoor bonsai tree seeds are not really bonsai seeds but are just ordinary tree seeds of trees that can be grown into an indoor bonsai tree. On the other hand, indoor bamboo plants can be regrown by simply cutting a bamboo stalk and transferring it to another ceramic pot.


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Saturday, September 25, 2010

The Phalaenopsis Orchid Care

Phalaenopsis or Phal, or also called Moth orchid, is an orchid genus introduced by Blume in 1825. This genus name refers to phalaena, a name of the moth (Lepidoptera) subdivision given by Carolus Linnaeus, since this orchid closely resembles the shape of a moth

This genus includes about 60 species which are native to the South East Asian region from the Himalayan mountains to the Indonesian archipelago, Malaysia, the Philippines and northern part of Australia. They are mostly epiphytes with a few numbers of lithophytes. In bare nature, some species grow under the shade of moist and wet forests sheltered against direct sunlight. Others grow in environments with dry or cool seasons.

Phalaenopsis does not have pseudobulbs or rhizome usually found in epiphytes. It grows in a single upright stem with some alternating fleshy and thick, elliptical leaves. This growth habit is called monopodial growth. A healthy phal could produce up to ten or more leaves along its stem. The cluster of flowers, either in the form of raceme or panicle grows from the stem between leaves. In the wilderness their full blooming will last for several weeks, while if kept at homes, it might bloom for 2 - 3 months. ???

Phalaenopsis are very suitable as potted orchids since they are easy to propagate and bloom under artificial conditions. Since the introduction of Phalaenopsis Doris, a tetrapoloid hybrid of this orchid, their growing in homes become very easy assuming that the provided conditions are nearly the same as their native habitat. Phalaenopsis has been commercially produced ever since.?

Phalaenopsis orchid care guidelines

Light. Place your phal near or at a bright window. The ideal window spot is an east or west facing window. In gloomy or cloudy days a shady southern window will do best Avoid direct sunlight in mid-days. The most appropriate time is the early morning or in late afternoon sun.

In the absence of sunlight, a fluorescent light is a good substitute by placing it about 1 foot above the orchid. Do not forget to time your light resembling normal daytime length. If a home greenhouse is in your possession, you may as well use a heavy shade cloth to produce a light intensity of 1,000 - 1,500 fc (foot candles) during summer in particular.? ??

Temperature. The preferred temperature for phals is ranging between 55? and 85?F. To provide ideal growth it is best to set a night temperature of 60?F and a daytime temperature of 75? - 80?F.

Cool night temperatures during the fall will promote the initiation of flower spike. Be careful in maintaining the temperature, since too fluctuated temperature may cause failure of the bud to open and may drop off. A temperature exceeding 90?F will slow down growth.

Humidity. Phals need moderate levels of humidity. The ideal range is between 50% - 75% relative humidity. In heated homes place your phal on a shallow tray which is filled with stones and water to keep the desired humidity near your phal. Make sure that the roots do not immerse in the water.?

Water. Phals need to be watered thoroughly. Do not let them dry to the point of wilting. The frequency of watering depends also on the type of potting media that are in use as well as its growing environment. An average of every 7 - 10 days will be sufficient.

Remember that heated homes in winter produces lower humidity which means that you need to water your phal more often. If they dry to the point of wilting it really will be a setback for your pity phal.?

Fertilizer. For satisfactory results, applying a slow release fertilizer with an equal proportion of N-P-K will be sufficient. You can use the liquid plant food as well using the equal proportion as recommended on the label and applying it every second time of your watering.

Flowering. The phal flowers are recognized to have a long lifespan. You can even induce the second flowering through timely pruning. What you have to do after the fading of the last flower is to check the spike and look for fleshy bulges or nodes. Count out 3 fleshy nodes and cut the spike about an inch above the third node.

By doing this, a healthy plant will stimulate one or two nodes to produce a cluster of new blooms. Repeating this several times will make it possible for you to enjoy your phal blooming of almost 6 months. ?

Repotting. As any other orchids, phals need to be repotted. The same reason of repotting also applies to your phal; the outgrowing from its present pot and the condition of the potting media that should be renewed. How to repot your phal have I explained in article specially addressed to this issue??

Pestcontrol.The danger of being messed up or hampered by insects or others is still there and can disturb the healthy life of your phal. So, monitor your orchid for aphids, mites, slug and scale. If you find any, remove it with a soft cloth steeped in soapy water. You can also use a pest control product, but make sure to follow the instructions on its label.?

Well, that concludes the brief explanation about Phalaenopsis and some guidelines on how to care for your amazing phal.


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