Growing orchids is something we do more for fun--as our "hobby" rather than as a business.  We grow just about any kind of orchid that will survive and bloom in our glasshouse.  With most orchids being seasonal bloomers, something different will be in bloom at any given time during the year.

Our personal collection numbers well over 100 different species and/or varieties.  It represents years of collecting plants.  Many were from Olive's collection and emigrated with her from Taiwan.  If you visit, you'll see our collection on benches along the shaded southern end of our glasshouse. 

We do grow orchids for sale, have hundreds of these growing under lights or on "bookshelves" attached to the barn siding inside the glasshouse.  Though we'll grow almost anything for ourselves, we generally offer for sale only those orchids that can be successfully grown and bloomed in the typical household window. 

Orchids are for sale only from our shop & greenhouse!
See our "Special Offers" pages for periodic offers of orchids for shipping

FOUR EASY TO GROW ORCHIDS WE OFFER FOR SALE

Phalaenopsis

One of these appears at the top of the page.  Also known as "moth orchids", these are probably the most commonly seen and grown of all orchid genera.  They are known for their long, arching bloom stems and for flowers that will stay fresh for weeks, sometimes months.  Care of "phals" is very similar to that of African violets, which makes them the best candidate for the indoor garden.  Like violets, provide them bright light, but not full sun--an east window is usually a good place to start.  Water plants when soil medium (we use bark) begins to dry--it's important for orchids that you let the medium begin to dry before you water, yet don't allow plants to go dry for long periods and become stressed.  Moderate temperatures (60-80f degrees) and humidity (50% or more), and good air circulation are also important. Repot plants once a year, and don't overpot--get as many roots into a pot as it will hold, folding those growing above the pot down into the pot when repotting.  

Cattleya

These include some of the showiest, most fragrant orchids (the larger ones are often used as corsages).  Many can be difficult to grow outside the greenhouse, but there are many related genera and intergeneric hybrids available that grow and bloom quite well in the typical household environment.  The compact, or miniature, hybrids are especially suitable for the indoor garden.  We've gotten these to bloom both under lights and in windows, and it's these that we offer for sale from the shop.  Most typically bloom in spring or fall, then will produce new growths from which the next year's blooms will appear.  

Provide with a bit more light than for phals, using at least a bright east or west window or shaded southern exposure.  Most cattleyas also bloom better if given a cooler temperatures than phalaenopsis--at least a period of coolness to encourage new growth and blooming.  Reduce water and fertilizer during nonblooming times of the year.  Repot at least every other year, and try to do this when not in bloom or bud and just before or at the beginning of production of new roots and growth.  Pseudobulbs may be divided, and leave (more) room in the pot where new growth is likely to emerge--i.e.  you can pot them "off center" with the open-side being where new growth is being produced.

Oncidium

Otherwise known as "dancing lady" orchids for their frilly "skirted" flowers borne in great numbers on long (sometimes very long) flower spikes.  Blooms are very often spotted or bicolored, with smaller upper petals and larger lower ones, with a prominent lip.  Ours bloom once or twice a year, spring through fall, with the blooms staying fresh for a month or more. 

Most produce very prominent pseudobulbs from which grow long, strap-like leaves.  Provide them with moderate temperatures, at least moderate humidity, and good, bright light.  Water enough so that the pseudobulbs don't shrivel. In most ways, their preferred environment and care is similar to cattleyas.  Repot at least every other year (better once a year), just as new roots and growth begins to appear.  Again, leave room for new growth to be produced in the pot.

Paphiopedilum

Otherwise know as "lady's slipper" orchids, these are showy, easy to grow plants that most indoor gardeners can succeed with.  They come in a wide range of sizes and colors.

Most will grow and bloom in bright light, but not full sun, in conditions similar to that of violets and phalaenopsis--a window with an eastern exposure is a good place to start, though a shaded western or southern-facing window may work well.  Provide moderate temperatures and humidity, a bit warmer for those with mottled leaves, a bit cooler for those with green leaves."Paphs" seem to better appreciate more regular repottings into fresh soil or bark, so do this at least once a year.  They also prefer a bit more evenly moist soil medium than other orchids, so avoid letting them go totally dry between waterings.  If potting in bark, this also means using a finer grade than would be used for phals or cats.  

Home Page