Plant Care Tips

Care Instructions for Starfish Cactus

(Stapelia, not a true cactus)

 

Light:

• Bright, indirect light: Starfish cacti thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, mimicking their native arid environments. 

• Avoid direct sunlight: While they can tolerate some direct sun, prolonged exposure can scorch their leaves. 

• Indoor placement: Place them near a sunny window where they can receive ample light. 

 

Watering:

• "Soak and dry" approach: Water thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. 

• Reduce watering in winter: During the dormant season, reduce watering frequency as the plant stores water in its stems. 

• Well-draining soil: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix, or amend regular potting soil with sand, perlite, or pumice to improve drainage. 

 

Temperature and Humidity:

• Warm temperatures: Starfish cacti prefer warm temperatures and are not frost-tolerant.

• Maintain temperatures above 50°F (10°C): Protect them from frost by bringing them indoors or providing cover if grown outside in cooler climates.

• Tolerant of varying humidity: As a succulent, they don't require high humidity to thrive. 

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Care Instructions Dendrobium Love Memory Fizz              

(Dendrobium Love Memory 'Fizz' is known for its fragrant, pendulous blooms.)

 

Light:

• Dendrobium Love Memory 'Fizz' thrives in bright, indirect sunlight.  It can tolerate direct sun, but it's best to avoid prolonged exposure, especially during the hottest part of the day. If grown indoors, place it near a south-facing window, but ensure it's not too close to the glass, which can cause scorching. You can also use grow lights to supplement natural light, especially during the winter months. 

 

Watering:

• Water when the top inch of the orchid's medium is dry. Typically, this means watering every 1-2 weeks, but adjust based on the environment and the plant's needs. 

• During the cooler, drier months (fall/winter), reduce watering and allow the medium to dry out more completely. 

 

Humidity:

• Dendrobiums prefer medium to high humidity levels, ideally above 50%. 

• You can increase humidity by placing the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water, misting the plant regularly, or using a humidifier. 

 

Temperature:

• During active growth, maintain daytime temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21-29°C), with a nighttime drop of about 10°F (6-7°C). 

• During the cooler months, allow for a cool, dry rest period with temperatures in the 50s (10-15°C). 

 

Fertilizing:

• Fertilize regularly during the active growing season (spring/summer) with a balanced, orchid-specific fertilizer.

 

Air Circulation:

• Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal problems.

 

Soil

• Use a soilless potting mix that is designed for orchids, such as a bark-based mix. Repot every 1-2 years.

 

Care Instructions for Oncidium Miltassia Shelob “Okika”

 

Light:

• Place your Miltassia Shelob 'Okika' in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the delicate leaves.

 

Temperature:

• Maintain moderate temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C) during the day, with a slight drop at night. Consistent temperatures will promote healthy growth and blooming.

 

Humidity:

• Oncidiums prefer medium to high humidity levels. Ideally, you can increase humidity by placing the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water, misting the plant regularly, or using a humidifier. 

 

Watering:

• Water your orchid thoroughly when the top inch of the potting medium feels dry to the touch.  Allow excess water to drain away, ensuring the roots are never left sitting in water, which can lead to rot.

 

Potting medium:

• Use a well-draining orchid mix consisting of materials like bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss.  Repot your orchid every 1-2 years to refresh the medium and prevent compaction.

 

Fertilization:

• Feed with a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.  Reduce or cease fertilization during the dormant period (cooler months).

 

Care Instructions for Dendrobium Kingianum

This beautiful Australian species can tolerate the heat of summer and the cool of winter. The flower spikes emerge in January and bloom anywhere from February to April, lasting 2 to 3 months. The fragrance is pleasantly similar to honey! The flowers of this species show slight variation, from a light pink lip to mottled in dark purple or crimson.

Light:

• Grow in bright indirect light.

 

Water:

• Water as the mix approaches dryness. Then, starting in late November introduce this orchid into a cooler temperature rest period for the winter, allowing it to dry for a few days between watering. This cool dry rest is critical for successful flowering in spring.

 

Temperature:

• Maintain a cool to moderately warm climate, with day temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and night temperatures between 55-60°F (13-16°C). 

 

Watering:

• Water thoroughly when the potting medium is dry, but allow the excess water to drain out completely. Water more frequently during the active growing season (spring and summer) and less often during the dormant period (fall and winter). 

 

Humidity:

• Dendrobiums prefer high humidity, ideally between 50-60%. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water, using a humidifier, or grouping plants together. 

 

Potting Medium:

• Dendrobiums do not naturally grow in soil, so plant them in a good-quality, free-draining orchid potting mix. Good options include bark, osmunda fiber, or a mix of bark, pumice, and charcoal. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot. 

 

Fertilizing:

• Fertilize with a balanced orchid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the dormant period. 

 

Repotting:

• Repot your Dendrobium orchid every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes pot-bound. The best time to repot is in the spring, just before the active growing season. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one, but not too large, as this can lead to root rot. 

 

Care Instructions for Cattleya Species

(Including Cattleya Myrmec Mem. Louise Fuchs)

 

Light:

• Cattleyas need bright, indirect light, ideally from an east or west-facing window. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, as it can scorch the leaves. If you notice yellowing or scorched foliage, the plant may be getting too much light. 

 

Watering:

• Water when the potting medium is dry, but not bone dry. Cattleyas prefer a "wet and dry" cycle, so soaking the medium thoroughly and then allowing it to dry out is ideal. Water more frequently during the active growing season and when the plant is about to bloom. 

 

Humidity:

• Cattleyas prefer moderate to high humidity, around 50-70%.  You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a humidity tray or using a room humidifier.  In dry environments, you may need to mist the plant occasionally. 

 

Potting Mix:

• Use a commercial potting mix specifically designed for orchids. This mix usually   fir or sequoia bark, perlite, horticultural charcoal, coconut husk chips, tree fern fiber, clay pellets, and gravel. Ensure the mix has good drainage to prevent root rot. 

 

Fertilizing:

• Fertilize regularly with a balanced orchid fertilizer.

 

Temperature:

• Cattleyas prefer warm temperatures, with daytime temperatures in the 70s and nighttime temperatures in the 60s. They also enjoy a temperature differential between day and night, which can help promote flowering. 

 

Repotting:

• Repot your Cattleya every two to three years, or when the roots become pot-bound.

• The best time to repot is in the spring or after flowering.

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Care Instructions for Black Jewel Orchid

(Ludisia discolor)

One of the easiest orchids to grow, Black Jewel Orchid is a terrestrial species from the tropical forests of South Asia with richly marked foliage that appears nearly black with attractive white to reddish pinstripes throughout the leaves. Flower spikes of pure white, yellow-throated blooms appear in winter.

 

Light:

• Jewel orchids thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking the dappled sunlight of their rainforest habitat.  Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their delicate leaves.  A  location near an east- or north-facing window is ideal. 

 

Temperature:

• Maintain a warm temperature range of 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C) during the day.  Slightly cooler temperatures at night are acceptable.  Keep the plant away from drafts and air vents. 

 

Humidity:

• Jewel orchids need high humidity, ideally between 60-80%.  Increase humidity with a pebble tray, humidifier, or regular misting. 

 

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.  Water when the top inch of the soil feels dry.  Use room-temperature water.  Avoid watering with cold water, as this can shock the plant.  Reduce watering during the dormant season (winter). 

 

Soil:

• Use a well-draining potting mix that includes part orchid potting mix, part perlite, and part peat moss. Avoid using regular potting soil, which can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging. 

 

Fertilizing:

• Feed your jewel orchid with a diluted balanced orchid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).  Reduce or stop fertilizing during the dormant season (winter

 

WATERING ORCHIDS

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For watering orchids, use room-temperature water, either tap water (if it's not overly hard or contains salts), or rainwater, distilled water, or bottled water are also good options. Avoid using ice cubes or water that's too cold. 

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• Water Types:

  • Tap Water: Generally fine, but be mindful of hard water or water with high salt content, which can leave mineral deposits on the plant and in the potting mix. 

  • Rainwater: A natural and suitable option, as orchids are adapted to this type of water in their natural environment. 

  • Distilled, Filtered, or Bottled Water: These are also good alternatives, especially if your tap water is of poor quality. 

  • Avoid: Ice cubes (can shock the roots), and overly salty or distilled water. 

• Watering Methods:

  • Soaking: Fill a sink or container with water, place the orchid pot (not the decorative pot) in the water, and let it soak for about 10-15 minutes. 

  • Damp but not wet: Ensure the potting medium is damp but not soggy, as overwatering can lead to root rot. 

  • Misting: Orchids can also benefit from occasional misting, especially during drier conditions. 

• Frequency:

  • Water your orchid when the potting medium is dry, but not completely bone-dry. 

  • Check the potting medium by sticking your finger about an inch into the mix; if it's dry, it's time to water. 

  • Generally, you can water orchids once a week, or more frequently if the potting medium is bark, which dries out faster. 

  • Water in the morning, allowing the orchid to absorb moisture throughout the day. 

  • Ensure that the orchid is not sitting in standing water, as this can lead to root rot. 

  • If using a clear container inside another pot, be sure to dump out any excess water in the outside pot after watering. 

 

Care Instructions for Sarracenia

Light:

• Full sun, outdoors.  It is common for several of the traps to "burn" and die back when you first put it into the sun, it is just getting used to the full sun exposure and it will quickly grow new traps.  They will thrive in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct light. You can grow them indoors on a very, very sunny windowsill or in a terrarium under grow lights but they generally do best outdoors.  Sometimes the lids of Sarracenia will slightly burn, this is the sweet nectar burning a bit in the hot sun, it is totally normal.

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Water: 

• Always keep them sitting in a saucer with a few inches of distilled or purified water. Do not let them dry out.  This is especially important on the hottest days, be sure to check your water levels frequently in the summer.  Always use distilled, reverse osmosis or rain water only.

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Temperature and Dormancy: 

• These are warm-temperate plants meaning that they need warm summers and chilly winters.  They should be grown outdoors (year-round in areas with mild winters) if possible.  They thrive in temperatures ranging from 20 degrees - 90 F degrees and can take a freeze or high temperature spike up to 110 F degrees for a brief period.  

• If you live in an area with very cold winters, where night time temperatures drop below 20 degrees for sustained periods, you can bring your plant indoors to a sunny windowsill in an unheated room or garage where the night time temperatures will dip down into the 50-60 F.  Leave it sitting in water during this period and put it outside again when outside temperatures increase. Or you can mulch them in very, very well outdoors.

• You will need to pack at least four inches of mulch on top of the plants and all around the sides to prevent winds from chilling them. Growing them in an in-ground bog will help insulate them as well.  

• Lastly you can remove the plants from their pots, gently clean the roots of soil, wrap the roots in a bit of damp long-fibered New Zealand sphagnum moss, place the plants in a seal-able bag and put the bag into the refrigerator. 

• Leave them in the refrigerator for at least six weeks or until night time temperatures in your area are consistently over 32 F, periodically checking on them to make sure they are still a bit moist and are not growing any fungus.  Pot them back up when you remove them from the fridge.

 

Soil: 

• We prefer a mix of four parts fertilizer free peat moss to one part perlite.

 

Feeding and Fertilizer: 

• When grown outdoors Sarracenia will catch plenty of food and do not need supplementation.  If grown indoors you can supplement with a foliar fertilizer.  Apply MaxSea fertilizer once per month to the foliage and into the pitchers.  Dilute 1/4 teaspoon of MaxSea into one gallon of water and then apply.

*If you see black mold on your pitcher, don't panic! This harmless mold grows on the pitcher nectar, and it is not harmful to your plant. It exists on all Sarracenia.

 

Care Instructions for Butterwort Pinguicula

(ehlersiae x oblongiloba)

 

Light:

• Pinguicula ehlersiae x oblongiloba thrives in bright, indirect light.  A sunny windowsill or under grow lights is ideal.  Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. 

 

Soil:

• Use a well-draining, inorganic mix, such as perlite, vermiculite, lava rock, or sand.  A small amount of peat or sphagnum moss can be added for moisture retention. Avoid peat-based mixes, as they can retain too much moisture and lead to root rot. 

 

Water:

• Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup in the soil.  A tray system with a shallow layer of water can help maintain consistent moisture.  During the winter dormancy period, reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out slightly. 

 

Humidity:

• Pinguicula ehlersiae x oblongiloba prefers high humidity, ideally 50-80%.  You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a pebble tray with water or using a humidifier.  Ensure good airflow to prevent fungal issues. 

 

Temperature:

• Maintain temperatures between 55-85°F (13-29°C).  During the winter dormancy period, temperatures can drop slightly, but avoid freezing temperatures. 

 

Feeding:

• These plants are carnivorous, but they can also benefit from occasional supplemental feeding.  You can use a diluted foliar fertilizer.  Feed every 2-3 weeks

 

Dormancy:

• Pinguicula ehlersiae x oblongiloba may enter a dormancy period during the winter, characterized by a smaller, succulent rosette.  During dormancy, reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out slightly.  Once the carnivorous leaves reappear in the spring, resume regular watering and feeding. ​​