General Growing Tips. Plants will continue to manufacture food during the winter, albeit at a reduced rate. Everything will occur at a slower pace until spring arrives so the need for water and fertilizer is reduced. Indoor growers: pull you orchid away from the window if its leaves are touching the exterior glass.
Outdoor growers: keep an eye on the minimum projected temperatures, such as the hourly forecasts by zip code from Wunderground.
Cattleyas. Tie up Cattleya pseudobulbs. Watch for signs of red spider mites on the undersides of leaves or scale in the sheathing on pseudobulbs. Remove the sheathing (cataphylls) carefully so as not to nick the soft tissue of the newest bulbs, which could result in rot or the introduction of disease.
Cymbidiums. Keep the humidity high around cymbidiums to prevent shriveling of the pseudobulbs and to prolong flowering. Later varieties are beginning to push up their inflorescences. Watering frequency and volume is important to support their development. Cool temperatures are beneficial.
Dendrobiums. Continue to water sparingly, or not at all, those dendrobium species that require a dormant period before flowering this spring (Den. lindleyi (syn. Den. aggregatum), Den. chrysotoxum, Den. farmeri, Den. densiflorum and Den. nobile or its hybrids). As the buds emerge, gradually increase the watering frequency and amount. Do not expose evergreen-type hybrids to temperatures below 60 F or plants in flower may drop leaves and buds.
Paphiopedilums. Do not allow the roots of paphiopedilums to dry out. On a windowsill, use a pebble tray, with water in the pebbles, to increase humidity. Keep water out of sensitive pouches. Accumulated moisture in the pouch shortens flower life. Watch for insects, particularly red spider mites, on the foliage.
Phalaenopsis. The phalaenopsis flowering cycle is about to start. Constant air circulation is essential to avoid Botrytis-spotted blooms. Water carefully to keep flowers dry and to minimize risks of soft rot in the fleshy leaves. Continue to use a dilute water soluble fertilizer. Monitor for scale and mealy bugs on the inflorescences and undersides of leaves.
Vandas. Many of the popular Thai hybrids and African angraecoids begin their winter flowering now. Watch for signs of inflorescences; help them away from the main stem of the plant to ensure proper display. Water the roots every other day and fertilize once or twice a week if light levels are sufficient.
More Monthly Advice
Dr. Courtney Hackney Tips:
Growing Different Orchids in One Space
The most common question I receive is “what is the most difficult challenge I face growing orchids?” The answer is growing many different species and hybrids, which come from many different habitats in one greenhouse... read more
Dr. Martin Motes Notes:
Progress of the Season
This January has been one of the hottest and driest on record... read more
Orchids in February Despite the bloom on the avocados and the burgeoning new leaves on the live oaks, February is not spring in South Florida. Danger of freeze continues past mid month and frost can occur still into March... read more
AOS Beginner's Newsletter:
Three New Years Resolutions 1. Don't overwater, 2. Buy mature plants, 3. Visit your local Orchid Society... read more
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Monthly SAOS Meeting Subscribe to Our Newsletter
We normally meet on the first Tuesday of each month at Watson Realty, located at 3505 US 1 South in St. Augustine. The meeting begins with a plant sale at 7 pm followed by a presentation by an orchid expert at 7:15. The meeting closes with a plant raffle and auction where members can expand their collections. It's fun and informative for beginner and experienced growers. Here's a membership form if you want to join. Visitors and guests are always welcome!
 Here's a video of one of our meetings!
February 7 Meeting - A Few Enyclias to Enjoy
Jim Roberts of Florida SunCoast Orchids in the Sarasota area will give a presentation on a Few Encyclias to Enjoy, an introduction to the encyclia species that are easily grown in Florida and some of their notable hybrids. Jim strives to grow and sell the best quality orchid plants and to build a lasting reputation in the industry as one of the very best.
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Plant Clinic at Ace Hardware - March 3
The first Saturday of the month from March through November, Master Gardeners and St. Augustine Orchid Society members will be available to talk with you, answer questions and help you repot orchids. We will be at the Ace Hardware at 3050 US 1 South in St. Augustine from 9 am until 1 pm.
Here's a video of a repotting clinic!
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St. Augustine Orchid Society Happenings
Membership Chair Gail Marshall puts together the SAOS Happenings each month so you can easily find all the orchid events around town.
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Monthly Checklists and Newsletters
Monthly orchid growing tips including Growing Orchids in St. Augustine Month by Month, Courtney Hackney's Monthly Tips and Martin Motes Notes, and the AOS Beginner's Newsletters for new growers.
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Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers from the SAOS Newsletter, where members share experiences. Q and A from this month, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008.
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Orchid Photographs
Terry Bottom photographs all the orchids brought to the Show Table each month. The photographs are categorized by alliance and are provided for your viewing pleasure. There is an interactive form to identify your plant on the show table and a photo archive of pictures from all the SAOS events.
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Donate to the SAOS
Your information source for growing orchids in North Florida. The SAOS is a Section 501(c)(3) not for profit organization for the development, improvement, preservation, cultivation and hybridization of orchids. All donations are tax deductible. |
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