Orchid Care Tips Blog

People often ask me how I choose Orchids in the San Francisco Bay Area. Choosing Orchids here is just like buying them anywhere else. If going to a large store, it is important the Orchids have not been mistreated. I find the best way to find Orchids that are in good shape is to go to either local smaller nurseries or Orchid Shows. These two places usually have Orchids that have had the most care. If you go somewhere where Orchids got too hot, cold, dry, or wet for too long, the Orchid may not show issues right away. It may take days or weeks for the full effect of damage to appear on the Orchid. That is why it is very important to get Orchids from a quality location where they have been cared for carefully. If you have other questions, let me know here.

Cymbidium and Phalaenopsis Orchids tend to be top favorites of Orchid growers. The reason for the Phalaenopsis Orchid being in this group is that the perfect indoor Orchid is a Phalaenopsis. It is easy to grow, has long lasting flowers, and is compact. Meanwhile, the Cymbidium Orchid is larger, very showy, has long lasting flowers, and can be grown outdoors in many warmer climates.

Here is what I recommend for a new Orchid grower who is ready to start growing Cymbidiums or Phalaenopsis Orchids.

1. Get Orchid fever! When I say this I don’t just mean the feeling, I mean the book. The book Orchid Fever by Eric Hansen really helps show the passion of what Orchid collecting and growing is all about. Here is the best price for this book on Amazon.com.
2. Buy Orchid Growing for Wimps by Ellen Zachos. This is a great starter book for Orchid growing.
3. Get a great deal with a Phalaenopsis Orchid Collection. This good one from Amazon.com starts you out with five 4″ plants from Carter and Holmes Orchids, one of my favorite growers.
4. Get a collection of Cymbidium Orchids. This Cymbidium Orchid Plant Collection from Larrys Orchids products includes 6 different blooming size plants, all different colors. If you click on this Amazon link to purchase, you’ll get FREE SHIPPING!
5. You’ll need to repot your Phalaenopsis Orchid within the next 0-2 years. Here is the best repotting medium for Phalaenopsis Orchids.
6. When repotting your Cymbidium, here is the best potting medium to use.
7. When potting your Cymbidium, use a crystal clear Orchid pot. You will probably need this 8″ one.
8. When repotting your Phalaenopsis, you can use a ceramic pot with Bonsai Boy’s Orchid pot with attached saucer, or here is another in a darker color. You can also repot into a crystal clear plastic pot.