Zygopetalum mackaii
Orchid
Type Perennial
Hardy range 10B to 11
Height 15" to 20" / 40cm to 50cm
Growth rate Average
Form Irregular or sprawling
Exposure Partial shade or partial sun
Bloom Color Brown, purple and white
Bloom Time Fall and Winter
Environment This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.
Leaf Color Green
Culture Notes To use in a container, pot with pieces of tree fern and fern roots for drainage. Prevent the full sun from reaching the plant. It will need lots of moisture in the summer with fertilizer once every 2 weeks. Once the pseudotubers are formed, give the plant a dormancy period to promote blooming, but never let the Zygopetalum dry completely out. The bloom is a yellow-green color and is shaped like a star. It is speckled with a purple-brown color, and the lip has a fan shaped blade that is white; spotted and streaked with some purple.
Paphiopedilum x 'Agincourt'
Venus' Slipper, Lady's Slipper, Slipper Orchid
Type Perennial
Hardy range 10A to 11
Height 8" to 10" / 20cm to 25cm
Growth rate Average
Form Irregular or sprawling
Exposure Partial shade or partial sun
Bloom Color Yellow
The flowers are showy and suitable for cut flowers.
Environment This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is a neutral to slightly alkaline (6.8 to 7.7) soil.
Leaf Color Green
This plant has attractive foliage.
Culture Notes Venus' Slipper prefers rain or soft water and frequent spraying. Fertilize frequently during the growth period, although a dormant period is not necessary. A well-drained soil is a must for this plant to be healthy.
Phalaenopsis x
Moth Orchid
Type Perennial
Hardy range 10B to 11
Height 4" to 6" / 10cm to 15cm
Growth rate Average
Form Upright or erect
Exposure Full shade to full sun
Bloom Color Lavender, pink, purple, red, white and yellow
Bloom Time Spring and Summer
Environment This plant tolerates a little salt.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.
Leaf Color Green and purple
Culture Notes Water can collect in the thick leaves of the Moth Orchid. No dormancy is needed because this orchid has no pseudotubers. It requires a low temperature in the winter with less moisture. During the growth period, fertilize every 2 weeks and keep the humidity high, with lots of moisture at the roots. This is a rock dwelling plant. These are very popular orchids, particularly when it comes to cut flowers for bridal bouquets, etc.
Cypripedium acaule
Pink Lady's Slipper, Moccasin Flower, Ladyslipper Orchid
Type Perennial
Hardy range 5A to 8A
Height 8" to 12" / 20cm to 30cm
Growth rate Slow
Form Upright or erect
Exposure Full shade to partial sun
Persistence Deciduous
Bloom Color Pink
Bloom Time Spring and Summer
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is an acidic (less than 6.8) soil.
Leaf Color Green
Culture Notes These orchids are difficult to cultivate. If they are doing well in the garden, they should not be disturbed.
Cymbidium x
Cymbidium Orchid
Type Perennial
Hardy range 10A to 10B
Height 12" to 24" / 30cm to 60cm
Growth rate Average
Form Irregular or sprawling
Exposure Partial shade or partial sun
Persistence Evergreen
Bloom Color Orange, pink, purple, red, white and yellow
Bloom Time Spring and Summer
Environment This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.
Leaf Color Green
This plant has attractive foliage.
Culture Notes Orchids are frequently used as house plants, but they will grow outdoors and tolerate even some frost. Avoid excessive high temperatures and give plenty of water and food when orchids are actively growing. Keep them in a bright location, away from direct sun. Staking may be required on the taller types.
Cattleya maxima
Orchid
Type Perennial
Hardy range 10B to 11
Height 8" to 12" / 20cm to 30cm
Growth rate Slow
Form Irregular or sprawling
Exposure Full shade to partial sun
Bloom Color Lavender, pink, purple, red, white and yellow
Bloom Time Year 'round
Environment This plant tolerates drought and a little salt.
This plant will grow in moist to wet soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.
Leaf Color Green
Culture Notes Beautifully marked flowers are large and may range in color from a lavender to a light rose. Growing on trees, this orchid is an epiphyte. It can be grown in a container, such as a lattice basket, as long as the pot is well draining. Never give this orchid full sun in the summer or spring. During growth, provide lots of water and fertilize regularly and, once dormant, keep dry.
Disa uniflora
Pride of Table Mountain, Orchid
Type Perennial
Hardy range 10B to 11
Height 6" to 24" / 15cm to 60cm
Growth rate Average
Form Upright or erect
Exposure Full shade
Bloom Color Pink
Bloom Time Spring and Winter
Environment This plant will grow in moist to wet soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.
Leaf Color Green
Culture Notes Grow cool in the winter, giving less water. In the summer keep shaded with plenty of rainwater and a well-drained environment. The Pride of Table Mountain has the largest flowers in the genus. The roots of this plant prefer a wet soil. Exportation from their native land is prohibited.
Dendrobium x
Orchid, Rock Lily
Type Perennial
Hardy range 10B to 11
Height 6" to 14" / 15cm to 35cm
Growth rate Average
Form Upright or erect
Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence Deciduous
Bloom Color Lavender, pink, purple and white
Bloom Time Summer
Environment This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.
Leaf Color Green
Culture Notes The Orchid needs a cool, dry winter with little water and no fertilizer. It can be grown outdoors where there are frost free winters and moderate summers. In the South, cool conditions and minimal temperatures are needed. In the North, it needs warmth, high light and a rest during winter to promote flowering.
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