Great for hanging baskets...

Orchids are always an elegant choice.

The flowers are long lasting, colorful and exotic. Although their flowers are beautiful as they are, the addition of succulents or ferns in different textures will add an interesting contrast to the flat, paddle-like leaves of the Phalaenopsis. It's an easy way to customize an orchid arrangement.

Caring for your orchid

Grow beautiful orchids by providing bright, indirect light, proper fertilizer, humidity and moisture.

After blooming, you can fertilize with orchid-specific plant food and follow the package directions, which will give the orchid the proper balance of the major nutrients to keep it healthy and re-blooming. A basic plant food can also be used, in smaller quantities than you would for other plants. Generally speaking, fertilize orchids once a month for optimum growth and flowering.

It is important to repot orchids from time to time, for continued growth and bloom. To repot, gently remove the entire plant from its former home, carefully removing any dead root material that may be present. Place the orchid in a pot just one size larger than its previous one; a large, new pot would be a difficult adjustment. Orchid potting mix contains bark so be sure to tuck the orchid mix around the roots, pressing firmly on the top to secure the roots.

The main attraction with most orchids is their delicate and lovely flowers. The number one concern is how to get more flowers and keeping them blooming for a longer time. Light plays a vital role in getting orchids to bloom. Strong, indirect light is needed. If a window is not sufficient, an overhead grow-light is a great option. Remove dead flowers, as they fade, and cut the dead stalk back to just a few inches above the base of the stalk. A new stem will come back, even stronger, the next year. Cooler night temperatures (45-55°) will aid in budding. However, that may be a little cold for most homes. Keeping the orchid near the window will cool it, if the night is chilly. Or summer your orchid outside in a protected spot such as a screened in porch or covered porch. Keep plant outdoors until end of September when the nights start to cool... bring in before temps go below 50 degrees. Buds should start to form within 30-50 days.

With a little knowledge and careful attention, anyone can grow beautiful orchids in the home. Orchids just need what we all need: water, food and a little TLC!

It's the easiest way to add living color to your landscape.

No excuses! Tomatoes are easy to grow in containers, too.