Spring is approaching, in the northern hemisphere and this is the best time to care for your Orchids, for the new growing period. This is the ideal time, to re-pot Cattleya Orchids, as new root growth forms, at the base of the pseudo-bulbs. Remove the plant from the pot gently, so as not to upset the new root tips. Remove any old potting mix, that might still be stuck to the roots, by spraying water on to the area. Cut all dead roots and bulb tendrils back, by using sterilized scissors.

Preferably using a new pot and new potting soil, place the Orchid plant in the pot, carefully and secure it, with wire, or a thin wooden support, to prevent movement, before the new roots have developed and properly anchored themselves. The pot should be large enough, to provide for 2 full years of growth.

Orchids are reputed to be very fussy and delicate, but as long as precautionary measures are taken, to prevent contamination, there isn’t really much other bother to them. Just apply some basic rules and all should be fine.

The pot must have enough drainage holes. Place stones, or broken earthenware at the bottom of the pot, then cover with the soil. If using the same pot, to replant the Orchid, soak it in bleach over a 24 hour period. The tools should also be sterilized, between each planting. Use the flame of a blowtorch, or soak in a Physan solution. This is a good disinfectant, a fungicide, a virucide and an algaecide. Do not over water the plant, at this stage, as less water will encourage root growth.

The Phalaenopsis Orchid will burst into bloom, by the end of September and should last until December. Remember to stake the flower spikes early, so it shows at it’s best. This Orchid can be re-potted, even when in flower, but don’t damage the roots, by forcing them all into the pot, as they do not have pseudo-bulbs, to store their food reserves.

The Cymbidium Orchid should be in full bloom, by now and must not be disturbed, until flowering is over. Never divide this Orchid into fewer than 3, or 4 pseudo-bulbs, as it will not flower for several years.

These Orchids need a clean, hygienic, well ventilated area, in which to grow. Treat them regularly for aphids, scale, mealy bug, snails and slugs as well as various chewing insects and protect them from disease and damage.

Provided you treat your Orchids with care and protect them from harmful conditions, you will derive a lot of pleasure from these beautiful plants.

Orchids, particularly the Cymbidium, when placed in a bedroom, oxygenate and purify the air, while you are sleeping, as Orchids are more active at night. Dendrobium Orchids are also effective at removing Acetone and Formaldehyde, from the air. Acetone is an ingredient of plastic and Formaldehyde is found in carpets, pressed woods and most cleaning products.

Orchids are undoubtably one of the most beautiful of all flowers and can be grown indoors, where you can see the wonderful bloom. People who have mastered the art of Orchid growing and breeding are the envy of their friends. Orchids are displayed on shows, entered into competitions, swopped, sold, bred, imported, exported, developed into special hybrids and more. This is a big business! There is a stack of money in Orchids.

If this topic really interests you, then you must get this guide. “How to care for Orchids - grow Orchids” is an e-book covering all aspects of Orchids. Discover the mysteries of the orchids, the unusual biology of each orchid, in it’s natural habitat and preferred climate. Get it here: http://www.dersalsites.com/orchids4u/ 

Sally Robson is married to Derek, an up and coming South African internet marketer, with a vision of empowering all fellow South Africans and non U.S folk, to have equal opportunity and success on the internet. They have started a string of sites, resources, courses and articles, as part of Dersalsites. She also has a passion for gardening. For more articles and advice on gardening topics, visit Sally’s website at http://www.dersalsites.com/gardening/  and her blog at http://dersalsites.com/sallysgardeningtips

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For more on internet marketing, South African business, list building, law of attraction and rugby, visit Derek’s blog at: http://dersalsites.com/southafricanbusiness/

Clint has started a website on fitness and bodybuilding and has amassed hundreds of articles on various topics of fitness. Check his site at: http://dersalsites.com/clintstraining/  and his new blogsite at http://dersalsites.com/clintstrainingblog/

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