Hawaiian Orchid Plants

Finding Hawaiian Orchid Plants

If you're entranced by the beauty of orchids, you may be surprised to find out that you can grow them yourself with a little work and some good instructions. We have found online vendors that will ship Hawaiian orchid plants and bulbs to you at a price to fit most budgets. One vendor even offers to send you bulbs in 10 different varieties for under $70. These can include Vanda orchids and Cattleya orchids to name two.

When you receive your bulbs or Hawaiian orchid plants, you will need to know how to care for them. Many varieties can be planted outside in bright, sunny areas. As long as the temperature remains over 40 degrees, the orchids should do well. Cattleya orchids should be kept moist, and they need a liquid orchid fertilizer at least once a month. When planting your Cattleya or Dendrobium orchids, you should leave the green growth exposed. Dendrobiums need bright light but no direct sun. They do well in east or west windows or in slightly shaded south windows. They need a warmer climate than Cattleya, so you should keep your Dendrobiums at 70 degrees at night and up to 90 degrees during the day.

Giving Hawaiian Orchid Plants

Hawaiian orchid plants are not for amateurs. They need more attention than your average house plants, but they are not difficult to care for if you want to enjoy their incomparable beauty. You may not know that, in spite of their reputation as delicate, most orchids are very tough and easy to keep healthy. The major reason most orchids die in homes is overwatering. Orchids need only about one-half cup of purified water a week.

Cattleyas are just about the easiest orchids to grow, so they're good ones to start with. If you live in Hawaii or Florida, you can grow Cattleyas outdoors. If you don't happen to live in a tropical paradise, you can still grow Cattleyas in your home as long as you pay attention to the levels of light and humidity. Sunny windows are good. If your Cattleyas are getting enough light, their leaves will be olive rather than bright green. If you wonder how you could control the humidity in your home, try putting a small tray of water under the plants, but don't let the tray touch the orchid's pot. If you love orchids, get yourself a Cattleya and give growing a try!