Orchids Plus More Newsletter - December, 2004

Newsletter Name Change?

After several of you made suggestions to me to shorten the name of the newsletter we have decided that it may be a good idea. But first I'd like some suggestions from you, our readers. You can send me your suggestions and next month I'll let you know what happened and the new name for this newsletter.

New Orchids Added

Orchids-plus-more has added more orchids for your viewing and purchasing pleasure. Go to our website at orchid-store.orchids-plus-more.com

Pruning Your Orchid

The flowers have all died and when should you cut the stalk back and how far?

Pruning an orchid stalk (spike) should cause no harm to the plant. However, some orchids will produce new bloom shoots from the nodes on the old blossom stalk, or some plants will produce small baby plants (pups) from these nodes. The new plants may be removed and potted after they develop roots. Of course, some orchids do neither of these things. In either case, it doesn't hurt the plant if you remove the old bloom stalk; you may just miss some new blossoms or a baby plant.

Once the stalk turns yellow or brown, it is obvious that no blossoms or plants will be produced. You can then cut it to within an inch from where the blossom stalk originated on the plant. You can also cut it there when it is green if you don't mind losing potential blossoms. Another option is to just remove the end of the blossom stalk to shorten the stalk, but retain enough so that it may bloom again. If you do this, cut it back to about 1/4 inch above a node (indicated by a small leaf-like bract clasping the stalk).

Bob Roy has had a long time interest in orchids and the website; http://www.orchids-plus-more.com is the result of this. The website has become a very popular site for the understanding and the sale of orchid plants. The newsletter is also a result of this interest. Enjoy!

Flowering Cherries

Flowering cherries While the briefness of their... Read More

A Guide for Servicing Your Chainsaw

Chainsaws provide many years of service for very little upkeep.... Read More

Catch a Leprechaun in Your Garden

There is no mention to be found of female leprechauns... Read More

Lifes a Beach--A Shore Theme in your Outdoor Space

Twentieth century American architect Phillip Johnson once said, "I hate... Read More

Camellias

Camellias Named by Linnaeus in 1735 in honour of... Read More

Kirengeshoma palmata

Kirengeshoma palmata Sometimes known as yellow waxbells, Kirengeshoma palmata... Read More

Fuchsia procumbens

Fuchsia (named after Leonhard Fuchs, a 16th century German botanist)... Read More

Gallica Roses

Very soon stocks of new season's roses will... Read More

Tuberous Begonias

If you appreciate plants that have no hesitation in boldly... Read More

Growing Palms

Palms Everybody recognises palm trees, they are the... Read More

Cyclamen

Think of cyclamen and the chances are that Mothers Day... Read More

Edgeworthia Chrysantha

Although it is a member of the Thymelaeaceae, the family... Read More

Delavays Blueberry (Vaccinium delavayi)

Whether we know it or not, most of us are... Read More

The Protea Family (Proteaceae)

The protea family (Proteaceae) includes a wide range of ground... Read More

Viburnum

Viburnums are related to the honeysuckles, so it should come... Read More

Discount Patio Furniture ? An Easy Way to Get the Best

Buying discount patio furniture is an economical way to obtain... Read More

Patio Design ? Expanding Your Home Outdoors

A patio can be... Read More

Daphnes for Scent and Colour

Anyone with even a passing knowledge of plants knows that... Read More

Can Your Sundial Really Tell The Time?

"I am a sundial, and I make a botch Of... Read More

Science Cant Explain Everything!

You will know that if you have spent at least... Read More

No Dig Gardens - How to Build One

The no dig garden is exactly what it describes...a fertile... Read More

Starting Seedlings Indoors

Unless you have access to a greenhouse, or something like... Read More

Composting - aka: The Circle of Life!

Composting is where the gardening thing comes full circle. You've... Read More

Growing Vegetables in Containers - The Compact Solution

Container vegetable gardens are a great alternative for those that... Read More

Cat Repellent or How to Keep Cats Out of Your Garden

Do cat repellents work? How to stop a cat from... Read More