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Questions About Orchidsitting
Questions About Orchids in General
Answers
What is Orchidsitting?
Orchidsitting is taking care of an orchid to make it re-bloom again. It is explained in detail under What we do- on the Why Orchidsitting pages.
How long will it take you to get my orchid to re-bloom?
This one is a very hard one to answer since it depends upon many things. Because we have greenhouses providing enough light, and because we water and fertilize correctly, other factors would be the type of plant, as well as the condition of the plant when it was brought back to us. I also believe that the time of year it is brought back to the greenhouse has some effect on it. (We are keeping data on how many days an orchid spends in our greenhouses!) In general we tell customers that most orchids should bloom every year. Some will bloom more often- and of course, there are always some that skip a year!!
How much money will I owe?
You owe a total of $15 - a $5 non-refundable deposit and $10 at pick-up.
What happens if my plant dies?
If if dies we will call you and let you know. We are not responsible for plants that die; however, in most cases if it dies for us, it probably would have died for you too. More often, we save plants that would have surely died because of poor roots. If the plant is too far gone when it is brought to us, we refuse to sit it; because even though we might be able to save it, more often it is of poor quality and not worth the baby-sitting fees.
Are you successful in getting all orchids to re-bloom?
I wish we were! Sometimes the blooms are sparse, and sometimes the spike is short when it should be long. However, most of the time we are excited when we see all the gorgeous blooms on the plants. We tell the customers that sometimes it is better, and sometimes it is worse than the time they bought it.
Will you baby-sit all types of orchids?
We baby-sit almost all types of orchids. We have quit baby-sitting cymbidiums and dendrobiums because we are not satisfied with the results. We believe that a customer who wants to try to re-bloom his own cymbidium can follow instructions in Taylor's Guide to Orchids and other books and be more successful than we are. This would be mainly because these orchids benefit from being outside in the summer and need to stay outside until it is very cold at night for several weeks in the fall in order to set the buds. Since we have MANY orchids we can't be taking them in and out in the fall, if the weather doesn't cooperate completely.
Can I come see where my orchid is being kept?
Of course! We would love to have to visit your orchid. Just contact us and plan a visit!
What happens to my orchid if I change my telephone number?
You will definitely need to inform us of any changes, because that is the easiest way to contact you.
What keeps mix-ups from happening?
Nothing guarantees that mix-ups won't happen. To lessen this chance we look at the name stake every time we move an orchid- to make sure it is still in the pot. It will be entered on the computer as soon as it enters the baby-sitting greenhouses.
How do you know where my orchid is in your greenhouse?
We put the orchid's location on the computer. Each table is numbered, has rows and columns. We have computer access IN the greenhouse, which makes it easy to keep track of each move of the orchid.
Can I call and ask the status of my orchids?
Certainly! Usually we can get back to you within a week. Sometimes in the spring it takes longer than that, because our first priority is getting the blooming orchids to their owners.
What orchids will stay in bloom the longest?
Generally, phalaenopses stay in bloom the longest. Depending on the conditions in which they are kept this could be from 2-4 months. I personally know of a friend whose orchid stayed in bloom from the beginning of February through early October.
When do orchids bloom?
There are orchids blooming all the time! I can read in a book when an orchid is supposed to bloom- and it will bloom at a totally different time. Again, of the baby-sitters we have, it is uncanny how many will bloom exactly at the same time.n Jus recently many cattleyas bloomed. Most of these were white.s.
Is there an average cost of orchids?
Technically I guess there is; however, to find an average wouldn't be very helpful. Some very special plants cost hundreds of dollars. (Those who collect and raise orchids can pay thousands- so I have read!) You can buy some orchids locally for as little as $15- or close to $100. The cost depends upon the type, supply, demand, size, and uniqueness in most cases.
What are good orchids for the new orchid-owner?
If you want to keep it yourself after the bloom, I think a phalaenopsis is good. You will need to read about the light requirements and the temperature drop that is necessary to get them to spike. I have several friends who are NOT gardeners and they say have a BROWN thumb, and they have made their phals bloom! If you are just wanting to enjoy it--go to a place specializing in orchids- like Atlantic Avenue Orchid and Garden Center- and with their help buy something within your price range.... something you like!
What book should I buy?
My favorite is Taylor's Guide to Orchids- $24 when I bought mine.
Do orchids have fragrance?
I am sure more than I realize have fragrance; however, in the more common orchids, cattleyas seem to have fragrance more often than other types. Also, from the oncidium family the Shari Baby has a wonderful smell. Sometimes I walk into the greenhouse in the morning and smell a fragrance, so I know something opened overnight! Orchids are so beautiful it seems as if all of them SHOULD have fragrance, doesn't it!
How often do I need to fertilize my orchids?
You don't need to fertilize them while they are blooming; however, after that books tell us to fertilize with about ¼ strength weekly. Then occasionally drench the plant with plain water. This is what I do for the sitters.
How often should I water?
You will need to read about the specific type of orchid you have because some like to dry out and some don't need to completely dry out. In general, we tell customers to water weekly; however, that isn't always true- depending upon what medium the grower has used. The best rule of thumb for phalaenopses is to put your finger in the medium- if it feels damp- don't water. If it feels almost dry- water it. For dendrobiums, water weekly. They are more forgiving if you underwater. Roots that cannot dry out will rot- and will ultimately kill the plant. I recommend getting a water meter! Let the orchid get a little drier than the meter indicates.
What bugs infest orchids?
The bugs that we see more of are: mealy bugs on dendrobiums and phalaenopses, scale on cattleyas, and aphids on oncidiums. With regular scrutiny and care these insects can be controlled. As orchid-sitters we continually are bringing all types of bugs into our greenhouses on plants from hundreds and hundreds of different owners; therefore, we MUST be careful and constant in our treatment and attention. We have to eradicate those bugs so they won't spread to other plants. Most books give good descriptions of the bugs and how to get rid of them.
What is root rot?
This is the decay of the roots- turning from white or light tan to brown or black- caused by overwatering. Left too long it will kill your orchid! It is the number one killer of phalaenopses brought back to be baby-sat. The leaves do not show the damage that the roots have until much later; therefore, you can't tell by just looking at the leaves. You need to inspect the roots.
According to Taylor's Guide to Orchids bud blasts are "buds that appear and grow larger and larger, and then suddenly wilt and shrink and fall on the floor in a sodden little heap. "(p.28) I love that explanation!!!! That's exactly what happens and sometimes it is difficult to figure out what caused it. Taylor lists 13 things that can cause bud blast- ranging from extremes of temperature, watering, humidity, air-conditioning or heating, as well as pollution. For us it is a continual analysis game, yet it seems that we see more blasting occurring during the winter. It probably has much to do with the gas heating of the greenhouses.
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