Water: We recommend 1/4 cup of water (per plant) on the surface of the potting media once a week. If you see multiple stems coming from the same plant, 1/4 cup of water is still enough. But if you have more than one plant in a pot, you’ll want to give each plant its very own serving of water each.

The time between waterings will vary on the environment but usually it should be between 7-10 days. Empty any excess water remaining in decorative pots. If your plant is potted without drainage, just add the water and check the moisture level of the potting media again in about a week (make sure you are feeling 1”-2” deep in the middle). If you’re unsure, it’s best to wait a day or two more before watering.

Light: An ideal location is behind curtains or window blinds for bright indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight may cause the plants to burn and too little light will prevent plants from flowering.

Temperature: 72˚F -80˚F during the day and 58˚F -65˚F at night is fine. Don’t place your orchid near a heater vent or in an excessively drafty spot. Orchids come from all types of climates and most will adjust to moderate temperatures. Most of times, orchid flowers last for a month or two; sometimes even longer when the environment meets perfect for a plant. However, in general, please expect a shorter flower life during extreme temperatures in the NYC summer/winter.

Re-potting: Purpose of repotting is to provide fresh media and not necessarily for a larger pot as they like to be in a cozy space. In large pots they tend to concentrate their energy on their roots and may not show new growth or foliage.

Odontoglossum/Oncidium Intergenerics are a large group of cool growing South American Orchids. They have many sizes, colors and shapes of long lasting exotic flowers.

Water: They should become moderately dry between waterings. Generally, they require more water while the new shoot is growing and less once the bulb has formed. Fertilize your plants at least once a month. Take care to keep water out of the new growth at the base of the plant. Never allow the bottom of the pot to stand in water. Never use artificially softened water.

Light: Oncidiums prefer bright filtered light. The leaves should be bright green as opposed to dark green or reddish green. Reddish green indicates too much light; dark green indicates not enough light.

Temperature: Intermediate temperature ranges: 75˚F-85˚F daytime & 60˚F-65˚F evening temperature.

Humidity: Oncidiums enjoy moist air, requiring a minimum of 40-50% humidity in the immediate vicinity of the plant. Humidity should be increased with higher temperatures. The ideal humidity is between 55 and 75%, with as much ventilation or air movement as possible without any cold drafts. Humidity can be increased around the plant by placing the pot on an inverted saucer in a baking pan filled with pebbles, rock chips, etc., and water. Keep water level below top of pebbles so that the plant will not have "wet feet" from setting in water. Morning misting of foliage is also helpful, especially during periods of hot weather.

Miltonias are cool growing South American orchids that produce large, beautiful, brightly colored flowers that resemble a pansy.

Water: Unlike some orchids that require a drying out period, Miltonia grow throughout the entire year and must be kept evenly moist. Drench the plant in the early morning and let them dry out before nightfall. Once a week watering during the winter and twice a week during summer is sufficient.

Light: Bright diffused light is necessary to bring Miltonia into bloom; this can include a little sun (not direct sunlight) for up to two hours a day.

Temperature: Ideally 75˚F-80˚F, while the ideal night temperature is 60˚F-65˚F. Occasional temperature extremes are tolerated if exposure is not prolonged. If it remains within reasonable temperature you should have a healthy plant.

Feed: High-nitrogen fertilizers (25-9-9) can be used year-round at one teaspoon per gallon of water. Feed once a month.

Dendrobiums are warm growing tropical orchids that produce long lasting sprays of exotic blooms from the apex of the canes. Can get very large with time.

Water: Allow mix to get almost completely dry between watering, then water thoroughly.

Light: Very bright filtered light. Early morning and late afternoon direct light ok.

Feed: Full strength balanced liquid feed every other watering after blooms are gone.

Nobile type Dendrobiums are winter blooming orchids that produce clusters of beautiful, long lasting flowers opposite each leaf along the lengths of the canes.

Water: Allow mix to get somewhat dry between waterings, then water throughly.

Light: Very bright filtered light. No direct sun.

Feed: Weekly with half strength balanced liquid feed when growing. Stop feeding in Fall when canes mature to induce flowering.

Temperature: 80˚F-85˚F day, 60˚F-65˚F night. Reduce night temperature to 55F or less in fall to induce flowering.

This handsome, glossy-leaved orchid hails from low to mid elevation regions of South America.

Of the 15 species of Zygopetalum, many are terrestrial. With multiple blooms that often in flower for 8 weeks, then make orchid's generic name is derived from the Greek term for "yoked petal", referring to the yoke-like growth at the base of the flower lip.

Water: Watering of Zygo is a delicate balancing act. They shouldn't be allowed to go dry, yet they don't care for a soggy environment either. Watering once every seven to ten days is about right. As with everything else, special consideration must be given for the drying effects of varying ambient air temperature and humidity.

Light: Your Zygo enjoys the morning and afternoon sun but should be protected from hot midday sunlight. A light leaf with just a hint of yellow indicates that the plant is receiving the maximum amount of sun it can take; a dark green leaf indicates that it needs more sunlight.

Temperature: Zygo orchids will tolerate considerable summer heat as long as they have mild nighttime temperatures between 50˚F-65˚F. Exposure to cold temperatures (down to 28˚F) for few hours each night will not damage an acclimatized plant, but once the plant spikes or flowers, it should be protected from temperatures below 35˚F. Always keep these plants free from frost.

The Cymbidium orchids are ever popular, their showy flowers lasting, many weeks. They are best grown in a cool conservatory and placed out of doors in the summer. They are mostly winter and spring flowering although there are also summer and autumn varieties too. Standard varieties grow into large plants with large flowers and bulbs. Miniature or compact types will stay more manageable. A plant should be re-potted in the spring after flowering when it has outgrown its pot, about every 2-3 years.

WATERING: Keep the free-draining bark compost moist with more frequent watering in the spring and summer, the main growing season. When watering the plant, remove it from and cover pot or saucer, pour water through the pot and then let it drain before placing it back in a decorative planter. Never let the pot stand in water. Allow the compost to dry out slightly and the pot to become lighter before watering again. Add a little orchid fertilizer to the water once every 2 or 3 waterings (approx. every 10-14 days) from March to September.

Water: Keep the free-draining bark compost moist with more frequent watering in the spring and summer, the main growing season. When watering the plant, remove it from and cover pot or saucer, pour water through the pot and then let it drain before placing it back in a decorative planter. Never let the pot stand in water. Allow the compost to dry out slightly and the pot to become lighter before watering again. Add a little orchid fertilizer to the water once every 2 or 3 waterings (approx. every 10-14 days) from March to September.

Light: Keep shaded from bright, direct summer sun as this can scorch the leaves. Give as much light as possible during the dull winter months.

Temperature: Cymbidiums need a minimum of 45˚F in inter to give them a sufficient change in conditions from the warmer summer, when maximum of 85˚F is adequate.