We are known in the area for our love of orchids, and always have a good number in stock, sourced from the uk and Holland on a weekly basis.

These mainly consist of phalanopsis and cymbidium at exceptional prices, with a wide range of colours.

We also stock orchid compost and feed together with the clear orchid pots - making very impressive yet inexpensive gifts!

ORCHID FACTSHEET

Orchids are fast becoming a popular houseplant, with their long lasting blooms and beautiful colours.
People are often put off buying them as they think they are difficult to look after, but they are easier to look after than you may think!
The guidelines below will help you in the care of your plant;
LIGHT
Light is very important for orchids.
The light is essential for good growth, but too much direct sunlight may damage the plant by scorching the leaves.
Ideally position your plant in a bright area. In the summer, choose a north, east or west facing windowsill, or place outdoors.
In the autumn and winter, they are best kept on a south-facing window to maximise the available light.
WATERING
It is important to water your orchid correctly. The amount of water they require is dependent upon the amount of light, heat and humidity your plant receives.
In summer-water every 2-4 days,
in winter-every fortnight. The aim is to keep the roots slightly damp, but not wet.
Mist regularly, and always use warm water if possible.
Orchids need humidity, and this can be provided if you stand the plant on a water-filled tray of pebbles.
TEMPERATURE
To prevent cold damage make sure that the temperature never drops below 8 degrees C. Most orchids prefer a temperature between 15 and 22 degrees C in the daytime and a drop at night of 5-10 degrees.
FEEDING
Special orchid fertiliser is available.
Feed about twice a month in spring and summer.
Don’t exceed the recommended dosage. The roots are easily scorched by an over concentration.
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VARIETIES
DENDROBIUM
Produces blooms on cane like stems grown the previous year.
Colours range from pink or purple to white. They grow during the spring/summer with a resting period in the autumn. These orchids prefer bright light, but some shading is required to prevent scorching.
Keep all Dendrobium dry in winter, from mid Nov until February and gradually start watering as new growth appears in spring.
By June, water twice weekly.
If extremely dry, you can mist over or give a single water every 8 weeks or so.
Grows 15-45cm high.

PHALAENOPSIS (MOTH ORCHID)
This type of orchid has a long flowering period, typically 3-4 months producing white, pink. purple or yellow slightly scented flowers on a long stem.
Once finished flowering cut the stem down to within 2” of the base.
The plant should throw out a new flower spike in about 5-9 months.
It needs a light position away from direct sun, and high humidity.
Don’t water into the central crown, as this can rot the plant.
These plants are usually supplied in translucent pots, and a 12cm pot should last it for 12-18 months.
Re-pot in the spring annually.
Grows 30-50cm.
CYMBIDIUM
One of the most popular varieties.
Likes high levels of light but not direct sun. Keep outdoors during the summer, and in a light position indoors in winter.
Day and night fluctuations in temperature encourage flowers.
They don’t like draughts!
Water twice a week in summer if warm, sparingly in winter-every two weeks.
Re-pot every second year in spring.
Remove old flower stalks by cutting down 2” from the base.
Grows 30-50cm high.
ONCIDIUM
Fairly easy to grow They produce mainly yellow blooms. They can flower at different times of the year but peak in the autumn. Grows 15-30cm high.