Plant Care
Bromeliads
The bromeliads grown at DeLeon's Bromeliads have been selected for low to high light conditions. Most bromeliads for indoor use will be for low to medium light conditions.
Bromeliads are excellent indoor plants and adapt to many conditions. They are extremely tolerant of low-moisture conditions and will survive prolonged periods of drought.
Bromeliads grown in plastic pots retain moisture longer than those grown in clay pots, therefore requiring less frequent watering. Because of their small root systems, relatively small pots are adequate for most plants. Do not transplant a blooming bromeliad into a larger container unless the plant is considered overgrown. Unnecessary transplanting may result in root problems.
For wholesale purposes, we categorize bromeliads into two groups:
Aechmeas, Neoregelias and Tillandsias
They generally have hard, thick foliage, can withstand higher levels of light and need to be watered less frequently. For indoor use, water both the cup and soil approximately every 7-14 days depending upon the drying conditions of its environment. The plant should be nearly dry before watering.
They have soft, thinner foliage, require lower levels of light and need to be watered more frequently. For indoor use, keep the central cup almost dry and water mainly the 'soil medium'. The 'soil medium should be allowed to become nearly dry before watering. In most cases, bromeliads in low light conditions should require watering once a week.
Phalaenopsis
Soil and Water: Phalaenopsis orchids require a moist growing medium with exceptional drainage which is why we use sphagnum moss, styrofoam peanuts, and charcoal. Keep sphagnum moss moist and water when moss becomes almost dry. Flowers and buds may drop off if the moss becomes completely dry. Never let the moss become completely dry when in bloom.
Feeding: Use well balanced fertilizer (20-20-20) weekly during the growing months and bloom booster (10-30-20 or 5-50-17) before flower spiking is to begin (usually September). Use fertilizer according to directions only.
Light: Best light conditions are low light during the bright summer months and medium light during the fall, winter, and spring months. This will assist in flowering.
Temperatures: Ideal growing temperatures range from 50° to 70° F at night and 70° to
85° F during the day.
Dendrobium
Soil and Water: Dendrobium orchids require a growing medium with exceptional drainage which is why we use a mix composed of furbark, sponge rock, lava rock, and charcoal. This mix makes it difficult to over water. Keep mix moist for optimum growing potential and for longevity of blooming. Water two to three times per week.
Feeding: Use well balanced fertilizer (20-20-20) weekly during the growing months and bloom booster (10-30-20 or 5-50-17) before flower spiking is to begin (fall and spring).
Light: Dendrobium orchids prefer high light conditions.
Temperatures: Ideal growing temperatures range from 60° to 90° F. Never allow under
60° F.
Exotics
Soil and Water: Exotic orchids grow best when mixing 50% "well washed" medium coconut chips with 50% #3 or #4 perlite. We put one inch of peanuts in the bottom of the pot to ensure good drainage.
Water this growing medium and keep it moderately moist. In most cases you will water twice a week during the cooler months and at least every other day during the warmer growing months. Water early in the day so the foliage will dry by nightfall.
Feeding: You can actually fertilize exotic orchids every time you water. Fertilize at rates of 100-125ppm nitrogen with a balanced fertilizer like 6-2-4-2-1, N-P-K-Ca-Mg. During the warmer longer summer days you can increase this rate to 125-150 ppm nitrogen.
Light: Light depends on the variety of exotic orchid and the time of the year. Light levels can be higher if your temperatures are cooler. In warm conditions your light levels should be lower.
Temperature: Exotic orchids will grow in a wide range of climatic temperatures. You should inquire as to whether your geographical location warrants growing cool, intermediate, or warm growing varieties. Usually exotic orchids have climatic ranges from 55°- 95° F.
Try to grow the varieties which fit your climatic conditions. Give exotic orchids good air circulation and proper spacing for best results.