November Orchid Care

To Do Now:

1. Now is the time of year we start thinking about decorations for the winter months and the holiday season. Many orchids are coming into their full bloom at this time. Our ceramic orchid pots make a perfect display as well as an ideal gift. Our large 8 inch Cache Pots make an impressive centerpiece. Flower clips add a decorative touch!

2. We should be looking to have our Phalaenopsis setting spikes by Thanksgiving. Get ready to stake up all those spikes and arching inflorences. Find an example in our orchid staking tutorial. Not sure if it is a spike or a root? Look for the classic mitten shape as shown here.

3. Reduce watering with the reduction in temperatures but increase humidity in heated environments. Our humidity trays are a great solution for creating a nice environment that allows for watering orchids right on the tray. Repot fall bloomers such as Cattleya, Paphiopediums and Miltonopsis when they go out of bloom in our Imperial or Classic Orchid Mixes. If you prefer your own unique mix, our Select-A-Blend make your own custom orchid mix may be just what you've always been looking for.

Looking Ahead:

1. The holiday season will be quickly upon us and rePotme has many great choices for the orchid lover on your list. Our Ceramic Orchid Pots make great gifts. Our distinctive framed orchid prints are beautiful and can't be found anywhere else. The recipient will be happy to know a portion of the proceeds goes to orchid conservation at the American Orchid Society. Can't decide or want to let them decide? Our gift certificates are just the answer.

2. Some orchids require a dry winter rest. In December we will stop watering orchids of the genus Catasetum.

3. Orchids that are in bloom now may well need repotting when their blooming ends. Once new acquisitions go out of bloom is a perfect time to repot them into the orchid mixes and orchid pots that work best in your environment. Orchids that didn't bloom as expected may benefit from being moved into new mix. It is time to think about having mixes and pots on hand to repot those orchids.

Looking Back:

1. In many areas it has gotten chilly outside, especially at night, and it was time to think about bringing in those orchids that have summered outside. Planning ahead can make this transition easier for all. We have a nice selection of Humidi-Grow black humidity trays for setting up nice indoor spaces for orchids returning inside. The newly available quad grate humidity tray is larger than any previously offered and allows ample space for several orchids. Be sure to have GET OFF ME! Natural Insect Spray on hand for any interlopers that try to hitch a ride indoors.

2. Orchids need natural cues to let them know it is time to set their bloom spikes. Phals in particular need to experience the chill in the air of early fall. Leave the window open a crack in the evening when possible. Many orchids need to experience the shortening days and lengthing nights. Beware of night lights and supplemental lighting that we have in our homes as they rob the orchids of this important cue. Decrease fertilization back to winter levels (weakly, weekly). These three important signals, changes in temperature, light and food, are beneficial here in October.

3. Repot summer bloomers such as Doritis, Doritaenopsis, Encyclia, Miltonia, Miltonopsis, Massdevalia, late blooming Phalaenopsis & Stanhopea when they go out of bloom. Repot seedlings, especially Phalaenopsis seedlings, now that the active summer growth time is done in our Orchid Mixes.