Multi-Orchid Care Guide: Cymbidium, Mini-Oncidium, Phalaenopsis, Cattleya in Orlando

Question:

Jim, found your site—answers very useful. Several orchids: mostly Cattleya (~1 yr), couple Phals (great), mini-Oncidium, Cymbidium.

Q1 Cymbidium: Costco Orlando, full bloom. Cut spike at base post-bloom; no new spike, plant looks great, several new leaves. How get spike? Indoors mostly, fan always. Water weekly, fert every other (Schultz 19-31-17).

Q2 Mini-Oncidium: Valentine's gift, full bloom. Flowers died 2–3 wks. Not cut spikes. Water weekly, fert every other (same). Rebloom? Cut spikes?

Q3 Phalaenopsis: Yellow + purple, 15–20 flowers each. Water weekly, fert every other (same). In shower room (big) for steam/mist—seller advised. Thoughts? Not cutting spikes unless brown.

Q4 Cattleya: eBay auction babies, survived winter, hopeful. Water weekly, fert every other (same). Outside patio, ventilation, no direct sun. Accelerate growth?

Overall: 19-31-17 OK? Friends use it. Seller said 20-20-20 but can't find at HD/Lowe's.

Answer:

Hello Angelo,

Not my site—volunteer answering. Orlando = prime orchid country!

1) Cymbidium: Usually 1 bloom/yr (few multi-bloom). Remove spent spike (won't rebloom). Grow outdoors max—Orlando: 50–60% full sun. Out until nights <45°F (occasional).

2) Mini-Oncidium: 1 bloom/spike → cut spikes. Outdoors under 70% shade + several hrs early morning sun. In when nights <50°F.

3) Phalaenopsis: High humidity in bathroom helps. Need light air movement—if in/out bathroom several×/day, enough. If spike tip dies, cut it.

4) Cattleya: Miniature (<6") or large (>2')? Large need Cymbidium light; mini need Oncidium light. Both in when nights <50°F.

Fertilizer: 20-20-20 better for all. Surprised HD/Lowe's lack it. Seek NPK numbers closer together.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, CA