Orchids fall into one of the following groups based on their original growing environment. All orchids may be fed every time you water with Schultz Orchid Food . Our water soluble plant food dissolves instantly in water for instant uptake through roots and leaves. It's gentle enough to feed orchids every time you water.

Terrestrial and Semi-terrestrial
These types of orchids have roots similar to garden and bedding plants, and require soil for moisture retention and nourishment. The Lady's Slipper (Paphiopedilum) is a well-known semi-terrestrial orchid. Pot it in a small-sized pot in Schultz Potting Soil Plus - All Purpose.

Epiphytic (ep-uh-fit-ic)
These types of orchids originally grew in tropical rainforests attached to trees. As warm, tropical rains seep through the jungle canopies, these types of orchids can absorb the nutrients that the rainwater collects from animal and plant wastes. They do not need soil for anchorage or nourishment.

In your home, epiphytic orchids need only a coarse potting material with some moisture retention. Many growers mount them to cork or bark and hang them on walls, misting frequently with a plant food solution containing Schultz Plant Food for Orchids .

Semi-epiphytic
The genus Cattleya is a popular semi-epiphytic orchid. Pot these types of orchids in a light, porous soilless mix using Schultz Sphagnum Peat Moss, Schultz Vermiculite, and Schultz Perlite.

Spotlight for Oct.- Dec. 1998

Phalaenopsis

Autumn and Winter are the peak seasons for Phalaenopsis, one of the most popular orchids and among the favorites of all houseplants! These beautiful epiphytes, commonly called moth orchids, are among the easiest to grow, and aren't as demanding of bright sunlight as are many other varieties. Artificial light, or an east or shaded southern exposure, will provide these orchids all the light they want.

Use Schultz Orchids Plant Food now, with its high-phosphorus formulation, to encourage your plants to set buds as the cooler nights of autumn set in. Soon your Phalaenopsis will bear showy inflorescences of yellow, white, pink or red, or combinations of colors in stripes or spots, which will continue to delight for weeks, even months. When the flowers begin to fade, use sterile cutters to snip the inflorescence off just above a lower joint, or node (where the spike is swollen) and many plants will continue to send up new flowers. By repeating this procedure, some people get their Phalaenopsis to bloom up to a full year!

For more information about all types of orchids, visit the American Orchid Society on-line at www.orchidweb.org .