A Visit to My Greenhouse
I am fortunate to have several greenhouses here at my Bedford, New York farm where I can maintain a large collection of beautiful potted plants. Among them, a growing group of orchids - those epiphytic flowering plants that bloom in a vibrant array of colors, shapes, and sizes.
Caring for orchids is a daunting process for many, but if you take the time to understand their basic needs, there is no reason why they couldn't bloom and thrive in your home.
Here are some photos of mine. And please watch my episode of "Martha Gardens," a Roku Original, when I walk through an exquisite display of orchids at the New York Botanical Garden.
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- This is one side of my large glass main greenhouse here at my farm. My growing orchid collection takes up space on long tables that slide for good access on both sides. This structure is also temperature and humidity controlled for the best growing conditions. When in bloom, I like to display some of my orchids in my home, but most of the time, they are kept here where they can be monitored and maintained more closely.
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- Above are these large shades across the entire glass ceiling that can be moved depending on lighting needs. The windows in this greenhouse are also mechanical and can open and close when necessary.
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- Orchids grow on every continent except Antarctica. They are native to the tropical regions of Asia, Australia, the Himalayas, and the Philippines. The orchid forms one of the largest families in the plant kingdom, with more than 25,000 species worldwide.
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- The size of orchids depends on the species. They can be quite small or very large. However, every orchid flower is bilaterally symmetrical, which means it can be divided into two equal parts.
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- Phalaenopsis, the moth orchid, is perhaps the best orchid for growing in the home and is also a favorite with greenhouse growers. Well-grown plants can flower often, sometimes with a few flowers throughout the year, though the main season is late winter into spring.
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- Here is another Phalaenopsis blooming right now. It is a light pink to yellow in color. Phalaenopsis orchids do well under normal room temperatures with indirect light from an east or west facing window.
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- Paphiopedilum orchids are often called ‘lady slippers’ or ‘slipper orchids’ because of their unique pouch-like flowers. The pouch of a slipper orchid traps insects so they are forced to climb up, collect or deposit pollen, and fertilize the flower. Slipper orchids have two fertile anthers — meaning they are diandrous.
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- Orchids are epiphytic, meaning they derive moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, or from debris accumulating around it. Special orchid mixes are available at garden supply stores. The mixes are blended specifically for epiphyte orchids, including Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Epidendrum, and Dendrobium. These mediums usually include Canadian sphagnum moss, moss chunks, charcoal orchid bark, and lava rock mix.
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- A rule of thumb for potted orchids is the leaf color. When receiving a proper balance of light, humidity, and temperature the leaves will be healthy bright green. Too little light would make the leaves very dark.
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- Orchids also have aerial roots. They act as anchors and supports as they wrap around branches and trunks in nature, stabilizing the plant as it grows.
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- These are the long hanging roots of the Vanda orchid.
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- The orchid has three sepals, one dorsal sepal at the top and two lateral sepals one on each side. It also has three petals, one on each side and the lower lip, also called the labellum. The column and anther cap are the reproductive area of the flower.
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- I love getting rare and unusual orchids. This one came from the New York Botanical Garden some years back. This year’s NYBG Orchid Show runs through April 23rd. I love attending this show every year. Held inside the magnificent Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, it is known as the nation’s largest exhibit of its kind.
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- Some of my orchids which also bloomed wonderfully this year include this Rhyncholaeiocattleya My Orange ‘NN’ – a Cattleya hybrid. It has fantastic orange flowers. It is an easy growing plant that likes filtered light, especially if kept outside during summer. When watering, keep it slightly more evenly moist at the roots when in bud or bloom.
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- This is Phalaenopsis schilleriana ‘Wilson’ – it has beautiful pink to lavender flowers.
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- Oncidium orchids are popular indoor orchids because of their sprays of flowers. A large, well-grown Oncidium will have several branched sprays of beautiful, colorful blooms.
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- This is Oncidium hybrid Mclna. Yellow Star ‘Okika’. Its pretty pointed two-and-a-half-inch blooms can last up to one month.
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- This is Dendrobium ‘Aussie chip’ x. Dendrobium atroviolaceum ‘Pygmy’ x. Dendrobium atroviolacrum ‘H&R’. Dendrobiums need lots of light, but not direct sun. A lightly shaded south window is best.
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- And next door in my head house is our latest delivery of Ben Wolff pots. These are perforated orchid pots – you may have seen them on my Instagram page @MarthaStewart48. We’ll be potting up some orchids in these beautiful pots soon.
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