As a mother to three healthy grown adults, I am also a mother to my orchids. Just like children, orchids take a lot of nurturing, time, and attention. Now an “empty nester”, my morning routine includes spending time with and talking to my orchids while I drink my coffee and do my daily devotion with God. I am continuously amazed by His creation.

My orchid collection started over 36 years ago and each year, I attended the annual orchid shows to look at the exhibits and purchase an orchid plant – something new and different to add to my collection. Today, I have over 150 orchids.

Whenever I would receive orchids as gifts for my birthday or Mother’s Day, I would tie them on my palm trees once the plants were no longer in bloom, especially the Phalaenopsises. These would bloom in December or January since they are cooler months. Not only do I like to receive orchids as gifts, but I also like to give them as gifts. I purchase all my Phalaenopsises from an orchidist in Stony Hill.

My favourite orchids are the hanging vandas and the sun vandas.

Here’s how to nurture your Phalaenopsis

Do not overwater. Keep out of direct sunlight. Adding 2-3 ice cubes is a practical and easy way to avoid overwatering. When adhered to palm trees, the roots will need water every day as they will dry out quickly due to wind and since it is not in a pot.

Vanda orchid care: Trim the bad roots off the orchids, leaving only healthy or green/white roots. Mist the roots every morning to keep them from drying out. Depending on the time of year, you can water them twice a day. Fertilise with 20/20 twice per week.

Orchids are fussy plants. If anything is off in their habitat, they will begin to die. Dark spots, yellow leaves, or withering indicate that something is wrong, such as fungal disease, pest infestations, or too much sun. If the roots become mushy/soggy and brown, it is caused from overwatering. I have my orchids sprayed once per month by a professional to rid orchids of any spider mites or mealy bugs. If one plant is contaminated it can spread to another.

Tending to my orchids every day gives me joy. Gardening and planting also help me to relax when I am feeling stressed. I hope this hobby brings you the same joy and relaxation that it does for me!