Orchid Crosses: should you take the Gamble?
In the colourful world of orchid cultivation, an interesting phenomenon has emerged that of selling orchid crosses and bypassing traditional…
The Importance of Calcium for Orchid Growth: Unlocking the Secrets of this Essential Macronutrient
As an orchid enthusiast, you’re likely no stranger to the importance of providing your plants with the right nutrients to…
Growing Vanda Orchids and Their Relatives (alliance) in Tropical Climates
The Vanda orchids by Susan Fairbairn and AI Introduction Vanda orchids and their relatives are among the most spectacular orchids…
Grow amazing orchids in my handcrafted Orchid Pots n Jewels and Orchid Hugs
An article about how the craftsmanship behind my pots n jewels and orchid hugs design benefits orchid growth. I am…
Pucker up people–orchids labellum
The labellum, or lip, is the star of the orchid show. This modified petal is often the largest and most visually striking part of the flower.
Orchid Nutrition: the Potassium Myth
Rick Lockwood’s groundbreaking 2013 study on orchid nutrition sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding potassium levels in orchid care
10 Reasons to use Coconut Fibre for exceptional and beautiful orchids
Coconut fibre–A game changer for pots and mounts As an orchid enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for ways to…
Small orchids — a big obsession
I think I was in my early twenties when my Dad arrived at my house with two orchids; a Cymbidium and a small dainty purple flowered Dendrobium species : kingianum. “You want these?”
From Forest Floor to Thriving Flora: Nature Paints Your Thumbs Green or how to care for your epiphytic orchid
Nature Paints Your Thumbs Green or how to care for your epiphytic orchid
This has been my lifelong philosophy in caring for plants–not some magical green thumb or any help from the garden fairies. I’m not saying they don’t exist just well….😎
Boost growth and blooms on Epiphytic Orchids with beneficial Compost Tea
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on using compost tea to nurture your epiphytic orchids! If you’re seeking a sustainable, organic…
Tolumnia Orchids: Unveiling the Secrets of Vibrant Miniature Blooms
In the world of orchids, where beauty and elegance often come in grandiose sizes, there exists a captivating exception: the Tolumnia orchid.
Orchid Propagation Unveiled: From Keiki Paste to Natural Elixirs
Orchids, with their intricate blooms and enigmatic charm, captivate plant enthusiasts worldwide. Yet, for many, the art of orchid propagation…
OLD MANS BEARD AND ORCHIDS A BEAUTIFUL RELATIONSHIP
by Alex (Ai) idea by Susan Fairbairn Draping Tillandsia, commonly known as “Old Man’s Beard” or “Spanish Moss,” over orchid…
Grow epiphytic Orchids in/on ceramic pots for amazing lush growth
Today I started to ponder if any of the minerals in clay were left over after a firing. I wondered…
5 Phalaenopsis orchids with spectacular foliage
Phalaenopsis orchids leaves are large and showy but if you add some silver mottling and/or unusual markings then you’ve got…
Friends or enemies?– orchid mycorrhizal fungi.
mycorrhizal fungi, are specialized fungi that form symbiotic relationships with orchid roots
Tropical orchids in the world
The number of orchid species that live in tropical climates is vast and diverse, as orchids are found in tropical…
7 ways for creating more amazing orchid plants; cheaply and easily — (Keiki)
Keiki propagation In the context of orchids, a “keiki” refers to a vegetative propagation method in which a new plantlet,…
How to treat Mealybugs and Scale
An infestation of scale or mealybugs can be devastating…..
Orchid care tips in the winter in tropical climates
Tips for care of your orchids in the winter in tropical climates.
Mounting orchids in the tropics
A growing argument for mounting orchids. Its hard to fathom how much water exists in a tropical environment until you…
Orchid breeder Fred Clarke wouldn’t be caught dead without his toothpick…
Susan Fairbairn caught up with Californian, Fred Clarke, at the Australian Orchid Council Conference (AOCC) 2022 to learn about the latest intergeneric breeding trends using the orchid family: Catasetinae.
Your first flowering Fail n Opsis (Phalaenopsis)
Your first flowering orchid could well be a Phalaenopsis (say it: failen opsis) The moth orchid is easy to grow……..
Essential oil pesticides
Once you start enjoying the fruits; and, vegetables in your organic garden, it’s not long before you start receiving visitors.…
What’s the best potting mix for your miniature orchids?
There’s a lot of choice when it comes to orchid potting medium, Here’s your first tip. There’s no right or…
How I started making orchid pots
You will often hear potters talk about how they felt when they first connected with clay, the epiphany, the calling…
Part 3 Growing orchids and their watering
Watering orchids is a common how to question. A combination of thick cell walls, succulent leaves; a mechanism called CAM,…
Tolumnia Jairak Rainbow ‘Pink Crystal’
About Tolumnia Tolumnia Jairak Rainbow ‘Pink Crystal’ is a compact orchid with cascading flowers that are white, with a pastel…
Part 4 Fertilising Orchids
Foliar feeding Foliar feeding consists of spraying or pouring fertiliser over a plants’ leaves. This method delivers nutrients via holes…
Part 3 Watering your orchids
How much water to give an orchid is a common question. In general orchids are drought tolerant because of a…
Part 2 – Growing orchids and their light requirements
Here we discuss growing orchids and their light requirements in this second article in the series. Light requirements for growing…
Part 1 – Growing orchids
Part one in a four part series on how to grow orchids, by horticultural journalist Susan Fairbairn
Bespoke orchid wall art
Renowned local potter ‘Katy J’, aka Kay Reading has made some lovely terracotta backing mounts for my orchid plants. Have…
How to treat Mealybugs in Cattleya
Cattleya orchids, renowned for their vibrant and fragrant flowers, are unfortunately susceptible to a range of pests, with mealybugs being…