Aven Gardening

Lady slipper orchids (Technically speaking: Cypripedium)
The lady slipper is a hardy plant and can grow in the wild without the attention of Theodore Horstmann or Nero Wolfe. In the past, it was necessary to put on your boots, get out that hiking pole and prepare for a day in the woods if you hoped to see one of these stunning beauties.

Today, you can enjoy your lady slipper wildflower easily in your garden, and you can do it just as quickly without the long hikes – of course, if you like long walks, good for you. They’re healthful and can always be interesting. (Unless you run into a bear. That’s just a little too interesting!)

Cypripedium species are native to most of North America as well in many parts of Europe. You can grow your lady slipper orchids in your garden where they make interesting as well as beautiful additions to anyone woodland garden.

As with many flower species, there are many varieties. Some of these are on the endangered species list. However, there remain plenty of species that can be obtained from reputable nurseries and garden suppliers.

• Pink Lady Slipper

  The pink lady slipper (C.acaule) boasts deep pint flowers about three inches in length and offer a slightly sweet aroma. This flower blooms from late June through most of July.

• Yellow Lady Slipper

The showy yellow lady slipper (C.calceolus) blooms I early spring. It is to be found mostly in the rich woodland forests or along the grassy edges and elevated areas of bogs. It has a counterpart as well, the greater yellow lady slipper (C.parviflorum pubescent). This orchid can grow to a height of two feet tall with substantial six-inch wide petals.

• Showy Lady’s Slipper

The showy lady’s slipper (C.reginae) is another of the species’ larger plants. It can be got from one to two feet in height and grows naturally in bogs, swamps, wet leas, and damp woodlands. It is a white flower streaked with pink, and it blooms in late spring or early summer.

• White Lady’s Slipper

The white lady’s slipper (C.cadidum) is smaller, reaching from 5 to 12 inches in height. This particular species is considered endangered, but it may be available from a reputable nursery, one that understands your desire to help keep it alive.

Growing Lady Slipper Orchids

We have to present strong objection to your collecting and transporting lady slipper orchids from the wild. It may be performed on your own property or that of someone who permits you, but otherwise, it’s usually challenging to transplant lady slipper orchids.

If you do transplant some from your garden, please try to save as much of the roots and surrounding soil as you possibly can. Be aware however that it is challenging to transplant slipper orchids with any degree of success.

It’s better, in the long run, to rely on a commercial grower. Once home, it would help if you tried to recreate the same conditions that mimic their natural environment. i.me. Shady woodland. When choosing a site in your garden, you’ll want a well-ærated soil and moist conditions.

Avoid planting them in full sunlight or very dry conditions. Dappled sunlight beneath tall trees should be ideal for growing your lady slipper wildflower.

Here are some directions that should be helpful:

1.Using your hands, or barring that, a trowel, carefully remove some of the soil from around an already-established lady slipper in the fall. Be extremely careful not to damage the plant or its roots. The roots of this plant are near the surface of the soil because they spread horizontally from the crown. They may extend from 12 to 18 inches. If the growing tip is damaged the root dies and your plant will only produce a few unsatisfactory roots each year.

2. Place only a handful or two of soil (not more than half a cup) in a clean glass jar. It unused plastic zip-top bag. It is essential as the lad slipper orchid can’t germinate outside laboratory conditions unless they’re not in direct contact with microscopic soil fungus. (Rhizoctonia).

Unfortunately, lady slipper orchids, unlike many flowers, do not have a built-in food supply, so they need something to give them the energy to sprout and break through the seed coat. The fungus is the food required by the lady slipper seed, digesting the seed’s coat to allow it access to the nutrients in the roil and spout.

3. Clear a site that provides dappled shade away from the direct sunlight and the shadow of other plants.

4. Be sure to test the soil with a pH test kit. You want to have a neutral to slightly acid pH, say about 6.5. Then if you have clay soil, you’ll want to amend it with a compost of bark, perlite or coarse sand. You should keep the soil moist but not wet.

5. Next, you’ll add a layer of chopped dried oak leaves and pine needles. Work it gently into the surface with a shovel. Decomposing leaves encourage the growth of Rhizoctonia fungus. In the fall 1002 issue of Nature Plants Journal, germination is most successful when the site has a covering of forest litter.

6. You’ll want to mix the seeds with the soil in a jar. Use a commercial packet o the contents of one seed capsule form a mature plant. The soil will provide vital fungus and help distribute the tine seeds more evenly.

7. Broadcast the seed-soil mixture thickly over the area.

8. In periods of drought, you’ll need to water. Otherwise, let nature take care of the watering chore for you. The seeds take an extremely long time to germinate.
Don’t be discouraged by this. After about 18 months following sowing, your seeds will generally begin to sprout leaves. It can take up to five long years for the plants to fully mature.

Here’s a list of things you should have on hand before starting.

1. Trowel
2. Native soil from around an already-established lady’s slipper plant
3. A small jar
4. A soil test kit
5. Lime or sulfur (this latter is optional)
6. Compost, Perlite or sand (again, optional)
7. Chopped oak leaves and pine needles
8. A shovel

• Caring for your Lady Slipper Orchid

One of the most important things to remember is to water your lady slipper wildflower. You should keep the soil moist, but not wet.
If you have chemically treated water, it’s better to let it sit for several days in an open container. Otherwise, you could water with distilled or rainwater. Lady slipper plants also like diluted balanced fertilizer once or twice between spring and early summer.
Use about a quarter of the standard concentration. Top dressing your plants with about 2 to 3 inches of shredded leaf mulch is also very good for them.

Orchid cactus is one of the best plants to grow around your home. They make the house look attractive by showing off their big, cup-shaped blooms hanging on the pots that you were planting. These plants usually shoot their flowers during the end of spring and are estimated to be 10-15 inches in width.

Hybrid cactus is highly recommended by many people thanks to the great beauty they add to the surroundings. The plants tend to shoot flowers in different colors such as yellow, red, white, orange, purple and many others. On your side, all you need is to ensure the cactus is well taken care of for you to enjoy its beauty around your home.

One way to ensure that your cactus is well-taken care is by pruning the stems to provide more space for light to penetrate. Ones you cut the extra stems, don’t toss them away since you can still plant them.

How to make it flower. If you want your cactus to blossom and yield freshly looking flowers, there are a few tips that you need to incorporate. They include;

• Go slow during the winter seasons

The winter seasons have favorable climates here the weather is cold with some rainfalls. As we all know orchid cactus can survive even during the harsh climate conditions since they can store water in their stems for a very long time. So, to avoid them overgrowing during the winter, go easy in maintenance.

Just water them in moderate and avoid fertilizing them during this time. If it is raining then avoid watering the plants at any cost. It should go on for about 8 to 10 weeks.

• Ensure there is enough light

Just like the rest of the plants, orchid cactus also require enough lighting for excellent growth. Therefore, wherever you opt to plant them, make sure there is enough lighting penetrating through. If they are on the outdoor area, ensure there is enough lighting reaching the plants but keep them shaded during the summer seasons as the high UV rays can damage and cause them to wither.

• Add Potash

Potash is a form of fertilizer which is added to plants to facilitate healthy growth. So, to ensure the orchid cacti can grow well and blossom accordingly, considers introducing this fertilizer at an early stage probably when the plant begins to shoot.

• Avoid constant moving during budding

Avoid movements ones the plant has started to develop buds since regular movement causes the change of the temperatures and light which may affect the blossoming flowers and buds. Ensure the temperatures are moderate during this stage of the plants.

• Change the pot

It is advisable that you repot the plants approximately 2-3 years after planting them. As the orchid cactus grow, they will need larger space hence the need to plant them to a larger area. Do not repot the plants when the buds are shooting or the flower blossoming as the movement again can damage them.

How to choose the right orchid cactus.

Not all plant sellers will have the right plants at the nursery. Therefore, it is crucial that you know what to look out for when buying your plants. Although initially the orchid cacti were known as epiphyllous, the plants are currently known as Nopalxochia. They come in two different kinds which are the hybrid and cultivars. Also, unlike before where the plants were known to bloom during the night, the new hybrids are also ideal for day time blooming.

The history of orchid cactus

The orchid cactus hybrids were grown in the southern part of Mexico. They are estimated to grow up to 4 ft in height although you can control its growth by cutting it to your preferred height. The plants require being grown in an area where there is enough brightness but far away from direct UV rays.

Tips for caring for Orchid cactus

• Water the plant

It is advisable that you water the plant all through the season except in winter where you are supposed to water sparingly depending on the climate. Always keep the soil moist throughout.

• Keep the humid and temperatures moderate

Regardless of where you opt to grow the plants at, make sure the humid remain 50 to 60 percent always. The temperatures should range from 60 to 75 degrees F in room temperature and ones the plants start to bud, adjust the temperatures to 60 to 65 degrees during the day and 7-13 degrees during the winter nights.

• The soil

The soil is mixed in the ratio of 1: 1. Add one potting and one per lite.

• Fertilize the plants

It would be best if you fertilized the plants from early in spring all through the fall. Ensure to add the fertilizer every two weeks. Liquid high potassium fertilizer is the best for orchid cactus, and you should dilute it half before adding to the plants.

• Propagation

It is a great idea to propagate the plants when pruning in case you need to increase the orchid cactus in your home. So, cut about 4 to 6 inches of the stem for this purpose. Do this during the spring season.

How to grow orchid cactus

Orchid cactus also referred to as epiphyllous are known to produce yellow and white flowers. One unique character about these plants is that they bloom their flowers during the night. Unlike other plants, the orchid cacti require special care and process followed to enable them blossom well and survive in all seasons.

The following are tips to follow when growing the orchid cactus.

• Ensure the container you are planting these plants has holes at the bottom. Then add one part of peat, two pieces of uncouth sand and lastly one part of crushed lava rocks.

• Cut a portion of stem from an adult orchid cactus and dip it in a rooting hormone for about two weeks after the two weeks get the soaked stalks and place them in the peat mixture container.

• Ensure to water the plants moderately to facilitate the growth. However, don’t add too much water to a point where the peat will turn out all soggy. Ensure the soil remains moist.

• Ensure to fertilize the plants especially during the fall, spring, and summer to facilitate healthy growth.

• Keep on checking on the humid and temperatures of the plant since these two conditions affect its growth. The right temperatures should range from 45 to 75 degrees F.

• The other essential step to follow is pruning ones the plants begin to grow bushy. Pruning helps to create more space for the plant to breathe and even start the sprouting process. Take advantage of this stage to add more orchid cactus to your home by planting the pruned stems.

• Ensure the plants are in an area where there is no direct contact with UV rays but ensure there is ample brightness penetrating.

Best ways to grow orchid cactus

These plants suit best when in a hanging form where you can plant them in a basket or any hanging device that you refer to sue. The plant grows by spreading the stems which cover the pot hence making the area looking more glamorous especially when the flowers blossom.

Here are a few suggestions you should bear in mind when you begin cutting plumeria stems for rooting, as well as for pruning plumeria plants too. Now, it doesn’t make a difference where you cut the stem. The only consideration here is your decision on just how long you want to make your cuttings.

Please! Equip yourself with a decent pair of really sharp pruners. And remember that diseases are easily transmitted to plants, so it’s vital that you sterilize the pruners after each use. With the proper pruners, you’ll get a good clean cut. .Be sure to cut them at an angle so water can’t settle into the open wound.

The next step will be to allow the wound to dry completely (curing) before trying to root it. This is an essential step to remember. Just leave it in a dry, protected place until the wound has completely healed (cured). This could be only a matter of days, or it could take over a week. In any case, just be patient. You can’t rush this step.

Rooting Plumeria Cuttings in Water

We ‘ve often been asked, “Can I root my plumeria I water?” We could say yes. But rooting plumeria in water isn’t always successful. You may end up with rotted stems.

If you have plenty of cuttings n hand, you might try this method and see how it works. But our best advice is to stick to rooting them in the soil.

Rooting Plumeria Cuttings in Soil

It’s essential that you’ll want to use a clean pot for your plumeria cutting to avoid contamination.

Another thing to remember is that you should not use a large pot for your plumeria cuttings. A container that’s too large may cause you to overwater your plumeria cuttings. This may cause it to rot. We recommend a 4-inch pot for rooting. If you’re planting a larger stem, you might use a 6-inch pot.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Cured plumeria cuttings
• A blend of perlite, potting soil, and coarse sand is what we use, but you can buy a succulent soil mix.
• A clean 4-inch pot

Put the cut end of your plumeria cutting into the hole and pack the soil down around its base. Make sure that the soil is well-packed around the stem so it will stay put. Since the roots sprout from the bottom of the cutting, it isn’t necessary to plant your plumeria cutting very deep. Just make sure it can stand by itself.

Now’s the time to give the soil a good drink. You can water until it begins to run out of the drainage holes. (Never leave it in a tray of water). Next, find a protected humid location and sit back and wait for your roots to grow.

You’ll want to dust the cut end with a rooting hormone. Rooting hormone encourages the plumeria cuttings to grow roots. It helps speed up the root formation as well.

While it’s possible to root your cuttings without rooting hormone, you’ll have much better results when using it.

When you’re ready to plant, use your finger or a pencil to make a hole in the soil. If you choose to go without the rooting hormone, you needn’t worry about this.step. The object of making the hole is to keep the rooting hormone from being rubbed off when you plant.

How to Care for Plumeria Cuttings

Keep your plumeria cuttings in a humid locale while keeping your soil on the dry side. This will encourage the roots to grow. If you live where the climate, there’s no need to do anything. Leaving your pot outside and it should grow quickly. And the last thing to remember is to keep your cuttings out of the sun until they begin to develop.

If you live in a dry climate or want to root your plumeria plant cutting indoors, you should mist every other day or so with a plant sprayer to keep the air around your planting moist.

You won’t want to water the soil. It should be on the dry side. Too much water will cause your plumeria cutting to rot. Once new leaves begin to sprout from the top, you’ll know your roots are growing as well.   

How Long does it take for Plumeria Cuttings to Root?

This depends on the location of your garden. If you live in where the climate is arid, it’s going to take longer for your plumeria cuttings to root. If you’re in a more humid area and give the cuttings bright light (not in direct sunlight, however), the plants will root much more quickly. If conditions are perfect for your plumeria cuttings, then the roots should begin to sprout within a week or so.

It’s difficult for us to be more exact because the propagation process is dependent on many factors. The way you cut and where on the plant you cut. These are the two critical factors that will decide the fate of your new plants.

Three steps are necessary to ensure success. You’ll need a sharp paring knife or the very sharp pruning shears we hope you now have. Here are the three steps to ensure successful planting.

1. Find the Right Place for a Cutting

Ideally, you’ll want to find a cutting between 12 and 18 inches long. It should be a smaller branch sprouting out from the end of a larger branch. The larger the cutting, the bigger and better will be your propagation.

If that’s not available, a smaller cutting can be used as well. Just be sure the branch you choose is a healthy green, and it should be flexible. When you’re satisfied with the plant’s appearance, it’s time to make your cutting for propagation.

2. Your New Cutting

The cutting should be cut at something like a 45-degree angle. The cutting should be as smooth as you can make it.

The cutting should be made from its parent branch. This is important to remember. Hold the branch securely and make the cut clean and smooth. Once you have this in hand, you should make sure it has no little stems or leaves. When it’s done right, your cutting should look something like a pencil.

3. Let Your Cutting Rest

Once you have your cutting, just let it dry for a couple of weeks. One thing to look for is a callus a the bottom of the cutting. This is an encouragement for the stick to survive. Although sometimes without this little eruption has not impeded the root growth of the cutting but success if very iffy.

Be sure to plant your stick in well-drained soil. We use a blend of cactus mix, topsoil and sad. This organic mix is quite beneficial for the growth of healthy plants.

We would avoid the addition of any fertilizers until a few leaves have begun to form on the cutting.

A common mistake is to overwater the cutting. The soil should be on the dry side. Too much moisture is going to cause the cutting to rot. That would spell the end of your planting.

Caring for a plumeria plant is easy in that plumeria is very adaptable and doesn’t require a lot of attention. It should get at least six full hours of sunlight every day and water with fertilizers, and it will thrive.

Hopefully, this article will give you the knowledge and confidence to try propagating your own plumeria plant.

Selecting the right pot for your succulents. The pots and planters that you select can play an essential part in keeping your plants healthy. Knowing the best pot for differing kinds of plants and succulents is useful knowledge to hold, read on for tips that provide that information.

Whether or not you have ideas about the pots used to put your plants in it pays to have a good knowledge of the different planters and pots available for you to use. Now it should not just be how good a planter or pot looks that decide, which one that you pick.

Differing materials that pots are made from can have a significant impact on the survival of growth of those plants. The right pot can assist the plants to thrive, while the wrong pot or planter could hinder the growth of certain plants, cacti and also succulents. So follow this guide to using the most apt containers and pots for plants in your garden.

Use Terracotta Pots

People that have had succulents for a fair amount of time tend to go for terracotta pots as it is a porous material and allows water to drain away through it. In many respects, it is one of the best materials to use for pots and other containers.

Perhaps if you live in an area prone to long, really hot and dry summers. The good thing with terracotta is that allows plenty of air to get to the plants, and water flows easily through it. You will need to water the plants more in warm weather. If you are located in a dry and humid place, then these are the ideal planters to use.

Unglazed ceramic planters

Now unglazed pots are another option to consider as planters. As these are made from ceramics, these are like terracotta without the breathable attribute. In that respect, they are better pots for arid conditions as you do not have to water the plants as often.

Just like unglazed terracotta pots can be heavy to move and are !liable to crack it exposed to excess levels of heat.

Porcelain and glazed ceramic planters

Now porcelain and glazed ceramic pots may be more decorative than other types of pots, yet they need more preparation for your plants. These planters are best when used indoors as the elements could harm their colors. It is sensible to dry out all the soil in such pots before you attempt to water the plants in each pot.

Glass pots

Now glass pots are similar to glazed ceramic planters, the main difference being that they come without water holes. It means that you should avoid giving plants excessive amounts of water as it will not drain away.

These pots look pretty, and some people take advantage of glass being clear to put the succulents in colored sand.

Resin and plastic planters

Plastic pots used to look so cheap and flimsy, yet some of the new ones seem the part. Most of the time when you buy plants and succulents the shop supplies them with plastic or resin pots. Plastic pots have the benefits of being relatively cheap and also of being light.

It makes it easier to move plants around and to water them. You will need to water plants regularly.

Concrete planters

These kind of pots are right if you have designed your garden. If you can make molds, then you can have real pots designed and created by you. Just make sure there is a hole to drain the water away.

Wooden planters

Now some people like the look of wooden planters for their plants. It is easy to make your planters from spare pieces of wood or driftwood. Just remember to line the bottom of the planter and to paint or varnish it. Without lining or waterproofing, the planters will rot and possibly harm the plants. 

Stone pots and containers

Stone pots and cStone containers are either natural stone, or stone mixed with fiberglass, generally only the price tag will show the difference. The completely natural stone will be heavier and cost you more. It can look perfect displaying plants in stone, though do bear in mind that stone can change color over time.

Hanging Baskets / Wall Mounted Baskets

These baskets are a different way of displaying plants and succulents. Hanging and wall mounted baskets come in a wide range of shapes and sizes with an equally wide range of prices. Baskets can look attractive when presented in different ways.

If you prefer to have succulents in your baskets, it is better that you do not go for self-watering ones as that could lead to the plants being over watered.

Self Watering Containers

Generally, this kind of pot is not ideal for succulents or cacti as these can end up being ruined by too much water. This type of pot is better bets for plants, which need more water, especially if you do not remember to water that often.

Pick plants to suit your taste.

It is you that will look at plants the most so pick the types you like the most. There is a great variety available, so you could even experiment a little bit as well.

Do not forget…
Before you select the plants and the pots double check that there is a drainage hole in each container.