The secret to growing orchids? A sunny corner kitchen window. This magic orchid-growing window faces south and west. I water every few days with a quick squirt from the kitchen sprayer. For added humidity, the pots sit on pebble-filled drainage trays and I leave the accumulated water.
Every month or so, I rinse off my plants and give them a little liquid orchid food. I believe I’ve had the same container of orchid food my whole life. I should probably feed these guys more often, but likely won’t. I would like to divide them soon; things are getting crowded, especially since I don’t tie up my orchids like the pros do.
Hard to see, but on the lower right, my little Tillandsia plant is about to bloom! Other than these, I don’t do houseplants.
Beautiful orchids
I’ve always had the impression they were difficult to grow. Maybe I’ll try one sometime on my own plant covered kitchen window. I had to laugh at your title because I’ve been handwashing my dishes and put a bunch of plants in the window above so I would enjoy being there more.
Amy’s right, Angela, what a great title! And your orchids look soooo happy. (Of course, at first I thought you were going to say you fertilized them by pouring dirty dishwater on them!) Congratulations! We handwash here, too–don’t even have a dishwasher.
Those really are lovely orchids, Angela! Obviously, they are very happy watching you wash the dishes…
I want to love orchids…really, I do…but they don’t love me back…and I just don’t have the energy for a one way relationship… but they clearly like you!
I’ve held off on growing orchids. Maybe I should buy just one and see how it goes. Your’s look so pretty.
I think the secret to growing orchids is to not give up on them when they’re finished blooming. Their blooms come in cycles, I’m finding, and they’re worth the patience.
Twice I have been offered other people’s orchids because they “weren’t doing anything anymore”. Next time you see someone’s “spent” gift orchid gathering dust on a coffee table, offer to relieve them of their burden. 😉
Hi, a little visit from down under, it’s quick on the blog! Lovely, lovely photos. Particularly love the Nasturtium and the Fresia and and..
Hi Angela,
Like my cats I have become the keeper of abandoned plants from neighbors. I have a “rescue” orchid that I am waiting for it to rebloom sitting in my office window. OK, this post was good, more patience, more patience….
Sean
Is that a picture of Swiss Chard that you have growing right now in Sacramento?
I don’t understand how this blog business works but, I really would like to know. Will you answer on your page?
Thanks.
Yes, Swiss chard is growing in my yard right now. Hard to think of a time when it isn’t growing here.
Easiest way to start a blog is to go to Blogger.com. They will walk you through the steps. Blogger is free, easy to use (if you read all the stuff about getting started) and allows you to earn Adsense revenue.
Angela…there is an award for you over at Growing A Garden In Davis…
Very nice, congratulations on finding the secret! I’m new to your blog, but a kindred spirit (A Hort master’s student at UCD). I also love osteospermum!