Christmas orchid will provide beautiful blooms with proper care

Q. I received a beautiful orchid for Christmas, but have no idea how to care for it. Any suggestions?

A. Since you received your orchid as a gift, chances are it is either a Phaleanopsis (also known as moth orchid) or Cattelya orchid. These two types are often sold in the winter. The moth orchidhas a habit of reblooming off older flowering spikes. Therefore, do not remove old flower spikes and most often, one or two branches will appear, with the promise of more blooms in eight to 12 weeks.

Generally, these orchids will provide beautiful blooms if the following conditions are met:

ŸLight: Orchids require bright light (but no direct sun) to bloom such as an east, or shaded west or south window. Too much light will burn the foliage and too little light will result in little growth or no blooms.

ŸWatering: Orchids like water, but if their roots are constantly wet they will rot. Always let the pot dry out slightly between watering.

ŸHumidity: Orchids require a high humidity. To increase the humidity around your plant, stand it on a tray of pebbles and water. Make sure the bottom of the pot rests on top of the pebbles, and is not in the water, which could lead to the roots rotting. You can also try misting the air around the plant each day.

ŸTemperature: Generally orchids prefer temperatures between 55 and 90 during the day and between 50 and 70 degrees at night. Moth orchids prefer 70 to 80 degrees day and 65 to 70 degrees night.

If your orchid didn't come staked, you'll probably want to stake it so its flowers stand up better for display.

Q. How can I keep my cyclamen alive year to year?

A. The common florist's cyclamen is derived from a species native to Mediterranean areas. While the plant grows from a bulb, it is usually purchased in full bloom.

Since Cyclamen grow and bloom in winter, they are a popular holiday plant.

However, once the days grow long and the temperatures warm, the plant goes into dormant season, not uncommon in bulbous plants.

When the foliage begins to yellow; this is the signal to stop watering. At this stage, if you want the plant to rebloom, stop watering and place the potted plant in a dark, dry, cool place.

In the fall, repot it in just a slightly larger pot and water the soil thoroughly. When the new leaves emerge from the tuber, move the plant to a bright location and fertilize it.

If new growth hasn't occurred by late October, go ahead and water it. As long as the tubers are still plump and hard, the plant is still healthy. Wait for shoots to appear and the soil to become somewhat dry, and then water thoroughly again.

A word of caution; Cyclamen can be very difficult to re-bloom. Often, even when everything is done correctly, the plant may not re-bloom. However, it doesn't hurt to try.

Ÿ Provided by Mary Boldan, Mary Moisand and Donna Siemro, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. Send questions to Ask a Master Gardener, c/o Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016, (847) 298-3502 or via e-mail to cookcountymg.com@gmail.com.