Beginner Orchids: Cockle-shell Orchid

Nicknamed by its shape, the Cockle-shell is also known as the Clamshell Orchid. This orchid and a few siblings have been moved from one family to another, namely, Encyclia, Anacheilium, & Epinendrum due to some distinct characteristics. Today, it is officially named Prosthechea cochleata.

It grows differently than most orchids. The labellum or lip of the Clamshell orchid flowers grow in a way that forms a hood that covers the column. Quite the opposite of what is common to orchids where the lip grows in an outward direction from the column. And while its inflorescence stays on top, its tepals grow hanging downwards, forming what seems like of an octopus. Its looks is a gratifying feat that hides the fact that they are not as freely fragrant as they look.

Sharing features with the genus Epinendrum and Encyclia, clamshell orchids are also good beginner specimens. It favors medium lighting due to its leaves being thin. A session with the morning sun by the window is more enough to fulfill its daily needs.

It requires abundant moisture at their roots while in development. For a less humid season, misting with distilled water several times in a day or placing a tray of water under it would help keep it from becoming dry. If it's too dry, spider mites might attack the plant. With such requirements of well maintained humidity, a good circulation of air in its area of growth will help greatly in preventing fungal and bacterial growth. You can also tell a healthy orchid by checking the roots if it turns green from white when watering.

When it's in active growth, it would be the best time to put some fertilizers. For most mediums, a 20-10-20 NPK is sufficient, except for fir barks. Fir barks share nitrogen when decomposing so you need a fertilizer with higher nitrogen content. There are also fertilizers made for orchid blooming at 6-30-30 but pretty much effective for epiphytic orchids such as the Clamshell orchid.

BEE Ready

Bee keeping is like an art of taming the savage beast. But in this sense taming the dangerous and unpredictable bees. These insects are one of the most useful creations but also one of the deadliest insects. But bee keepers are the modern day Pied Pier they know to deal and use bees to our advantage. How ever the best offense is a good defense that is why preparation is their key.

Bee keepers when dealing with bees always have to prepare themselves for battle. These warriors have a lot of beekeeper equipment that they will bring and use when they tame the bees but for what? For the sweet taste of honey. Honey is one of the best sweet taste in which a lot of people cannot get enough of.

Bee keepers need their beekeepers suit to protect them from head to toe. This is because one sting sometimes can be fatal. So after suiting up bee keepers then use their secret weapon and that is the beekeeping smoker. They smoke the bees so that they will not be aggressive. The smoke gives the bees a high and brings simply relaxes them. That is when the bee keeper gets the honey without harming the bees and without putting himself in danger.

A bee keeper always has these two important equipment in dealing with the unpredictability of bees. They do this because they need the honey to get the money. Without these beekeeping tools it would be fatal for them to extract the honey.

For the Love of Orchids

Many people love the beauty of an orchid for it is different, unique and simply stunning compared to just any flowers in the garden. Some people thought that it is hard to grow orchids but they are wrong for it is easy to grow orchids if they only know how and where it is best to grow them. Orchid growing is becoming a fad not only for women but also for men, young and old.

Though it is uncommon to see an orchid as a house plant, it can still be done; growing orchids as house plants is not complicated. Someone who wants to try growing orchids only needs to know that orchids are just like all other house plants, they need sunlight, water, fertilizer, and that they need to be pruned. There are many books, e-books and the like that teach people how to grow orchids and how to take care of them. Many people can learn through reading such books or by experience, by learning from other people's garden.

Orchids pruning is a very essential part in the orchids life because it is needed in order to maintain the growth of the orchid and improve its appearance. Orchid pruning also motivates new growth and more blossoms. In order to do orchid pruning correctly, it is important to know the type of the orchid you are growing.

Some orchids needs to be pruned when the flowers begin to wilt and for other types, pruning should be done when the stems turn brown. The tools used in pruning should be sterilized in order to avoid viruses that could leave a disease to the orchid. And please do not forget that it is important to know what and where to prune the orchids. The growth of the orchid is at risk in pruning so it is very important to know these things.

Pruning Orchids

Pruning is very essential in keeping the orchids clean and healthy, thus, providing more new rooms for flowers and leaves with its main aim of eradicating unwanted and unnecessary portions of the plant, such as diseased leaves or dead and broken aerial roots or branches.

There are numerous ways in determining the perfect timing for pruning such wonderful flowers, hence, it also depends on the variety of orchids. Pruning can be best performed during the months of October to November when there a no new blossoms and the orchids are believed to be inactive. However, some flowers may require to be pruned when they start wilting like in the case of phalaenopsis. Others may need to be trimmed down a little if the stems begins to turn brown.

On a special note, once yellow or black spots appear on the leaves it should be removed immediately to prevent it from further spreading to other parts of the plant. Also, you need to inspect the roots for any damages. By the time you're done pruning the roots, the orchids can now be transferred to a fresh potting medium.

Conversely, a pair of secateur shears is the most appropriate tool for pruning orchids giving flawless cuts without actually destroying the plant. Orchids are highly susceptible to infection and diseases, however, the tools used for caring these plants should be kept clean and sterile at all times. Be sure to wear gloves when cleaning the scissors with a diluted bleach solution.

Caring for orchids may be difficult and complicated, but if you studied the background of the plants well, and know the basics of pruning according to its specie, growing them in your garden or outdoors could be fun and worthwhile.

Secrets of Growing Orchids

When we are talking already about orchids, a lot have thought that growing them is a big nightmare to take care of and very delicate as many have been led to believe that it is. In fact, orchids are among the easiest of plants to culture just as any other plant.

But as a general rule, choose discreetly the types of orchids you will be growing that is in conformity in the area with which you area living. Despite being one of the most adaptable flowers, they tend to have a very specific habitat in which they thrive. And there are some things that you must know in order for your orchids to flourish and bloom.

The appropriate amount of light is probably the most crucial factor if your plants will survive and is necessary for its growth. Many made the mistake of assuming that orchids must be watered several times a week then they probably just wilted before you knew it. When watering your plants, take care not to wet the leaves. Just bear in mind that orchids can tolerate being too dry better than being too wet.

And when its time for orchids pruning, it is very important to remember of how far you cut back the flower stalk. You can prune your orchids within an inch from where it grows once the stalk turns yellow or brown. There are several reasons why this should be done in the right way for it helps in promoting new growth. It also increases structural strength and it regenerates old flowering branches.