Vanilla Orchids

  • COLORFUL BLOOMS
  • EASY-TO-GROW
  • VINING FLOWER

The Vanilla Orchid is grown for curiosity more than the flower. The fleshy green leaves grow in a zig-zag pattern clinging to the bark by aerial roots formed by each leaf node. The plant can climb up to 30 feet tall when it then produces the flower and the seed pods. The blooms are yellow-green with a yellow-orange labellum resembling the Cattleya flower. Since the Vanilla is vining, a stake or trellis should be used for support.

Care Requirements

LIGHT

Vanilla orchids prefer a partially shaded location. An east or west window will work if the plant is shaded from the intense mid-day sun.

WATERING​

The Vanilla orchid is tropical and prefers a moist climate. The humusy soil or potting medium should be kept evenly moist at all times. If the soil is too wet, the roots may rot. If too dry, they can shrivel or burn, especially in hot weather. Humidity should be kept high. This can be obtained either with a humidifier, a humidity tray, or a tray of pebbles and water, which is kept under the pot.

TEMPERATURE

Warm temperatures are beneficial to the Vanilla Orchid. Daytime temps should be kept around 80-85 degrees. Lower nighttime temps are preferred by most plants, including the Vanilla, and should be around 60-65 degrees.

FERTILIZER

Vanilla orchids are vigorous growers, so they need more food than more slow-growing orchids. A balanced fertilizer (20-20-20) is recommended with fewer feedings during the winter months. Since Vanilla orchids do not produce flowers until they reach maturity, a bloom booster is not important.

Vanilla Orchid | City Floral Garden Center - Denver

Our Advice

Vanilla orchids are strong growers and always want to grow up. It’s best to plant Vanilla orchids in a well-draining pot with fir bark and an orchid mixture. You will need a stake or a pole for the flower to cling to and train the vine to grow up. 

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Care Requirements

LIGHT

Hydrangeas do well in partially shaded areas like under a large tree or on the side of a house. They like to receive sun in the morning, and the partial shade is in the heat of the afternoon. In Colorado, too much full sun will cause them to get sunburned.

SOIL

Hydrangea shrubs need to have well-draining soils that is rich in organic matter. Most Colorado soils will benefit from the addition of peat moss and compost that helps retain moisture. The pH determines the colors of the blooms. Acidic soil will give you blue flowers, and alkaline soil gives you pink flowers.  

FERTILIZER

If hydrangea shrubs are given too much high-nitrogen fertilizer, they may grow full and lush, but there will be fewer flowers. If the soil is rich, fertilizer is not needed. Otherwise, a light application in March or April may be warranted.

WATERING

Make sure to water your hydrangea shrubs regularly. Those big blooms require a lot of water to stay lush and full. About one inch of water throughout the week is ideal. If they receive more sun give them at least two inches during the hotter summer days.

Our Advice

  • Allium flowers need full sun for the best blooms. 
  • Plant allium bulbs when temperature is consistently in the low 60’s or lower. 
  • Allium bulbs and flowers enjoy having soil that is well-draining and has organic matter. Amend the soil with top soil, compost and organic material. 
  • Fertilize when planting the allium bulbs with either Espoma Organic Bulb-tone or Hi Yield Dutch Bulb Food. Applying fertilizer at least 3″ below bulb will make sure the roots get the most from the fertilizer. 
  • Plant allium bulbs 4 – 6 inches deep with the old roots facing the ground and the pointed end facing up. 
  • Water the planted area immediately after planting but no additional watering in fall or spring is necessary. 
  • Apply a 2 – 3 inch layer of  mulch to the planing area in mid to late fall. 

Endless Summer Hydrangea Varieties

THE ORIGINAL

TWIST AND SHOUT

SUMMER CRUSH

BLOOMSTRUCK

BLUSHING BRIDE

Oakleaf Hydrangea Varieties

Ruby Slippers

Munchkin

Other Hydrangea Varieties

Limelight

Little Lime

Blue Enchantress

Quickfire

Little Quickfire

Pinky Winky

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