Orchid care in the fall.

Sunday is watering day for my orchids.  Because it rained last week, I haven't really looked at them for a couple of weeks.  Did they have a surprise for me!  There are buds everywhere popping out of their sheaths.  My dendrobiums have been beautiful but are on the downside of their bloom.  Now the cattleyas are getting ready to burst forth.  The orchid is a wonderful plant.  It likes to be ignored provided you keep bugs to a minimum.  I use Neem oil for that.
The first Monday in December is the annual Sarasota Orchid Society auction.  I can't wait.  It is an opportunity to bid on some different, healthy orchids.  Last year I bought three and all are alive and well today.  Wonder who will be joining us this year...

Fall in Florida means dendrobium

 We have had a long hot summer in southwest Florida.   My orchids were not blooming and with good reason.  And then as if to herald fall, the dendrobium burst into full bloom.

Both of these plants were frozen back to nothing winter before last so this is a particularly special display.  I was tempted to throw them out but at the base, there appeared to be life.   Orchids are much hardier than we believe.  If they can grow and flourish under my care, they have to be hardy.