Have you ever been gifted an orchid? I have received two over the years. They were beautiful when in bloom but I did not know how to care for them or have the patience to wait until they bloomed again.

Since hearing Juliette and Albert St. Pierre’s talk at our meeting in March, I now know that orchids are a tricky plant. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to say that the St. Pierre’s are in love with orchids!

They have a 16 by 24 foot greenhouse in their yard that is filled with orchids.

Oh, they also have a few in the house and in the garden. Albert ordered their first orchid 53 years ago, when they were first married. They still have it!

Many of us are familiar with the most common orchid, the phaleanopsis. This is the one with a series of blooms along one stem.

If you are looking to purchase one, select one that still has a few unopened buds on it. This will be a younger plant and will give you more blooms.

This orange orchid, with its lovely delicate blooms, is called a Cattleya.

Juliette strongly suggests that when you buy an orchid you should ask for directions on care for that particular type. Generally, orchids need to get quite a bit of light but not direct sunlight.

This yellow flower is also an orchid. It is a dendrobium. Who knew there were so many types of orchids?

These are adorably cute mini orchids!

Albert trimmed and transplanted a few orchids to show us how easy it is to do.

When transplanting, Juliette suggests you only use a pot that is about an inch or two larger than the one the plant is currently in.

The planting mediums they use are fir bark or sphagnum moss. The amount of water needed depends on the medium used. Remember that orchids don’t want to be too wet. Too much water could result in root rot.

A couple more hints:

– Keep your orchids cool in the Fall to help with reblooming.

– Cinnamon will help prevent infection if put on any small cuts you may have on a plant.

– Hardy orchids that can grow in the garden prefer the NorthEast side of the house.

– You can purchase orchids in Michigan and bring them back for your own collection but not for resale.

The St. Pierres have displayed their orchids at many shows and have won several ribbons for them.

When I think of all of the chores (e.g., planting, trimming, watering, transplanting, fertilizing, etc.) and time required to keep that greenhouse going, I am amazed that the St. Pierres call it fun!