Caring for your moth orchid
Christopher Ryan, manager of the orchid collection in Kew Gardens' Tropical Nursery, demonstrates how to care for your Phalaenopsis (or moth ...
Orchids are flourishing in Howick
Brian Maine was introduced to the realm of horticulture as a teenager.
He sold beer bottles to raise 30 shillings to buy a daffodil plant and he never looked back.
The superannuitant now claims to have more than 1000 orchid plants growing in his backyard.
And his collection keeps growing.
Mr Maine has been breeding moth orchids since the 1970s.
"I was first introduced to the plants in Japan," he says. "I was just overwhelmed by the price of them."
No one he knew of grew orchids in New Zealand at that time Mr Maine says.
"I thought I'd give it a go myself."
The former engineer says a lot of skill goes into regulating the temperature to allow orchids to grow in New Zealand's temperate climate.
His greenhouse hosts an array of equipment to ensure it remains at 20 degrees and has enough humidity.
The hobby flourished when Mr Maine retired in 1985. His wife Jean says flourished is an understatement.
"I'm what's called an orchid widow," she says.
moth orchids - News
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Orchids: Clay-aggregate balls reduce need for repotting Light needs: For low light (east window), choose phalaenopsis (moth orchids), paphiopedilum (slipper orchids) and seedlings. For medium light (south, and more » |
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From home collection to multi-million dollar conservatory During your visit to the conservatory, you'll also see more common species like the Phalaenopsis, or moth orchid, and Paphiopedilum, or lady slipper orchid, Beautifully easy: Society members take the exotic out of orchidsall 7 news articles » |
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ORCHID MURDER AND MAYHEM If you are a bit intimidated, might I suggest that you start with 'Moth Orchids-The Complete Guide to Phalaenopsis' (2008) by Steven A. Frowine. |
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Caring for house plants is not that difficult Take the moth orchid as an example. It evolved in the wet tropics to live on trees as an epiphyte, taking moisture from the air and bark. |
A Sweet Journey
when TSC moved to establish an agricultural development center equipped with a greenhouse and related facilities there to cultivate moth orchids.
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