Culture tips calendar
Seasonal Orchid Care, to read the complete article from the AOS click here
January and February
Cattleya
Watering and fertilizing will be at a minimum, as will potting.
Cymbidium
Flowering season, if growing outdoors be cautious of freezing and protect the plants from the rain.
Lycaste
Keep plants a little drier during the shorter days. Buds starting to form.
Odontoglossums
New growths generally emerge in the spring, look for the flower spikes to emerge from the inner sheath of the pseudobulb.
Paphiopedilum
The standard Paphiopedilum insigne-derived hybrids, are at their peak.There really is no wrong time to pot a paphiopedilum, and no other orchid responds so favorably to fresh mix and a cleanup.
Phalaenopsis
Now is the peak of spike development, with the first plants in full flower. Correct staking now will give a better display. Do not repot this month.
Zygopetalum
End of flowering season will provide a chance to do some repotting.
March and April
Cattleya
Increase water and fertilizer. Immediately after blooming is the best time to repot winter- and spring-flowering cattleyas.
Cymbidium
Blooming season, give adequate water. As new growths appear increase the nitrogen level in the fertilizer.
Dendrobium (Australian)
Hard-cane dendrobiums will be at their flowering peak.
Lycaste
End of its flowering season, good time to repot. As new growth emerges, provide ample fertilizer and water.
Miltoniopsis
Beginning of the flowering season.
Paphiopedilum
The summer-blooming types will be showing the first of their buds, heaviest repotting.
Phalaenopsis
March is the peak blooming month. Careful monitoring of watering and feeding.
Pleurothallids
If plants are not in flower, time to divide if needed or repot.
May and June
Cattleya
The last of the spring-flowering types -- those that flower from a ripened hard pseudobulb -- will be finishing, while the first summer-blooming types will be showing buds on their rapidly growing, soft pseudobulbs. Both may need potting, as signaled by deteriorating mix, this month. Stake the lead growth to avoid breakage. May can still present some changing light conditions that can lead to burning of the foliage if the plants have not been properly acclimatized. Allow them to build up their tolerance to higher light gradually.
Paphiopedilum
The Paphiopedilum Maudiae types will be well into their season now, so a careful eye should be used toward staking. Many of this type, if staked too soon, will develop nodding flowers that do not face the observer. It is better to allow the flowers to ripen naturally, then support the spike right below the ovary for best display.
Phalaenopsis
Except for the latest-spiking plants, all phalaenopsis should be ready for potting or already potted. Because phalaenopsis are tropical plants, they tend to be seasonal in their rooting behavior.This is absolutely the best time to repot a phalaenopsis.
July and August
Cattleya
High temperatures require careful attention to their watering and fertilizing needs and proper venting.
Paphiopedilum
Cooling and air circulation are especially critical. Ensure plants do not dry out.
Warmer-growing hybrids will be at the peak of their blooming.
Phalaenopsis
Months of maximum growth. Lots of heat and light call for liberal applications of water and fertilizer.
Cymbidium
Growths should be coming strong now. For mid-season varieties, lower the dosage of nitrogen to assist in spike initiation.
High-elevation Plants
For cooler-growing plants, such as masdevallias, these months will be a challenge. Keep plants more shaded and with higher humidity. Delay any potting until the weather cools.
Oncidium
Many of the intergeneric crosses will be blooming now. Train the spikes.
Vandaceous
Plants will be growing quickly now. Check flower spikes.
September and October
Cattleya
Water and fertilizer need to be in balance with heat and light. Plants summered outdoors should be brought back in.
Cycnoches
This little-known and under-appreciated genus, which can have male or female flowers, is at its best in the autumn.
Cymbidium
Early flowering varieties should be showing flower spikes, so move the plants into a cooler area with lower light.
Dendrobium
This is a good season for hybrids of the Dendrobium phalaenopsis. Fertilize with a low-nitrogen formula to promote blooms.
Rhynchostele bictoniensis
Both Rhynchostele bictoniensis and its hybrids bloom in this season.
Paphiopedilum
Standard, green-leaved paphiopedilums begin to show their bloom sheaths this month.
Phalaenopsis
The bulk of this season's growth is being ripened this month, with growers in cooler climates seeing the first emerging inflorescences.
November and December
Cattleya
Reduce frequency of watering and fertilizer, as the plants dry out more slowly.
Cool-Growing Orchids
Shorter days and lower light levels do not seem to bother them. Repot before winter arrives.
Cymbidium
Begining of the main cymbidium season.
Important things to do: stake inflorescences, watch for slugs and snails, and fertilize with a mild balanced formula regularly.
Oncidium crispum Complex
Give plants high light to produce strong upright inflorescences. Do not let the plants dry out while they are in bloom.
Paphiopedilum
While paphiopedilums rarely like to dry out entirely, water needs are significantly reduced, and lower nitrogen levels now for best flowering.
Phalaenopsis
Shortening days and cooler nights initiation in phalaenopsis. Fertilize with a "bloom booster" for the next few months.
Vandaceous
Decline in temperatures is not beneficial for vandaceous plants. Orient your plants to take advantage of as much light as possible. Reduce watering and feeding schedules.