Elegant and easy … orchids to grow indoors

Sunset, Jan, 1993 by Lauren Bonar Swezey

Repot after flowering before new roots are more than 1/2 inch long (they're often seen at the base of new growth). Use 1/4- to 1/2-inch-diameter fir bark. You can add perlite for water retention and aeration. Soak the bark overnight before using.

Water the orchid thoroughly. Then lay the pot on its side and gently tug out the plant (use a knife to loosen roots from the pot). Wash off any old bark that clings to the roots, and cut off any dark or rotted roots.

Position cattleya in the new container so old growth is nearest to the pot rim and new growth is at the center. The base of the plant should sit 1/2 inch below the pot rim. Stake large cattleyas.

Arrange paphiopedilum or phalaenopsis in the pot's center so bottom leaves sit on top of the bark, 1/2 inch below the rim. Set plants in a shady location for four to six weeks. Don't water for the first two weeks, then water sparingly for the first few months.

WHERE TO GET PLANTS BY MAIL

Ready-to-bloom plants cost from $17 to $35 for cattleya, $17 to $18 for paphiopedilum, and $15 to $30 for phalaenopsis. Catalogs are free unless otherwise noted.

Beall Orchid Co., 3400 Academy Dr. S.E., Auburn, Wash. 98002; (206) 735-1148.

The Rod McLellan Co., 1450 El Camino Real, South San Francisco 94080; (800) 237-4089. Brochure $2.

Stewart Orchids, Box 550, Carpinteria, Calif. 93014; (800) 621-2450, or 831-9765 inside California.