We've got some gorgeous new flowering plants in our tropical greenhouse this month! There are flowering bulbs, azaleas, bromeliads, gloxinia, cyclamen, several varieties of primroses, kalanchoes, calandivas, african violets, and some stunning orchids.
If you like your flowers to be scented, check out the flowering bulbs like tulips and hyacinths, the different shades of the Primula malacodies (each color has a different scent!), and the Sharry Baby Oncidium orchids.
As soon as you step into our greenhouse, you can smell those orchids. They are also called Chocolate Orchids because the scent is reminiscent of hot chocolate and vanilla.
The flowers of a Sharry Baby or Chocolate Orchid are fairly small, about 1 to 1.5 inches, and a pleasant though unspectacular red or burgundy and white color (see above photo). But they make up for their small size with their powerful scent and large sprays of flowers. Give these orchids morning sun. You'll see black spots on the leaves if there's too much light, but the foliage turns dark green if there's not enough light. Water often enough so the soil mix dries down about 1 inch - probably twice every week. If new growths shrivel and the older leaves start to "accordion", you will need to increase watering and even mist the leaves in the mornings. Fertilize weekly while the orchid is actively growing, spring through fall, but reduce the amount of water and fertilizer during the winter until you see new growth. To help trigger new flower spikes in the fall, drop night temperatures to 60 degrees F for several weeks. You'll want to stake the flower spikes as they grow because they can get up to 3 feet in length! These are easy orchids to grow, and easy to flower again and again. Cute little flowers, fantastic fragrance, who needs anything more?
Our retail seed rack is up on display in the shop. There's some fun new varieties of flowers, herb, and perennials we've never carried before, too! Stop in and check them out. It's almost time to start your seeds inside, so don't delay!