The general rule for plant care is "less light, less water," but we know that some of the pickier plants need special care. That's what this section is for. Specifically for the plants we carry, we offer tips and care on our exotics.

Need more care information? Visit The American Orchid Society.

Bromeliad

The foliage of the Bromeliad is often colorfol and can range from thick, hearty wide spikes to thin, silvery grey slivers. They vary greatly in the leaf patterning, from vibrant solids to stripes.

These aren't your traditional plant. Bromeliads in their natural habitat form off of other plants or trees, so their root system is more of an attachment system, rather than a normal feeding root.

One of the best things about a Bromeliad is its care. They're extremely simple to keep alive, and last for a long time.

Light: Bromeliads often prefer bright, but filtered, light. Direct high sun will usually burn the leaves. In their natural habitat they would probably have some shade by their host, so keep that in mind.

Water: Try to keep the root system moist, but don't overwater. Remember their natural habitat: they live on trees, rocks, or any other kind of thing, so their roots don't require extra wet conditions. their water is stored in the folds of the leaves, so when you do water, drip the water into the center of the plant, between the folds of leaves.

Tip: If the leaves turn brown, you may have too much salt in your water. Again, think of their natural habitat and remember that they salt-free water, like rain- or distilled water to drink.

Cymbidiums

Light: Cymbidiums enjoy outside indirect light as much as possible, and coll bright light inside. The leaves should be a rich golden green. If the leaves darken, you may need to get them a little more light.

Enviroment: Cymbidiums are a little more hearty than some of the other varieties of orchids. They originate along coastal climates, but can handle extremes: a low of 29 - 30 and a high well into the 90s for spurts. Generally, they prefer to have normal coastal-climate light and templature.

Water: Here, in Carmel or anywhere on the oeninsula, it is often cool enough to water every 5-7 or days. In warmer areas, water a little more often.

Tip: After they're all bloomed, plant them in the ground.

Phalaenopsis

Light: Phalaenopses like bright but cool light like morning light, but not afternoon direct light, so keep them filtered; think of them much like delicate people; direct hot sun will burn them.

Enviroment:Keep orchids in a comfortable living environment as to delicate humans. Daytime temperatures shouldn't exceed 85°F and at night shouldn't go lower than 60°F.

Tip: If the leaves yellow immediately, your phael is getting too much sun. Move it to a slightly less direct area.

Dendrobium

Light:Indirect, but ample light. Pay attention to the colors of the leaves to determine if the plant is getting enough or too much light. Dendrobium leaves should be a nice golden-green. Dark green leaves indicate a lack of light; yellow leaves indicate too much light.

Enviroment:Warm temperatures 75°- 90°F with good air movement to prevent mold. If mold occurs, gently wipe down the plant with mild soap and water solution.

Water:Dendrobium prefer to be dry. Lift Dendrobium out of pot to feel its weight. When light, water. These guys like to be neglected.

Cattleya

Light:Cattleya's performance depends mostly on the kind of light you give them. They prefer a little direct light - about 50% of the time, but no direct sun in the middle of the day when it's strongest because it can burn the plant.

Tip:Leaves should be medium green in color; too much sun will yellow; too little will darken.

Enviromet:Cattleya prefer a nice, comfortable human living temperature: 70° - 85° day temps; no lower than 55° at night.

Water:Cattleya like humidity in the air, and like to have their roots relatively dry.

Paphiopedilum (lady Slipper)

Lighting & Temprature:Paphiopdilums like moderate light in or near a sunny space, and prefer the warmth (but not heat) of light. To be safe, keep in or near a window that provides early or late light but not midday. Paps like the same kinds of comfortable temperatures as humans. Keep away from chills or drafts.

Water:Water Paps 1-2 times a week, depending on how much light they get. More light, more water. After watering, do not let the pots stand in water. Use some sort of irrigating material such as rocks or pebbles to keep the plant from drowning.

Oncidiums · Wild Cat · Sherry Baby · Sweet Sugar

Lighting & Temprature:Best in a place facing north or south to get about a half day's light. Like other orchids, paying attention to their leaves will give you direction. If an oncidium's leaves are bleaching, it's probably getting too much light. Oncidiums prefer warmer climates, no lower than 50°F at night.

Water:Water sparingly. Most orchids prefer to be on the dryer side. Lift the pot, and when it feels like there is no more water left, then give it a drink.

Tip:If you've accidentally starved it, you can flush water through the roots and let it soak it in a cup for a couple hours, but be sure to take it out or you could rot the roots.

Brassia

Lighting & Temprature:These guys like a fair amount of light. As always, never high direct sun and preferrably bright, but filtered light. Temperatures should range from 55°-60° at night; 80 °-80° during the day. Very warm termperatures are tolerated if there is enough moisture and ventilation are present.

Water:Like Miltonia, Brassias should not be allowed to completely dry out between waterings. Water every 3-5 days.

Tip:The warmer it becomes, the more water and air movement these guys need. They're a lot like delicate people, just remember how you would treat a child and you'll be fine.

Miltonia

Lighting & Temprature:Medium, filtered, bright light with a fair amount of humidity and ventilation to protect their leaves from the sun. Moderate to warm temperatures appreciated: 50°-60° at night; 65°-80° during the day.

Water:Water Miltonias every 3-5 days, or as they feel dry, but not bone dry.

Tip:If you see an accordian like pleating on the leaves as they grow, you are not watering enough.

Zygopetalum

Lighting & Temprature:Zygos like moderate light (imagine the kinds of shade they'd get in the rainforest). On occasion, give the li'l fellas a mist of water from a spraybottle. They like a little extra light, but don't ever place them in full sun - they are orchids, after all. They prefer a warmer environment - no lower than 50°, and preferrably around 60°F night temperatures.

Water: Wait for zygos to be pretty dry before watering, about every 5-7 days in between. Mist on occasion.

Enviroment:Zygopetalums' natural habitat are in the rain forest, so we should try to mimic that sort of environment as best we can in the home.

Intergenerics

Lighting & Temprature & Water:Follow general orchid care. Filtered, bright or cool light (morning), generally human-comfort temperatures, and water every 4-6 days.