Marietta Daisies Garden Club

6 Orchids to Brighten the January Blues

With the glooming winter settled in outside, bring some colorful elegant life indoors.

Fight the January blues with these happy plants.

1. Phalaenopsis ‘Sogo Vivien’ (Moth Orchid)

Our first choice is the familiar Phalaenopsis, often seen in grocery stores and garden centers. While many Phals are mass-produced, Phalaenopsis ‘Sogo Vivien’ stands out as a charming miniature variety.This compact orchid grows just 6–8 inches wide, making it perfect for windowsills. Despite its size, it produces multiple branched stems loaded with flowers, often creating the appearance of a soft cloud of blooms hovering above the plant.

2. Oncidium ‘Sharry Baby’ (Chocolate Orchid)

Next is the famous Oncidium ‘Sharry Baby’, beloved for its chocolate-like fragrance. The reddish-brown flowers with white markings are small—about an inch wide—but their scent is unmistakable and pleasantly strong without being overpowering.Oncidiums thrive in intermediate conditions: medium light (an east window or lightly shaded south window), moderate temperatures, and evenly moist—but not wet—conditions.

3. Phalaenopsis-Type Dendrobium

This is the most commonly grown type of Dendrobium, recognizable by its tall, slender canes and long-lasting flowers. These orchids are frequently used as cut flowers or edible garnishes and come in a wide range of colors including green, purple, blue, white, and pink.They prefer bright light, warm to hot temperatures, and slightly drier conditions, drying out more between waterings than many orchids.

4. Brassavola nodosa (Lady of the Night)

Representing the Cattleya alliance, Brassavola nodosa is known as the “Lady of the Night.” Its slender white flowers may look delicate, but they release an intensely fragrant scent after dark, especially in warm weather.Brassavolas are fast-growing, easy to bloom, and tolerate drying out better than many orchids. They love bright light and warmth and perform beautifully outdoors in summer with light shade.

5. Paphiopedilum spicerianum (Lady’s Slipper Orchid)

One of the most distinctive orchids, Paphiopedilum spicerianum features green petals, a green pouch, and a striking white dorsal sepal with a pink stripe. The foliage is usually green, sometimes edged with maroon speckling.Despite its unusual appearance, this orchid is surprisingly easy to grow. The key to success: keep it evenly moist at all times—never soggy and never completely dry.

6. Cymbidium (Cold-Flowering Types)

Finally, we chose a Cymbidium, most often sold as a cold-flowering variety. These orchids need cool winter temperatures to initiate blooming—something many buyers aren’t told.Cymbidiums should be kept outdoors through summer and fall, even tolerating nighttime temperatures in the 40s°F, until just before frost. This cool exposure signals the plant to bloom. They prefer bright light, consistent moisture, and regular feeding during the growing season.

Fertilizing & Pruning Tips

• Use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 at ¼ strength.

• Fertilize for three waterings, then flush with plain water on the fourth.

• After flowering, most orchids can have spent flower spikes cut back to their base.

Phalaenopsis exception:You may either cut the spike all the way back to encourage plant growth, or cut just above the third node from the base to possibly encourage a second bloom cycle.