Here are more orchid-growing tips (continued from my last post)...
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Most orchids cannot be induced to break this dormancy until they are ready, but others, if conditions encouraging growth surround them when they normally rest, will begin premature growth.
If this happens, the flowers will not have a chance to mature and the plant will refuse to flower for a season.
For a weak plant this may be a good idea, but usually the grower expects a yearly flowering.
Other plants, notably deciduous Dendrobes, will throw new plantlets if watered during the rest period.
If a treatment inadvertently breaks dormancy, the amateur will be startled to find his collection increased by small additions, when what he expected was blooms.
Watching the roots is one means of judging a plant's needs.
Old roots that are still performing their special functions will be white and tough, and very hard to break.
Dead roots turn black and wet or dirty-brown and dry according to the cause of death.
If the plant needs to be removed from badly decomposed material and repotted, the roots may be green and slimy from fungus.
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I'll post more orchid care tips soon!
- Sara
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