I'm Blue...Da Ba Dee Da Ba Die

True Blue
In my research on the "real" blue orchid I have found that the blue orchid is in fact an endangered species, due to the destruction of their natural growing environment. This of course saddens me, and now in my endeavor to make a fake blue orchid. I would also like a chance to help save the blue orchid.

The following website is centered on the blue orchid. The tips they give are very similar to what I do in my own home. http://www.ehow.com/how_2331187_grow-blue-orchids.html I will provide a shortened version here:

Step 1- Chose the correct pot...
Step 2- Chose the correct medium (dirt/soil)
Step 3- Provide appropriate light
Step 4- Feed them every 2 weeks
Step 5- Water
Step 6- Re-pot

Now here's what I do differently than their steps...

In step 1, choosing the correct pot, with my first orchid, I got what was called an "orchid pot" it was a tall, glazed pot with NO drain hole in the bottom. It was also glazed inside and out, making it a smooth surface on the inside. Now it is important to be sure not to water them too much or too often in a pot like this. Standing water will promote root rot. 

I do not do step 4 "feed them every 2 weeks" I will admit that I do not have the best discipline when it comes to remembering things like that, so I pot my orchids in Miracle Grow Orchid Mix. It feeds for 6 months and I do not have to remember to fertilize regularly. And, as in step 2 "select the proper medium" this mix is already perfect for the orchids. Also, because of the Miracle Grow soil, I tend to re-pot every 6-8 months, so they still get the proper fertilization.
When I re-pot I also trim off any roots that are rotten looking, or longer than 6-8 inches--now I've read plenty today about not trimming the healthy roots-and I don't go crazy-but my plants don't seem to mind. Also-I don't trim the healthy roots EVERY time I re-pot. So if you are not comfortable with trimming the healthy roots, just concentrate on the yucky ones. But an important part in trimming is be sure to use a CLEAN SHARP EDGE. you do not want to introduce bacteria into your orchid.

Healthy Roots = Healthy Plants.

Now back to the "real" blue orchids....

The best known wild blue orchids are: 

Acacallis Cyanea

A native to the upper  Amazon Basin.

This  plant can be grown in  conditions similar 

to Phalaenopsis Orchid (the most common  orchid found today)

Cattleya

Native to Costa Rica

Cattleya has thousands upon thousands of

registered hybrids.

Dendrobium

Native to Southeast Asia

These need more light, and more water , and

more fertilizer than the common Phalaenopsis.

Thelymitra Pauciflora

Native to Australia and New Zealand 

Called the Slender Sun Orchid

Vanda Coerulea

Native to Thailand

Can be grown in baskets. 

Flowering is irregular and rare

Beautiful aren't they? Now I wish I had my own! Preferably the Dendrobium. 

Now I am on a new mission. 

Tomorrow-Why food coloring changes the color of a plant!