Orchid Tip of the Month by Scot Mitamura

Here we are in the New Year and my what changes have we seen.  Who would have thought that we would experience such changes to our lives. 
 
For most of us, our orchids are one of the few things that have benefited from the extra time and care they have received from their home bound owners.  I am seeing a huge resurgence in growing orchids, house plants, and vegetable gardening. 
 
This brings some unexpected challenges.  Getting orchid supplies!  There is a terrible shortage of orchid bark, sphagnum moss, pots, bamboo stakes, and other orchid related supplies.  Some of it is due to a slowdown of harvesting, but much of it is just that the demand is so high.  Folks are staying home and working on their plants.  Spring is the time when supplies normally become plentiful and garden shops run their advertisements.  Hopefully we have enough to hold us until then. 
 
My advise this year is to acquire enough materials, plus some extra.  The commercial nurseries have really put a dent in supplies this past summer and fall, and I don't think supplies will improve much.  Can you imagine, people are actually hoarding orchid supplies!  If you are able to get supplies make sure you store all organic materials in cool dry areas.  This will keep them fresh longer and hopefully mold and fungus free.
 
With all this extra time spent on our orchids, many of us are seeing our orchids blooming better than ever.  Hopefully, one day we will have a show again, so we can share their beauty with others.
 
Aloha,
Scot