I make no bones about having more success with outdoor plants than I do with indoor ones. That’s why I’ve been so excited this winter to have an orchid I bought last year rebloom.

Last April I went to a presentation at the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City. I love orchids and I had success for several years with one until I repotted it and it was downhill from there on in. So it was with great trepidation that I bought another but - in typical plant geek style - I just couldn’t resist.

This presentation, done by two gardeners with a real focus on orchids gave me a number of takeaways, but the ones I’ve used continually won’t be a surprise to any gardener. I’ve been careful to water correctly (1/4 cup each week), fertilize appropriately and I’ve made sure that my orchid got enough light to grow well without putting it in a window where it could potentially get a sunburn. I’ve also put it in a room with cool temperatures at night and warmer temps during the day and in an area of the house (bathroom with a shower AND tub) where the humidity is higher during our drying winters.

The results you can see for yourself. This year’s orchid rebloom is on the left and the one from several years ago is on the right. I’m thrilled and I hope you will be too.

I would be remiss if I didn’t give a big thank you to presenters from the Northwestern Michigan Orchid Society - Jan Rygwelski & Jim Scrivener - and to the Botanic Gardens at Historic Bars Park in Traverse City, MI for the great program and the great information I’ve gotten from the American Orchid Society that are helping me become a better orchid grower.