Re-Blooming Butterfly Orchids

Phaleanopsis - Moth Orchids - is a terrible name for such a pretty flower. Therefore, they have been re-named (by me!) the Butterfly Orchid. I've discovered it's surprisingly easy to get them to re-bloom.

Over the weekend, I noticed a whole bunch of buds on the Butterfly Orchids. (I've been raising them for a few years, now.) It's anniversary time for them and for me, too.

I'm celebrating 10 long, lovely years of working from home, doing a little bit o' this and a little bit o' that. 

Started out as a marketing consultant. Evolved into a freelance writer. (Marketing people are expected to travel. Writers get to stay home and play in the garden.)

So, it's been 10 years, but I still can't get through a week without someone offering me career advice. 

You'd think they'd have given up long before now.

 Cymbidium Orchid
Don't limit yourself to one variety. They are easy keepers, deserving of a spot on your windowsill!

Has this ever happened to you? You make a monumental decision and it doesn't come lightly. 

Something in your life is broken and it needs to be fixed. You fret about it. Lose sleep over it. You wiggle your way through every worst and best case scenario.

Crunch and re-crunch those infernal numbers... you know. Those numbers = the income we all need to get by.

Dendrobium -  fussy - still worth the effort.

Essentially, you do everything in your power to insure it's a wise idea. This is, indeed, a gamble you'd like to take. In my case: I decided to become self-employed and work from home.

Happy with this decision, I announced it to my friends.

I quit my job! 

I am starting my own business!

I was  excited for the big group hug. Instead, all hell broke loose.

One negative observation after another. How will you survive? How will you pay your bills? Take a temporary job at my company ~ until you come to your senses.

Soak for 30 minutes once a week.

 Water + a highly diluted organic fertilizer seems to do the trick.

Sheesh! I understand that failure is a scary thing for lots of people. I fail so often I don't even think about it anymore. 

Can you train yourself to be different?
Well, of course you can!
Start by experimenting with Orchids!

Take heart in the fact that failure should absolutely be an option. Such is the case with Butterfly Orchids. It's just a plant. Give it a go! If she chooses to die, it's not your fault. Toss her in the compost pile and try it again.

Tips:

• Set yourself up for success by purchasing a blooming orchid potted with bark. Orchids potted with sphagnum moss (you'll see these at Home Depot, Lowes, etc. stores..) will remain too damp and won't flower as easily.
  
• My Phalaenopsis enjoy direct sunlight in winter, after they are finished blooming. 
• Every Sunday, I soak them for 30 minutes. 
• The diluted fertilizer, in the soak, gives them lots of nitrogen, for which they are eternally grateful.

PS: Inspect the stalks and and you should see tiny bumps where new buds are beginning to grow. During this time, she'll appreciate more sunlight.