Orchids on the cheap

The other item that is adding fresh life to my condo these days are my fresh orchids. Turns out one of the largest and most renowned orchid growers in the nation is located right here in Chicagoland! What are the odds - considering that our cloudy and drab winters are certainly not ideal for orchids. Hausermann's Orchids is located in Villa Park (just east of Lombard and west of O'hare) and their greenhouse is open to the public. Their orchids are gorgeous, well cared for, inexpensive, and of course will last a lot longer than plants you purchase at the grocery store. I bought two gorgeous flowering plants for about $15 each (and they weren't even in the sale section!)

I've heard it said the best way to care for orchids is to water them using 3 ice cubes once a week. However when I questioned the professionals at Hausermann's they said that will not allow for proper drainage. One should instead wait until the soil or moss is completely dried out, remove the plant from its pot, take it to the sink, thoroughly water, and allow it to properly drain. Repeat once the soil dries up again. Hausermann's also has a wonderful selection of pottery and planting accessories. They also offer delivery to the entire Chicagoland area as well as ship to many places in the midwest. Of course if you have a green thumb (I most certainly do not) you can continue to care for your orchid after its blooms have faded and it will rebloom. This requires lots of sunlight and minimal watering.

Following are some photos of my new orchids.