Frequently Asked Questions

Can you ship blooming orchids?

Orchids are best shipped with buds that are just about to open. We ship plants that will be flowering within a few of days of arrival. We'll always let you know exactly what stage of blooming the particular orchid you'd like is in.

Where can you ship orchids?

White Oak Orchids ships orchids through out the continental USA. Our own delivery trucks service the greater San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA.

What kinds of orchids or gifts are available?

We have selections from all genera of orchids all colors and sizes! Orchids can be shipped in nursery pots or as beautiful gifts, complete with decorative containers, moss and other fancy details. Please feel free to call or email us with your queries and we would be delited to complete your requests and dreams!

Are orchids hard to grow?

Not at all! Like any plant, orchids need light, water, food, air movement and correct temperatures to thrive. Your challenge to growing orchids is found in their amazing diversity. Orchids can be found in every environment on earth, from the frozen north lands to the steaming jungle. To grow them successfully, you must be able to simulate the environment they came from and offer the proper combination of conditions

How long do orchids bloom?

Certain species of orchids bloom for only a day. Others bloom continuously once they reach adulthood. Most of the popular orchids fall in between these extremes. Phalaenopsis bloom for 8 to 16 weeks. Cattleya types bloom for 2 to 3 weeks. Paphiopedilums bloom for 6 to 16 weeks.

When do orchids bloom?

The prime blooming season is winter and spring. That said, in a large greenhouse with many species represented, something can be blooming all year long.

What kind of light do orchids need?

The type of orchids you're growing will determine how much light the plants will need. Cattleyas and most Dendrobiums will need lightly filtered light for 6 to 8 hours a day. Oncidiums and many orchid hybrids will need partial sun (lightly shaded sunlight all day). Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilums will need partial shade (no direct sun, shaded light all day).

How much water do orchids need?

Most orchids would like to be evenly moist, not wet. You always have a water tester handy-- your index finger inserted into the growing medium up to the first knuckle will tell you what condition the mix is in. If it feels damp, no water is needed. If it feels dry, water away! Water should flow freely through the mix and drain almost immediately. Do NOT water your orchids with ice cubes. Most commonly grown orchids are tropical plants. Ice will damage their roots and discourage blooming. Do NOT use ice cubes!

Do orchids have fragrance?

Many orchids have very strong scents. Some are easily identified as floral. Cinnamon, vanilla or bubble gum like scents are common. Others are unique to that particular orchid. Some orchids have nasty smells that attract flies and other carrion lovers. Beware of the orchid that has the color of rotting meat. It might smell like it as well!

Are orchid short lived?

Not in the least! With proper care and attention, most are very long lived. At the San Francisco Conservatory, a Coelygne pandurata that was collected in the 1860's still thrives and blooms. Through divisions or propagations, orchids discovered long ago still delight with their blossoms!

Why do orchids need air movement?

Air movement helps to evaporate water around the orchids. Almost all orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow on trees in nature. They've evolved to need air circulation to keep their roots and leaves healthy. Air movement prevents bacterial and fungal infections from forming as well.

What temperatures do orchids need?

There are three broad categories of temperature ranges for orchids:

Warm - Hot: 60 to 85 degrees F These include Cattleyas and Dendrobiums

Intermediate: 55 to 70 degrees F These include Oncidiums, most orchid hybrids, Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilums.

Cool: 50 to 65 degrees F These include Cymbediums, Odontoglossums, Miltoniopsis and Masdevallias.

What should I feed my orchids?

A balanced food is best for orchids. Balanced means that the three numbers on the front of the fertilizer bottle should be the same or very close to the same. Read the directions on the bottle and feed 1/2 strength in the summer and 1/4 strength in the winter every time you water. Yes, every time you water! Weakly weekly covers it!

Why did my buds fall off?

The main culprit in bud drop is a temperature fluctuation. Rapid changes in temperature around the orchid can cause buds to yellow and drop. The other reason to lose buds has to do with pollution. Smoking around your orchids is a big no no! Sulfur dioxide and ethylene from smog and fumes from pilot lights on heaters or stoves are other sources of pollution that can cause bud drop.

Why are my orchid leaves turning brown and falling off?

Old leaves commonly brown and fall off the plant. This is part of the plant's natural process. As new leaves and bulbs are produced, the plant uses the energy in the old leaves to help to create the new ones. Once spent, the old leaves yellow and brown and fall off. If your new leaves are turning yellow, check a number of things. How much light is the plant getting? Too much light for that particular species can cause yellowing. If the new growths are turning brown, you may have a rot problem. Water your orchids in the morning to help combat this problem. Check the condition of your mix (Has it turned to mud? Repot immediately if this is the case.) Remove the mushy parts with a sterile tool, repot into fresh mix and offer a prayer to the plant goddess for new growths and success!

My orchids are sending out roots all over the place. They look gangly and wild. What do I do?

Rejoice!! Your orchids are behaving exactly as epiphytes are supposed to behave. They love to send out roots to attach to the trees they evolved to live upon. Since they don't grow on trees in your home or greenhouse, your mission as an orchid grower is to encourage them to grow more roots and be happy when you see them everywhere. More roots mean more flowers!

When do my orchids need repotting?

Most orchids need a new mixture every 2 to 3 years. It's best to repot them when they're showing signs of new growths and new roots

What should I repot my orchids in?

Most orchids thrive in a fir or pine bark mixture. You can add perlite and charcoal to help keep the mixture open and porous. There are two basic sizes of bark: fine and large. Use the fine bark for oncidium types, paphiopedilums, cymbediums and other finely rooted types. Use the large bark size for cattleyas and phalaenopsis. There are many other kinds of potting material available such as New Zealand spagnum moss and different types of rock useful for orchid potting material. Your choice of potting material depends on the types of orchids, as well as the area in which you grow your plants.