If You Like Antiques, Try Antique Plants

By: Keith Markensen

Do you value the past? If so, you may already own some antique
furniture. But did you know there are living antiques, too? They
exist in the form of plant species called heirloom plants that
have been passed down for generations.

Perhaps the finest of these heirloom plant species is the
orchid. While many people think orchids require a great deal of
maintenance, several varieties, such as Paphiopedilum, are
surprisingly easy to care for. Popular with orchid enthusiasts
for hundreds of years, Paphiopedilum orchids have large, bold
blooms that are so colorful as to be a focal point in any room.

Another popular orchid variety is the cattleya orchid, which
sends up stalks covered with clusters of small blossoms.
Cattleya comes in yellow, pink and white as well as other, more
subtle colors.

To care for either of these orchid varieties, you will need a
potting mix specially made for orchids, a terra cotta pot, and a
tray filled with small pebbles. Most purchased orchids come in
small plastic pots or as bare root plants which are not
currently growing in soil. If you bought the potted variety,
remove it from the pot. Fill the clay pot with potting mix and
place the orchid into the mix at the same depth as it was in the
plastic pot.

The best way to water orchids is to place them under tepid
running water for about two minutes. Allow the pot to drain
thoroughly, as standing water in the pot will kill an orchid.
Place the pot on the pebble filled tray and place the potted
orchid and tray in an area that receives indirect sunlight. Be
sure to check the plant once a week and re-water if the soil is
dry.

Flower bulbs are also popular heirloom plants, which have been
cultivated for hundreds of years. Bulbs are hardy enough to
thrive and multiply despite years of neglect. This is why new
varieties of heirloom bulbs are continually being discovered.

Daffodils are an especially prolific bulb and comes in many
varieties, from the small, true daffodils to the larger
narcissus. They are also available with many different petal
shapes and may be scented or unscented. If you like scented
blooms, you may also want to consider hyacinths, which are known
for their strong fragrance and vivid colors.

You will find that any bulb variety you choose is easy to grow.
Start by filling a container with potting soil, leaving the top
six inches of the pot empty. Place the bulb, narrow end up, onto
the soil, then cover with soil to the top of the container. If
the weather is still cold, place the container in a cold,
sheltered area like a shed or garage.

When springtime comes place the pots in a sunny window inside
the house, watering them regularly until they sprout. Once you
see blooms, plant the bulbs in your garden. If your landscaping
plans do not include bulbs, you may discard them and buy new
ones the next year.

So if you love to collect antiques, why not try collecting
plants, too?

Article Source: https://www.collectibles-articles.com

Keith Markensen sees everyday why so many individuals get frustrated with the topic of outdoor wireless rock speakers. Encounter www.plant-care.com it's visited by thousands each day because of quality content in the world of houseplants, landscape and lawn.

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