Growing Orchids

Cultural advice is available for all the genera offered by Hillsview Gardens. Articles by Theresa Hill are available as downloadable PDF documents. Just click the links below. If you require any specific cultural advice please feel free to contact Theresa Hill at ~ orchids@hillsviewgardens.com

Masdevallia and Dracula Culture

Masdevallias and Draculas have a wide geographical distribution. The Masdevallias, being more diverse in their cultural requirements, are found at low and high elevations. Because of this great diversity, it is possible through careful selection to have Masdevallias and Draculas in bloom throughout the year. ~ Growing Masdevallia and Draculs

Masdevallia coccinea Culture

After spending much time researching the right fertilizer, the best mix, the desired light requirements, and the best water quality, issues concerning the cultivation of Masdevallia coccinea and orchids in general are clear. Cultivating orchids requires constancy, attention to detail and observation. There is no magic to growing orchids. Anyone who has spent time tending plants knows how special and rewarding it can be. It is the slow and constant gardener that always wins the prize.
~ Growing Masdevallia coccinea

Growing Miltoniopsis

The Miltoniopsis produce among the most beautiful and fragrant flowers in the Subtribe, Oncidiinae. These intermediate growers have long been misunderstood due to so much misinformation concerning their cultural requirements. Because hybrid Miltoniopsis are so far removed from the species, it is fair to say they posses a great deal of hybrid vigor. They grow quickly into specimen plants with great numbers of spikes and flowers, giving the grower, exquisite display plants for show and enjoyment! Cultural requirements well practiced will give Miltoniopsis plants that grow and flower year after year with ease! ~ Growing Miltoniopsis

Growing Complex Paphiopedilums

There are many good reasons for growing Complex Paphiopedilums. These hybrids offer the home grower ease of culture with attention to a few cultural requirements. Paphiopedilums produce large flowers that last for a month or longer and are ideal for indoor culture. The Complex Paphiopedilums are once again gaining favor among orchid enthusiasts and with good reason. They begin to flowert in the Fall, Winter and Spring, when the days are cold and dreary.

The Maudiae and Brachypetalum Type Paphiopedilums require warmer temperatures than the Complex Hybrids. This group is also ideal for indoor culture and the two types can be grown together. The Maudiae and Brachy types offer the grower plants with mottled foliage and are very attractive even when they are not in flower. Many of the Maudiae types will flower more than once during the year. The Brachy and Multifloral types do not flower but once a year. A good selection of these groups of plants gives a long and nearly continual bloom throughout the year. ~ Growing Complex Paphiopedilums