Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Sunday - August 31, 2008

From: Spalding, NE
Region: Midwest
Topic: Herbs/Forbs
Title: Care for an orchid
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I have another question. How do I care for an orchard. I have had it close to a year and it hasn't grown. How much water do they take.

ANSWER:

We are really hoping that you meant orchid, not orchard. We know about tree care, but caring for a whole orchard of trees might be a bit much. So, we'll give you information we can find on caring for an orchid. If that's not right, get back to us, and we'll try again.

There are literally thousands of orchids found around the world. We searched our own Native Plant Database on Family Orchidaceae, and then Narrow Your Search for Nebraska. This gave us the names of 20 orchids that are native to your state. Since we have no way of knowing what orchid you have, native or non-native, we are going to refer you to the American Orchid Society. On the home page of that site, follow the link to Orchid Information, and then to Orchid Basics. By hunting around on that website, we believe you'll get answers to your questions on orchids. 


Corallorhiza maculata

Corallorhiza odontorhiza

Cypripedium parviflorum

Dactylorhiza viridis

Galearis spectabilis

Platanthera hyperborea

Spiranthes lucida

Triphora trianthophora

 

 

 

 

 

More Herbs/Forbs Questions

Is Cerinthe major toxic to cats in Gresham, OR
March 14, 2013 - Hi, I was wondering about whether a specific plant was poisonous or not specifically to cats.. I've done a lot of searching and can't find anything on whether or not this plant is considered toxi...
view the full question and answer

Apples, pears and geraniums in Kipling, Saskatchewan
March 30, 2013 - My geranium's leaves became yellow - Why? Where can I buy a good nice apple tree? Will apples and pears grow in south Saskatchewan?
view the full question and answer

Stick with tried and true plants for a green roof in New York
May 12, 2013 - If I use Virginia creepers in a ground covered application for a green roof, how much soil should I provide depth wise?
view the full question and answer

Shade tolerant Wildflowers for Oklahoma City
April 16, 2012 - I live in Oklahoma City. I'm not in town very often, and am seeking low maintenance plants. I have MANY trees in my backyard, which makes it quite shady. I have raised beds amongst my rock garden ...
view the full question and answer

Companion plants for irises
April 22, 2007 - Hello...what do you suggest as a companion plant for irises? I live in the Texas Hill Country. Thanks.
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.