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A date with awesome orchids

Orchids are fancied for their exquisite flowers that are a visual delight during the blooming season in February-March.

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Amarjeet Singh Batth

Orchids are fancied for their exquisite flowers that are a visual delight during the blooming season in February-March. Though the blooming season lasts for just a few weeks, the flowers havelong shelf life hence hybrids are much in demand. Orchids are perennials, the ones that grow on trees are called ‘epiphytes’, those growing on rocks are referred to as ‘lithophytes’, and the ones growing on ground are called the ‘terrestrial’ . A few of these also grow on rotting logs or decaying organic matter are known as ‘saprophytes.  

In our region, however, it is the ‘epiphytes’ or air-plants that are more popular. These need a continuous flow of air current and  thus, must be grown in hanging baskets or perforated pots. A location with diffused sunlight should  be preferred as exposure to direct sunlight can cause ‘sun burn’ in the form of black patches on leaves. The bright or light green colour of leaves indicates that the plant has been receiving right amount of sunlight. Moisture is another important growth parameter. Orchids flourisg in moderate moisture which can be maintained by intermittent misting. Watering requirement, however, is not uniform throughout the year and may vary from one variety to another.

Choosing the right variety

Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis and some Vandas have been observed to adapt well to our climatic conditions.

Growing tips  

Epiphytic orchids are not planted like the terrestrial orchid varieties. The growing medium must be firm and yet well-aerated so the roots can attach themselves, while at the same time allowing the aeration necessary for their proper function. It consists of a porous medium such as coconut husk, wood chips, half-burnt charcoal and pieces of bricks or mixed in equal proportion. Perforated earthen pots 4-6-8 inch diameter with good drainage should be used. The growing medium is then filled in the pots. These can also be potted in the shell of a coconut or slatted baskets or rafts of wood. Do not fiddle with air roots, let these grow anyway as they help the plant growing better.

Fertiliser rich in NPK (10:10:10) can be sprayed once a month and a dose of nitrogenous fertiliser should be sprayed only during the growth period. Aphids and Thrips attack the new growth, flowers and buds. Scale insects form a brown or black crust on leaves and stems. Mealy bugs also attack the leaves

Post bloom care 

Once the bloom is over the main stalk at the tip turns brown then dries up. This is the time to cut to the first node which is closest to the base so that new roots to begin to grow. Use sterile razors to trim and cut orchids to prevent the spread of any disease from one plant to another plant. The right time to re-pot is during its dormant phase after the bloom.

Orchidium

An Orchidium gives protection to the plants from the extremities of climate in summer and winter months. A net providing shade of 35-50 per cent can cut scorching sunlight and maintain air circulation. Install a regular misting arrangement to manage humidity and place a few plants with thick foliage to hold humidity. A fan can also effectively control temperature and keep the leaves dry preventing fungal and pest infestation. Maintain night temperature at around 15 degrees and day temperature range from 22 to 27 degrees C.

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