Phaelenopsis
so read on and learn more about how you can grow orchids. One of her favourite sayings was that orchids are not difficult to grow – just grow the orchid that suits the conditions in your home……and be careful as growing orchids can be addicting!
Paphiopedlum
Part I – Paphiopedilum
When growing orchids, it is important to purchase sensibly. Also, for beginners it is more satisfying to buy mature plants that are in bloom. Purchase plants that will suit your growing conditions and also try to duplicate the natural growing conditions of the plant.
An easy orchid to begin with is the Paphiopedilum (paf-ee-oh-ped-i-lum), commonly called the slipper orchid. They were first brought into cultivation in 1819 and are found naturally throughout much of tropical Asia to northern India and the lowlands of the Philippines. The different species are found at various elevations in their natural range. Most are terrestrial (ground-dwelling), but a few are also lithophytic (cliff-perching). While they all trace their ancestry to tropical forests of Southeast Asia, most of the paphs of easy culture today are hybrids developed from the original jungle-dwelling species.
A cup-like lip called the pouch characterizes the flowers of paphs and by a prominent dorsal sepal, which is often large and strikingly coloured. The flowers of most have a thick, fleshy appearance, and may be so glossy that they seem almost to have been polished. An individual flower remains on the plant for up to four months. The plants have stiff, waxy or leathery leaves that are usually either glossy green or mottled. Masses of hairy roots are abundant in the potting medium of well- established plants.
The best way to care for any plant is to provide growing conditions that resemble those found in its native land. Since most of these plants would normally inhabit a shaded jungle floor, they are intolerant of direct, intense sunlight. An east window, which exposes them to direct sun only in the early morning, is ideal.
They require high humidity of at least 40 to 50 percent along with gentle but steady air circulation. A small fan in a far corner of the room or a ceiling fan will maintain circulation. Avoid cold drafts as they can cause the flower buds to blast (brown and die). Standing the pots on shallow pans of pebbles and water helps increase the humidity directly around them.
Most paphs are considered “cool growers” with low light requirements. Daytime temperatures should fall in the range of 21 to 27 C (70 to 80 F). The green-leafed paphs prefer minimum night-time temperatures of about 10 to 13 C (50 –55 F), while those with mottled leaves require night temperatures a few degrees warmer.
Finely chopped fir bark makes an excellent growing medium, but bottom drainage should be enhanced with something like styrofoam “peanuts.” Since they cannot store water, paphs require regular watering, but the medium should never be completely saturated or root rot is likely. Watering should be done early in the day so the foliage can dry before night.
Only mild fertilization is required, so fertilizing with 30-10-20 at about 1 ml/L (1/8 tsp/gal) every six weeks is probably adequate. You may use 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp.) of oyster shell on top of the potting mix to add some additional lime.
Part II – Phalaenopsis
Growing orchids is a very satisfying thing to do. They will grace your home with colour that lasts for months! So superior to cut flowers and it is not really that difficult to grow them. Last week we talked about Paphiopedilum or the slipper orchids and this week we will focus on Phalaenopsis which includes several hundred different genera and many thousands of species. The Phalaenopsis is also one of the easiest orchids to grow and is commonly seen in stores everywhere.
They come in a multitude of colours and their elegant and branching blooms are featured in many home style magazines. If treated properly, the blooms will last for many months. They are a great orchid for beginners to grow and can be obtained for a very reasonable price in many of our big box stores. Ideally, it is best to purchase them as soon as they are shipped in as the plant care in these large retail stores is not always of the best quality. They are also available from growers, greenhouses and other plant stores and it is more likely that in these locations, the plants will get better care and thus are more likely to keep their blooms for longer.
Your Phalaenopsis should be placed in a window that faces east or south or alternatively in any room with bright but indirect sunlight. If possible, the humidity level should be as high as 70% to ensure the plant will thrive. Placing the pot on a try with a layer of wet gravel will assist in keeping the humidity at a better level. It is also important to keep a gentle air circulation in the room which can be done by placing a fan on low. Ensure it is not blowing directly on the orchid.
Daytime temperatures are best between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 26 degrees Celsius) are best. During the night, the temperature should be slightly cooler from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 21 degrees Celsius).
Plants that are purchased may not have the best media mix for longevity. Often, plants are only packed in sphagnum moss which leaves your plant at risk of being kept too wet. Personally, I prefer a mixture of fir bark, sphagnum moss and leca or expanded clay pellets. I also prefer to use a bit of oyster shell in the mix as well. The bark is available in many sizes so with smaller orchids, generally you would use a finer bark. Depending on the growth environment and frequency of watering the amount of sphagnum moss can be adjusted. More moss if you are in a low humidity environment and water less frequently. The clay pellets help to keep the media well aerated and thus better to produce healthy roots.
It is important to replicate the natural environment for any plant. Orchids grow in many environments and many orchids are epiphytes or plants that do not grow in the ground. An epiphytic plant will generally grow anchored to other plants but are not parasitic in nature. They will get their water and nutrients from the rain, air and other sources. Most will grow in tropical areas attached below the upper canopy of the trees. They have thick, spongy roots that will absorb and store water and nutrients and some orchids will also have pseudobulbs to aid them in surviving drier conditions.
Fertilization for orchids is given in very low concentrations. I prefer to fertilize approximately once per month and generally water once or twice a week. The watering regime is generally more often for orchids in smaller pots and for those orchids which do not have pseudobulbs, but again each situation is different so adjust accordingly.
Patricia Hanbidge, Lead Horticulturist, Orchid Horticulture
