Cultivation of Orchids

Categories

Terrestrial – Bamboo Orchid

Epiphytic

Lithophytic

Subterranean

Horticultural classification

Phalaenopsis type – Petals are broad and overlap on each other

Cane type – Petals are thin and sometimes twisted

Intermediate type – intermediate in size and shape between Phalaenopsis and cane type

Orchid Hybridization

Ascocenda (Ascocentrum x Vanda)

The structure of Orchids, conform to two basic models

Monopodial Orchids – no pseudobulbs, no rhizome grow from the single vegetative apex. vanda

Sympodial – pseudobulbs, rhizomes, number of vegetative apices (Dendrobium)

Orchid growing conditions

1. Temperature – Warm- growing orchids – Dendrobium – 65-80 F, Cool-growing orchids – Cymbidium – 55-70 F
2. Elevation – 0-1500 ft above sea level
3. Temperature – 28-35⁰C
4. Relative Humidity: 75-85%

1. Media – Good ventilation is critical therefore plotting media is contains Charcoal,styrofoam dip in the cement,fir barks, coconut husk, fern fibres, Potts should have drainage holes as well as holes or opening on the sides to encourage air circulation
2. Pots – Different types of pots mud pots, clay pots, plastic or cement, should contains drainage holes and side holes to air circulation
3. Watering – once a day keep the surroundings constantly wet to maintain the high level of humidity. Clean water free of chlorine
4. Relative humidity – 40-80%
5. Fertilizer – apply frequently with low fertilizer does (Small plants – N:P:K 30:20:20, Medium size and generally – N:P:K 20:20:20, Flowering Size – N:P:K 20:20:30). ¼- ½ teaspoon of fertilizer is dissolved in 01 gallon of water and sprayed twice a week
6. Soil – Loam soil, compost, cattle manure, sand (4:2:1:1/2)
7. Propagation – sexual – via seeds, asexual – bulbs and aerial shoots Top cutting

Classification of Vanda

• Terete : Leaves are thin and cylindrical
• Semi terete: Leaves are in between in shape

Standards of flower spikes

spike should be free from the pest and diseases.

Consideration of the cultivation of the ornamental plants.

• Climate – temperature – 20-32⁰C, Light – 50%-80%, RH – 50%-80%
• Media – loam soil : compost : cattle manure : sand – 1:1:1:1
• Bed – raised bed 8-9 inches, spacing 30cm*30cm for mother bushes, spacing of the cutting is 7.5.cm 10.cm
• Watering – once a day, frequency increased in hot days, chlorine free water.

Characteristics of a good commercial cut flower

• Fast growth and easy cultivation
• Clear clean colours
• Long vase life
• Flowers borne erect

Post Harvest Handling of flowers

1. The flowers should be cut in the morning
2. spikes are transferred to buckets containing clean water that is 10cm deep
3. Grading is mainly based on the length of the spike , the number of opened flowers and buds
4. After the grading, flowers are packed
5. To keep flowers from dehydrating wad of moist cotton is placed on the base of each spray

Diseases and Pests of Orchids

• Top rots
• Root rots
• yellow patches
• Bacterial Soft Rot
• Thrips
• Mites

Survival of Pathogen

• Bacteria spread in water. Favoured by warm, moist conditions Avoid overhead watering, wounding plants Disinfection knife between cuts.