How to Take Care of Orchids
Orchid is a unique and important class of plants whose flowers have a lot of diversity in form, size and colour. This plant belongs to the Orchidaceae family. Orchid is a highly developed, single-leafed, perennial, branched plant. It is found in every part of the world except extremely dry and extremely cold areas. It is the largest group among plant families and its flowers have a very complex structure. Most of its plants grow on tree branches or rocks, so they remain continuously in dry conditions for a long period. In such a situation, they are unable to obtain food and water through normal methods for their development and growth. But to face these adverse conditions, they store certain reserves of starch, food and water in their pseudo bulbs and thick hard leaves which play an important role in their survival during the period of drought. Apart from these, orchid plants also develop long aerial branches which not only help the plants to stick to the trees but also help in providing food available in the moisture in the atmosphere and dust deposited on the bark of the trees, etc., as a result of which orchid plants continue to live.
More than 15000 species of orchids are found growing in the wild all over the world and a large number of its artificial hybrid varieties have also been developed. Orchids are perennial plants, whose growth pattern is different. Apart from trees, its plants are also semi-aquatic and in Australia two rare genera are also sub-terrestrial. Whose very small flowers (Ting Flower Head) reach the soil surface.
Classification of Orchids
Orchids are classified in two ways which are mentioned below-
(A) On the basis of residential conditions
1. Terrestrial Orchid - These plants are usually located in the soil. Their roots enter the soil and obtain the necessary moisture and nutrients for the development and growth of the plant. Their stems are modified into spreading or rhizomes and the roots are tuberous or fibrous. This type of orchids are mostly found in temperate regions. For example Arundina bambusi folia, Phryas maculatus, Spathoglatius pilcata etc.
2. Epiphytic Orchid - This class includes all those orchids which are found on the branches of trees or rocks and whose roots and branches remain spread in the air. They fulfill their food and water requirements through their aerial roots. Although they grow on other plants, they cannot be included in parasitic plants, because they do not grow on trees for food but only for support. They obtain their food from humus or other non-digestible organic substances collected on the bark of trees or rocks. Most epiphytic orchids are found in tropical regions. For example, Vanda Gigantea, Arideus Aphiale, Dendrobium Apragerum, etc.
3. Semiterrestrial Orchid - This class includes those orchids which partially fulfill their nutritional requirements by inserting their roots in the soil and also obtain some amount of food through aerial roots. Secondly, they remain attached to their base with the help of aerial roots. For example, Cymbidium giganteum, Cymbidium aleifolium, Rhinanthera species etc.
4. Saprophytic Orchid - This class includes those perennial branched orchids which do not contain chlorophyll and which grow on decomposable plant matter and fulfill their food requirements from it. Very small flowers bloom on them and due to the absence of chlorophyll in them, they have the special ability to attract people towards themselves as a special plant. For example, Kyptolias slateri etc.
How to Take Care of an Orchid Plant
(B) On the basis of characteristics of vegetative organs
1. Monopodial Orchid – Plants of this class of orchids grow in one direction. Their stems grow longer every year. They have hard, leathery leaves arranged in two rows which are present around the lower part of the stem. Lateral branches are often produced in them but the main branch is not formed regularly and neither does it grow in length. Some species have leaves with serrated edges. For example, Rhinanthera cathcarti, Andrecum super bomb etc.
2. Sympodioal Orchid – Pseudo bulbs are found in the stems of plants of this class and they become mature only after one or two seasons. Pseudo bulbs remain for a short time but with time they disappear and the food stored in them is used in the growth of the plants. For example, Dendrobium, Cattleya etc.
Selection
The selection for growing orchids is done according to the purpose. On this basis, different species of orchids can be classified according to climate, utility and purpose.
(A) On the basis of climate
1. Orchids suitable for plain areas with hot and subtropical climate; such as - Vanda spathulata, Ricostylus retusa, Brassevosa cucullata, Brassevosa glauca, Ansi olm papilio, Ansi olm ampietum, Phais maculantus, Phais glandicoleus, Phais wallichai, etc.
2. Orchids suitable for temperate regions; such as - Coelogyne angulata, Coelogyne gynaecilica, Coelogyne media Coelogyne regia, etc.
(B) On the basis of utility
• Orchids of economic importance; For example- Vanilla planifolia, which is used to obtain a very sweet fragrance (perfume).
• Ornamental orchids for pots, such as- Vanilla alvida, Vanilla aromatica, Vanilla grandiflora, Cylogyne cristata, Cylogyne flaccida, Blytia hyacinthina, Chius maculate, Phaius mandiflorus.
• Orchids for planting in the ground, such as- Thunia alba, Thunia bassonii, Premetophilus multiflorum, Premetophilus spaciosum.
• Orchids for hanging baskets, such as- Bandera cerulea, Bandera roxburghii, Vanda teres, Phalaenepsis javanica, Stenpia inverness.
• Fragrant orchids, such as Dendrobium amoenum, Dendrobium angulatum, Vanda aromatica, Peristeria, Celogyne odoratissima, etc.
• Orchids for conservatory, such as Odontoglasum species, Cyperipedium species, Phalaenapsis species.
• Orchids for planting on branches, such as Cymbodium elegans, Cymbodium aloefolium, Cymbodium eburneum, Cymbodium giganteum, Cymbidium master sai, Dendrobium cruentus, etc.
In India, orchids can be grown in glass house or lath house or in open shady places. At present, orchids are grown in Darjeeling district (Darjeeling, Takdah and Kalingpong) and Shillong in West Bengal, although it can also be grown in other areas, such as Bangalore, Kati and Shivaroy Hills. Paphiopedium, Cymbidium, Vanda and Dendrobium are suitable species for commercial production in Darjeeling and Shillong. Dendrobium species are suitable species for growing in Bangalore. For hot places, such as Kolkata, Acrids, Dendrobium and Rhynchostylis species can be grown in orchid house. Orchids can be easily grown in many tropical and subtropical regions by making proper arrangements of humidity and temperature in the glass house.
Climate
Orchids can be grown in different types of climate. Some orchids prefer temperate climate while some prefer moderately dry climate. Another class of orchids is found to be better in warm moist climate, however most orchids show adaptability to slight changes in climate.
Site & Planting
Many orchids grow best when there is sufficient sunlight available. Along with sunlight, such orchids require sufficient moisture near their root zone. Another type of orchids show more and good growth in lightly shaded places. Under artificial conditions, proper temperature is required for good growth and flowering of orchids. Orchids are divided into three parts on the basis of minimum night temperature-
1. Cold (7.2 to 10° Celsius).
2. Intermediate (12.8-18.3°C).
3. Warmer hot 18.3°C and above.
Adequate moisture is a very important requirement for orchid production. Most orchid growers usually make the mistake of giving too much moisture.
Orchids are often grown on pieces of wood, cut twigs or tree branches. Apart from this, they are also grown in wooden baskets or wire baskets, various types of pots, containers and in the soil. Care should be taken in selecting suitable varieties of orchids for growing in different places. If orchids are grown in pots or other containers, then it should be kept in mind that there should be enough space for their roots to spread.
(A) Planting of terrestrial orchids
Such orchids can be planted in pots, plates or baskets and in the soil. Soil mixture for these pots is prepared by mixing charcoal pieces, fibrous loamy soil and cow dung manure. The pot is filled one-third with this mixture and a layer of moss or coconut fibre is spread on top.
Soil mixture for pots is prepared by mixing the following things. One part cow dung manure, one part leaf manure, one part fine sand and one part small pieces of charcoal.
How do You Take Care of an Orchid
(B) Planting of epiphytic orchids
Such orchids do not require soil, they can grow well on pieces of branches of trees like mango whose bark is rough, insect free and disease free. Orchids of this class can also be grown on square pieces of wood like sal etc. If such orchids are to be grown in hanging baskets or pots with holes all around, then the following mixture should be made to fill them-
One part bone meal which is clean and dry, two parts small pieces of charcoal, one part coarse powder of bricks, one part coconut husks, one part or dry rotten roots of fern or dried flesh (moss) if available.
Time of planting and transplantation
In Indian conditions, except mountainous areas, orchids are usually grown in glass houses in controlled conditions. There should be a sure arrangement of aeration at such places. Movement of pure air in such places. Maintaining adequate humidity specially made for orchids is absolutely necessary for the development and growth of plants. The temperature of such places should be relatively low. When there is strong sunlight, there should also be a sure and proper arrangement for the exit of hot air.
Light - Orchids require a certain amount of light every day and during certain periods of the year. During winters, the roofs of orchid houses should be removed or reduced to a minimum so that the plants can get sufficient light. During summers, thatching should be done to protect the plants from the scorching sun. Arrangements should be made so that the plants can get morning sun rays in summer. More light is required during the monsoon months, otherwise both the development and growth of the plants are adversely affected.
Hybrids/Varieties of Orchids
|
S.No. |
Genera |
Hybrids/Varieties |
|
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. |
Dendrobium Cybidium Cattleya Vanda Paphiopedilum Arachnis Onicidium |
Mme Pompadour Louise Bleriot Jacquellin Themas Tay Swee Keng Marry Trowsee Walter Oume Tomie Spell Bound Caesar King Cobra Lady Charm Sailor Boy Beauty Fred Sesation Chianti King Arthur Sparkle Small World Brabantaiae Angel Walker Easter Miss Joaquin Rothschildiana Prakpetch Kultana gold Sumon sophongiri Kasems Delight King Arthur Millers Daughter
"Ballerina" Millers Daughter
"Cormen" Honey Plume Hals Paeong Mulberhy Maggie Oel Golden Showers |
Manure and Fertilizer
Fertilizers should never be used for orchid production, as they are harmful to their production. Epiphytic Orchids do not require manure. For Terrestrial Orchids, giving Farm Yard Manure mixed in water has been found to be beneficial. For production of Cymbidium species of orchids, following proportion of Nutrient Solution should be used, as these are recommended by scientists-
Nitrogen - 100 ppm
Phosphorus - 50-60 ppm
Potassium - 200-250 ppm
Calcium - 2500-3000 ppm
Magnesium - 250-300 ppm
Note- To prepare a solution of one part per million (1 ppm), 0.001 gram (1 mg) of chemical should be dissolved in one liter of water. When orchids are grown from seed in flasks, the following formulae are recommended:
Knudson, 1922 Solution B
Mono potassium acid phosphate - 0.25 g
Calcium nitrate - 1.00 g
Ammonium sulphate - 0.50 g
Magnesium sulphate - 0.25 g
Ferric phosphate - 0.05 g
Sucrose - 20.00 g
Agar - 17.50 g
Distilled water - 1000-00 ml.
The above formula was modified in 1946 to form Solution C in which 0.025 g of ferrous sulphate and 0.0075 g of magnesium sulphate were added in place of ferric phosphate.
How do You Care for Orchid
La Garde 1929
Magnesium sulphate - 1.00 g
Calcium nitrate - 100 g
Mono potassium acid phosphate - 1.00 g
Calcium chloride - 1.00 g
Ammonium nitrate - 0.50 g
Ammonium carbonate - 0.50 g
Ferrous phosphate - 0.33 g
Sugar - 20.00 g
Agar - 17.50 g
Water - 1000.00 ml.
Davidson of Rutgers University used the following formula for this Gravel Culturej for orchids grown in pots-
Mono calcium acid phosphate - 48 gms
Calcium nitrate - 138 gms
Potassium nitrate - 89 gms
Magnesium sulphate - 120 gms
Ammonium sulphate - 24 gms
Ferrous sulphate - 24 gms
Trace elements stock - 50 mls
Water - 1000 gallons
Tansalements stock solution should be prepared separately and should be mixed in the nutrient solution when it is to be sprayed on the plants. The following nutrients should be added to it-
Boric acid - 10.83 grams
Manganese sulphate - 7.68 grams
Zinc sulphate - 1.67 grams
Copper sulphate - 0.606 grams
Ammonium molybdate water - 1000-00 ml.
Mr. Ghosh of Darjeeling recommends the following formula for successful production of orchids-
Brick chips, sand, hoof and horn manure, half rotten beech or oak leaf,
Chard or clean bones - 5 grams
Polypodium (fern) - 1part
Irrigation
Orchids should be irrigated from time to time, both shortage and excess of water are harmful for their production. Due to lack of water they dry up and excess of water is definitely harmful for orchids especially during dormancy. After dormancy, when new growth starts in the plants, then they can be given sufficient amount of water. Terrestrial orchids which are grown in pots or after changing the top soil of the pots should be watered regularly for a few days. The amount of water given to them can be increased with growth. During the period of rapid growth, the amount of water can be given more. In hot weather, sprinkling of water is beneficial.
Sanitation
Sanitation has special importance in orchid production, hence for growing orchids it is necessary to take complete care of the cleanliness of the plants. Apart from this, complete care has to be taken of the cleanliness of wooden-twig baskets or pots etc. From time to time, it should be checked whether these items are infected by any fungus, insects etc. Yellow leaves, dry or diseased leaves should be removed as soon as they are seen. Any unhealthy part of the plant should be cut off and burnt as soon as it is seen.
After Care
Proper care of orchid plants after they grow/plant is a very important task. During the growth of the plants, special attention should be paid to ensure that they are getting adequate nutrition and water. During dormancy, which is the period from November to March in most orchids, there should not be excess of water. While ordering orchids from outside, it should be kept in mind that they should be obtained during dormancy. Such plants should be cleaned with the help of a sponge and kept in a cool place for a few days and later transplanted into small pots. Before transplanting, it should be checked that the orchid plant is completely free from pests and diseases. Orchids which have false tubers should not be irrigated, rather their leaves should be wiped from time to time with the help of a wet sponge until new growth starts in them. It is best to immerse the plants which do not have false tubers in water for about 5 minutes every day.
Insect Control
Aphid - This insect attacks new branches, flower buds and leaves. Due to its attack, the infected parts get deformed. Aphid also acts as a carrier of some viral diseases, it also helps in spreading the disease.
Washing the infected parts thoroughly and soaking the hiding places of insects has been found useful in their prevention.
Green Thrips - It appears in the form of small spots on the leaves. They also attack flowers and due to them the branches and flower clusters get deformed.
To prevent them, soap and tobacco solution should be sprayed on the lower side of the leaves.
Red Spider - When they are infested, white spots appear on the leaves of the plant, which adversely affects the food production of the leaves.
To prevent this, tobacco solution should be sprayed.
Apart from these, snails, woodlice, cockroaches, mealybugs, scale insects etc. also attack.
Fumigation of the above insecticides or wiping the affected parts with a sponge soaked in their solution has been found useful for their prevention.
Disease Control
Gleosporium Leaf Spot - This is a fungal disease caused by the species Gleosporium. Initially, very small dark spots are formed on the leaves which start from the tip of the leaves and become large in size. The entire blade of the leaf may turn dark brown. This disease is especially found in Cattleya species but sometimes it is also found in species called Goelogyne, Cyperipedium and Laelia.
Leaf Blight - This is a fungal disease, which is caused by a fungus called Pythium in Cattleya species. Due to this disease, round spots which are brown in colour start forming on the leaves. These spots grow in size and the leaves turn black.
Collar rot - This is a fungal disease, which is caused by a fungus called Sclerotium. This disease starts from the base of the stem and grows rapidly towards the leaf blade and later towards the roots, due to which the leaves wither. The stem turns dark brown and growth of white fungus is sometimes seen on the surface. This disease does not occur at 40°C temperature.
Black rot - This disease is caused by a fungus called Pythium. It takes a severe form in cold weather with high humidity. This disease starts from the roots and spreads to pseudo bulbs. This disease occurs on Cotelia and Epidendrum species.
Leaf blotch - This disease is caused by a fungus called Penicillium thomii. Large round spots are formed on the leaves whose edges become pale brown.
Rust - This disease is caused by a fungus called Hemilelia americana. Large round spots are formed on the leaves whose edges become pale brown. This disease is particularly found on the Cattleya species.
The following measures should be taken for the prevention of the above diseases:
• Benches should be sterilized with a good disinfectant such as Formalin.
• Pots should be disinfected with hot water or Formalin.
• Agricultural equipment should be disinfected with steam or chemicals.
• Workers should wear clean clothes and clean their hands.
Bordeaux mixture, Lime Sulphur, Captan, Bavistin, Diathane, etc. can be used for the prevention of fungal diseases. - As soon as the symptoms of disease appear in the glass house plant, it should be taken out immediately and advice of a qualified plant pathologist should be sought.
- To prevent the disease called Giliosporium leaf spot, Bordeaux mixture or Copper Oxide (1/2 pound/100 gallon water) should be sprayed.
- Leaf spot disease is caused by a fungus called Pythium. The affected part of the plant should be separated and all the affected leaves should be cut. Reducing watering should be adopted in other cases as well.
- To prevent black rot, which is caused by a fungus called Pythium, copper sulphate (1 part in 1 lakh parts water) should be sprayed.
Viral diseases
Orchids are affected by various types of viral diseases which especially harm Cattleya, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Epidendrum, Laelia, Miltonia, Vanda species of orchids. The symptoms of this disease are especially visible on leaves and flowers. Due to which the colour of flowers and leaves changes. If you have imported foreign species, then they should be taken special care of. They should be kept separate from other varieties.
The following measures should be taken for the control of viral disease:
• The plants affected by viral disease should be removed from the orchid house and kept separately so that other plants do not get infected. If the number of infected plants is high, then all of them should be destroyed.
• If it is necessary to multiply the infected variety, then it should be grown through seeds and they should be kept in a virus-free house. • Vegetative propagation should never be done from infected plants as doing so spreads the disease rapidly.
• The orchid house should be sprayed with appropriate insecticides.
• The cutting tools for orchid propagation should be disinfected.
Harvesting of flowers
Florets of orchids mature 3-4 days after opening. So, when all the florets of the spike open, they are harvested. This is especially true for species called Cattleya and Cymbidium. Spray orchids are harvested when about 30 percent of its florets open. Before cutting flowers, knives should be disinfected with Formalin/trisodium prosphate / Potassium permaganate / saturated lime solution to prevent the spread of diseases. Season of harvesting of cut flowers depends upon the species/hybrids/varieties. In Indian conditions, flowers of Dendrobium species are harvested from September to March while flowers of Cymbidium species are harvested in spring.
How to Take Care of Orchids
Yield
• There is no report of production of orchid from any commercial farm in the country as its cultivation is still in its initial stage.
• In Hawaii, Dendrobium species varieties (Louis Bleriot and VH 44) have been found to yield 15-24 spikes per plant in a year from each mature plant.
• More than 3 lakh stems are obtained from Arachnis in open fields in tropical areas from 12 spikes per year per plant.
• Presently, under Indian conditions, 10 spikes per plant per year are obtained from Dendrobium and 7 spikes per plant per year from Cymbidium (in a period of 4-5 years).
Grading Standards
Standards for grading orchids have not been prepared yet. Spray orchids with minimum spike length of 30-35 cm are exported to foreign countries. The market value of orchid flowers depends on its species, variety, length of spike, number of flowers, size of flower, color of petals and arrangement of flowers on the spike.
Packaging
There is no standard for packaging of orchids. 50-70 spikes are stored in an ACFB carton of 60 x 35 cms.
The usual practice in Hawaii is to store 50 spikes per box. The size of the carton is (75x25x17-5) cms. 100 spikes of Cymbodium species are stored in a standard flower box (100 x 50 x 30 cms).
Storage
Orchid flowers have the ability to remain fresh in the dark in the field/store/vase. Optimum temperature for major species of orchids is mentioned below-
Paphiopedilum : 0 -4°C for 2-3 Weeks
Cymbidium : 2-7°C for 2 Weeks
Cattleya : 7-10°C for 2 Weeks
Dendrobium : 7-10°C for 2 Weeks
Phalaenopsis : 7-10°C for 2 Weeks
Vanda : 13°C for 2 Weeks
For storage, cold storage should be available at farm gates and airports/ports to meet the low temperature requirement.
Transport
Orchid flowers are ideal for long distance transportation. They are brought to airports/ports by Reefer Van. If the shipping time is less than 7 days then it can be exported at a lower cost otherwise it is mandatory to export by air.
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