Watering Orchids

 

We have found watering orchids to be subjective. It depends on many different factors and because it is essential we thought that we would discuss this topic in detail. Orchids have adapted to absorb water from all plant parts. Many have also developed water storage systems, somewhat like camels and cacti.

Nutrition

In nature orchid seeds can only germinate and develop with the symbiotic relationship between plant and beneficial microbes. Knudsen discovered that sugars were the necessary byproduct of this relationship and then invented a formula to bypass the need for microbes. Thus began the raising of orchids in the sterile environment of a flask.

Light

Light is energy. Plants are one of few organisms on earth that utilize light to run their production sites, and to create organic compounds. So when you think of lighting for your orchids, think of it as something that is harnessed to create plant material or blossoms. A plant can be viewed as a living, breathing "factory". When the factory is tiny it doesn't require much energy to function, but as it gets up to scale its energy needs increase. We have noticed that orchid seedlings start off best in lower light, less fertilizer and less water. As they mature they need more and more light.

Pest Control

Pest control will be grouped together with disease control. This is to give you a broader understanding of our techniques, in this complex and difficult area. I consider the common notion "healthy plants resist diseases" to be relatively true, but not quite as simple.

There are many factors that contribute to the health of orchid plants that allow them to grow healthy and disease-free. So rather than beginning with pest control I will start with plant health and then move on to pest control.

Balance

Balance. A single concept, and so pertinent to the health of living organisms, including orchids and mankind. For over 3000 years the foundation of health in Chinese medicine has been the balancing of the yin and yang. So how do we apply this concept to orchid culture?

Spraying

Spraying, or foliar applications of solutions can provide solutions for many pest problems. Luckily they don't always have to be so toxic or leave any potential harmful residual. Unfortunately I don't no of any magic formula that's a "cure all".

Media

Orchids grow in a wide range of media. Almost anything imaginable can be used. Orchids benefit from the moisture and nutrient reservoir that many media mixes provide. In addition, orchids depend on the media to physically support itself.

Choosing the type of media you want to work with is subjective based on what is available, economical, and adaptive to your growing conditions. There are probably pluses and minuses for each choice.

Inventory Planning

What types of orchids should you grow? Well, it depends. What type of orchid business do you have, desire or wish to move toward? Many growers grow orchids for cut flowers, commercial potted plants, or personal pleasure and build it into a business.  We like to raise a hefty amount of varieties for cut flower and potted plant growers but we also offer orchid seedlings that are destined for orchid aficionados.

Hybrids and Clones

Mericlones

Mericlones are plants that are produced via vegetative reproduction.

If one were to cut a part of an orchid plant and grow that division it would eventually grow and blossom exactly like the original plant. Cloning is a process where large quantities of orchids or other plants can be made from a single plant. Thus clones ideally would result in plants that are identical to the original.

 

 

Screening

Screening orchids for production seems to be a necessary and ongoing process. There are a number of factors that determine whether an orchid variety is going to be viable as a pot plant or cut flower for your nursery. The first consideration is whether you can grow it in your location.