Orchids as House Plants

Transcription

1 Orchids as House Plants Phil Mullarky Orchids as House Plants Phil Mullarky

2 What is an orchid? An orchid is a member of the Orchidaceae family, the largest group of all living flowers. There are at least 25,000 different species of orchids The orchid flower, like most flowers of monocots, has two whorls of sterile elements. The outer whorl has three sepals and the inner whorl has three petals. Where do Orchids Grow? Terrestrial In Trees On Rocks

3 Terrestrial Orchid Growing in Soil Lady Slipper orchid. Cypripedium candidum. Minnesota

4 Epiphytic Orchid Tree Loving Cattleya forbesii Notice how roots are clinging to the tree

5 Lithophytic orchid Rock Loving Liparis bracteata Notice the lichen and leaf litter surrounding the plant

6 Potted Cattleya So what do we do? We jam them in a clay pot Slc. Jewel Box Dark Waters Note papery material on pseudobulbs

7 Orchid mounted on cork slab Note: There is sphagnum moss between the cork and orchid. This aides in retaining moisture.

8 Wood Basket The plant has no potting material in the basket

9 Creating a humid environment Pebble and Humidity Trays, Wardian Case Pot must not rest in water, but on the pebbles Pebbles and tray should be cleaned to prevent algae, fungi etc.

10 Orchid Kiekie Kiekie is Hawaiian for baby ( the little one ) Kiekie paste cytokinin hormone, induces growth at node. Notice potting material sphagnum moss

11 Where to cut the inflorescence Notice the nodes. Cut at, or below first node. Use sterile blade. Cutting above the second node will encourage branching.

12 Arial Roots Root is covered with white spongy material - Velamen

13 You can t contain them!

14 Old vs. New Potting material Ad from Orchidata on their potting mix. Notice difference in root vigor.

15 Flower spike (Inflorescence)

16 Typical Orchids for Home Culture Phalaenopsis type Dendrobiums Phalaenopsis

17 Cultural Requirements Light Temperature Water Air Movement Fertilizer Potting Mix

18 Light Sufficient light is important for healthy growth and flower production. In the home, an east, west or lightly shaded south window. Under lights, four 40 watt fluorescent tubes and two 40 watt incandescent bulbs directly over plants. Too much light leaves start to turn yellow

19 Temperature Phalaenopsis Mature plants need a 15 to 20 F difference between night and day. PROVIDE Nights of 60 to 65 F; days of 75 to 85 F. Dendrobium Mature plants need a 15 to 20 F difference between night and day. PROVIDE Nights of 60 to 65 F; days of 80 to 90 F.

20 Water Phalaenopsis Mature plants should seldom dry out between watering's. Dendrobiums Keep evenly moist while in active growth. Allow to dry between watering after growth is mature (indicated by terminal leaf).

21 Air Movement Circulating fans Ceiling fans Computer fans

22 Fertilizer Orchids need to be fed regularly. Growers suggest using a "balanced" fertilizer such as that includes all "necessary trace elements." Regardless of the fertilizer formulation you choose to use, it should contain little or no urea. If you are unsure of what fertilizer to use, you can generally use any fertilizer you would for your other container plants. Orchids will do far better with too little fertilizer than with too much. Many growers recommend the "weakly, weekly" approach, applying a dilute (1/4 strength) fertilizer each time they water, rather than applying a full dose once a month. It s best not to fertilize a completely dry plant as the fertilizer can burn the dry roots. Water first then follow with fertilizer solution.

23 Fertilizers Nutrients Needs Orchids need 16 nutrients - nine macronutrients and seven micronutrients. Macronutrients are so called because they are needed in larger quantity. On the other hand, micronutrients, though equally critical to the health of orchid, are need in very small amount. Macronutrients needed Hydrogen (H) food production Carbon (C) food production Oxygen (O) food production Nitrogen (N) leave and stem growth Phosphorus (P) flower production Potassium (K) general good health and orchid issue building Calcium (Ca) cell wall formation and cell activity regulation Sulfur (S) combined with nitrogen and phosphorus to produce proteins Magnesium (Mg) part of chlorophyll molecule and thus for producing food Micronutrients catalysts in vital chemical reactions Iron (Fe) Manganese (Mn) Zinc (Zn) Copper (Cu) Boron (B) Molybdenum (Mo) Chlorine (Cl)

24 Fertilizers Recommended Fertilizers Jack s Classic (Original Peter s) (Chelated) Grow More All Season s Plant Food (Chelated) Dyna Gro (Not Chelated) Miracle Gro (No micronutrients) MSU RO Water Special (½ - 1 teaspoon per gallon) Source:

25 Potting Mix A selection of orchid potting media. Clockwise from one-o-clock: tree fern, lava rock, Aliflor, sphagnum moss, osmunda, rockwool and fir bark in the center.

26 Scale Rubbing alcohol Insecticidal soap, Neem Oil Orthene, Malathion, Diazinon

27 Where scale hides Picture on left shows cattleya with old sheath Sheath removed on right.

28 Mealybugs Treatment is the same as for scale

29 Black Rot Caused by fungus - Pythium ultimum and Phytophthora cactorum Treatment Cinnamon, Truban

30 Botrytis Caused by the fungus Botrytis. Damp conditions, poor air movement Only effects flowers. No useful treatment. Sanitation

31 Blc. Ronald s Canyon Koko Head

32 Eria confusa

33 Phal. No Complaints

34 Brs. Spider s Gold x Brs. Boedeker Super Witch Doctor

35 Asc. miniatum

36 Wils. Red Pacific Deep Shadows

37 Dracula vampira

38 Dracula bella

39 Dracula chestertonii

40 Good Web Sites American Orchid Society Orchid Pests and Diseases

41 Thank You Happy Growing!