Orchids are the most fascinating and diverse variety of flowers in the world with over 800 genera and more than 25,000 species. Orchids are found in a wide variety of colors ranging from red, yellow, orange, purple, green, brown and
even shades of blue. Orchids have interesting structures that resemble various objects like a lady’s slipper, kites, butterflies, insects and birds in flight. These beautiful plants can be grown and cultivated, even at home.
Orchid cultivation is simple as compared to other plants because of their minimum requirements for optimum growth. They are slow growing perennial herbs and proper care and conditions can be provided for good growth and regular yield of the beautiful shimmering flowers. Orchids require more care and attention than some of the houseplants, but can be successfully grown by setting up the proper environment to keep them healthy.
The important elements needed for growing orchids constitute water, light, humidity, ventilation and nutrients. Some of the orchids which can be grown in normal temperature include moth orchids, cymbidiums, cattleya, oncidium and dendrobiums. Some of the guidelines for orchid cultivation are given below.
1. Climate- Most of the orchids grow properly in tropical and subtropical climate. This makes the humid climate of the coastal areas ideal for orchid cultivation.
2. Humidity- The availability of the right amount of sunlight is one of the key elements for growing orchids. Humidity below 40% can be compensated by using a humidity tray. The plastic or metal tray is filled with pebbles and water. The plants can be made to sit on the tray with the use of a stand, ensuring that the roots of the plants are not in water. Spraying a water mist over the plants can be helpful but shouldn’t be overdone during winter.
3. Watering- Orchid plants generally need periodic watering and the duration might vary with plant species and season. Watering once in two days is essential in summer, while cloudy winter months require it to be done once or twice a week. Orchids are air plants and the pseudobulbs efficiently store water. Cattleya, oncidium and dendrobium prefer to dry out between watering. They can be watered in a sink for about 30 seconds and drained before putting them back into the pots. Phalaenopsis orchids like to almost dry out between watering and can be checked for watering by sticking a pencil into the medium to check for spongy medium. Paphiopedilum and Epidendrum need slightly moist conditions and should therefore be watered twice a week.
4. Light- Orchids require a lot of light to grow especially during summer and should be placed in bright areas. They can be exposed to artificial light during winter. Light or medium green leaf color indicates adequate light supply and dark green leaves indicate the deficiency of light. About 4 hours of sun or bright light is ideal for orchid cultivation.
5. Temperature- Most of the orchids grow well in normal temperature and the low temperature at night doesn’t affect the growth. Fluctuation in temperature is required for the plants to bloom and a 10 degree fluctuation between the day and night temperature is ideal for Cattleyas. However, temperatures higher than 35 degrees can cause leaf burning.
6. Culture- Orchids can be grown in pots, pans or hanging baskets depending upon their size and growth habits. The culture medium for orchids is unique and should be porous and well aerated for the free growth and respiration of the roots.
7. Propagation- Propagation of orchids can be done by seeds, division of clumps, cuttings and tissue culture. However, growing from a seed would require 3-5 years for the seed to germinate and flower.
8. Ventilation- Adequate ventilation and circulation of fresh air is needed for luxuriant growth of orchids. Creating air movement in the vicinity helps in better culture.
9. Fertilizer- Plant nutrients and good soil can help in better growth. Regular addition of fertilizers improves flowering. Water soluble fertilizers specially formulated for orchids are a great aid during the growing season. Regular NPK fertilizers can be supplemented with trace elements for better results.
10. Repotting- Repotting is done when the plants have outgrown the present pot and need a bigger one, and/or the growth medium has deteriorated. Plants with a minimum of 3-4 shoots and a sprouted bud can be used for repotting. It should be done only if necessary and gives good results when done after flowering.
