What is the
easiest orchid to grow?
The answer to that question depends
on whether you are looking for something
to grow indoors or outdoors.
Phalaenopsis
are among the easiest and most rewarding
orchids to grow. An American Orchid
Society demographic survey showed that
Phalaenopsis have become America~s favorite
orchid. The plants adapt well to the
environment of the home or office. From
the time that the first flower bud opens,
the sprays will remain in bloom for
the next 2 tp 3 months.
Odontoglossum
and Oncidium intergeneric hybrids are
comprised of a large group of orchids
from many different genera. The Odontoglossum/Oncidium
alliance is very popular among orchid
growers due to their cultural flexibility
and striking sprays of long-lasting
flowers. The plants may be grown with
relative ease in the home or on a sheltered
patio.
How long
do the blooms on an orchid last?
The answer to this question depends
upon the type of orchid in bloom. Flowers
on Cattleyas may last up to a month
in bloom from the time that the bud
opens. Whereas, Phalaenopsis and Cymbidium
sprays will remain in bloom for 2 to
3 months longer.
How often
do orchids bloom?
The answer to this question depends
upon the type of orchid. Some bloom
once a year, others bloom several times
a year and some even bloom continuously.
Are orchids
fragrant?
Some orchids are fragrant. The scents
from fragrant orchid flowers are highly
variable. Some are subtle and others
are extremely strong. And range from
fruity to flowery. Many of the orchids
have familiar aromas such as chocolate,
raspberry, coconut, lilac or citrus.
How often
should I water my orchids?
Depending upon the temperature, orchids
potted in bark should be watered about
once or twice a week. During the summer,
the plants may need to be watered every
4 to 5 days. You should follow this
rule of thumb for watering : More heat
more water, less heat less water.
Plants potted
in New Zealand sphagnum moss should
be water less often. Water plants once
every 7 to 10 days.
Some orchids
prefer to be kept on the moist side.
This does not mean that the orchid like
to be left in standing water. Try to
water the plants early in the day, so
that the foliage will be dry by nightfall.
To prevent bacterial and fungal disease,
use Physan 20 once a month.
How often
do I need to fertilize my orchids?
Orchids must be fertilized on a regular
basis! For best results, use Norman~s
Optimal Orchid Nutrients every other
week. It is recommended to pre-water
plants before applying the diluted nutrient
solution if the potting media is dry.
What kind
of soil do I need to grow orchids?
None. Orchids do not grow in soil. In
the wild, most orchids are found high
above the jungle floor, in the tree
canopy. For best results, orchids should
be grown either in New Zealand sphagnum
moss, fine orchid bark mix or medium
orchid bark Mix. Orchids must be grown
in pots with good drainage. Soil is
bad for the plants because it cuts off
air circulation at the roots and blocks
the drainage of water.
When is the
best time to repot my orchids?
Ideally, orchids should be repotted
immediately after flowering. Any plant
that is potted in decomposed, packed
bark should be repotted immediately.
Most orchids
need to be repotted once every 1 to
2 years. The bark or moss that the orchids
are grown in gradually deteriorates.
If repotting is not done, the bark or
moss become decomposed and packed down.
Under these conditions, roots are not
properly aerated, drainage becomes blocked
(so there is too much standing moisture),
and the plant eventually dies from asphyxiation
and root rot.
PLANT
There is
not apparent sign of new growth. What
am I doing wrong?
This may not be the right time in the
plant's growth cycle for new growth.
Do not attempt to force the plant with
extra fertilizer or watering. This will
not help the situation. In fact, such
actions will have adverse effects on
the plant. Be patient.
The plant
refuses to flower. What is wrong with
the plant?
Several possibilities may have occurred:
1) The plant may not be getting enough
light. If this is the case, simply move
the plant to a slightly brighter location,
2) The proper growth cycle is not being
observed. Find out what time of year
is the blooming period in the plant's
natural growth cycle. This may simply
be the wrong time of year to expect
the plant to bloom, 3) Sometimes, if
the plant was purchased as a first time
blooming plant, it may not bloom the
following year. Be patient. Once the
plant is older it will bloom regularly.
There is
sap on my orchid. Should I be concerned?
No. It's normal for orchids such as
Dendrobiums, Oncidiums and Cattleyas
to produce honey on the flower stem.
Mother nature built in the sap producing
process to help the orchid attract insects
for pollination. Orchids rely on insects
to pollinate the flowers for the continuation
of the species.
LEAVES
The leaves
on my orchid turned yellow. Should I
be concerned?
The answer to this question depends
upon which leaves are involved. Yellowing
of old leaves on back bulbs is a normal
part of the aging process. Therefore,
this should not be of concern.
However,
yellowing of newer leaves is a sign
of trouble. Orchids with yellow leaves
are an indication that the plant is
suffering from either too much light
or insufficient feeding. Increase the
shading and apply orchid nutrients as
directed. Other causes of yellowing
include loss of roots and stress due
to low temperatures.
What should
I do about the blacked area on the leaves
of the plant?
Blackened area on leaves may be caused
by either sunburn or bacterial or fungal
disease.
The appearance
of black areas on the surface of the
leaves, following a hot sunny day may
be the result of sunburn. Exposure to
direct mid-afternoon sunlight during
the late spring through early fall will
scorch the leaves of some orchids. Increase
the shading or move the plant to a less
sunny location.
If the blackened
area increases in size, this is an indication
of bacterial or fungal disease. Cut
off the diseased area with a sharp,
sterile tool (i.e., razor blade or knife).
Then treat the plant with a fungicide
like Physan 20.
What causes
the tip or ends of the leaves to become
blackened?
Blackened leaf tips may be caused by
hard water, overfeeding with orchid
nutrients or fungal disease. Remember
that the potting mix needs to be flushed
out thoroughly with plain water in between
feeding. Cut off any black tips on leaves
to prevent the die -back from continuing
to run back down the leaf. Use a sterilized
pair of scissors.
The leaves
on the plant are limp and there is soft
growth at the base of the plant. What
is happened?
The orchid bark mix or New Zealand sphagnum
moss is waterlogged. Withhold water.
Give the plant a week to dry out. Two
possibilities may have occurred: 1)
Orchids do not like to be left in standing
water or 2) The time interval between
watering is too short. For example,
if the plant was watered every 7 days
and became waterlogged, increase the
time span in between watering to 10
days. Try to water the plants early
in the day, so that the foliage will
be dry by nightfall. To prevent bacterial
and fungal disease, treat with Physan
20 once a month.
There are
small reddish brown spots turning black
on the leaves. What should I do?
This is an indication of a fungal infection.
Fungal infections are usually the result
of warm temperatures, high humidity
and low light levels. Treat the plants
with a systemic fungicide such as Phyton
27.
FLOWERS
Where should
I cut off the flower spike after the
plant finishes blooming?
The answer to this question depends
upon the type of orchid in question.
Phalaenopsis plants may flower again
for a second time. After the plant goes
out of bloom, cut the stem right below
the first flower on the spray. A new
spray of flowers may emerge from the
node below it. For all other orchids,
cut off the old flower spike at the
base of the plant.
What causes
deformed flowers?
If a plant consistently produces deformed
flowers year after year, the problem
is genetic.
However,
an occasional deformed flower may be
caused either flower buds that were
subjected to the stress of high temperature
and low humidity; mechanical or chemical
damage.
The new buds
dropped off and the flower(s) wilted
shortly after it opened. What happened?
Several factors will cause bud drop
and flower wilting. The flower(s) may
have been stressed by a sudden change
in temperature. Another possibility
is the exposure of the flowers to ethylene
gas. Ripe fruits have been known to
produce this type of gas. Try to keep
fruits away from orchids in bud or bloom.
If the plant is kept in the kitchen,
beware of a possible gas leak from the
stove.
There are
small black spots on the flowers. What
should I do?
Black spots on flowers are usually caused
by Botrytris, a fungus. The problem
is caused by poor air circulation and
too much moisture. The remedy is to
increase air circulation and reduce
the humidity.
ROOTS
There are
lots of root on the outside of the pot.
What should I do?
The cause of the problem is neglect.
Orchids grown in fine bark need to be
repotted every year. Whereas, orchids
grown in medium bark need to be repotted
every two years. Simply repot the orchid
and put the roots back into the pot.
A few of
the root on the surface of the pot are
still alive. However, most of the root
inside the pot are dead. How can I stimulate
the plant to produce more roots?
Dip the plant in Rootone (rooting hormone)
or Dip~n Grow to help stimulate new
root growth.
PESTS
How can I get rid of the snails that
are devouring my flowers and shredding
up the new leaves on my plant?
Metaldehyde is an effective agent for
eradication of slugs and snails. Sprinkle
Slug-N-Snail granules on top of the
pot.
What is the best way to get rid of the
aphids on my orchid?
X-CLUDE, encapsulated pyrethrum time-release
insecticide is the most efficient method
of pest control.
How can I get rid of the scales and
spider mites on my plant?
Common pest associated with Cattleyas
are scale and spider mites. X-CLUDE,
encapsulated pyrethrum time-release
insecticide or Neem Oil are the most
efficient methods of pest control.
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DISEASE
What is the best way
to deal with bacterial
and fungal disease on
my orchids?
The most efficient method
to treat bacterial and
fungal disease is the
regular use of a systemic
agent such as Phyton
27. The agent will be
absorbed by the roots
of the plant and then
carried throughout the
plant. Once the Phyton
27 is absorbed by the
plant it will remain
in the plant~s system
for months.
How can I prevent bacterial
and fungal diseases?
Orchids benefit from
fresh air circulation.
In their natural habitat,
orchids get excellent
air circulation, which
helps prevent bacterial
and fungal diseases.
Avoid cold drafts from
coming in contact with
the plants as well.
Try to water the plants
early in the day, so
that the foliage will
be dry by nightfall.
To prevent bacterial
and fungal disease use
Physan 20 once a month.
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