Orchids continue to charm with their ethereal beauty
FROM wild orchids in temperate regions to the beauties of tropical rainforests, these gifts of nature have always been loved the world over. To add to the list are ever more hybrids and those genetically created in labs. Indeed, man has long been beguiled by spectacular orchids.
There are so many varieties of hybrids and species – some are epiphytic and live on other plants, while deriving nutrients from rainfall and the air. Lithophytes grow on rocks, while the remainder are terrestrial. These terrestrial orchids possess tubers that act as the food store in times of drought or disasters.
The popularity of orchids in the Western world can be traced to the mid-18th century, when Linnaeus listed 69 species. The 19th century saw the search for wild orchids globally, where great tracts of forest were felled and hundreds of thousands of plants shipped to England.
Here in our natural environment, orchids are jewels hanging down from the canopy, living and blooming freely. Avid orchid collectors now hang orchids from trees, or grow them on decaying logs and plastic baskets. The forms are endless, but all are enchanting.
With natural perfumes from sweetly-scented yellow Dendrobium to the Coelogyne, it is easy to become infatuated and embark on a lifelong love affair with orchids!
Today as the world becomes more responsible and aware of the need for conservation, orchids are sourced from nurseries as we know they are domesticated and not stolen from their natural habitats.
Phalaenopsis
Phalaenopsis has an exquisite flawless beauty with a lovely scent. In its natural state, this is an epiphyte or air plant found in tropical rainforests. In this natural habitat, it is well protected from strong sunshine by the canopy of the forest. It can grow a long straggling root system, which enables the plant to absorb moisture from the air.
Much has been published on the art of cultivating this orchid. Advances in cloning techniques have led to its commercialisation for the floral industry. A wellknown variety is Phalaenopsis allegria.
Cattleya
The large fragrant cattleya gives showy displays in various colours and patterns, with some being fragrant blooms. As it is both beautiful and easy to grow, it is the most hybridised orchid for hobbyists.
Cattleya is a genus of 113 species of native orchids from Costa Rica and Argentina. It grows from branching rhizomes called pseudobulbs with thick clinging roots. New sprouts come from buds on the rhizome and a healthy one would grow from such new leads. Cattleya can be mounted on a tree, or on logs or rocks as a surface climber. It would also grow in a spacious pot with coarse charcoal or clay pellets. These days Hydroton or Perlite would be ideal as a planting medium as orchids need good air circulation and a medium that is not soggy.
Remember cattleya is very adaptable to a new environment as long as there is fresh air circulating. It can be quite sensitive when being re-potted as the roots could be damaged or severed and require time to recover.
Cattleya needs bright light but not necessary direct sunlight. Being in the right spot will see the plant flowering well. Leaf colour may indicate the degree of light the plant receives – light yellow or brown would mean too much direct light, while dark green leaves show the opposite of not enough light.
Orchids are very sensitive to inorganic fertilisers as these can easily scorch the tender roots and leaves. The need for nutrients can be met with a weak foliar spray applied weekly. Organic fertiliser and humus can be used for certain orchids.
Vanda
We are likely familiar with these Asean tropical orchids that grow naturally in our midst. This group of heat-loving orchids hang from trees and do not require soil.
Vanda orchids bloom several times in different colours speckled with white spots. The leaves are waxy green and thick in texture. Plants grow from thick fleshy bulbs and send out aerial roots to cling on the substrate. Vanda survives on water and nutrients stored in its bulb. Breeders like Vanda for its ease of propagation and for hybrids.
There are strap-leafed, terete and semi-terete varieties. The first variety has pencil-shaped leaves, while semi-terete is in between. Terete varieties like bright sunlight, while strap forms need partial shade and should be protected from the hot sun.
Water is critical to Vanda’s good growth, as the plant needs high humidity of 80 per cent or more like that of our tropical rainforest regions. Water can be provided with an automatic sprinkler system.
When it comes to feeding the plant, as with Phalaenopsis and cattleya orchids, only apply a weak solution of foliar spray.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, do send me an email. Happy gardening.