Orchids are perennial flowering plants belonging to the genus known as “Orchidaceae”. They are the most passionately cultivated flowers in the world. Have been symbols for the exotic and mysterious and signify romance, extravagance and he desire for intimacy.

They are some of the most bizarre and diverse plants on earth, and they grow in virtually every colour and every shape. They are also masters of sexual deception.


            :: Estimated about 15,000 to 25,000 different orchids species growing wild in the                 forests.
            :: Hybrids… are no less than 35,000.


They are of two different families by the stem

            :: Monopodial (singe stem) Orchids, example are the Vanda and Mokara family
            :: Sympodial (multiple stem) orchids, example are the Dendrobium family

(A)	(B)
Methods of growth:           (a)   singe stem (monopodial) and           (b)   multiple stem (sympodial)
A=leaves; B=buds; C=flower sheath; D=aerial roots; E=pscudobalbs; F=roots; G=rhizome; H=new growth.

They are also of two different nature group:-

A)                 Epiphytic Orchid:-
Roots growing on other plants, not parasitic. Example: Phalaenopis (butterfly Orchid), Renanthera (fire Orchids), Cymbidium, etc.

B)                 Terrestrial Orchid:-
Grow on ground (soil), they like moist ground and rich in humus. Example: Spathoglottis, Paphiopedilum (slipper Orchid), etc.

Table for characteristics of some of the Orchidaceae

1)     What is Orchid?

The Word “Orchid” is derived from the word "Orchis” means….. Testicles.

Each flower has a base pattern of 3+3 (3 outer sepals and 3 inner petals and a column). The column contains the reproductive organs.

The sepals and petals are differing in colour , shape and size in different Orchids.

The sepals are the parts that cover the flower at the bud stage.

The flower of an epiphytic Orchid    Cauleya    A=sepal; B=petal; C=labellum; D=column	The flower of terrestrial Orchid     Paphiopediham.     A=dorsal depal; B=petals; lateral sepals     conjoined to form synsepalum;     D=labellum; E=Staminode.

b)     Leaf:-

Each leaf take a variety of forms depending on the species or hybrids. Example rounded flat, folded, etc and some species do not posses leaves at all.

The leaf help to carry out photosynthesis, manufacturing of food for the plant as water and mineral elements can enter the plant through the stomata pores of the leaf.

As a result it is possible to apply fertilizer to Orchids by spraying dilute fertilizer solutions, known as fouler spray.


c)     Roots:-

Orchids root is important as it help them to grow vigorous and healthy. The roots will get to take up water and mineral neutral from the environment. Supporting the plant by holding medium or container.

They carry out photosynthesis by the green on the tips of the root.

d)     Seed:-

In nature Orchid produce by seeds, the product of a pollinated and fertilized flower. Orchid seeds need to be germinated on a special medium to become seeding.

2)     Propagation

There are 3 ways for propagation

a)     Vegetative propagation-Obtain a part of the parent plant and frow it.

          :: By cutting the stem (cutting the shot tip of the growing plant)

         :: Division of the plant cluster (separate the sprouting shot from the climber)

b)     Seed Prpagation

          :: Combination of the pollen (male) and ovule (female) of the flower

          :: Sexual reproduction. (Similar or different variety can create new bybrid.)

c)     Tissue Culture

     :: Vegetative method of propagation.

General Horticulture

(a)	(b)
(c)	(d)
Reproduction by division. (a) Before division; (b) he divided plant; (c) The divided parts potted.

3)     Way of Planting Orchids

To let the orchids grow well all material provide must be well aeration and drainage. Example pot, slabs of tree trunk, coconut shell, etc.

Potting Medium:-

Like broken bricks, charcoal, coconut husks, etc are all good for plating as to provide the plants to be firmly anchored.

Some Orchids need to be shelter to grow well, example are the cattley, Phalenopsis and the Dendrobium.

Unlike Vanda, Renanthera, and Morakar which need direct sunlight.

All seedings will grow better under shade as it helps to protect the hard heating of the raindrops.

Most commercial plant to replant over 5 years as plants and flowers are no longer strong and healthy.

Fertilizer:-

They needs more food during their active growth and at their different growth stage.

1)     Inorganic Chemicals

::  67 (many other brand)

::  63

Dissolved in water and spray onto the plant, both on the root and leaves twice a month.

                       
      2)     Organic Fertilizers

 ::  Animal Dune

Apply fertilizer little at a time but do it frequently.

There is no hard and fast rule for when to water. But you can kill plant by over watering. So do not over water it, as to depend on the condition of the environment.