Speaker Notes From Meetings - 2002

February 19, 2002

Orchids

Terry Kennedy

(Short Notes from the NHS February 19, 2002 general meeting with Terry Kennedy. Terry is a member of the Southern Ontario Orchid Society. She is a qualified orchid judge with the American Orchid Society. Terry also shows her prize orchids in shows throughout North America. She and her husband Doug own and operate the "Orchids in Our Tropics" greenhouse business in Gormley, Ont. She would be pleased to answer any questions, or provide a catalogue. She can be reached at ourtropics@ica.net )

If you find the right spot for an orchid, it will grow. They are intelligent plants which have survived for millions of years. If light in the tropical forest is insufficient, the orchid will grow up the trees towards the light. Currently, there are over 35,000 species of orchids all over the world.

Orchids can be identified by:

  • they have 3 sepals that are the same
  • there are 3 petals. Two petals are the same, one is different.
  • they carry odors which attract one single pollinator (i.e. wasps, bees, ants). Pollen is in small packets, not loose.
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    Of all the orchid species, Phalaenopsis is the easiest to grow and is perfect for the beginner orchid grower. Phalaenopsis has wide, large leaves. It thrives on warmth with no drafts, and with medium light. Blooms are in a variety of colours; last for months; and tend to rebloom on the same stem. If you can grow African Violets, you can grow Phalaenopsis.

    Phalaenopsis Orchid
    Phalaenopsis Orchid

    Oncidium (Dancing Ladies) and Cattleya orchids have multiple growths from a pseudo bulb with flowers in the center. The plants bloom on new growth. Both varieties require bright light. Both of these varieties are also relatively easy to grow.

    Oncidium Orchid Cattleya Stars & Stripes
    Oncidium Orchid Cattleya Stars & Stripes

    Orchids are expensive plants. Part of the reason for expense is due to orchids taking a tremendous amount of time to grow from seed. Seed pods themselves take from 3 to 18 months to ripen. Seeds are of a fine dust texture. Seeds are reflasked (grown in bottles) for up to 2 years, and then transplanted into community pots. Some orchids can take up to twelve years to bloom.

    Orchid Care

  • Its a good idea to start your orchid collection with a big, healthy plant with turgid leaves, preferably in bloom. Other smaller orchids can be added later, but in the meantime you can enjoy the adult plant in bloom while the others are reaching maturity.
  • Orchids are not grown in soil.They are grown in sphagnum moss, bark, coconut bark, or perlite medium. With coconut or bark medium, the addition of charcoal is beneficial. Orchids need humidity, and moisture around the roots to grow, and air circulation around the plant. An orchid which has become potbound may have roots outside the pot. If humidity is sufficient around the roots, the plant will continue to grow in air with roots out of the pot.
  • Repotting should be done on an occasional basis, and at least once every two years. With Phalaenopsis, repotting can be done at almost any time except for December or January, when cooler temperatures and lower light make this an inadvisable period. Repotting is not necessarily done to increase the size of the pot, but to refresh the medium which can become stagnated and rancid over time, rotting the roots of the orchid. If the orchid develops leathery, droopy leaves check the roots for breaking or rot. Good roots are green.
  • When roots are rotted, the orchid may try to survive by trying to grow a new plant complete with roots and leaves on an existing stem. Repot immediately if this starts to occur.
  • Orchids which need watering will be very light in weight. Medium should be dry on the top and for approximately 2" in depth. Keep the identification tag that comes with the plant in the pot - it will provide guidance on how dry or wet the plant is. To water, submerge the orchid pot in another container filled with water, and let the water flow over the top of the orchid pot for 15 to 30 seconds. More than this time may damage the plant. Water should be room temperature, not cold. Do not let orchids stand in water. Avoid softened water due to salt content which will kill the plant. Also avoid distilled water which can be expensive, and does not contain any of the nutrients that plants normally absorb from water.
  • If you wish to increase the humidity levels around the plant, put the orchid pot in a tray which is layered with stones with water touching, but not covering the stones. Fans will improve humidity and air circulation around the plant. Orchids require air circulation, and it is for this reason that they do not do well in enclosed terrariums. Misting is also beneficial. Do not mist in late afternoon, since the plant will not have a chance to dry off before cooler night temperatures occur. Orchids which have their crowns wet overnight will suffer from rot.
  • Fertilizing is important. Feed with a balanced 20/20/20 fertilizer. For numerous orchid plants, a suggested regimen is 1/4 teaspoon diluted per gallon of water every two weeks. Orchids will also benefit from a feeding of seaweed or fish emulsion fertilizer every few months.
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