Orchids are traditionally placed into two main types, epiphytal and terrestrial. The epiphytals are plants that grow on trees. There are several different ways to grow this type of orchid in one's home or in greenhouses. It all starts with the potting.
Epiphytal orchid plants, in nature, have their roots more exposed to the air than most other plants do. As a consquence, by "potting" we do not mean packing them all around with thick potting soil. Rather, we want to place them in a pot containing loose, organic material, from which they can draw necessary nutrients, along with rocks or broken pottery bits to create open spaces and to help the plants stand upright.
The usual formula for potting compost appropriate to epiphytal orchids is 1 part sphagnum moss to 1 part peat moss. Place a layer of this mix in the bottom of your pot, followed by a layer of rocks or pottery pieces, then a second layer of the compost, etc. When the pot is around a quarter or at most a third full, carefully place the orchid's roots down into it. Then proceed to add more rocks and moss mix, packing all of this potting material just tight enough to support the plant.
Gradually build up the potting mix up to and above the top of the pot. The height you need to go above the pot depends on the size of the pot and the depth to which you have placed your plant. The general rule is to allow the plant's crown to rest on top of the mix. By the crown, we mean that part of the plant from where the roots begin.
If you are repotting the orchid, you have to take extra care when taking it out of its old pot. If there are any young roots attaching themselves to the exterior of the pot, you should attempt to ease them off with a blade of some kind. It you have a mass of vital roots -- that is, roots that have sap in them -- attached to the interior of the pot, then you might have to break the pot and pick away all of those roots that you are able to. You might need to repot it with bits of the old pot still attached to the roots, and this is fine.
It is a good idea to not water for a day or so before or just after potting these types of orchids.
This has been a general introduction to potting epiphytal orchids. The subject can be more complicated than this, particularly in the case of some of the more delicate or senstive species. Whole tomes have been published on how to pot the various types of orchids! Happily, most of us don't need books devoted entirely to the art of potting in order to enjoy success with orchids. A recognized, comprehensive guide to all aspects of orchid growing is usually sufficient.
In our day, of course, we have a tremendous amount of good information on the best way to grow orchids. The most thorough guidebook to modern orchid care, beyond question, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which can be downloaded over the Internet. Mr. Howard's ebook is a thorough course, useful for beginners and more seasoned cultivators alike. Also, check out the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing database of postings on all topics of orchid care.
No comments:
Post a Comment