All About Orchids

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PLANT NUTRITION
2007-10-09 11:41:00
Plants use inorganic minerals for nutrition, whether grown in the field or in a container. Complex interactions involving weathering of rock minerals, decaying organic matter, animals, and microbes take place to form inorganic minerals in soil. Roots absorb mineral nutrients as ions in soil water. Many factors influence nutrient uptake for plants. Ions can be readily available to roots or could be "tied up" by other elements or the soil itself. Soil too high in pH (alkaline) or too low (acid) makes minerals unavailable to plants.FERTILITY OR NUTRITIONThe term "fertility" refers to the inherent capacity of a soil to supply nutrients to plants in adequate amounts and in suitable proportions. The term "nutrition" refers to the interrelated steps by which a living organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and replacement of tissue. Previously, plant growth was thought of in terms of soil fertility or how much fertilizer should be added to increase soil levels of mineral elements....
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CATTLEYA CULTURE
2007-09-01 08:08:00
Most species of the cattleya alliance are native to the middle elevations of Central and South America. An understanding of their native habitat and the conditions under which they occur is invaluable to the proper culture of these plants. The majority of this group grows as epiphytes on the forest fringes or high in the canopy of the trees where they can receive strong but dappled light.Temperature:Cattleya needs a 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit temperature difference between night and day. A daytime range of 75 to 85 degrees is optimum; nights around 60 degrees are desirable.Light:Cattleya grows and flower best with strong, dappled sunlight. In the home, placing them in an eastern, western or lightly shaded southern exposure can simulate this. The most common cause for failure to flower is insufficient light. Growth and flower spikes should develop straight and strong in good light. Foliage should be a medium olive green. If the growths are weak and floppy, and the foliage appears da...
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VANDA CARE
2007-08-01 13:19:00
Vanda has become one of the favored of the orchid world. . The foliage, handsomely symmetrical and sculptural, provides an ideal setting for the compact, upright spike, which is densely set with richly colored, 2-inch flowers. In addition, the show from one spike can last for eight weeks or more, and vigorous plants, if adequately fertilized, can be expected to bloom twice yearly.Temperature: The ideal day temperature is 75-85 degrees F., while the ideal night temperature is 65-75 degrees F. Occasional temperature extremes are tolerated if exposure is not prolonged.Light: Vandas and their relatives require a good amount of light. They enjoy full sun in the morning, but will require shading from about 11am-3pm; less shading will be necessary in the late afternoon. Their leaves should be a light green color, and a darker green color indicates too little sun.Water: Basically, Vandas grow best when their potting medium becomes dry in between waterings. These plants are epiphytes in natu...
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ORHIDS NURSERY, AUSTRALIA
2007-07-17 22:56:00
BURLEIGH PARK ORCHID54 Hammond Way,Thuringowa, Townsville, Queensland, Australia , 4815 Phone/Fax 07 47 740 008 International 61 747 740 008Email ian@speciesorchids.comCOLLECTORCORNERNurs ery Address Garden World 810 Springvale Road, Keysborough, Victoria 3173, AustraliaTelephone 61 3 9798 5845 Fax 61 3 9706 3339Electronic Mail webmaster@collectorscorner.com.au
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Hydroponic Orchids!
2007-07-11 11:49:00
hydroponics is growing plants without soil. There are different systems that can be used, but all in all they have the same thing in common. It is the use of nutrients - water mixture poured over inert substance called aggregates.some of the benefits using growing hydroponic orchids are:* easy to use* no wondering when to water* disease free growth* more vigorous growth* less maintenanceEase of use goes without saying. With hydroponic orchids, the plant is placed in a special pot and is surrounded by aggregates. More on types of aggregates at a later time. The aggregates will not only hold water but also can trap air. They also allow for more freer air movement.After transplanting a plant into a hydroponic system there is nothing to do except add nutrient laedened water. Yes, that's it, water as needed according to the system you use and watch your orchid plants grow.Taking The Guesswork Out Of WateringI think the neatest part comes with knowing when to water and taking the guess ...
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Good Shape of Orchids Flower
2007-07-09 20:34:00
Gently feel the petals and leaves of the Orchid between your thumb and forefinger - if they are slightly hard, the orchid flowers are opening. When opening, flower color is brighter and the flower has a distinct look. If the flower is too old, and starting to wilt, don't buy the Orchid. The only time I would buy an Orchid like this to the left is if I don't mind waiting until it blooms again.
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AMERICAN ORCHIDS NURSERY (5)
2007-07-03 20:26:00
OHIOKrohn Conservatory1501 Eden Park DriveCincinnati, OhioTelephone: (513) 421-5707Contact: Andrea SchepmannE-Mail: AndreaSchepmann@cinparks.rec.orgPublic Hours: 8 am – 5 pm, dailyOKLAHOMAMyriad Botanical Garden100 Myriad GardensOklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102Telephone: (405) 297-3395Contact: Allan StorjohannPublic Hours: 9 am – 6 pm, Monday through Saturday12 pm – 6 pm, SundayPENNSYLVANIALongwood GardensKennett SquarePennsylvania 19348Telephone: (610) 388-1000, ext. 557Contact: Lee AlyanakianE-Mail: lalyanakian@longwoodgardens.orgPublic Hours: Opens 10 am daily, Closing hours vary seasonallyPhipps Conservatory1 Schlenley PlacePittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213Telephone: (412) 622-5914Contact: Georgia WahlE-Mail: Horticulture@Phipps.pgh.pa.usPublic Hours: 9 am – 5 pm, Tuesday through SundayTENNESSEECheekwood Botanical Gardens and Fine ArtsForrest Park DriveNashville, Tennessee 37205Telephone: (615) 353-2148Contact: Teri RiceE-Mail: TRICE@CHEEKWOOD.orgPublic Hours: 9 am – 5 pm, M...
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Why are my buds turning yellow and falling off?
2007-06-30 20:03:00
This is referred to as bud blast, and can be caused by the following conditions:The plant has been too dry between watering, causing it to withdraw moisture from the buds.There may be some wide swings in temperature, where it may be too hot in direct sun, or the plant may be too close to an air conditioning or heating vent.There may be some fumes in the air caused by paint, natural gas leaks, or other chemicals. Flowers naturally create their own methane and collapse after pollination to save energy for seed production. Certain forms of methane or ethylene may trigger bud or flower collapse.Cattleyas in particular are sensitive while in bud to overwatering, causing the buds to actually turn black in the sheath.All plants need an adequate amount of light in order to flower correctly. Placing a plant in the center of a room, on a coffee table for example, is fine for display during an evening of entertaining, but to maintain proper growth and flower development it is best to keep the ...
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Why are my plant’s leaves wrinkled?
2007-06-30 20:01:00
Wrinkled or pleated leaves are caused by a lack of moisture reaching the vegetative part of the plant. This can be caused by not watering enough, or watering too much. If you can’t figure out what you’ve done, tip the plant out of the pot and examine the roots. If they are white or tan, firm, and spread throughout the mix, you need to increase the frequency of watering. If the roots appear brown and mushy, trim them off, repot into a new mix, and decrease the frequency of watering. Always remember, orchids should never stand in water!source:orchidweb.com
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AMERICAN ORCHID NURSERY (4)
2007-06-28 20:30:00
MINNESOTAComo Park Conservatory1325 Aida PlaceSt. Paul, Minnesota 55103Telephone: (651) 487-8201Contact: Bob MartinE-Mail: robertmartin@cistpaul.MN.UPublic Hours: 10 am – 4 pm, dailyMISSOURIMissouri Botanical Garden4344 Shaw BoulevardSt. Louis, Missouri 63166Telephone: (314) 577-1234, ext. 6Contact: Babs WagnerE-Mail: blanche.wagner@mobot.orgPublic Hours: Tours must be arranged.NORTH CAROLINADuke University Botany Greenhouse139 Bio Science BuildingDurham, North Carolina 27706Telephone: (919) 660-7334Contact: Beverly CalhounE-Mail: bcalhoun@acpub.duke.eduPublic Hours: 10 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through ThursdayUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte Botanical GardenUniversity of North CarolinaCharlotte, North Carolina 28223Telephone: (704) 547-4055Contact: Dr. T. Lawrence MellichampE-Mail: tlmellic@email.uncc.eduPublic Hours: 10 am – 3 pm, Monday through SaturdayNEW YORKBrooklyn Botanical Garden1000 Washington AvenueBrooklyn, New York 11225-1099Telephone: (718) 623-7242Contact: ...
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Orchid growth life cycle
2007-06-28 03:40:00
The life cycle of an orchid can be divided into two distinct cycles - the growth period and the rest period. The orchid requires certain amounts of temperature, water and light in each period.The rest phaseThis occurs during the drought season in tropical sites and in the winter in temperate areas. Most orchids flower at the start of or soon after the rest period. The orchids should not be kept moist in the rest phase as this makes them produce weak new shoots. However do not keep them dry completely especially if they have tough leaves and small bulbs. TemperatureDifferent orchids flourish in different temperature zones. Some thrive in moist warm, areas others in partly moist, warm regions while other flourishes in dry, hot regions. You have to pin-point what type of orchid you have as this will directly influence its requirements. Orchids generally belong to three different categories cool, temperate or warm.Measuring temperatureOne can use a simple apparatus such as an indoor the...
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AMERICAN ORCHID NURSERY (3)
2007-06-27 20:35:00
MINNESOTAComo Park Conservatory1325 Aida PlaceSt. Paul, Minnesota 55103Telephone: (651) 487-8201Contact: Bob MartinE-Mail: robertmartin@cistpaul.MN.UPublic Hours: 10 am – 4 pm, dailyMISSOURIMissouri Botanical Garden4344 Shaw BoulevardSt. Louis, Missouri 63166Telephone: (314) 577-1234, ext. 6Contact: Babs WagnerE-Mail: blanche.wagner@mobot.orgPublic Hours: Tours must be arranged.NORTH CAROLINADuke University Botany Greenhouse139 Bio Science BuildingDurham, North Carolina 27706Telephone: (919) 660-7334Contact: Beverly CalhounE-Mail: bcalhoun@acpub.duke.eduPublic Hours: 10 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through ThursdayUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte Botanical GardenUniversity of North CarolinaCharlotte, North Carolina 28223Telephone: (704) 547-4055Contact: Dr. T. Lawrence MellichampE-Mail: tlmellic@email.uncc.eduPublic Hours: 10 am – 3 pm, Monday through SaturdayNEW YORKBrooklyn Botanical Garden1000 Washington AvenueBrooklyn, New York 11225-1099Telephone: (718) 623-7242Contact: ...
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Cattleya Orchid Care
2007-06-27 19:58:00
Cattleyas are often also called the corsage Orchid, and were named after the Orchid grower William Cattley. They generally come from South America. Their flowers can be pretty large - up to about 8 inches. They are also often fragrant. The only downside to Cattleyas is that their flowers only last 2-3 weeks on average.If possible, buy a Cattleya with either Laelia or another kind of orchid bred with it. You'll be able to tell these, because instead of it saying Catt. -name- it'll say BLC or SLC or LC. Flowers on these aren't as big, but you get more flowers and more bloom time!SOURCE:http://www.imagine123.com/
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AMERICAN ORCHID NURSERY (1)
2007-06-26 20:40:00
CALIFORNIAGolden Gate Park ConservatoryMcLaren Lodge, Fell and Stanyan Streets,San Francisco, California 94117Telephone: (415) 666-7077Contact: George MarcopulousE-Mail: gmarcopulos@compuserve.comPublic Hours: Please call for current hoursLos Angeles State and County Arboretum301 North Baldwin AvenueArcadia, California 91006-2697Telephone: (626) 821-3221Contact: Julie NormanPublic Hours: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm, dailySan Diego Zoo2920 Zoo DriveSan Diego, California 92112-1515Telephone: (619) 231-1515Contact: Janette GerrityE-Mail: mbostwick@sandiegozoo.orgPublic Hours: The orchid facility is open on the third Friday of every month from 10 am to 2 pm. Special tours outside the normal hours can be arranged in advance with the approval of Michael Bostwick.COLORADODenver Botanical Gardens909 York StreetDenver, Colorado 80206Telephone: (720) 865-3500Contact: Nicholas SnakenbergE-Mail: snakenbn@botanicgardens.orgPublic Hours: 9:00 am – 5 pm, dailyDISTRICT OF COLUMBIAUnited States Botanical ...
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AMERICAN ORCHID NURSERY (2)
2007-06-26 20:37:00
FLORIDAAmerican Orchid Society-International Orchid Center16700 AOS LaneDelray Beach, Florida 33446-4351Telephone:(561)404-2000Contact: Lee CookePublic Hours: 10 am to 4 pm, Monday to SaturdayFairchild Tropical Garden10901 Old Cutler RoadMiami, Florida 33156-4299Telephone: (305) 667-1651Contact: Craig M. AllenPublic Hours: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, dailyMarie Selby Botanical Gardens811 South Palm AvenueSarasota, Florida 34236Telephone: (941) 366-5731Contact: Nancy EdmondsonPublic Hours: 10 am – 5 pm, dailyGEORGIAAtlanta Botanical GardensDorothy Fuqua Conservatory1345 Piedmont AvenueAtlanta, Georgia 30309Telephone: (404) 876-5859Contact: Becky BrinkmanE-Mail: m.groves@mindspring.comPublic Hours: 9 am – 6 pm, Tuesday through SundayHAWAIIFoster Botanic Gardens180 North Vineyard BoulevardHonolulu, Hawaii 96817Telephone: (808) 522-7066Contact: Scott MitamuraPublic Hours: 9 am – 4 pm, dailyWahaiwa Botanical Garden1396 California AvenueWahiawa, Hawaii 96786Telephone: (808) 621-7321Contact:...
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Potting Mix
2007-06-25 19:20:00
Use 1/3 bark, 1/3 coarse Perlite and 1/3 charcoal for Cattleya types. For Phalaenopsis and Stanhopeas Its better to used Sphagnum moss, and also the normal mix above. The Vandas are basket mounted with bark chunks. For the Paphiopedilums you can use coconut husks, Perlite and charcoal. I don't recommend Sphagnum moss for long term Cattleya potting since eventually it will hold too much water (when it packs down), although initially it can work very well to promote roots.

Feeding The Orchids
2007-06-25 19:14:00
There is lots of anecdotal evidence that seems to indicate that one feed brand is better than another. I for one don't believe there is much difference, if any, in growth rates, but look for a complete fertilizer, one with all 7 minor or trace elements. What is FAR MORE IMPORTANT is to feed correctly. Little and often, weakly, weekly are good watchwords. Note that a 20-20-20 feed compared to a 5-5-5 feed is 4x as concentrated, all other things being equal. This usually means it is 4x better value! I do find that most beginners are told to feed at low rates and this is a great way to start. I would recommend that you feed weakly, weekly for at least the first year of orchid growing. This will usually mean 1/4 tsp per gallon for most feed brands at every other watering, and every fourth watering in winter. However, it has to be said that most commercial vendors and more proficient growers feed much more heavily than that. However, it also has to be said that these growers have stat...
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DENDROBIUM
2007-06-24 18:57:00
source:wikipedia

Definitions (2)
2007-06-24 18:49:00
-mature size (M.S.)Plants reach maturity and capable to flower within a year.-mediumThe material in which an orchid is container-grown; it may be organic, such as fir bark, or inorganic, such as lava rock.-mericloneA plant derived from tissue culture and that is identical to its parent.-monopodialOrchids that grow upward from a single stem, producing both leaves and flowers along that stem.-near mature size (N.M.S.)Plants almost reach maturity, but require 12-18 months to flower.-nodeA joint on a stem or pseudobulb from which a leaf or growth originates.-panicleAn inflorescence with a main stem and branches, the flowers on the lower branches open earlier than the upper ones.-photosynthesisThe process a plant uses to produce carbohydrates and sugar from water and carbon dioxide in the air using chlorophyl-containing cells exposed to light. -pseudobulbA thickened portion of the stem of many orchids functioning as a water and food storage device.-racemeAn unbranched inflorescence of st...
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Definitions (1)
2007-06-24 18:47:00
-aerial rootAny root produced above the growing medium.-antherThe part of the stamen containing the pollen; the end of the column.-backbulbAn old pseudobulb behind the part of a sympodial orchid that is actively growing. Although there may be no leaves, the presence of undamaged "eyes" is a sign that growth is possible.-bifoliateHaving two leaves on the same bulb.-caneAn elongated psuedobulb, usually used when describing Dendrobiums.-crockSmall pieces of broken earthenware or flower pots placed in the bottom of a pot when repotting to aid in drainage.-cultivarAn individual plant or its vegetative propagations, a horticultural variety.-epiphyte, epiphyticA plant which naturally grows upon another plant but does not derive any nourishment from it. Many of the orchids in cultivation are epiphytic.-eyeThe bud of a sympodial orchid that will eventually develop into a new lead.-foliar sprayMany minor nutrients and trace elements beneficial to growth are best absorbed through the stomata o...
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GROWING FROM YOUR BOTTLE BABIES
2007-06-23 21:04:00
What to do with the babies we have been growing in our bottles for the past few months? If you missed my articles, Growing Orchids From Seed and Stem Propagation, you may want to first read them to learn how the orchids got into the bottles in the first place.Orchid seedlings will need to spend close to a year in their bottle nursery before they are ready to be removed. When the leaves are at least three cm long and are touching the top of the flask or the roots have consumed the medium, it will be time to move them to a community tray which brings us to the purpose of this article.Deflasking SeedlingsCleanliness is very important! Waterborn pathogens (fungus, bacteria, etc.) is one of the main causes for seedling death. Using distilled or boiled water at the same temperature as the flask, fill the flask and gently swish the water around to loosen the babies from the agar mixture. Then, using a spatula or plastic knitting needle, untangle the roots and separate the seedlings. Carefu...
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TEN TIPS IN SELECTING YOUR NEW ORCHID
2007-06-23 20:54:00
If you happen to be one of those people that just have to buy the "orphans" at bargain sales that are laying around half dead, please understand what you are doing. The plant has undergone a lot: over-watering, under-watering, too much heat, too much cold, and heavens knows what else. Saving these "orphans" can sometimes be done, but taking them to a dry home and expecting miracles is not reality. Most often it will require the intensive care environment of a well-controlled greenhouse to save the plant. It can take years for a plant to recover to the point of producing new flowers or even new growth. 1.Check and see how firm the plant is in the pot, if it is shaky and not firm then chances are it is either been recently repotted or it has a bad root system. If it has been recently repotted check the mix, you may want to replace it for something more suitable for orchids, even if the plant is in bloom. Sphagnum moss is often used to pot the orchids in for shipping and if it it ...
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Orchids in commerce
2007-06-23 20:50:00
Phalaenopsis hybridOne orchid genus, Vanilla, is commercially important, used as a foodstuff flavoring, the source of vanilla. The underground tubers of terrestrial orchids are ground to a powder and used for cooking, such as in the hot beverage salep or the so-called "fox-testicle ice cream" salepi dondurma. The scent of orchids is frequently used by perfumists (using Gas-liquid chromatography) to identify potential fragrance chemicals. With these exceptions, orchids have virtually no commercial value other than for the enjoyment of the flowers (see also Botanical orchids).There are a great number of tropical and subtropical orchids, and these are the most commonly known, as they are available at nurseries and through orchid clubs across the world. There are also quite a few orchids which grow in colder climates, although these are less often seen on the market. Temperate species available at nurseries include Ophrys apifera (bee orchid), Gymnadenia conopsea (fragrant orchid), Anac...
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FRUITS AND SEEDS
2007-06-21 17:27:00
cross-section of an orchid capsule, showing 3 or 6 longitudinal slitsThe orchid ovary is always inferior (located behind the flower), three-carpelate and one or three-partitioned, with parietal placentation (but axile in the Apostasioideae).If pollination was successful, the sepals and petals fade and wilt but they remain attached to the ovary. The epigynous ovary typically develops into a capsule that is dehiscent by 3 or 6 longitudinal slits, while remaining closed at both ends. The ripening of a capsule can take 2–18 months. The microscopic seeds are very numerous (over a million per capsule in most species). They blow off after ripening like dust particles or spores, barely visible to the human eye. Since they lack endosperm, they must enter symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi to germinate. These fungi provide the necessary nutrients to the seeds. An orchid seed capsuleAll orchid species are reliant upon mycorrhizal associations with various basidiomyceteous fungi t...
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ORCHID'S REPRODUCTION
2007-06-21 17:24:00
Reproduction Bumblebee Orchid (Ophrys bombyliflora)It is in the variety and the refinement of their reproductive methods that orchids truly amaze. On many orchids, the lip (labellum) serves as a landing pad for flying insects. The labellum is sometimes adapted to have a color and shape which attracts particular male insects via mimicry of a receptive female insect. Some orchids are reliant solely on this deception for pollination. After pollination, the epigynous ovary starts developing and produces a many-seeded capsule.•The Lady's Slipper (Paphiopedilum) has a deep pocket that traps visiting insects, with just one exit. Passage through this exit leads to pollinia being deposited on the insect. •Many neotropical orchids are pollinated by male orchid bees, which visit the flowers to gather volatile chemicals they require to synthesize pheromonal attractants. Each type of orchid places the pollinia on a different body part of a different species of bee, so as to enforce proper ...
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