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Russian born painter Vladimir Tretchikoff was so enchanted by the exquisite beauty of the orchid flower lying on the stairs on the day he was freed from an Indonesian war camp that he was inspired to paint the Lost Orchid. It was possibly a corsage as it had a pin through it. At that time orchid plants were only owned by the wealthy and it was considered a great extravagance to be given an orchid flower — which then was 10 times more costly than a rose.
Little has changed in our regard and reverence for the orchid’s exotic blooms. But rather than being accessible only for special occasions, the supermarkets and grocery stores in most of our neighbourhoods now sell them. This has allowed us the opportunity to give or receive an orchid plant in flower as a gift.
However, many find the plant gift comes with a tag of daunting uncertainty — not knowing how to look after it and fear that the plant is destined to die in our care.
You needn’t be if you follow these guidelines, given to me by orchid fundi Malcolm Smith.
According to Malcolm, orchids like phalaenopsis or better known as the ‘Woolies orchids’, are some of the easiest to grow. In our region we also have cymbidiums, cattleyas, dendrobiums and oncidiums which are all simple enough to cultivate. It is best to research these orchids’ particular growing requirements on Google or Pinterest.
What is important is to get the basic needs of an orchid correct.
Light
Light intensity influences the growth of the orchid as well as encouraging the plant to flower.
Avoid direct sunlight that could lead to leaf burn. A phalaenopsis kept indoors will thrive in a well-lit area where there is some air movement. The colour of the leaves is a good indicator of how much light the plant is receiving. A good indicator that the plant is receiving sufficient light is when the leaves are bright green rather than dark green. If the leaves are yellow-green it means they are getting too much light.
Try not to move the plant around the house. Once you have established its happy place that is both light and airy leave it there.
Growing medium
Many folk start out thinking that the growing medium provides the plants with nutrients but its purpose is to merely hold the orchid in place in its pot. The medium is generally treated pine bark, spaghnum moss, coco husk or stones. They are air plants and need oxygen at their roots. As most orchids are epiphytes (meaning a plant that grows on another plant but is not a parasite and makes its own food) they prefer a free draining growth medium in a small container. It’s best to keep the orchid in its original container but if you wish place it inside a more decorative pot while it is still in its original container. Be sure to empty it out after watering to prevent rot.
Containers
Most growers plant their orchids in a plastic or clay pot, a basket or mount them on a piece of wood. Generally orchids like to be crowded in a container and very often grow out of their pot.
Watering
Most orchids enjoy regular but light watering and then need a ‘drying out period’. Over-watering is probably the biggest killer of commercially sourced orchids. This is because the growers plant the orchids in spaghnum moss which retains water and could lead to root rot if watered too often. If the plants are mounted on wood or are of the vanda species (which require 80% humidity) they need regular misting of their exposed roots with a spray bottle.
If in doubt, check the growing medium — if it is still damp there is enough moisture in the pot.
Avoid watering over the leaves as this could lead to crown rot in the centre of the plant.
Fertilising
Plants benefit from regular feeding every two to three weeks. Don’t over fertilise and whatever the recommended diluted solution is halve that again. Starting out with the Woolworths orchid or Starke Ayres plant food products are a safe option. Your plants will benefit from an alternative flushing of water containing no fertiliser and a small drop or two of hydrogen peroxide (which sterilises against rot).
Pests
Inspect the plant regularly for any sign of infection or insect invasion by snails, slugs, aphids, thrips, scale or mealy bug. Often ants make a nest in the orchid planter and attract other insects. To rid the plant of sucking insects such as the mealy bug use a round cotton wool face wipe dampened with equal parts methylated spirits and water to wipe them off.
Cutting off flowers
Preferably leave the flowers on the plant for maximum enjoyment. Remember that the Phalaenopsis can flower for a period of six months but it may not flower for a season or two thereafter as it needs the time to recover its strength. If you do wish to cut the flowers for a separate display in a vase, cut the spike (stem) above a node and just below the lowest previous flowers. Dust the wound with a sprinkling of cinnamon.
Propagation
The easiest way to propagate orchids is to split the plant when you repot it. This is not advisable until you have gained some knowledge and experience. Growing from seed or hybridising requires specialist knowledge and equipment. It can take five years for a new plant to produce — and which requires a long-term commitment and patience.
Shade house
If you are intent on developing your orchid hobby then by all means build a shade house. Be warned it will never be big enough once you become hooked on building your collection. It is wise to be selective of the plants you cultivate.
Orchid Society
Society members are only too keen to give advice such as on positioning of the shade house, the shade cloth percentage and colour.
Belonging to the group will help you gain collective encouragement and help from other members. It will also provide you with information for example, on spraying of bugs, choice of pesticides to use, when best to repot your orchids, staking your plants when preparing for a show etc. Joining a group is also a great way to make like-minded friends. It is best if the society is affiliated to the South African Orchid Council.
If you become serious about collecting and growing orchids, select those which have a name tag. Number your pot and record the details in a notebook, listing the name against the number. It is helpful to record information such as the date of purchase, when they are in flower, and when you repotted them, in the book. It is also helpful to take a photograph.
INTERESTING FACT:
Many of us aren’t aware that the orchid family Orchidaceae has 25,000 species and is the biggest plant family in the world with the daisy family coming a close second. Of these, 500 species are native to SA. There are so many forms of the orchid that some of us have unknowingly stepped on little sky blue orchids popping up in the grass or passed under those growing overhead attached to the barks or clefts of trees. Such is the variety of species belonging to the orchid family. There is even one with leopard print flowers.
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