subject: Basic Orchid Culture [print this page] The orchid family is the second largest plant family known to science - the largest being that ofthe grasses. Orchids are found growing on every continent, with the exception of Antarctica. Theyare found growing at all elevations from sea level to several thousand metres and at all latitudes from the equator to well within the Arctic circle.
What is an orchid? It is any flower which consists of three petals and threesepals. Sepals protect a flower bud before the petals emerge. In orchids the sepals are usually the same colour as the petals. The third petal is modified in that it is usually highly coloured or intricately patterned in order to attract the plant's natural pollinator to the reproductive portion of the bloom.
There are basically two types of orchid, terrestrial (those living in soil) and epiphytic (those living attached to a host, be it a tree, rock or cliff face). Australia boasts a wonderful array of terrestrial orchids. Visitors flock to Western Australia to see hectares of these magnificent, oddly interesting blooms. Unfortunately these plants will not transplant. Their specific requirements with regard to soil type and specific symbiotic soil fungi preclude them from consideration for cultivation in Queensland.
The epiphytic orchids are those we have come to expect to see in cultivation. In Queensland most of these plants thrive in all areas where they maybe protected from regular frosts. In coastal Queensland plants grow in shadehouses, attached to trees in gardens or hung from trees by means of wire hangers.
There are many trees which form excellent hosts to an orchid collection: poincianas, jacarandas,tipuanas, frangipannis, callistemons, melaleucas and most fruit trees. In fact any tree with a tenacious bark is a suitable host tree for orchids. Unfortunately eucalypts shed their bark annually and with it they will also shed any orchids which may have established. The best means for attaching orchids is by tying them directly to the host with stocking material. It is vitally important that the plants are held firmly to their host so that the new roots do not wear away with movement of the plant.
Basically, a tree forms a natural growing site for an orchid and other plants. The canopy of leaves overhead gives orchids the correct amount of light, protects the plants from strong winds and, in winter, from frost. It is important that orchids be grown on benches off the ground to ensure good drainage and air movement. Pots of orchids placed on the ground will, in time, sink into the soil which will cause drainage difficulties.
branches of trees rather than in the sheltered depths of the jungle or rainforest. Most of the trees listed above provide suitable shade. If your plants are grown under shade house conditions the calculated degree of shade should be 50%. A good amount of light will provide your plants with strong growth which will result in a strong show of blooms in season.
Plants grown under very shaded conditions are lush in their growth but are usually shy bloomers.If orchids are grown under shade house conditions do not hesitate to grow them along with companion plants. Orchids may occupy the upper strata of the shade house and they will increase the shade for more tender foliage plants. The more you can squeeze into an orchid area, the happier and healthier all your plants will appear as high humidity is created by having your plants in close proximity while allowing air movement through correctly spaced plants.
