Phalaenopsis Orchids have become immensely popular over the past few years and dominate the world in orchid market. Phalaenopsis orchids are the largest selling flowering potted plant in the Dutch Auction. They are highly prized gifts in the USA, many parts of Europe, Asia and Japan. Phalaenopsis plants are mainly produced in USA, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Thailand & Taiwan. Breeders in these countries are undertaking a lot of research to bring out new varieties with new colours, colour patterns, fragrance, multi & single branched flower spikes etc. The most popular method of propagation is through the use of tissue culture techniques as this minimizes variability.
Phalaenopsis orchids have a significant advantage over other flowering plants, as they have exotic shape and colours and they are extremely long lasting ( As much as 2 - 3 months on the plant ). Moreover in recent years the availability of a large number of varieties and improvement in cultural techniques have made these plants immensely popular.
Growing Tips
1) Temperature
The ideal temperature range for phalaenopsis is 28* - 35*C during the day and 20*C - 24*C during the night.
2) Humidity
Phalaenopsis grow best in high humidity conditions, ideally 70% - 80%.. Humidity should not drop below 50%.
3) Light
Phalaenopsis grow best in low light conditions. 8000 - 12000 lux. Light can be controlled using 70 - 80% shade net.
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4)Air movement
Phalaenopsis like plenty of fresh air. Gently moving fresh air will ensure healthy growth and prevent fungal & bacterial diseases.
5) Water
Phalaenopsis plants should not be allowed to dry out completely. Water needs are influenced by humidity, pot mix, type of pot, size of pot, time of year. Over watering can kill the plants. Water with a pH of 6 - 7 is ideal. Orchids require more air around their roots. The top of the roots should be shiny green or red. The tip should be plump and shiny grey. Over watering turns the root tip brown and the roots loses their ability to absorb water.
6) Potting media
Orchid roots need air. Use pots with adequate holes at the bottom and on the sides. Use media with large particles so that there is space in the media for air. A good potting mix could be a combination of coconut husk pieces, coal or broken pieces of roofing tile with coconut peat. 25 - 30% of the media should be coal /tile pieces to ensure adequate drainage. Fresh fast draining at the same time water retentive media is essential for proper growth. Pot the plant when roots are actively growing. Do not plant deep. The base of the plant should be at the level of the potting mix. The growing tip should never be covered by the potting mix.
7) Fertilizer
Plants use fertilizer in direct proportion to the light received. Weak fertilizer applied frequently is better than strong application. Dosage 2- 3 gms/litre NPK. 30:10:10 fertilizer for early stages of growth (1 month after hardening) and 3-5 gms/liter NPK 13:27:27 fertilizer at flowering time is adequate. Reduce fertilizer once flower spikes appear and during low light conditions.
8) Pest & Diseases
Pseudomonas signified by a small dark depression on the leaf which quickly becomes a brown patch which is soft to touch.
1) Isolate aff ected plants
2) Reduce irrigation
3) Increase air circulation
4) Spray streptocyclene
1 gm in 4 litres water at 10 - 20 days interval.
9) Root Rot
Excessive moisture at the root level, high EC & adverse pH levels can cause root rot affecting the plant adversely. Reduce watering temporarily and correct the EC and pH level to optimum levels.
10) Viruses
Plants showing abnormal growth may be affected by viruses. As there is no known cure, affected plants will have to be destroyed.
11) Pests
Snails / Slugs :
Snails / slugs chew round holes in the leaves and flowers. These pests are rarely seen during the day but come out from dark damp places in the night. There are snails pellets which can be sprinkled in the pot which are effective to control the pest. Sprinkling of ash around the pot is also effective.
Mites :
These are very small spider like creatures that cannot be easily seen with the naked eye. Mites are found mainly on the under side of the leaves in hot humid conditions. The life cycle of the mites are extremely short as little as 4 - 5 days under ideal conditions, making this pest difficult to control. Mites can cause serious damage to leaves of the plants. Once infection sets in regular spray with an acaricide is the only way to control this pest. Good hygene can reduce the incidence of mites.
12) Water Stagnation
During irrigation, water should not be allowed to accumulate in the centre of the plant as this can cause rot. Care should be taken that the plants are fairly dry as night approaches. Water stagnation with lower temperature can cause rot of the leaves. One way of avoiding water accumulation is to tilt the plants so that excess water runs off the plant.
13) Flowering
Initiation of flower spikes takes place as the days shorten & nights become cooler. Spikes takes several weeks to develop the 1st flower. The flower spike will always orient itself to the light. Spikes are usually staked for the best display. Flowers last for several months on the plant. A.V.T Biotechnology (L.J. International Ltd. ) produces over 1 million plants of phalaenopsis plants /year for the export market. These varieties are now available to growers in India. For more details please write to author at sheveroy@eth.net . |
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