Orchids

The Orchidiaceae is the largest family of plants in the world. The second is the Lilliaceae family.

Australia has a number of native orchids. The Masdevallias have 250 different species are evergreen, epiphytic and difficult to grow. Easy to grow here, if kept cool in the warmer months. They grow in sphagnum moss and bark mixes. Flowers last up to 3 months. Variety, size and colour vary.

An Australian favourite is the native hybrid or Australian species plant (Dendrobium). Almost 'unkillable' and easy to grow and flower. The scent of the flowers can get overpowering. If grown in large specimen pots they can put on a spectacular display in spring. Sizes of flowers vary from an eighth of an inch up to 3 inches depending upon variety. Dendrobiums grow on rocks or the fork of a tree (tie to the fork of a tree using sphagnum moss and a stocking). Can be grown on the ground under a shady tree or in pots and can be called “neglectors” i.e., need no special care.

The Australian natives should just share in your general garden routine - share in the watering, small amounts of fertiliser, but need good drainage and shelter from the summer sun. Most home gardeners only grow about half a dozen so check by putting your finger in the pot to see if wet, if it is leave for another day. In hotter months, you may need to water every day, cooler months every second or third day and then about once a week.

Some plants still need to be watered every day like the Masdevallias. Masdevallias grow in sphagnum moss loosely packed around the plant this helps keep the plant moist and comfortable in the pot. Do not over pot, as they like to grow in small pots and be kept cool on warmer days.

The large genus of Cymbidium grow as epiphytes in the wild, but are grown mainly in pots. Easy to grow do not let them get pot-bound and give them early morning light or late afternoon sun, morning is better. Ensure air movement and fertiliser. There is a great variety.

The Cattleya genus is a favourite, up to 8 inches across, comes in all colours and shades of colour you want. Grow in an open bark mix with a little polystyrene thrown in to keep the mix open so plant can breathe. Protect plant from direct sun –will burn the plant. Protect plant from elements when in flower. It is easy to tell if this plant needs watering, look at the roots of the plant, if roots look white they need water, if they are green looking then leave watering a few more days.

The Paphiopedilum (Lady’s Slipper) need protection if you grow these outside as the plant has large fleshy leaves that don’t like direct sunlight, burn very easily. In addition, they do not have any bulbs to store nutrients so you have to be careful where you grow these plants. They do not like much fertiliser and can be grown in large containers until they are big enough. Flowers last up to three months, can be multicoloured, flowers June to November.

Hints on care

Light is important for producing flowering spikes. Light must touch the top of the compost to aid in photosynthesis, this causes chemicals in the plants to form flower spikes. This could be the reason why you are not getting flowers.

Air movement – always ensure plenty of air circulation around the plant, it helps to dry it out the moisture and keep it cool on warmer days. It also aids the drawing up of moisture and fertiliser from the soil into the leaves. It also prevents fungal diseases.

Fertiliser: - you can fertilise 3 to 4 times a week in the growing season, but make your fertiliser up at the rate of one-quarter strength. Also, change the type of fertiliser at intervals. One week feed with Aquasol, the next Orchid food and the next Seasol, but remember, always use at one-quarter strength.

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