Orchids : A Housewife's Hobby

I cultivated my interest in orchids by watching my mum tending her modest collection . It was something she, her sisters and mother shared. She started going into it seriously when we were staying in Ipoh in the late 50s where the quarters we were staying in Jalan Abd Jalil, Greentown had a very large compound. I remember, while dad had his vegetable patch, mum had her cactus and orchid collections. Both of them would labour on ends to tend to their hobbies. When dad got transferred to Malacca later, mum had her orchids transported by train!

With about 25,000 recognised species, it is about the largest family (Orchidacea) of flowering plants. It is also the most diverse with about 100,000 hybrids being created in the last 150 years. W.Malaysia has more than 150 genuses and 800 wild species. Sabah and Sarawak has about 2000 wild species.

Amongst the popular orchids in Malaysia from the genus Aranda, Dendrobium, Mokara and Oncidium. If you buy your orchid plants from the nurseries, they are very likely  to come with labels - Genus and  Species of the orchid. Otherwise, you may just be contented to  know  their genus.

There are two broad categories of orchids according to their physical look:

1. Simpodial - consisting of pseudobulbs which flowers when mature. Once the bloom dries up the bulbs would soon follow suit and die. New bulb would grow from it's base. Repotting may be required every 2 years or once it has outgrown the pot. At this time you may split up the bulbs for propagation.

2. Monopodial - plant consist of a single stem with leaves on opposite sides growing upright . There are two types of leaf - strap and terete (rounded) . With new hybrids semi-terete and quarter-terete are also available.

Propagation is by making cuttings.

Orchids are also classified  according to their growing habits.

1.Terrestrial - They have underground tubers and grow in the ground.

2. Epiphytic - They live on trees as air plants, not parasitic. They use trees for height to get light. They are most common in warm climate where  their roots are not in danger of freezing.

3. Lithophytic - They live on rocks

Epiphytes and lithophytes are usually treated in the same manner in home gardening.They are grown in pots using broken bricks and charcoal as the growth medium.

Here are some of the orchids which have been in my collection and have graced our little garden with their blooms at one time or other.

Simpodials:

Catasetums : Epiphytic.

A most interesting genus of all. Unlike others which are hermaphroditic, it bears only male or female flowers. By varying the amount of light, I was able to produce either male or female flowers. Male flowers are produced when there is less light. The male and female flowers are distinct  The male flowers are so gorgeous  while the female flowers are identifiable by their bishop hat-like shape.

Catasetum. - Male Flowers

Catasetum - Female Flowers

Cattleyas: Epiphytic. 25% - 50% shelter.

Most beautiful and flamboyant genus.  Very popular and has numerous hybrids. Though South American in origin, the name is taken from the man who first succeeded in cultivating it in England. Hybrid blooms are usually in bunches of 4 or 5 flowers.

Yellow Cattleya

Cattleya loddigesii

Purple Cattleya

Purple Cattleya

Oncidiums: Epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial. 60% light.

Coelogynes :  Epiphytic.

Coelogyne Kochusseni   

                                                                         

  

Dendrobiums :  Mostly epiphytic.

Monopodials:

Arandas : Aracnis X Vanda

Ascocendas : Ascocentrum X Aerides

Mokaras : 
Arachnis X Ascocentrum X Vanda, or 
Arachnis X Ascocenda, or
Aranda X  Ascocentrum, or
Aranda X Ascocenda .

Vandas : Epiphytic or  lithophytic.

Phalaenopsis :  Epiphytic or lithophytic


A lovely genus and is often referred as moon orchid, moth orchid and butterfly orchid.. Flowers can last a month!

The most sensitive part of the orchid plant  is the root. As such much care is required to ensure roots are not too damp all the time least they would rot. So this is where the growth medium  becomes important. There are also other considerations necessary for good plant growth like light, shelter, watering, fertilising and pests.

Fertilisers are usually composed of nitrogen (N) for growth, phosphorus (P) for rooting and flowering and calium (K) for flowering, and magnesium (M) for general health. So a general understanding of the contents of  the particular type of fertiliser being used will help to maximise it's use. For example, for matured plants you need a well balanced fertiliser. Check the package for the ratio of contents. For young plants you would require a higher content of  N. There are various types of fertilisers in the market : chemical, organic and commercial.

As I grow my orchids outdoors, the most daunting for me has been the pests especially ants, yellow beetle and to some extent, fungus. Yes, they are sap sucking and can even eat up the whole bud or flower. Not wanting to use too much poison, I have resigned to using the water based insecticide aerosol which is most handy. Do note that orchids may also be affected by virus and bacteria. Occasionally I give the plants a good bath in a solution  of Captan, Maneb or Thiram.