TYPES OF ORCHID BULBS
Basically there are two types of Orchid bulbs
- Terrestrial: those living in soil.
- Epiphytic: those living attached to a host such as a tree, rock or cliff face.
CATTLEYA
Cattleya is the "Queen of Orchids" and has always been popular. It is often given as a corsage. Cattleyas can be among the most rewarding Orchids to grow and they come in almost any size or colour. Many Cattleya Orchid bulb species bloom only once a year but hybrids can bloom two, or more, times a year. The Cattleya species have the added appeal of a delicious fragrance.
Temperature: 21°C - 30°C days, 13°C - 18°C nights (70°F - 85°F days, 55°F - 65°F nights)
Water: must maintain dry between waterings
Light: Bright filtered light, 35% - 50% shade
Humidity: should not exceed than 40% - 75%
Fertiliser: Two times a month
DENDROBIUMS
Dendrobium is one of the largest families of Orchids with somewhere around 1000 known species. There is, therefore, a great deal of diversity amongst the members of the Dendrodium family. This species is not fragrant although the deciduous variety can have a fresh, citrus scent, or smell of raspberries. They are strong Orchids that can add a focal point to any room without being difficult to grow.
Temperature: 21°C - 32°C days, 7°C - 18°C nights (70°F - 90°F days, 45°F - 65°F nights)
Water: you need to keep almost moist, drier in winter
Light: 25% - 50% shade, brighter in winter
Humidity: should not exceed 50% - 75%
Fertiliser: Two times a month, less in winter
ONCIDIUM ALLIANCE
This orchid variety is commonly known as "dancing ladies" and the broad, flat, lip of the Oncidium does, indeed, give the image of a ruffled lady's skirt. There are several different species within the Oncidium family as well as numerous closely related families. Most members of the Oncidium species are spray-type Orchids; so even those with small flowers can put on a spectacular display. Oncidium bulbs bloom only once a year but many hybrids bloom three or more times. You find these bulbs most often in yellow or pink.
Temperature: 21°C - 30°C days, 10°C - 18°C nights (70°F - 85°F days, 50°F - 65°F nights)
Water: must maintain dry between waterings
Light: Bright filtered light, 35% - 65% shade
Humidity: should not exceed 40% - 75%
Fertiliser: Two times a month
PHALAENOPSIS
Phalaenopsis bulbs are the most popular and rewarding of all the Orchids. They are as easy to grow as houseplants and put on a spectacular display when in bloom. The "Moth Orchid" has become increasingly popular due to their suitability for use as house plants. Hybrids of these bulbs tend to have stronger colours making them even more desirable. At present Phalaenopsis, or Phals, which is a common name for this bulb, can be found in white, yellow, green, many shades of pink, and near red. Some horticulture research centres are beginning to release more artistically shaded Phals expanding the palette to include oranges and autumn colours.
Temperature:18°C - 32°C days, 12°C - 21°C nights (65°F - 90°F days, 55°F - 70°F nights)
Water:you need to keep evenly moist and avoid wet foliage
Light: Moderate light, 70% - 80% shade, no direct sun
Humidity: should not exceed 50% - 75%
Fertiliser: Two times a month
VANDAS
The name Vandas will be used here to cover all vandaceous Orchids including Vanda, Ascocentum, Aerides, Renanthera and Rhynchostylis.
Vandas may be small plants with many small, brightly-colored, flowers or large plants with large flowers. Some Vandas bulbs have a strong fragrance. Rhynchostylis and Aerides are famous for their delightful citrus or musky scents. The most desirable quality of Vandas is the wide range of pure, brilliant, colours. Yellow, orange, scarlet, deep purple and bright fuschia are all part of the vandaceous colour palette. The broad range of brilliant colours and their free-blooming habit gives pleasure to orchid lovers during the months when there are scarcely any other Orchids in bloom.
Temperature: 21°C - 35°C days, 15°C - 21°C nights (70°F - 95°F days, 60°F - 70°F nights)
Water: you need to Water often but allow drying out between waterings
Light: 25% - 35% bright filtered light
Humidity: should not exceed 60% - 80%
Fertiliser: Once a week during growing season, less in winter
SOME USEFUL HINTS IN GROWING ORCHID BULBS
- Choose mediums that will last two years.
- Choose the right grade to suit your culture and the plant.
- Bigger pieces can be used in the base of the pot to add to the drainage.
- The only preservative, other than fertilizer, should be styrene foam.
- See to it that bark drains freely.
- Make sure the bark is properly treated and not too fresh so the roots will be attracted to it.
- Always Use the correct type of fertilizers. Totally chelated forms are recommended.
- Organic fertilizers are beneficial from time to time but constant use can break the bark down quickly.
- Flush the pots regularly with fresh water to remove stale air from between the bark and put it in fresh air to benefit from the oxygen.
- Check your root systems regularly – at least twice a year.
You can also find different varieties of Orchid bulbs that will grow in your house. |
