Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
12/30/04
Contacts:
Glori Haidar, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-8987, glori@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire,
Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033, jmcguire@iastate.edu
Reiman's Pick for the week of Jan. 3
By Glori Haidar
Reiman Gardens Agriculture Specialist
Iowa State University Extension
With more than 30,000 natural species, and almost 100,000 species of hybrids, Orchidedaceae makes up the largest flowering plant family. Orchids have been found in all climates and conditions of the world with the exception of oceans; there are no known orchids that make oceans their home.
So what makes an orchid an orchid? Because of the vast diversity among orchids, there is not one definition that classifies orchids. However, the flower and its make-up is the connection for most orchids. Three stamens (male) fused to three pistils (female) create the gynostemium, or column of the flower. All orchids are monocotyledons and are either epiphytic or terrestrial plants.
Despite the belief that orchids are fussy and impossible to grow, orchids adapt to many growing conditions. Like all other plants, orchids need light, fertilizer, water, and air. These four factors vary from one orchid to the next, so it is most important to understand what conditions your orchid prefers.
Regular fertilization is imperative to orchids. Feeding orchids the nutrients found in fertilizer, at every other watering, will keep them on a consistent feeding program and allow for leaching between fertilizing. How often you water your orchid will depend on the temperature. In the summer months, orchids may need to be watered every 4-5 days; in the winter, they may need water only every 7-10 days.
A good guide to use for watering is the more heat, the more water; the less heat, the less water. The amount of water needed also depends on the potting medium. Orchids thrive in light potting mixes made of bark, mixed with perlite, charcoal and cork. This potting recipe allows the water to drain through.
Although orchids come from all climates of the world, they will adapt well to the home environment and temperatures if kept consistent. Many orchids like Phalenopsis and Cattleya will flourish in rooms at 60-65 degrees at night and 10-15 degrees warmer during the day. Orchids such as Cymbidiums and Miltonias prefer lower temperatures. All orchids need good air circulation, which can be achieved in the home by using fans and positioning plants near vents.
To find out more information on orchid culture, there are many good reference books available. View more than 500 orchids in Iowa State University’s Reiman Gardens “Oh! Orchids” Conservatory display Jan. 3 through March 5.
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Editors: Two color photos, suitable for publication, are available at right. Click on the thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. Photo 1 (1.3 MB): This orchid’s scientific name is Phalaenopsis Marisella Arias x Phalaenopsis Vallant One, common name, Brave Heart.
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Photo 2 (1.5 MB): This is a Cattleya orchid, Jeremy Island.
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