UF/IFAS
Okeechobee County Extension Service
458 Highway 98 North
Okeechobee, FL 34972-2578
Phone: (863) 763-6469
January
15, 2006
| Quick Tips: Why Orchids Which Orchids Growing Tips References |
Feature Article - for release the
week of January 21, 2007
ORCHID Group Forming in Okeechobee
When I began my work as the
horticultural Agent here in Okeechobee, I was amazed to
find that there were no local groups dedicated to the
greener pursuits of life.
Rumors persisted that there once was a Garden Club
in town, but I’ve not found out much about this
organization, what they did, or why they are not around
any more.
It’s been one of my goals to help
local plant lovers get together and enjoy the pleasures of
plants. Thanks
to a recent visit by a nurseryman that has been
transplanted from Stuart, Okeechobee may soon break this
drought and get an Orchid group started.
Our office has agreed to host the
initial meeting of folks interested in learning all about
orchids this Tuesday night, January 23rd, at 7
PM here in our office. The program will be led by Mr.
Harry Hoffner, past president of the Martin Orchid
Society, and now a commercial orchid grower here in town.
Orchids are exotic symbols of tropical
allure, and are thought to have an incredible amount of
beauty and mystery that surrounds them.
Those with green thumbs will either love them, or
not, based on their ability to provide the necessary
growing conditions that can allow them to produce their
enchanting floral displays.
These plants display an unlimited range
of colors and forms, from the flamboyant Cattleya that
is popular in corsages, to native Butterfly orchids found
in local hammocks. Gardeners
may enjoy growing many orchid species and hybrids. Many of
these plants grow well and flower profusely with a minimum
of care under Florida's conditions.
Commercial Orchid Growing Greenhouses are a
profitable business in Florida. The Sunshine
State ranked #2 in Wholesale sales of potted
orchids in 2010, ahead of both Ohio (#3) and
Hawai'i (#4). Photo:
UF/IFAS |
One of our local native orchids is called the Butterfly orchid. Photo: T. Ann Williams, USF Plant Atlas |
Contrary
to common belief, these plants may be purchased at prices
comparable to other flowering pot plants.
When a few basic cultural requirements are met, any
orchid will satisfy the owner for many years.
One of the
more difficult decisions facing new orchid fanciers is
which of the thousands of commercially available species
and hybrids should they grow. To answer this question
several factors must be considered, including: (1) How
much time do you want to spend? (2) How much money is
available? (3) Do you have a hobby greenhouse? and (4) Do
you have a suitable growing area?
Species and hybrids of six
orchid types are widely recommended to homeowners because
of their adaptability, ease of growing, and beautiful
flowers: Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium,
Oncidium, Vanda and Epidendrum.
These are the most common and can be grown
successfully in Florida, but they represent only a
minority of orchid genera available.
Florida gardeners have a
number of choices on how their orchids should be grown.
Traditionally, plants were grown in osmunda fiber in clay
pots. Other media such as chopped tree fern fiber, certain
bark materials, porous volcanic stone, peat, charcoal and
combinations of these materials are now used.
Plastic pots and other containers have replaced
clay in many cases.
Repotting is perhaps the least enjoyed
chore in the orchid hobby. As a general rule, popular
orchids need to be repotted every two to three years.
Repotting can be done by transplanting to a larger pot, or
by division. Knowing
when and how to repot will be shown at future meetings of
this orchid group.
Fertilization is a controversial issue
among orchid growers.
Many debate the merits of inorganic and organic
fertilizers and some even question the need for
fertilizer. However, most growers use fertilizer and
obtain excellent results.
Rates and kinds of fertilizers depend on the kind
of plant and type of growing media used.
How often
should orchids be watered? This is a common question to
which there is no one set answer. As a general rule,
orchids in small pots dry more rapidly and require
watering more frequently.
Plants grown in porous clay pots should receive
water more often than those grown in plastic pots. When
watering, saturate each pot so that moisture drains from
the bottom of the pot - then don’t water again until the
surface of the medium becomes dry.
Most orchids require partial
shade for optimum growth and flowering. High light
intensities degrade chlorophyll causing the foliage to
yellow, and frequently may burn the leaves. Orchids need
to be protected from cold temperatures. Generally 50°F is
the minimum temperature that tropical orchids can handle
without cold damage. However, if orchids are exposed to
too much heat (2 hours above 110°F.or 10 minutes above
120°F.), the
leaves and flowers will burn.
Orchid exhibits are very popular with many plant shows. This is a photo of the Orchid entries at the 2006 Philadelphia Flower Show. Photo: Dan Culbert, UF/IFAS |
There’s lots to learn and much more to
share with this fascinating group of plants.
I hope to see you Tuesday night here at our office
to help explore the wide world of orchids.
I’ve placed more information on our
Okeechobee web page, http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu.
If you need additional information on orchids,
please email us at okeechobee@ifas.ufl.edu
or call us at 863-763-6469.
Local residents can stop by our office at 458 Hwy
98 North in Okeechobee, and visit our Okeechobee County
Master Gardeners from 1 to 3 PM on Tuesday afternoons.
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Trade names, where used, are given for the purpose of providing specific information. They do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of products named, nor does it imply criticism of products not named. The Florida Cooperative Extension Service - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. Florida Cooperative Extension Service / IFAS / University of Florida. Millie Ferrer-Chancy, Interim Dean Last update: 05/04/2012 . This page is maintained by Dan Culbert
American Orchid Society [webpage]. http://orchidweb.org/aos/
Black, Robert. Tips on Growing Orchids in Florida. [ENH33] Gainesville: Florida Cooperative Extension Service, 10/2003. The old link is not active: [http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP017] Here is a temporary link: http://polkhort.ifas.ufl.edu/documents/publications/Orchid%20Tips.pdf
Kerr and Downs Research. Exploring Demand for Florida Orchids in Singapore. Tallahassee: Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, 2006. http://www.florida-agriculture.com/pubs/pubform/pdf/Marketing_Florida_Orchids_In_Singapore_Brochure.pdf
Odom’s Orchids, Ft. Pierce, FL [webpage]. http://www.odoms.com/main.cfm