Growing orchids is an increasingly popular pas-time for gardening enthusiasts in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi where, given the correct environmental conditions, they can really thrive.
Not as difficult, but certainly not quite as easy, to grow as one would like, orchids are now much more easily available, and at a far less cost, than they used to be.
Many are imported as seedlings from the Far East where airports, particularly in Malaysia and Hong Kong, have an extremely wide range of tiny orchid plants growing in a nutrient jell inside a purpose-designed tiny, airtight, container in which the plants can be left, completely undisturbed until it becomes obvious that transplanting is necessary.
Orchid plants are also now being propagated by the tissue culture method in Pakistan which has made them far more easy to obtain and at a cheaper rate than the imported ones.
By the way, it is quite legal to import the orchid seedlings, described above, as the plants are guaranteed virus and pest free, because no soil is involved, and other problems will not be imported in this manner either.
The orchid growers of the Far East have gone to great lengths to ensure that their seedlings are contaminant free and meet the stringent import requirements of countries around the globe.
Orchids belong to the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world although there are some hardy types which grow in much colder areas. The hardy types are nowhere near as showy as tropical ones and are not, generally, grown as decorative plants.
The plants are perennial with rhizomes (an elongated bumpy root), or, alternatively, tuberous roots (resembling a tiny potato-like thing).
There are literally thousands of varieties of tropical and sub-tropical orchids in all sorts of fantastic sizes, shapes and magnificent colours. Some varieties only flower once a year, others two or three times and yet others almost perpetually.
Before telling you about some of the wonderful varieties to be found, first let me explain how to treat them. Orchids can be divided into three main groups: terrestrial, climbing, and epiphytic.
Terrestrial orchids are grown either directly in the ground or in a specially mixed compost in plant pots or other such containers.
Climbing orchids are grown in the same way but must have a convenient tree to climb up.
Epiphytic orchids live on trees, preferably trees with rough bark so that they have something to hang on to. The young plant is fastened into place with string or wire until it takes hold, but in fastening it to the tree please leave most of its roots dangling in the breeze as they do need to be exposed to the atmosphere. Plus, don’t try and grow them on something such as eucalyptus which sheds its bark as your precious orchid may just be shed too.
Orchid compost should be made from good quality soil with the addition of some well-rotted leaf mould, a little old manure, some small pieces of charcoal and bone chips, all of these thoroughly mixed with a high percentage of old strands of coconut husk.
Grow your orchids either in a shady part of the garden or indoors but, keep in mind the following; they need warm temperatures and high humidity; they must have protection from hot sun; they need morning sun not evening sun or they may not flower at all.
Watering should be carried out both early morning and late evening during the growing season, plus, during the hottest part of the day the plants should be given a light spray of warm water to ensure adequate humidity is maintained. If your orchids are flowering then try not to get water on the flowers as they may spoil.
Your orchids must be kept damp at all times but not so damp in the winter, when they are often dormant. However, even during their winter rest, they will still benefit from the occasional spray with warm water. High humidity is really a must.
Growing orchids from seeds takes so long and is so difficult that it is not a viable proposition. It is much better to propagate by root division during the months of the summer monsoons. All orchids prefer to have most of their roots exposed, even those grown in compost, so please keep this in mind.
One of the easiest varieties to grow is cymbidium. This flowers once a year, from autumn through to spring. The flowers have a waxy appearance and are very popular with flower arrangers. Each stem can have an incredible number of blooms and can be found in all the colours of the rainbow.
For those wanting a longer-flowered orchid then odontoglossum is the variety for you. These flower throughout the year, except for a short break in early spring and each stem of flowers can last as long as two months. There are some extremely beautiful members of this huge family of orchids, the colour range is absolutely magnificent and many blooms are intricately patterned or delicately marked in contrasting colours.
Miltonia, sometimes known as the pansy orchid due to the shape of its flower, has the added bonus of being extremely fragrant. They tend to be very eye-catching and the brilliant flowers last up to two months.
Another interesting flower shape is that of the phalaenopsis or moth orchid with blooms that range in size from a mere 4 cm up to an astonishing 16 cm across and are displayed on arched-stems with numerous branches. The colour range is also wide though the most common are pastel shades, deep pinks and yellow, some of these are also spotted or striped.
Then there are slipper orchids or paphiopedilum. Their striking, slipper-shaped flowers, are long lasting and particularly beautiful to behold.
These are just a very few of the orchid varieties you may come across, there are thousands more. If you want to try and grow some of these exotic plants for yourself then follow the guidelines given above or take further advice from your supplier. I believe that an Orchid Society does exist in Karachi but, unfortunately, do not have the details. |
