The Correct Orchid Cultivation Technique

The following is about the information that we provide to all of you regarding Orchid Cultivation. Of course, in living an increasingly modern life, there are many needs that we want to fulfill, so with maximum effort and accompanied by prayer, the desires we want will come true. The information below is an encouragement for you to do business in the field you are currently pursuing, take a good look at what we have to say.

Every woman must love flowers, one of which is orchids. This flower has a variety of flower shapes and colors that captivate the hearts of those who see it. This ornamental plant has a very attractive appearance. The beauty of orchid plants can be seen from the strands, shapes, colors and patterns of flowers that vary greatly. Orchid flowers are a type of cut flower, the durability is quite good so they can last longer to enjoy their beauty.

GROWTH OF ORCHID SEEDS

Orchid seed propagation can be done in two ways, namely generative propagation or vegetative propagation. Generative propagation is propagation carried out through the process of marriage or pollination, namely using seeds. Meanwhile, vegetative propagation is the propagation of plants using the vegetative parts of the plant itself, it can be done using cuttings, keiki, clump separation, or tissue culture techniques. 

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A. Propagation of Orchid Plants Generatively

Orchid seeds can be obtained by mating or artificial pollination first. Natural pollination is very difficult to succeed, in addition to having to pollinate, orchid seeds take a relatively long time to grow into plant seeds. So propagation using this method is rarely done by orchid plant cultivators.

Orchid seeds are very dependent on the presence of mycorrhizal fungi. Orchid seeds get their nutrition from the secretions of mycorrhizal fungi. Orchid seed seeding is usually done using media consisting of 1 gram calcium nitrate, 0.25 gram monobasic potassium phosphate, 0.25 gram magnesium sulfate, 0.50 gram ammonium sulfate, 20 gram sucrose, 0.025 gram ferrous sulfate, 0.0075 manganese sulfate. grams, 10-20 grams of gelatin and 100-150 cc of coconut water. The seeds are spread on the media as described above. Then it is always kept in a sterile state (pH 5.0-5.2). Usually orchid seeds will germinate at the age of three weeks after sowing. At 9-12 months after sowing, orchid seeds can be transplanted into larger media or into community pots.

The media for seeding these orchid seeds is indeed very difficult to obtain. Therefore, orchid cultivators can sow orchid seeds through media provider services, usually through the services of an orchid plant laboratory. After the seeds can grow on agar media in bottles, the seeds can be taken.

B. Vegetative Propagation of Orchid Plants

Propagation of orchid seeds using this vegetative method can usually produce offspring that have the same character as the parent. Genetic deviation usually occurs due to other external factors, such as fertilization, pest and disease attacks, and environmental conditions. Vegetative propagation is done by taking certain plant parts and then planting them separately on the prepared land.

a. Orchid Plant Propagation Using Clump Separation Techniques

Propagation of plants using the clump separation technique can be done by breaking the shoots of simpodial orchids or pseudo-trunks, such as  Dendrobium sp.  and  Cattleya sp . Orchids ready to be broken should be selected with 3-5 branches. After splitting, the plant can be directly planted in the planting medium.

b. Orchid Plant Propagation Using Keiki

Keiki are orchid saplings that grow wild at the tips of the bulbs. Keiki is in the form of shoots that appear on the internodes of mature plants. Keiki or wild shoots will form if the planting medium is never replaced, so that many plant roots are damaged. The inhibition of plant root growth causes the growth of shoots that should appear at the base of the stem to move to the plant segment. If the plant is diligently changed its growth medium, then the possibility of keiki appearing is very small. Therefore, if the cultivator wants to propagate orchids by using keiki, then the orchid planting medium is not replaced.

Keiki to be planted should be sought that is approximately 20 cm long and has produced roots of 3-4 strands. Cutting is done carefully, the main tuber must also be lifted. Including the parent tuber when cutting aims to provide food reserves for the keiki before the keiki is able to absorb its own food, or until roots form. Keiki should not be planted immediately but affixed to the fern slab first until the addition of tubers. If the bulbs have formed 2-3 pieces, the keiki is ready to be transferred to the pot. Orchids propagated using the keiki method have a longer flowering period than using the clump separation method. Orchid propagation with this keiki can only be done on  Dendrobium sp. 

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c. Orchid Plant Propagation By Cutting Techniques

Orchid propagation using cuttings is a vegetative propagation method using stems or shoots. Orchid propagation in this way is usually carried out on single-trunked orchids or monopodial orchids, as well as on plants with a terrestrial way of life, such as the  Arachnis sp. ,  Vandaterestrial , and  Aeridachnis sp . .

How to propagate orchids using this cutting technique can be done by taking plant parts that have reached two meters or more in height. The stem of the plant is cut about 80 cm from the top of the plant. The former stem pieces are smeared with root stimulants such as rooton F, then planted in the planting medium. At the age of six months, the base of the planted stem has grown roots, usually new shoots have appeared. Thus the process of propagation of the orchid can be said to be successful.

d. Orchid Plant Propagation Using Tissue Culture Techniques

Propagation using this method will produce more seeds than using other methods of propagation. Only a small part and plant tissue can be obtained thousands of seeds. This propagation is generally carried out by orchid cultivators who are business-oriented or large-scale businesses, to meet consumer demand.

ORCHID CULTIVATION

Selection of Orchid Growing Media

Planting media has the main function as a place to grow orchids. In addition, the planting medium also functions to store water and nutrients needed for plant growth. To support these functions, the planting medium must meet the standards of orchid plant growth. Some conditions for growing media that meet these standards include, the media must be porous, easy to store water, not easily hosted by disease, has good aeration power, is able to provide additional plant nutrients, is inexpensive, and is easy to obtain.

Orchid plants will have optimal growth if the planting medium has a degree of acidity (pH) between 6-6.8. Therefore, checking the pH of the media must be done because this planting medium greatly affects the growth rate and production of cultivated orchids. To determine the pH of the growing media can be measured using a pH tester.

Replacement of new planting media should also be done if the growth of the orchid plant is too dense or the number of shoots and stems is too dense in one pot; the condition of the growing media has been destroyed, which can cause the media to become acidic; and after flowering, in order to stimulate the growth of new saplings. Planting media commonly used by cultivators or fans of orchids in Indonesia are broken bricks or tiles, shavings or pieces of wood, coconut fiber, wood charcoal, and moss kadaka. 

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Fertilizing Orchid Plants

Fertilization is an activity to provide nutrients or nutrients given to plants. Fertilization can be done through the roots or leaves. Fertilization through the roots is done by giving fertilizer to the plant media. While fertilization through the leaves is done by giving fertilizer through the mouth of the leaf. The application of fertilizer through the leaves is usually done by spraying fertilizer on the leaf surface, especially the lower leaf surface, because there are many leaf mouths on the lower leaf surface. Fertilization through leaves is more affective, because the mouth of the leaf is able to absorb 90% of the fertilizer given.

The need for nutrients in each phase of orchid plant growth is different. For orchids that are still in the nursery phase, they need higher nitrogen nutrients, namely 60% N, 30% P, and 10% K. Fertilizer is given only once through the leaves during the nursery phase. In the young plant phase, the need for nutrients or nutrients is 30% N, 30% P, and 30% K. Fertilizer through leaves is enough to be given once a week, while fertilization through roots can be given every three weeks. Fertilizer requirements for adult orchids that have entered the generative or flowering phase are 10% N, 60% P, and 30% K. Leaf fertilization is given once a week, while root fertilization can be applied three weeks to the planting medium.

Orchid Plant Watering

Water is a basic need of living things. Like other plants, orchids will also have optimal growth if the water needs are met. However, giving water to plants should not be excessive, because it will cause the planting medium to be too moist and susceptible to disease. If the planting medium is too dry, it will become dehydrated which is indicated by the shrinking of the pseudo tubers. Vice versa, if the water is too excessive, the roots will be susceptible to disease, especially root rot and stem rot. If the orchid has root rot, then the absorption of nutrients will be hampered, and the plant may wilt.

Several processes in plant tissues run with the help of water. For example, photosynthesis is the assimilation of CO 2inside the green grain of the leaf with the help of light. Protein assimilation is only possible if there is sufficient water availability. Transport of nutrients from the roots to all parts of the plant also uses the help of water. Likewise with the transport of photosynthetic bacilli to the roots or other plant parts.

Sufficient irrigation will affect the respiration process in plants. Orchid plants will absorb water to support their growth. The water that has been absorbed by the plant will evaporate if the ambient temperature is too high then with sufficient water reserves, it will lower the temperature of the plant. Plants that experience a lack of water then the turgor pressure will shrink or decrease so that the growing organs will wither and eventually die. However, if the plants experiencing water shortages have not passed the permanent wilting point, with proper water supply, the cell turgor will return to normal so that the plants can live normally.

Excessive watering of orchid plants will result in disrupted growth. Excess water will wrap around the surface of the plant roots, making it difficult for the roots to breathe. Excessive water absorption by plants will also make orchids susceptible to pests and diseases. Drops of water will collect on the top of the plant so that the orchid shoots will be easily infected by fungi or bacteria. Shoots that are attacked by the disease will be blackish brown and eventually die.

The frequency and volume of giving water to orchids varies, depending on the type and environmental conditions. Monopodial orchid plants, such as  Vanda sp. ,  Arachnis sp. , as well as  Renantherasp. is a type of plant that requires the intensity of direct sunlight. Therefore, this type of orchid requires more water than other types of orchids. Watering during the dry season is done at least twice a day.

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Factors That Determine The Frequency And Volume Of Watering On Orchid Plants

a. Types of Orchid Plants

The type of orchid plant greatly affects the frequency and volume of water application. Orchid plants that grow with direct sunlight, such as terrestrial or ground orchids, such as Vanda, Renanthera, Arachnis, and Renanthera, as well as lithophytic orchids, such as Dendrobium, and Phalaenopsis, require more water than orchids that grow. other. Especially if the weather conditions are very hot, giving more water should be done. Watering during the day must be done carefully because it will cause the plant leaves to burn. Watering should use a sprayer that can wet the entire surface of the plant.

In contrast to the types of orchid plants above, for the type of epiphytic orchids (Cattleya and Oncidium) ,semi-epiphytic (Brassavola, Epidendrum, Laelia) , and saprophyte (Goodyera) , need less water. Giving enough water to do once a day. This type of orchid plant is very susceptible to excess water. If there is saturation of water, then the plant will be susceptible to root rot disease.

A good time for watering orchids is in the morning around 07.00-09.00 and in the afternoon around 16.00-18.00. Watering during the day will be risky, because it will burn the plant leaves. If the plant experiences drought during the day, it is best not to rush to watering, because the orchid will not die from a lack of water for a few hours. Watering should be done after the weather is not so hot.

b. Orchid Flower Planting Media

Orchid growing media greatly affects the frequency and volume of water supply. The quality of the growing media greatly influences the ability to absorb and bind water. Thus, the frequency and volume of water supply between one plant medium and another is different. Planting media that has a large water absorption need is different from planting media that has small absorption capacity. Orchid growing media that have good water absorption, such as coconut coir, ferns, or kadaka, require less watering, which is only once a day. Meanwhile, planting media that have low water absorption, such as charcoal, broken bricks or tiles, and wood chips or shavings, require a higher volume and frequency of watering.

c. Weather Conditions

In hot weather, with high sunlight, watering is done more often with a larger volume of water, especially on media that have low water retention. For hot orchid types, watering should be done after the surface of the plant media looks dry. For the cold orchid type, watering is done when the air humidity is quite low and the temperature is high.

Harvest and Post Harvest

A. Bread

• Characteristics and Age of Flowering Plants

Age of flowering orchid plants, depending on the type. Generally mature orchid plants

Flowering after 1-2 months of planting. The resulting flower stalk is approximately 2 stalks with a total of

florets as much as 20-25 florets sprigs.

• How to Pick Flowers

To harvest orchids, it is necessary to pay attention, cutting is done at a distance of 2 cm from

the base of the flower stalk using a clean cutting tool.

• Production Estimate

Mature orchid seeds and after 2 months flower stalks will produce 2

stalk with the number of florets 20-25 buds / stalk.

B. Post-harvest

• Collection

The collection of orchids is carried out based on market demand. Types of Dendrobium orchids can be

harvested in the form of:

1. Young plants for seedlings
2. Mature plants for ornamental plants
3. Cut flowers

Young plants for seeds are usually sold in small pots, while mature plants are

Usually the plants are in bloom. For cut flowers, choose the stem with the most flowers has bloomed (buds remaining 1-3 buds).

• Sorting and Classification

Flowers are chosen that are good, not sick or injured. Next the flowers are grouped according to needs based on the level of freshness or flower size with a view to maintain resale value so that good interest does not drop in price.

• Storage

Storage aims to slow down the flower withering process, so it is carried out on

moment:

1. Flowers have just been picked while waiting for the harvester to finish.
2. Flowers that have been harvested are not immediately sold or transported.
3. Flowers go through a journey before reaching the consumer.

In order for flowers to stay fresh, preservation is needed with the aim of reducing quality more slow flowers stay fresh. Efforts to preserve flowers are carried out by placing flowers in preservative solution or warm water (38-43 C) for 2 hours. The preservative solution is between other:

1. Seven up solution with a level of 30%.
2. 2% sugar solution plus 2 grams of physan (including fungicides) and 1 gram of citric acid per 10 liters.
3. 2% sugar solution plus 2 grams of 8-hydroquinoline sulfate and 1 gram of citric acid per 10 liters.
4. Sugar solution content of 4-5% plus 0.2 grams of quinolin per liter.

Preservation for flowers sent far away is to soak the stems in a sugar solution with levels of 6-8% for 24 hours or put in plastic bags and carbon dioxide levels (CO2) is raised by using dry ice or stored in a room with air condition

between 0-5 C.

• Packaging and Transport

After cleaning, selecting and preserving the cut dendrobium flowers, they are packed by way:

1. Every ten stalks are wrapped in the shoots using a thin plastic bag, measuring adjusted depending on the length of the stalk.
2. Each stem base is wrapped in wet cotton, then wrapped in a plastic bag measuring 8 cm long and 4 cm wide.
3. Wrapping flowers and wrapping the base of the stalk are combined and then tied with rubber bracelet.
4. The flower packages are arranged crosswise in a cardboard box with enough holes to fit congested.
5. The carton box is tightly closed using carton tape.