Black Orchids

black orchirds

Black Orchid is a species of orchid aprotected in Indonesia as threatened with extinction in their natural habitat. Black orchid which in Latin is called Coelogyne pandurata a floral identity (mascot) East Kalimantan province. Black orchid populations (Coelogyne pandurata) in their natural habitat (wild) are increasingly rare and quite dramatically decreased due to shrinking forest cover and hunting for sale to collectors of orchids.

 
Black orchids included in group simpodial with swollen bulb shape on the bottom and leaves sticking out on it. Each bulb has only two leaves only. The leaves themselves briefly looked like as a young coconut leaf buds.
Black orchid (Coelogyne pandurata), as the name implies, has the characteristic of interest has a tongue (labellum) is black. This rare orchid in English called "Black Orchid". While in East Kalimantan, which is rare Black Orchid has a local name "Kersik Luai".
Although identical to the Borneo black orchid but this orchid species than in the wild Borneo also grows wild in Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula and Mindanao, Luzon and the island of Samar Island Philippines.

Black Orchids traits.
This orchid species called black orchid because it has tongue (labellum) is black with a few green stripes and fluffy. The number of flowers in each cluster between 1 to 14 petals or more. The center line of each flower about 10 cm. Leaf-shaped petals lanceolate, tapering, light green colored, long 5-6 cm, width 2 -3 cm. Lancet-shaped corolla pale green tapering lip resembles a violin, the middle there is a 1 groove, crimp edges, colored black or dark brown.

Black orchid leaf green oval with a length ranging from 40-50 cm and a width of between 2 -10 cm. While the black orchid-shaped fruit with a long oblong about 7 cm wide and between 2-3 cm. Of the total interest is not much into fruit.
Characteristic of other black orchid which distinguish other types of orchids are fragrant odor issued. Usually plants that bloom in March to June. As black orchid orchids in general, riding on growing other plants (epiphytes). Usually these rare orchids attached to the old tree living in coastal areas or swamps.
Black orchid (Coelogyne pandurata) grows in the shade. Generally orchid species into the fauna of East Kalimantan's identity grows in lowland old trees, near the beach or in low-lying swampy areas were pretty hot and near rivers in the wet forests.

Plants are epiphytic (live aboard in other plants) is to multiply by seed. However, the black orchid can also be propagated by separating the quasi bulbs.
The Black Orchid Wild Tenebrous. Black orchid populations (Coelogyne pandurata) in the wild habitat is increasingly rare. Although, according to Government Regulation No. 7 of 1999 orchids are protected and prohibited free trade (except for captive breeding), but hunting to take and sell this type of orchid to orchid collectors not subsided.
In addition, the transfer of functions from the forest to plantations and settlements and forest fires that occur each year is made of black orchid populations in the wild are threatened of extinction.
Perhaps the lovers and collectors of orchids before buying a black orchid must be scrupulous, whether black orchid purchased it or the results of captive hunting of wild. Although many orchid lovers who collect black orchid, but the extinction of this species in the wild remains a great loss for biodeversity Indonesia. Do not let the orchid lovers became the main cause of extinction of black orchids in the wild.

Scientific classification: Kingdom: Plantae; Division: Magnoliophyta; Grade: Liliopsida; Order: Asparagales; Family: Orchidaceae; Genus: Coelogyne; Species: Coelogyne pandurata; binomial name: Coelogyne pandurataBaru!Klik ka

TIPS TO MAINTAIN ORCHID DILIGENT FLOWERING

The most interesting and important part of the orchid is a flower, but unfortunately we often find that lazy orchid flower to flower. Is there something wrong?

Caring for orchids tricky and required experience and discipline. To create a diligent flowering orchids also necessary elements of caring affection. One of the most important factors to be diligent flowering orchid is the selection of orchid seeds. Some traits of the orchid is blooming orchid lot, large flowering, brightly colored flowers and flowers durable.

Several factors need to be taken to ensure that diligent flowering orchids are:

1.The house is protected as appropriate. Orchids should be placed in a home that intensity cahanya 50-70%, then the roof of the house should be protected paranet.
   

2. Preparation of orchids. To be diligent orchids flowering plants should also be considered drafting, drafting shelves should be placed flat orchid with a height of 1 m, and do not put a tiered because it would interfere with air circulation.
   

3. Humidity. To be diligent flowering orchids needed humidity between 60-80%. In order to maintain the humidity below the rack can be made with or manufactured home in fog protected by the installation of sprinkle.
     

4.Growing media. The ideal planting medium for making diligent flowering orchids arranged two parts. 1/3 the bottom is filled with pieces of brick and 2/3 the rest use ferns.
     

5.Construction pot. Pot is also greatly affected the flowering of orchids so diligent. The most used is the ideal pot pots made of clay and a lot of the hole.
     

6.Watering. To be very diligent flowering orchids to consider the problem of water content of the medium. If hot weather is needed watering 2 times and if it does not have to pass the rainy weather watering. The very need to note is the water content media. The ideal watering time is at 07-09 am and 03-05 pm.
    

7. Fertilization. The primary key diligent flowering orchid fertilizer that is the fertilizer to the content of high P nutrients. Fertilization can be given through spraying / watering can also use a slow release fertilizer sprinkled on orchid growing media.
     

8.Giving or hormone ZPT. To make diligent flowering orchids sometimes required giving PGR or hormones. That can be used to stimulate flowering orchids are Gibberellins. Can also use coconut water with a concentration of 15% (150 ml coconut water is 1 liter spray solution)
   

9. Pest and disease control. As with other plants orchids Takan also spared from pests and diseases. Daily observations are the best way to prevent orchid pests and diseases. To make diligent orchid flowering orchid plants should be cleaned of dirt, weeds and rotting leaves. The use of insecticides when infestations, mold fungicide and bactericide if attacked when attacked by bacteria.

10. Hopefully the article above may slightly increase the knowledge of the orchid lovers

SECRET CARE For ORCHIDS

Some orchids are terrestrial, meaning they grow in the ground, but the majority of them are epiphytes, growing in the debris that collects in the crotch of branches. The root system is to secure the planting of trees, they grow, as for the collection of nutrients. The moisture from rain and moisture collected in the air. Most orchids like to lie close in their pots. Your work need not be most likely to be transplanted, unless it is tilting. Some orchids are planted in a mixture of wood chips and charcoal. This medium will break over time, and must be updated every few years. This will not happen with the volcanic rocks. You can find specific fertilizer for orchids in many places, I get my at Home Depot. This will encourage them to late flowering. Most bloom once a year, some more often. I've never seen a vanilla orchid, to see how awesome if you have one! Vaniila orchids grow vines as high as the tree they are in. My understanding is that vanilla farmers to encourage crop top of the plant both on the growth of more flowers, and also to reap the fruits will be easier. Orchids love humidity, but they may not stand in water. If you give out a few pebbles in a shallow bowl, a little water, and set the pot on it, create a nice little micro-climate for your system.

pic source: www.jtpubs.com/orchid/Article23

HOW TO GROW INDOOR ORCHIDS

The golden rule for orchid success is to duplicate the plant's natural conditions as closely as possible. In nature, most orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other objects, clinging to rough bark or even stone. The showy orchids favored by most people are usually called dendrobium hybrids.

These plants thrive in these conditions:
- Strong light, but not direct late-afternoon sunlight although dendrobiums can handle more sun
High humidity
- Turbulent air flow around the roots
- Regular periods of drying, alternating withdrenching rains
- Temperatures between 50 degrees and about 85 degrees

The closer you can come to creating these conditions in your growing area, the more success and better blooms you will have.

Most store-bought orchids come packaged in cheap plastic potswith the roots packed in soaked moss. Obviously, this violates two of the main rules of successful growth. There is no air flow around the roots, and the roots are never given a chance to completely dry out. Thus, the plant cannot breathe and root rot is inevitable. Orchid roots are highly specialized organs designed to soak up water very quickly and breathe. They do not extract nutrients from soil.

Repotting for Success

The first step with any store-bought orchid is to enjoy the bloom. Don't attempt to repot a flowering plant.

After the bloom is done, go ahead and cut off the dead flower spike with sterile snippers and repot the plant. Orchids should be potted into specialized orchid pots in orchid mixture. Orchid pots feature wide drainage slits so water will literally run through the pot. They are widely available. Orchid potting mixture is usually composed of several chunky ingredients, including pine bark, charcoal, and even styrofoam.

To repot your orchid, follow these steps:

Remove it from the plastic pot and carefully remove as much of the moss as you can. Healthy roots should be white and firm, with a small green growing point.
Cut away any shriveled, rotten or blackened roots.
Set the plant into the pot and fill in around it with potting mixture. The plant should be firmly situated, but it will not be completely anchored. Eventually, new roots will grow through the potting mixture and attach to the pot itself, thus anchoring your plant.

Once it's repotted, find a good spot. An east facing window with a few hours of mild morning sun is perfect. To provide the necessary humidity and catch run-off water, put the plant into a wide, deep tray and fill the tray with gravel.

Tips for Care

Caring for your orchid is pretty simple. During the summer months, water it weekly and heavily. Let the water drench the roots and fill up the pebble tray (this will provide extra humidity). It doesn't hurt every so often to even put the plant in the kitchen sink and really soak it down. Don't worry, you won't kill it as long as it's allowed to dry out afterward. During the growing season, feed it weekly with a weak solution of a powder or liquid fertilizer. Many growers use Peter’s 20/20/20 fertilizer at quarter strength.

In the winter, keep your plant warm and cut the water back to once a month or so. Mist it every so often to make sure it stays hydrated. Don't fertilize it.

If you see signs of distress, such as yellowing leaves, wrinkled leaves or no blooms, move the plant and keep tweaking your conditions. Once an orchid finds a happy spot, and falls into a routine, the plant should regularly throw out new roots and leaves or canes (depending on the type) and reward you yearly with a beautiful bloom.

pic:google.com

Pelatihan Kultur Jaringan Anggrek dan Tanaman Hias

Pelatihan Kultur Jaringan Anggrek dan Tanaman Hias di Departemen Biologi FST Unair digelar 25 Oktober 2008, pukul 08.00 WIB.

Pelatihan yang terbuka untuk umum dan gratis ini bertempat di Laboratorium Biologi Reproduksi bagian Kultur Jaringan Tumbuhan Departemen Biologi FST UNAIR.

Informasi lebih lanjut dapat menghubungi :
• Dwi Kusuma Wahyuni, S.Si., M.Si.
08159932812/03191293714 kusumaanwar@yahoo.com
• Nenik 085736270050
• Sauqi 085646723673

Orchid Grower's Companion: Cultivation, Propagation, and Varieties

From Booklist
Banks assures gardeners that most orchids are easy to grow as long as their housing, temperature, and moisture needs are met. There are more than 30,000 species and more than 100,000 hybrid strains. Bank's "companion" presents 400 color illustrations, and contains chapters on plant structures, pollination, orchid names, the history of the plant's cultivation, and its geography and conservation. Chapters on the flowers' care offer advice on growing orchids indoors, in the garden, in pots and baskets, and on mounts. Temperature requirements, watering, fertilizing, pests and diseases, and propagation are all discussed. A 126-page orchid directory lists 400 species, hybrids, and variants, and explains in detail their natural habitat and how to grow them. Banks' wealth of practical advice should help and encourage gardeners to grow these delicate flowers. George Cohen
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Orchid Grower's Companion
by:David Banks
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Orchids For Dummies Book

Orchids are beautiful, fragrant, wonderfully varied, and surprisingly affordable. But aren't they hard to grow at home? No! says orchid grower extraordinaire Steve Frowine. In this handy guide, he shows you step by step how to select the right orchids, keep them healthy, encourage blooms, and even propagate your own plants.

This Orchids For Dummies book Discover how to:
* Select orchids that will thrive in your home
* Water, fertilize, repot, and propagate orchids
* Decipher complicated orchid names
* Get familiar with favorite orchid varieties
* Create spectacular orchid displays

The fun and easy way to grow orchids As anyone who has read Susan Orlean's The Orchid Thief or has seen the movie Adaptation knows, orchids inspire a passionate following. And their popularity is rising: according to the USDA, more than 12.7 million orchids were sold in the U.S. last year. Brimming with black-and-white illustrations and eight pages of color photos, this friendly guide introduces would-be orchid fanciers to today's most popular and intriguing orchid varieties; and shows step by step how to select healthy plants at a nursery or commercial grower, cultivate them successfully at home, promote blooms, create beautiful orchid displays, and even produce hybrids. Steven Frowine (New Hartford, CT) worked with orchids professionally as a horticulturist at Hawaii's National Tropical Botanical Garden and at the Missouri Botanical Garden, where he was chairman of indoor horticulture and oversaw over 10,000 plants.

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Understanding Orchids: An Uncomplicated Guide to Growing the World's Most Exotic Plants

Understanding Orchids

From Publishers Weekly

Cullina has maintained a personal collection of orchids for decades, and still gets "that spine tingling, toe-tickling feeling of WOW" from an unfamiliar or outstanding specimen. It's a feeling he's eager to share with "orchid lovers at every level of expertise, from absolute beginner to experienced grower to expert." He succeeds in addressing such a broad audience by organizing his work into independent modules that can be consulted as needed. The first portion covers basic orchid information: detailed guides to growing them on a windowsill, under lights, in a greenhouse or outdoors, and practical advice on meeting their requirements for light, temperature, humidity and air movement in each of those settings. Cullina then systematically examines orchid culture, with in-depth discussions of watering, fertilization, potting and mounting, and pests and diseases. A brief but fascinating overview of orchid reproduction follows, with directions for hand pollinating, propagating and hybridizing. Finally, Cullina meticulously examines more than 100 of the most popular genera. Happily, a good number of these seductively described plants are rated for beginners (the other skill level ratings are experienced and expert). Cullina, who directs the New England Wild Flower Society, is extremely well versed in his subject and a skilled writer. His lively text, with its clear instructions, will make orchid growing as irresistible to readers as it is to Cullina. 300 color photos.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Understanding Orchids

William Cullina

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Why are my plant’s leaves wrinkled?

Wrinkled or pleated leaves are caused by a lack of moisture reaching the vegetative part of the plant. This can be caused by not watering enough, or watering too much. If you can’t figure out what you’ve done, tip the plant out of the pot and examine the roots. If they are white or tan, firm, and spread throughout the mix, you need to increase the frequency of watering. If the roots appear brown and mushy, trim them off, repot into a new mix, and decrease the frequency of watering. Always remember, orchids should never stand in water!

source:orchidweb.com

Orchid Pest

When it comes to an orchid pest, some growers attribute the frequent appearance of dry or blackened flower sheaths, and the consequent loss of blooms, to a virus but there is no conclusive proof of this.

The consensus of opinion is that the condition is a result of a lack of air, or sudden chilling while damp.

The dry sheath may be removed by slitting both side 'seams' and pulling each half toward the leaf with a quick jerk.

This procedure may save the buds from orchid pests. Infrequently it will be found that buds have succumbed to wet rot inside an apparently healthy sheath.

It is likely that this condition results from steaming caused by the 'sweating' of an excessively heavy sheath that has been subjected to too much heat. Many growers make a practice of cutting off the tops of such very heavy sheaths as soon as the buds show at the base.

Cattleya Mossiae has a habit of forming the sheath months before the bud appears. This sheath very frequently dries up and turns black, but the buds usually survive.

In brief the rules for control of orchid pests and diseases are:

(1) absolute cleanliness;

(2) plenty of air and bench space, with no crowding of plants;

(3) immediate isolation of infected or suspected plants;

(4) proper control of humidity with no chilling while the house is wet;

(5) a routine system of spray with a noninjurious insecticide, perhaps alternated with fumigation by burning nico-fume;

(6) removal of armoured scale by brush or fine mist spray under pressure; and

(7) sponging fungus-infected spots with corrosive sublimate or copper sprays and dusting injured parts with sulphur to check the spread of rot.

When it comes to an orchid pest, the grower who keeps her plants in good health, providing the most favorable environment for vigorous growth and repotting at the proper time with fresh potting material, will cut to a minimum his troubles with pests and diseases. Plants with healthy bulbs, leaves, and roots are remarkably pest- and disease-resistant.

We again emphasize the necessity of handling all insecticides with extreme care. Exact attention should be paid to the precautions advised by the manufacturers, such as wearing a mask and rubber gloves when using the insecticide. The definite toxic effect of many of the new discoveries is still a mystery.

source:www.how-to-grow-orchid.com

Indonesian Orchids

Indonesia was wellknown as a country with many natural orchids species.There more 5000 natural orchids species. Orchids that growth in Indonesia mostly including Vanda, Phalaenopsis,Paphiopedilum, endrobium, Coelogyne,Cymbidium and Bulbophyllum. The most wellknown orchids from Indonesia is Moon Orchids (Phalaenopsis) besides Paphiopedilum.
Here many orchids species orchids that growth in Indonesia:
a.Sumatera Orchids
With their swam and rocky mountain also variety forest, Sumatera Island have many beautifull orchids. One of these is Coelogyne Dayana
b.Java Orchids
Java island have 713 identified orchids species and the most favourit is Vanda Tricolor
c.Kalimantan Orchids
Kalimantan Island have popular black orchid (coelogyne Pandurata)
d.Papua Orchids
At Papua there are approximately have 2000 orchids, that grow from beach till at their high mountain with many different shape, colour and size. We will find Dendrobium Violaceum as the most growth species there.
e.Sulawesi Orchids
Sulawesi Island have Diplocaulobium Utile that flower in the morning and close their florwer at noon.
f.Maluku orchids
Phalaenopsis Amabilis is the amazing orchids from Maluku.
g.Nusa Tenggara Orchids
There are many orchids with thick leaves and small flower in Nusa Tenggaara becaused its dry season. The welknown orchids from this Island is Bulbophylllum Biflorum.

Summary from:Cara Tepat Merawat Anggrek Book

PLANT NUTRITION

Plants use inorganic minerals for nutrition, whether grown in the field or in a container. Complex interactions involving weathering of rock minerals, decaying organic matter, animals, and microbes take place to form inorganic minerals in soil. Roots absorb mineral nutrients as ions in soil water. Many factors influence nutrient uptake for plants. Ions can be readily available to roots or could be "tied up" by other elements or the soil itself. Soil too high in pH (alkaline) or too low (acid) makes minerals unavailable to plants.

FERTILITY OR NUTRITION
The term "fertility" refers to the inherent capacity of a soil to supply nutrients to plants in adequate amounts and in suitable proportions. The term "nutrition" refers to the interrelated steps by which a living organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and replacement of tissue. Previously, plant growth was thought of in terms of soil fertility or how much fertilizer should be added to increase soil levels of mineral elements. Most fertilizers were formulated to account for deficiencies of mineral elements in the soil. The use of soilless mixes and increased research in nutrient cultures and hydroponics as well as advances in plant tissue analysis have led to a broader understanding of plant nutrition. Plant nutrition is a term that takes into account the interrelationships of mineral elements in the soil or soilless solution as well as their role in plant growth. This interrelationship involves a complex balance of mineral elements essential and beneficial for optimum plant growth.

ESSENTIAL VERSUS BENEFICIAL
The term essential mineral element (or mineral nutrient) was proposed by Arnon and Stout (1939). They concluded three criteria must be met for an element to be considered essential. These criteria are: 1. A plant must be unable to complete its life cycle in the absence of the mineral element. 2. The function of the element must not be replaceable by another mineral element. 3. The element must be directly involved in plant metabolism. These criteria are important guidelines for plant nutrition but exclude beneficial mineral elements. Beneficial elements are those that can compensate for toxic effects of other elements or may replace mineral nutrients in some other less specific function such as the maintenance of osmotic pressure. The omission of beneficial nutrients in commercial production could mean that plants are not being grown to their optimum genetic potential but are merely produced at a subsistence level. This discussion of plant nutrition includes both the essential and beneficial mineral elements.

Written by Dorothy Morgan. Staff Horticulturist employed by Dyna-Gro Corporation. Dorothy holds a B. S. Degree in Horticulture from Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture and Penn State University. Her experience has included managing commercial greenhouses, nurseries, hydroponics, and teaching vocational agriculture - Reproduced with permission of the author.

source:retirees.uwaterloo.ca

Phalaenopsis hybrid

One orchid genus, Vanilla, is commercially important, used as a foodstuff flavoring, the source of vanilla. The underground tubers of terrestrial orchids are ground to a powder and used for cooking, such as in the hot beverage salep or the so-called "fox-testicle ice cream" salepi dondurma. The scent of orchids is frequently used by perfumists (using Gas-liquid chromatography) to identify potential fragrance chemicals. With these exceptions, orchids have virtually no commercial value other than for the enjoyment of the flowers (see also Botanical orchids).
There are a great number of tropical and subtropical orchids, and these are the most commonly known, as they are available at nurseries and through orchid clubs across the world. There are also quite a few orchids which grow in colder climates, although these are less often seen on the market. Temperate species available at nurseries include Ophrys apifera (bee orchid), Gymnadenia conopsea (fragrant orchid), Anacamptis pyramidalis (pyramidal orchid) and Dactylorhiza fuchsii (common spotted orchid).
The family of orchids is remarkably diverse. The plants found in "casual" culture, such as Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Dendrobium, and so forth, represent a tiny fraction of the thousands of species of orchids. Also within the Orchidaceae are "leafless" orchids, which often appear as nothing more than masses of roots, achlorophyllous orchids that are entirely reliant upon their mycorrhizal symbiont for their nutrition, "jewel" orchids with foliage that is as pretty as their flowers, and so many others that are capable of affecting the most dedicated of growers very deeply. Ranging in size from tiny moss-like Pleurothallis species to massive (7 m) Grammatophyllum species in New Guinea, their beauty and sophistication have captivated many.
The National Orchid Garden in the Singapore Botanic Gardens is considered by some to be among the finest collections of orchids in cultivation open to the public. In 2004, Taiwan established the Taiwan Orchid Plantation, a science-based industrial park, to develop its commercial orchid exports in the future. See also botanical orchids.
Orchids, like tulips, have become a major market throughout the world. Buyers now bid hundreds of dollars on new hybrids or improved ones. Because of their apparent ease in hybridization, they are now becoming one of the most popular cut-flowers on the market. Though orchid hybridization has been happening for many years, only recently has new technology made it into what it is.

SOURCE:WIKIPEDIA

FRUITS AND SEEDS

cross-section of an orchid capsule, showing 3 or 6 longitudinal slits
The orchid ovary is always inferior (located behind the flower), three-carpelate and one or three-partitioned, with parietal placentation (but axile in the Apostasioideae).
If pollination was successful, the sepals and petals fade and wilt but they remain attached to the ovary. The epigynous ovary typically develops into a capsule that is dehiscent by 3 or 6 longitudinal slits, while remaining closed at both ends. The ripening of a capsule can take 2–18 months. The microscopic seeds are very numerous (over a million per capsule in most species). They blow off after ripening like dust particles or spores, barely visible to the human eye. Since they lack endosperm, they must enter symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi to germinate. These fungi provide the necessary nutrients to the seeds.

An orchid seed capsule
All orchid species are reliant upon mycorrhizal associations with various basidiomyceteous fungi to complete their lifecycle. Although all orchids are mycoheterotrophic during germination, some achlorophyllous (lacking chlorophyll) species are entirely dependent upon these fungi for nutrients. In general, orchid mycorrhizal fungi decompose organic matter and subsequently translocate the obtained nutrients via their hyphae to the orchid. Because most orchid seeds are extremely tiny with no food reserves (endosperm lacking), they will not germinate without such a symbiont to supply nutrients in the wild. Some fungi continue to live in the roots of the adult orchid. This enables an orchid such as Neottia nidus-avis to function without chlorophyll. The chance for a seed to meet a fitting fungus is very small. Of all the seeds released, only a minute fraction grow into new orchids. This process can take years; in some cases up to fifteen years.
Horticultural techniques have been devised for germinating seeds on a nutrient-containing gel, eliminating the requirement of the fungus for germination, and greatly aiding the propagation of rare and endangered species.

SOURCE:WIKIPEDIA

ORCHID'S REPRODUCTION

Reproduction

Bumblebee Orchid (Ophrys bombyliflora)
It is in the variety and the refinement of their reproductive methods that orchids truly amaze. On many orchids, the lip (labellum) serves as a landing pad for flying insects. The labellum is sometimes adapted to have a color and shape which attracts particular male insects via mimicry of a receptive female insect. Some orchids are reliant solely on this deception for pollination. After pollination, the epigynous ovary starts developing and produces a many-seeded capsule.
•The Lady's Slipper (Paphiopedilum) has a deep pocket that traps visiting insects, with just one exit. Passage through this exit leads to pollinia being deposited on the insect.
•Many neotropical orchids are pollinated by male orchid bees, which visit the flowers to gather volatile chemicals they require to synthesize pheromonal attractants. Each type of orchid places the pollinia on a different body part of a different species of bee, so as to enforce proper cross-pollination.
•A Eurasian genus Ophrys has some species that look and smell so much like female bumblebees that male bees flying nearby are irresistibly drawn in and attempt to mate with the flower, such as with the Bumblebee Orchid (Ophrys bombyliflora). The viscidium, and thus pollinia, stick to the head or the abdomen of the bumblebee. On visiting another orchid of the same species, the bumblebee pollinates the sticky stigma with the pollinia. The filaments of the pollinia have, during transport, taken such position that the waxy pollen are able to stick in the second orchid to the stigma, just below the rostellum. Such is the refinement of the reproduction. If the filaments had not taken the new position on the bee, the pollinia could not have pollinated the original orchid. Other species of Ophrys are mimics of different bees or wasps, and are also pollinated by males attempting to mate with the flowers, and other orchid genera practice similar deception.
•An underground orchid in Australia, Rhizanthella slateri, never sees the light of day, but depends on ants and other terrestrial insects to pollinate it.
•Many Bulbophyllum species stink like rotting carcasses, and the flies they attract assist their reproduction.
•Catasetum saccatum, a species discussed briefly by Darwin actually launches its viscid pollen sacs with explosive force, when an insect touches a seta. He was ridiculed for reporting this by the naturalist Thomas Huxley.
•Some Phalaenopsis species in Malaysia are known to use subtle weather cues to coordinate mass flowering.
•Some Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium and Vanda species produce keiki, offshoots or plantlets formed from one of the nodes along the stem, through the accumulation of growth hormones at that point.
The filaments of the pollinia of some orchids dry up if they haven’t been visited by an insect. This way, the waxy pollen falls on the stigma causing the orchid to self-fertilize.
•Holcoglossum amesianum, native to China's Yunnan province, reproduces in a hermaphroditic manner, fertilizing itself by rotating its anther and insert it into the flower's stigma cavity. This mode of pollination is likely due to the lack of wind and insects in the region where this species grows. The Bee orchid uses a similar method of selfpollination.

SOURCE:WIKIPEDIA

Orchid growth life cycle

The life cycle of an orchid can be divided into two distinct cycles - the growth period and the rest period. The orchid requires certain amounts of temperature, water and light in each period.

The rest phase
This occurs during the drought season in tropical sites and in the winter in temperate areas. Most orchids flower at the start of or soon after the rest period. The orchids should not be kept moist in the rest phase as this makes them produce weak new shoots. However do not keep them dry completely especially if they have tough leaves and small bulbs.

Temperature
Different orchids flourish in different temperature zones. Some thrive in moist warm, areas others in partly moist, warm regions while other flourishes in dry, hot regions. You have to pin-point what type of orchid you have as this will directly influence its requirements. Orchids generally belong to three different categories cool, temperate or warm.

Measuring temperature
One can use a simple apparatus such as an indoor thermometer to measure temperature. A mini-max thermometer will provide more useful information as it calculates the temperature range. The thermometer should be placed close to the plant as much as possible.

Orchids do not flourish in the following conditions
1. Direct sunlight - Direct sunlight quickly raises the temperature even if there is shade.
2. When they are placed to close to the window pane the heat will damage the leaves.
3. On cold stone window ledges.
4. Draughts close to window which is inadequately insulated.

TIP: In winter perform a candle test to determine if your window is insulated enough. If the candle flame stays still and straight then the window is perfectly insulated. It should not flicker or dance around.

An electric heater can be added underneath a cold stone windowsill


source:gardenjoy.co.uk

WHY WON'T MY ORCHIDS FLOWER?

Beginners are often frustrated by a seemingly healthy plant that refuses to flower. This section is intended primarily for growers who wish to re-bloom their orchids, especially paphiopedilums (tropical slippers), phalaenopsis (moth orchids), oncidiums (dancing dolls) and dendrobiums (phalenopsis types) and related orchids. Don't worry if you don't recognize the names-these cover the majority of orchids easily available.

Its assume that your plants are healthy with lots of new leafy green growths and good roots. If you don't have a healthy plant, don't expect it to flower! Sometimes weakened plants, such as moth orchids will bloom prolifically, but this will be their swan song and they will die soon after. Grow plants right well and blooms will follow. If you're not getting blooms AND your plants are healthy, read on..


Here are the main reasons orchid will not bloom and what you can do about it. One or more reasons may apply to you:

#1. GIVE YOUR ORCHIDS ENOUGH LIGHT Most flowering houseplants, orchids included, will not bloom if they are not getting enough light. This is generally the main reason that orchids do not bloom. Northern exposure is usually not sufficient. A bright western, slightly shaded in the hottest months, or eastern exposure work well. A southern exposure gives you the greatest flexibility. If your window is heavily shaded by trees or adjacent buildings, this will reduce light to your plants and you will have to make adjustments accordingly. If you have bright indirect light, your phals and paphs should do fine. Oncidiums generally need slightly brighter light. Dendrobiums and Cattleyas need the brightest light of alll, and do best in a Southern exposure. Skylights, unless you live in Arizona, or unless they are about five feet above the plants generally do not provide sufficient light, for all but the most shade-loving of orchids. Please don't email me and tell me your orchids do fine under your skylight-perhaps they do but I need to make some broad generalizations here. And besides, if your orchids are blooming, you shouldn't be reading this section! Remember also that while a few paltry blooms on an orchid may be nice, our goal here is to get our orchids to put on a good show, and to make your investment of time and money worthwhile.

SOURCE:ARGUSORCHIDS.NET

Why are my buds turning yellow and falling off?

This is referred to as bud blast, and can be caused by the following conditions:
The plant has been too dry between watering, causing it to withdraw moisture from the buds.
There may be some wide swings in temperature, where it may be too hot in direct sun, or the plant may be too close to an air conditioning or heating vent.
There may be some fumes in the air caused by paint, natural gas leaks, or other chemicals. Flowers naturally create their own methane and collapse after pollination to save energy for seed production. Certain forms of methane or ethylene may trigger bud or flower collapse.
Cattleyas in particular are sensitive while in bud to overwatering, causing the buds to actually turn black in the sheath.
All plants need an adequate amount of light in order to flower correctly. Placing a plant in the center of a room, on a coffee table for example, is fine for display during an evening of entertaining, but to maintain proper growth and flower development it is best to keep the plant in its growing area (near a window or under lights).

source:orchidweb.com

Definitions (2)

-mature size (M.S.)
Plants reach maturity and capable to flower within a year.
-medium
The material in which an orchid is container-grown; it may be organic, such as fir bark, or inorganic, such as lava rock.
-mericlone
A plant derived from tissue culture and that is identical to its parent.
-monopodial
Orchids that grow upward from a single stem, producing both leaves and flowers along that stem.
-near mature size (N.M.S.)
Plants almost reach maturity, but require 12-18 months to flower.
-node
A joint on a stem or pseudobulb from which a leaf or growth originates.
-panicle
An inflorescence with a main stem and branches, the flowers on the lower branches open earlier than the upper ones.
-photosynthesis
The process a plant uses to produce carbohydrates and sugar from water and carbon dioxide in the air using chlorophyl-containing cells exposed to light.
-pseudobulb
A thickened portion of the stem of many orchids functioning as a water and food storage device.
-raceme
An unbranched inflorescence of stalked flowers.
-rhizome
A root-bearing stem of sympodial orchids that progressively sends up leafy shoots.
-scape
An unbranched inflorescence with one flower.
-seedling size (S.S.)
Young plants, need at least 24 months or more to reach maturity.
-sheath
A modified leaf that encloses an emerging inflorescence or leaf.
-species
A kind of plant that is distinct from other plants.
-spike
An unbranched inflorescence of unstalked flowers.
-stolon
A branch that grows horizontally above the medium and produces roots and shoots at the nodes.
-stomata
The breathing pores on the surface of a plant's leaves.
-sympodial
Orchids which grow laterally and produce leafy growths along a rhizome.
-terrestrial
Growing on the ground and supported by soil.
-unifoliate
Having one leaf.
-velamen
The thick sponge-like covering of the roots of epiphytic orchids that helps prevent water loss and aids in absorption.
-virus
A type of infectious agent, much smaller than common microorganisms, several forms of which affect certain kinds of orchids.

sources: orchids.com

Definitions (1)

-aerial root
Any root produced above the growing medium.
-anther
The part of the stamen containing the pollen; the end of the column.
-backbulb
An old pseudobulb behind the part of a sympodial orchid that is actively growing. Although there may be no leaves, the presence of undamaged "eyes" is a sign that growth is possible.
-bifoliate
Having two leaves on the same bulb.
-cane
An elongated psuedobulb, usually used when describing Dendrobiums.
-crock
Small pieces of broken earthenware or flower pots placed in the bottom of a pot when repotting to aid in drainage.
-cultivar
An individual plant or its vegetative propagations, a horticultural variety.
-epiphyte, epiphytic
A plant which naturally grows upon another plant but does not derive any nourishment from it. Many of the orchids in cultivation are epiphytic.
-eye
The bud of a sympodial orchid that will eventually develop into a new lead.
-foliar spray
Many minor nutrients and trace elements beneficial to growth are best absorbed through the stomata of an orchids leaves when mixed with water and sprayed on the plant.
-genus
(pl. genera) A natural grouping of closely related species.
-habitat
The type of geographic location where a plant normally grows.
-hybrid
The offspring of a cross between either species or hybrids.
-inflorescence
The flowering portion of a plant.
-intergeneric hybrid
A hybrid between members of two or more genera.
-keiki
A Hawaiian word referring to a baby plant produced asexually by an orchid plant, usually used when referring to Dendrobiums or Vandaceous orchids.
-lead
An immature vegetative growth on a sympodial orchid that will develop into a flower-producing structure.
-lip
A modified petal of the orchid flower specialized to aid in pollination and different from the other petals.
-lithophyte
An orchid that grows on rocks.

source:orchids.com