HIi
ome of the Indian orchid species which are of high ornamental value are : Aerides crispum, A. fieldingii, A. multiflorum, A. odoratum, Anaectochilus roxburghii , Arachnis clarkei, Arundina graminifolio, Bulbophyllum leopardinum, Calanthe masuca, Coelogyne elatn, C. devonianum, Cymbidium pendulum, C. longifolium, C. munronianum, Dendrobium aggregatum, D. aphyllum, D. fimbriatum, D. jenkinsii, D. moschatum, D. nobile, Paphiopedilum faireanum, P. venstum, P. hirsutissium, p. insigne, Phaius wallichii, Pleione praecox, Rhynchostylis retusa, Thunia alba, Vanda cristata, V. coerulea and V. coerulescens.
Majority of the cultivated orchids are native of tropical climates and are found in abundance in India in the state of Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Karnataka and Kerala. Kalimpong, Shillong, Trivandrum, Bangalore , Yercaud and almost all the coastal areas of India are the places most suitable for the for the cultivation of orchids.
Orchids in nature grow protected from the tropical sun by the shades of trees. Under controlled condition the orchids can be grown in specially designed orchidaria or orchid houses, running North and South and made from materials like split bamboo, glass, shadenets, etc. A central tank filled with water or by using artificial fogging nozzles helps in increasing humidity .However, it must be clear that all types of orchids cannot be grown under one roof. While tropical orchid enjoy humid, warm atmosphere and burst into activity during rainy season, temperate orchid should be growing in cool houses. Orchids dislike sudden change in temperature, however a difference of 10 C - 20 C between day and night temperature is beneficial. The best suitable range is 18 C to 30 C, proper ventilation is must to provide fresh air and also helps in reducing the temperature.
There are also orchids which can be grown in open sun. Various terete leaves species of Vanda, Aranda ,Arachnis, Renanthera,kegawara, Mokara etc. can be grown in open trenches filled with brick pieces, charcoal as is done in Ceylon ,Singapore and Thailand.
Indirect sunlight is ideal for orchids. Seedlings requires less than adult plants. Very poor light tends to produce weak plants and retards flowering. Humid warm atmosphere is most essential for the growth of most of the tropical orchids, which do not have well established root system. It is a good idea to have a water tank or pool in the center of the orchidaria to maintain humidity, which should not be less than 30% at night and 80% during day time, The plants should be watered 2-3 times a day and should not be allowed to dry up during hot climate.
This is a brief note on cultivation of orchids
REgards,
Ashwini
