editorialteam
Well-Known Member
Thrissur, Kerala based growers and suppliers of imported orchids
Orchids can be grown anywhere! Sounds unrealistic but it is true. The plant can grow well and blossom when provided with right amount of water, fertilizer and temperature along with immense care and look after. “It is a myth that orchids are grown only in cold temperature. There are many varieties of flowers that grow really well even in the warm areas. We have been growing orchids successfully in Kerala for more than two decades, first as hobby later commercially,” says Mohammed Moosa, Founder, Pearl Orchids.
Mrs. Sabira Mohammed Moosa
The company was set up in 2001 at Thrissur, Kerela. The venture came into existence purely for passion of orchids of Mr. Mohammed Moosa. “We started commercially in the year 2001 for the sales of orchid flowers and plants. Initially it was managed completely by my wife Mrs. Sabira Mohammed Moosa as I was managing a different business in Abu Dhabi. On my return in 2007 I devoted myself 100% for the orchid plants development. I started importing the seedling and culture of best quality orchids from five countries namely Thailand, Taiwan, China, Malaysia and Singapore. The culture is used for developing and supplying plants to farmers in India. Since 2008 we have discontinued selling orchid flowers and our sole focus is on selling orchid plants in wholesale as well as retail,” he explains the business operations of Peral Orchids. “As of date we have a huge collection of orchids that includes the common as well as rare varieties of this beautiful flower.”
Dendrobium, Cattleya, Vandaceous, Oncidium, Phalanaeopsis and Paphiopedilum are few of the popular varieties of orchids grown in India. These hybrid varieties need warm climate to grow. By and large orchid plants need too much care for a stable and healthy growth. It is an extremely delicate plant as it is susceptible to insect attack. These are best grown in poly houses where the temperature can be controlled. The growing media should preferably be soilless with coconut husk, charcoal, rock pieces and dried leaves. “These materials are easily available in India and the price is reasonable,” he says. The temperature suitable for orchids in India is 65 to 85 degree Fahrenheit. Free circulation of air is also compulsory in the orchid farm. The atmospheric humidity should not be less than 30% at night and 70-80% during the daytime. In dry climates the humidity can be increased either by damping the floor of the greenhouse or frequent overhead sprinkling of water.
Quality of water is another important factor in orchid cultivation. Alkaline water has to be avoided. Only soft water should be used for irrigation having 6-7 pH. “The rain water is best for the plant. However, rainy season is the toughest period in the entire year for the plant as it is prone to fungus and insect infestation. To manage the same it is mandatory to spray fungicide and insecticide once in two weeks. Also the quantity and time interval for fertilizer application is extremely vital for the plant growth along with micro nutrients,” explains Mr. Moosa. In summer the fertilizer absorption is high while it is less in winters.
10:12:10 is the apt ratio of nitrogen, phosphate and potash in the fertilizer. It must also have small amount of magnesium, calcium, manganese, iron, boron and zinc for the baby plants. Whereas for mature and flowering plants, two tablespoons of the above ratio fertilizers should be mixed in 10 liter water and sprayed once in a week. The plants start flowering in 15-18 months. It blooms 3-4 times in one year. In the first year the plant gets the 8-10 flowers in every bloom while a mature plant gives 20-22 flowers in every bloom.
3-4 months old baby plants and 15-18 months old flowering plants are sold at Peral Orchids. “As we import the orchid culture the quarantine period is 60 days. Government officials visit our farm for regular inspection and only after they certify the plants we sell it to the buyers,” informs Mr. Moosa.
Price of the plant varies from variety to variety. The selling price ranges from Rs. 65-650 per plant. The plants are sold across in India. “The quality we offer is very good hence we get new customers from word of mouth publicity,” he claims. Company also gets lots of enquiries from social media precisely facebook page and website. 50 thousand plants are ready for sale every month and 70% of the stock is sold monthly.
Speaking of challenges Mr. Moosa says, “We started this endeavor for passion of orchids. We learnt everything by trial and error. So it was self learning journey throughout. We did miss the guidance and support of the experts but we sailed through with perseverance.”
Sharing future plans he reveals, “Demand is increasing therefore we have established a new farm in Palakkad. It shall be open next month. The production capacity would be 60 thousands plants per month at the new farm.”
Orchid cultivation is an expensive floriculture venture therefore, “Only those who are passionate about orchids must get into it. Further it requires 100% dedication and commitment so one must be ready for the hard work!” Mr. Moosa signs off.
Contact details:
Pearl Orchids
Opposite BSNL Telephone Exchange, Moonupeedika, Perinjanam.P.O, Thrissur-680686, Kerala
Mobile: +91 9846950299, +91 9995562577
Email: pearlorchids31@gmail.com
Web: http://www.pearl-orchids.com/
Orchids can be grown anywhere! Sounds unrealistic but it is true. The plant can grow well and blossom when provided with right amount of water, fertilizer and temperature along with immense care and look after. “It is a myth that orchids are grown only in cold temperature. There are many varieties of flowers that grow really well even in the warm areas. We have been growing orchids successfully in Kerala for more than two decades, first as hobby later commercially,” says Mohammed Moosa, Founder, Pearl Orchids.
Mrs. Sabira Mohammed Moosa
The company was set up in 2001 at Thrissur, Kerela. The venture came into existence purely for passion of orchids of Mr. Mohammed Moosa. “We started commercially in the year 2001 for the sales of orchid flowers and plants. Initially it was managed completely by my wife Mrs. Sabira Mohammed Moosa as I was managing a different business in Abu Dhabi. On my return in 2007 I devoted myself 100% for the orchid plants development. I started importing the seedling and culture of best quality orchids from five countries namely Thailand, Taiwan, China, Malaysia and Singapore. The culture is used for developing and supplying plants to farmers in India. Since 2008 we have discontinued selling orchid flowers and our sole focus is on selling orchid plants in wholesale as well as retail,” he explains the business operations of Peral Orchids. “As of date we have a huge collection of orchids that includes the common as well as rare varieties of this beautiful flower.”
Dendrobium, Cattleya, Vandaceous, Oncidium, Phalanaeopsis and Paphiopedilum are few of the popular varieties of orchids grown in India. These hybrid varieties need warm climate to grow. By and large orchid plants need too much care for a stable and healthy growth. It is an extremely delicate plant as it is susceptible to insect attack. These are best grown in poly houses where the temperature can be controlled. The growing media should preferably be soilless with coconut husk, charcoal, rock pieces and dried leaves. “These materials are easily available in India and the price is reasonable,” he says. The temperature suitable for orchids in India is 65 to 85 degree Fahrenheit. Free circulation of air is also compulsory in the orchid farm. The atmospheric humidity should not be less than 30% at night and 70-80% during the daytime. In dry climates the humidity can be increased either by damping the floor of the greenhouse or frequent overhead sprinkling of water.
Quality of water is another important factor in orchid cultivation. Alkaline water has to be avoided. Only soft water should be used for irrigation having 6-7 pH. “The rain water is best for the plant. However, rainy season is the toughest period in the entire year for the plant as it is prone to fungus and insect infestation. To manage the same it is mandatory to spray fungicide and insecticide once in two weeks. Also the quantity and time interval for fertilizer application is extremely vital for the plant growth along with micro nutrients,” explains Mr. Moosa. In summer the fertilizer absorption is high while it is less in winters.
10:12:10 is the apt ratio of nitrogen, phosphate and potash in the fertilizer. It must also have small amount of magnesium, calcium, manganese, iron, boron and zinc for the baby plants. Whereas for mature and flowering plants, two tablespoons of the above ratio fertilizers should be mixed in 10 liter water and sprayed once in a week. The plants start flowering in 15-18 months. It blooms 3-4 times in one year. In the first year the plant gets the 8-10 flowers in every bloom while a mature plant gives 20-22 flowers in every bloom.
3-4 months old baby plants and 15-18 months old flowering plants are sold at Peral Orchids. “As we import the orchid culture the quarantine period is 60 days. Government officials visit our farm for regular inspection and only after they certify the plants we sell it to the buyers,” informs Mr. Moosa.
Price of the plant varies from variety to variety. The selling price ranges from Rs. 65-650 per plant. The plants are sold across in India. “The quality we offer is very good hence we get new customers from word of mouth publicity,” he claims. Company also gets lots of enquiries from social media precisely facebook page and website. 50 thousand plants are ready for sale every month and 70% of the stock is sold monthly.
Speaking of challenges Mr. Moosa says, “We started this endeavor for passion of orchids. We learnt everything by trial and error. So it was self learning journey throughout. We did miss the guidance and support of the experts but we sailed through with perseverance.”
Sharing future plans he reveals, “Demand is increasing therefore we have established a new farm in Palakkad. It shall be open next month. The production capacity would be 60 thousands plants per month at the new farm.”
Orchid cultivation is an expensive floriculture venture therefore, “Only those who are passionate about orchids must get into it. Further it requires 100% dedication and commitment so one must be ready for the hard work!” Mr. Moosa signs off.
Contact details:
Pearl Orchids
Opposite BSNL Telephone Exchange, Moonupeedika, Perinjanam.P.O, Thrissur-680686, Kerala
Mobile: +91 9846950299, +91 9995562577
Email: pearlorchids31@gmail.com
Web: http://www.pearl-orchids.com/