Cattleya - is one of the popular hybrid Orchids
Hybrid Orchid plantlets usually originate from encapsulated embryos grown in laboratories under aseptic conditions (in vitro) during 8 months. In order to send them to the market, those plantlets, in numbers of three, are placed into sealed bags of special cellophane containing a nutritive solution and a special tissue for protecting their roots. For overseas delivery, these cellophane bags are placed in light cardboard boxes, which in turn are packed in sturdy cardboard boxes.
Since hybrid Orchids are very delicate, it is necessary that they undergo a hardening process before they are exposed to the normal nursery or greenhouse environment. Good shade and high relative humidity in the initial stages are crucial for successful plant establishment and low mortality. Shading net (saran) providing at least 70% shade is appropriate. In large operations, irrigation is applied with a proper system with a pump, plastic pipeline and mist sprayers, whereas in small greenhouses manual sprayers are normally used for watering. For the first days shorter and more frequent watering is suggested (3 rounds per day). Later, once the plantlets are rooted, watering should be applied when the substratum becomes dry (1 round per day).
In early growth stages, hybrid Orchids can be planted in trays or in small single plastic pots, where good drainage is a must. The following procedure is recommended:
- Place a layer of small stones or pieces from a broken clay pot (2 cm in diameter) at the bottom of a plastic pot, the thickness of which should be approximately 1/3 the height of the pot. Over this layer, place a second layer (1-2 cm thick) of small pieces of Styrofoam sheet (1 cm in diameter) in order to allow for more volume and good aeration. Finally, place on top a third layer of a substratum for growing orchids (available at specialized shops and nurseries) of at least 2- to 3-cm thick.
- Remove the orchid plantlets from the packing carefully, avoiding any damage to leaves and roots.
- Place the plantlet in the pot and cover the roots with the substratum.
Fertilizing the Orchids
Orchids are normally fertilized with foliar sprays. It is advised for the initial stages to spray the plantlets weekly with a fertilizer solution alternating Nitrophoska (1 ml/l) with 20-20-20 (0.5 ml/l) or a similar formulation.
Use weekly sprays of Dithane (2 g/l), Benlate (1 g/l) and Cypermethrine (1.5 ml/l) as preventive treatments against pest and diseases.