Q: What does the name tag mean?
A: The name tag gives you a lot of information about the Orchid in
the biological world and also what you need to know to
properly care for your plant.
1. Gramm is an abbreviation for Grammophyllum, a family of Orchids from New Guinea, which contains the world's largest Orchid Gramm speciosum (2000 pounds and 9 foot flower sprays), scriptum is the species name. We are informed that it is a species because of the lower case 's' in the name. Hybrids use a capitol letter.
2. Lc is the family abbreviation but here it indicates a hybrid of two families 'L' Laliea and 'C' Cattleya. The 'x' in the middle of the second name indicates that it is a 'x' cross of Aloha Case and Hunting Island. Since these both start with a capitol letter, it indicates that both parents are hybrids, and their parents may also have been hybrids. For the hobbyist you need to know the family, since most orchids in a family need about the same care. Hybrids are chosen for color, health, frequent blooming and ease to grow among others. Hybrids are usually more interesting for a beginning hobbyist.
Q: Why is my Orchid not flowering?
A: Almost always the lack of flowering is a result of improper light levels.
For example Cattleya need 3500 foot
candles of light to flower. Vanda need more about 8000.
Phalaenopsis (1600) and Paphiopedilum (900-1500) need little light and
more suited for indoors. Orchids will grow well in lower light
levels but need a certain minimum to flower. -- July noon sun without
shade is about 10-11,000 foot candles.
Q: What is s/h?
A: s/h is short for semi-hydroponic. It
is the used of expanded clay products for a growing medium with a
saucer of water under it. The hydroponic rock wicks up water
as needed to keep the roots in an even state of moisture.
Q:
What are 'pseudobulbs'?
A:
Pseudobulbs are the thick fleshy part of the plant
below the leaf and above the pot surface.
Q:
What is a 'keiki'.
A:
Keiki is Hawaiian for baby or child. It is a baby
plant. Many orchids will produce a keiki on the flower stem
(Phalaenopsis) or on the growing cane (Dendrobiums) which can be removed
to start a new plant.
Q: What do I do when the flower dies?
A:
All flowers have a limited life span. It's
purpose in life is to attach an insect to fertilize it and reproduce.
When a flower is fertilized it will close up and die to form a
protective shell around the seeds. With most orchids you can cut
the flower stem as close to the plant as you can get. Phalaenopsis
are the one exception. On Phalaenopsis it is possible for the stem
to branch and get a few extra flowers. They are not as large or
numerous as the original. Many growers cut the stems to allow the
plant to put its energy into new growth. The choice is yours.
Q:
What is the difference between seed crosses and mericlones?
A: Seed crossings are a natural mixing of
pollen and seed. It can be from the same plant (called selfing) or
two different plants (hybrids). A natural immunity makes seed grown
orchids virus free even if the parents are infected. Mericlones
are produced by taking a piece of growing tissue and 'cloning' it in a
lab. These are true clones, an exact copy of the parent with all
its good and bad features. Seed crossing are an attempt to improve
characteristics of the Orchid, whereas clones keep the plant true to the
parent.
Q: Can I grow orchids from seeds?
A: Yes but it is difficult. Seeds need to be grown for the first year
or two in sterile conditions. This requires special equipment. It is possible to
improvise but not for beginners and not as a means of increasing the size of your
orchid collection. If you feel the need for the challenge, then it is possible.
There are companies that will take your seeds and produce the sterile flask of seeds
for a reasonable fee.
Q: Then how can I make more plants?
A: The easiest method for a hobbyist to increase
the number of their plants is to divide a plant
when it gets too big. You simply cut the plant into smaller pieces, retaining at
least three pseudobulbs on each division. Paint the cut with an anti-fungicide (household
cinnamon works fine) and re-pot separately.
Q:
A: