Terrestrial Orchids are also referred to as ground orchids. They are orchids that grows on the ground rather than clinging to stones or trees. Most orchids are epiphytic, i.e. they grow on trees or in some cases rock surfaces. They use their roots to attach themselves to a tree or a rock. Most people think about epiphytic orchids when they think about orchids. This is understandable considering that many of the most popular types of orchids including Phalaenopsis and Cattleya are epiphytic orchids.
 |
Chikanda, a local traditional
delicacy made from orchids |
Terrestrial orchids can however be just as interesting and just as beautiful as epiphytic orchids. There are more than 200 species of terrestrial orchids. This might sound like a lot but the orchid family has more than 28 000 recognized species. Less than 1% of all orchid species are terrestrial.
Introduction to
Terrestrial Orchids
Different terrestrial orchids have different needs and can look very
differently from each other. There are some very large species and some very
small species. Some ground orchids have regular roots that grow in the ground
but most species have pseudobulbs.
A pseudobulb is similar to a regular bulb but is formed at the base
every leaf. They are used for storing water and nutrients. This allows the
orchids to survive during periods of less rain. Ground orchids with pseudobulbs
do have roots as well but they do not have well developed root systems in the
way ground orchids without pseudobulbs do. They do not need the same amount of
roots because they are able to store water for when they need it.
Species with pseudobulbs are usually found in dry areas (dry season)
while species with well-developed root systems are found in areas where the
access to water is better. Some species even live in swamp land.
Terrestrial orchids can be found in all climates. Some species are
found in the tropics while other species can tolerate cold winters and frost.
Many orchids found in colder climates are terrestrial species. Many species
living in colder climates are deciduous and lose their leaves during the
winter. They sprout new ones in the spring. Orchids that have developed to live
in cold climates often require a period of cold (freezing) weather to bloom.
Keeping
terrestrial orchids
Many but far from all terrestrial orchids are suitable to be kept as
ornamental plants. Tropical species can normally be kept as potted plants. Some
species are harder to care for than others. Terrestrial orchids that originates
in colder climates are a lot harder to keep as potted plants. They often needs
a period of rest in freezing conditions. It can be hard to provide these
conditions when kept as potted plants. It can be especially hard to gradually
lower and then raise the temperature again. Terrestrial orchids that originates
from colder climates are only suitable for experienced orchid keepers that are
able to meet their preferences.
Examples pf species that are suitable to keep as potted plants
include Phaius, Plione and Spathoglottis species.
In your garden
Many species of terrestrial orchids can do well as garden plants
provided you live in an area that offer the right climate for the species. Do
not try to keep a tropical species in your garden if you live in the north and
do no try to keep a species from a colder area if you live in tropical or
subtropical conditions.
Pink Spathoglottis
Spathoglottis is a popular ground orchid to keep in your garden.
The most important thing to think about if you want to keep ground
orchids in your garden is to choose the right species. If you chose the right
species than they can be easy to care for and more or less take care of
themselves. Research species that are suitable for the climate where you live.
Remember that ground orchids can grow to very different sizes. Some
species will remain small and can do well in a flower bed with other flowers.
Other species can grow very large and require a large space devoted to them.
These species are best kept as solitary plants.
Remember that many orchids are endangered and protected. You are usually not allowed to move any orchids from the wild into your garden. The punishment for doing so can be severe. Please keep in mind that it might also be illegal to move orchids from a friend’s garden to yours. If it is a native orchid that is protected in your area then the orchids in your friend’s garden might be protected as well. I recommend that you always chose to buy you orchids from a reputable nursery. There are many available online that will ship the orchids you want directly to your door.
Caring for
terrestrial orchids
All species have their own unique needs and I strongly recommend
that you read a care guide for the exact species you want to keep. This will
help make it easier for you to make sure that you give your orchids the right
growing conditions. With that said. Here are some general rules that can help
you deduct what different terrestrial orchids need.
Watering
Terrestrial orchids with pseudobulbs generally prefer a well-drained
soil with a lot of organic matter. They prefer it the soil is allowed to dry
out between waterings. They require more water. Some species prefer to be kept
wet all the time while other species prefer moist but not wet dirt.
Most species do well in low nutrient conditions but benefit from weak nutrients during the growth season.
Light
Most terrestrial orchids prefer a half shaded position. They want a
lot of light but not full sun. This is not true for all species. The colour of
the leaves can give you an indication on whether they need more or less light
than they are currently getting. Very dark green leaves indicates that they
need more light. Very light green or yellowish leaves indicates that they get
too much light. Yellow leaves can also be an indicator of a number of other
problems.
Propagation of
Terrestrial Orchids
Most ground orchids are easy to multiply. It is usually done through
dividing an older plant. Below we are going to look a little closer at how to
propagate different types of terrestrial orchids.
Species with
pseudobulbs
Ground orchids with pseudobulbs are usually very easy to multiply.
All you need to do is to cut a few bulbs (with leaves) from a large orchids and
plant them somewhere else. One bulb is enough to grow a new orchid but it is
easier to get it to survive if you make sure that the new plant have at least 3
pseudobulbs.
Carefully investigate the plant and see where you can cut loose a
baby plant without hurting the plant unnecessarily. Use a very sharp knife or
scissors to cut the baby plant lose. I personal use and recommend that you use
a straight edge razor to do this. (I bought my Dovo razor here). A straight
edge razor can be expensive and is likely not worth the price unless you cut a
lot of orchids and other cuttings. If this is the case then a razor blade might
be a good cheap alternative.
Backbulbs
It is very common that the oldest pseudobulbs in a plant no longer
have any leaves. These bulbs will eventually die. As they have served their
purpose. These pseudobulbs are called back bulbs. Is possible to cut these
pseudobulbs from the plant and use them to grow new plants. The pseudobulbs get
triggered to start growing again when they are removed from the plant. Back
bulbs can be hard to get growing and it is not an easy way to propagate
orchids. It can however be worth to try since these bulbs otherwise will die.
It is often possible to buy back bulbs for a low price and buying
back bulbs can be a very economical way to get new orchids if you are able to
get them growing again.
Plants with
roots
Orchids with roots often grow in groups and these groups can be
divided to create new plants. You propagate them in much the same way as you
would any other plant that grows in a similar fashion. They are usually very
easy to divide provided you do it when conditions are good and that you do not
try to divide your plant into too many babies.
Keikeis
Some orchid species, including some terrestrial species, develops
baby plants on the top of their stems. These baby plants often develop roots in
the air. Once they have developed a few roots they can be cut loose and planted
as independent plants. They are very easy to establish provided you leave them
on their mother stem long enough. Do not gut them lose until they have a couple
of roots that are at least 1 inch long.
Comments
Post a Comment