Growing orchids in your garden

Having made the whole garden a tidy site worthy of praise and admiration have you thought of orchids in the garden? They do have a place apart from in the greenhouse and will add a spark of interest and intrigue to the envy of your neighbours!

Aspect and Bark types 

Most of the orchids that we grow in ourgreenhouses are epiphytes so it would be natural to look to the trees in our gardens as potential hosts. But not all trees have a suitable bark. Most Eucalypt species have a very smooth bark or one that is shed annually. Many palms have a stem which appears to not have bark but the surface is indeed rough enough to make a very suitable substrate for orchid growth. The most important attribute is that the host plant does not shed its bark regularly.

Dendrobium nobile - An ideal plant for a host palm.

Mounting the plant

There are many ways that the plant can be attached to the host. My favorite method isto use large wire staples and a good hammer. The plant must be firmly attached.

The choice of plants is almost endless. Small seedlings may be difficult but keikes with two or more leads areperfect. Divisions from larger plants or advanced seedlings are also suitable. Many orchids also grow as lithophytes, I.e. they attach their roots to a rocky surface for support. In thiscase a rockery in the garden can accommodate certain orchids.

You will also find that by locating your new plant close to the base of the host e.g. a clump of palm stems, is avery convenient position for the orchid.

A few selected rocks will also enhance the position as featured in the images below.

Shade: A few plants may survive beneath full sun conditions but most will appreciate filtered light, particularlyduring the hotter times of the day.

Dendrobium speciosum in a rockery 

Dendrobium speciosum used as a feature plant

Support: plants that are large such as some of the Dendrobium and Vanda species may require stakingto maintain stability.

Timing: It is important to time the operation to coincide with the season of active root growth and this isgenerally in spring or early summer.

Watering: every time that you pass the plant with a hose in your hand, give the plant a splash! Myoutdoor plants get very little attention and natural rainfall is mostly sufficient.

Fertilizing: not often!

Pests & diseases: be vigilant especially for the dreaded Dendrobium beetle. Scale and mealy bug canbe controlled with white oil or eco-oil.

Terrestrial orchids These plants require special treatment because they are dependent on soil basedconditions for optimal growth. If planted in the ground the soil must be free draining with a good quantity of coarse sand as the main component. 

Below are some orchids that are ideal for growing in gardens.

Author: Wayne K.