Orchid Flower Tips
Orchid flowers have arguably the most intricate and complex structures of any plants. While they share a common structure, with petals, sepals, and columns, the variations in size and shape are seemingly endless. Here are some orchid flower tips that can help you to grow magnificent orchids.
Orchid Anatomy
One distinctive feature of the orchid is the column. The male and female (stamen and pistil) reproductive parts are close together in the column, but are prevented from self pollinating by a barrier called the rostellum. Thus they are dependent upon insects, primarily bees, for pollination to ensure continuation of the species and encourage new varieties.
Pollination
Orchids lure insects in various ways to obtain pollination. Pollination is integral in continuing species, hybridization, and abundant flowers. Some scents imitate insect sexual odors to lure the unsuspecting bee or wasp to its pollen. Other flowers have appearances that appear threatening to bees and when they move in the breeze, incite the bee to attack, again becoming covered with pollen.
Pollination can be done without insect assistance. First, familiarize yourself with the parts of the orchid flower. Diagrams are readily available online or in horticulture books. When the flower is fully open, using a wooden toothpick, remove pollinia from the column and transfer it to the sticky portion of the stigma. This may require manipulation or removal of the lip. Once your orchid is successfully pollinated, you will need to allow the seed pod to mature and then send it to a lab for flasking.
Quantity of Flowers
Plants will have anywhere from 2-25 flowers on each spike. The blooms are very durable and last a very long time, some longer than a month. After the main flowers on a spike have wilted, some spikes will grow side branches which will sprout flowers as well. This allows plants to flower for 6-8 months.
Orchid Flower Tips and Conditions
Maintaining appropriate temperature and lighting are essential to persuading your orchid to bloom. Examine the leaves. If they appear discolored or less vibrant, consider whether the orchid is receiving suitable amounts of light. Too much or too little sunlight can affect blooming. Rather than drastically changing lighting conditions, move your plant gradually until you find a place where the leaves are thriving and lush. Check your orchid’s roots. If it is too crowded, with the roots growing out of the pot, it is less likely to bloom. Careful repotting will help to resolve this issue. Water your orchid carefully, ensuring proper drainage. Overwatering can inhibit flower growth. Check to see that the surface of the growing media is dry to the touch before watering your plant. Suitable temperatures should be maintained as well. Temperatures that drop by 7°-10°F at night (keeping the range in the 65°-75°F overall) is necessary for effective flowering.
Still Not Blooming?
If your orchid still doesn’t produce the blooms that you desire, do some research. The staff at your local greenhouse or nursery can educate you about the needs of your particular orchid and offer suggestions and other orchid flower tips to enhance orchid flowering. The internet also has a wealth of information available at the push of a button. Many areas have Orchid Societies who are very knowledgeable and willing to offer advice and assistance.
