| Winter
seems to be the perfect time to discuss the "problem"
of too many orchids. It's really not a problem if we
can properly take care of all of our orchids and, consequently,
they bloom well and remain disease and pest free.
However, challenges arise when we crowd our collection
or hang more orchids over our benches. Doing either
of these will block the light and diminish air circulation,
thus providing perfect conditions for diseases and pests
to thrive and not be noticed until there is a major
problem.
We have recently discovered the "solution"
to the problem of too many orchids. We have even given
the solution a name: WOW! When an orchid bloom opens
and I don't say "WOW!", that orchid is history.
This is an extremely efficient way to have a wonderful,
manageable orchid collection.
Whoa, don't panic! There are some basic guidelines.
Usually these are plants that I have had for years and
now there is something better in my collection that
blooms at the same time. Also, and this is not unusual,
I have multiple plants of the same orchid blooming at
the same time. This is the result of dividing and not
sharing the divisions. Be sure to share your "extra"
orchids with friends and other orchid enthusiasts. Societies
appreciate raffle plants, too.
Sometimes I just don't like the growth habit of one
of my orchids. A large plant in a 6 inch pot (that should
be in an 8 inch pot) has just bloomed for the first
time with two flowers. The flowers may be gorgeous,
but I would much prefer a more prolific bloomer. When
I remove this large plant, I will have room for several
smaller ones that will hopefully bloom more frequently.
As an orchid matures its growth habit becomes more
evident. It may grow very tall, leggy, become too heavy
or just becomes too sprawling. That means I have to
find a way to keep it erect or contained. Stakes and
clay pots do help. I will always have a few of these
in my collection but not as many as I once had.
There comes a time when "collecting" evolves
into "selecting." After growing orchids for
a while you probably know what you like and what you
don't like. There are, of course, many characteristics
to consider: fragrance, plant size when mature, flower
size, flower quality, color, bloom frequency and season,
adaptation to your culture. Once you decide what you
prefer in your collection, you will have a guideline
to help you improve or upgrade your personal collection.
This selection process also evolves. We have concentrated
on spring and fall blooming seasons for orchid shows
and mini-catts for windowsill growers. Sometimes we
need more lavenders or reds or yellows or we need fragrance.
Orchid growing is not a static hobby.
Many times we upgrade our collection without remembering
to also cull our collections. You know the results:
too many orchids. Instead of adding on another room
to your home or building another greenhouse, why not
dispose of those orchids that you don't really enjoy
as much or don't grow and flower as well so that you
can provide the orchids you love with more space, sufficient
light, and good air circulation? Now you'll be able
to enjoy the full potential of your orchids.
Happy orchid growing!
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