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Growing Orchids: September in St. Augustine
Based on Robert Scully's articles, courtesy of AOS
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General Orchid Growing Tips
The welcome transition to fall is upon us. You can expect the emergence of buds on many orchids from the cattleyas, evergreen dendrobiums and vandas to cycnoches, catasetums and miltonias. Select the ideal spot for the plant and place pendulous bloomers atop an inverted pot. Support the inflorescence as it emerges and open the sheath to prevent the accumulation of moisture around the developing buds. Consider switching to a dilute bloom booster fertilizer to prepare winter dormant orchids for their rest period. |
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Cattleyas
The spectacular, multiflowered C. bowringiana should be in sheath. Observe the puffy sheath structures often, they may need to be opened at the tip to encourage evaporation of condensation that forms around the buds. C. labiata and its hybrids will begin to flower this month along with the spectacular and fragrant forms of the species C. percivaliana. |
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Dendrobiums
This is the season for the phalaenopsis type dendrobiums. The long, arching sprays of flat dark red-purple to white or pink saucer-like blossoms provide weeks of satisfaction. Nobile-type hybrids should continue to be maintained on a nitrogen free fertilizer program. You can start to gradually reduce watering frequency on the winter dormant dendrobiums. |
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Oncidiums
Of the three popular pansy orchids Miltonia xbluntii, roezlii and spectabilis, the latter is probably the most showy. The reddish purple flowers of Milt. spectabilis var. moreliana usually appear singly and last for weeks. |
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Vandas
This is the principal blooming season for Euanthe sanderiana (syn. V. sanderiana) and the foundation for large flowered modern vandaceous hybrids. Position plants so the inflorescences will grow out of the leaves toward the light. Help uncooperative types by placing a thin bamboo stick between the emerging inflorescence and the flattened form of the leaves, thereby forcing the raceme outward. |
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Miscellaneous Genera: Catasetum Relatives
Autumn is typically the end of the growing season for the catasetum relatives. Plants may produce flowers from pseudobulbs with leaves, or in some instances, from bulbs that have already lost their leaves. Watch the undersides of the leaves to control spider mites which seem to find these delicacies just as the foliage reaches its prime or plants are about to bloom. Support the basal racemes of catasetums as they emerge and consider placing the pots on inverted pots to provide room for them to hang freely. |
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