Commercial Floriculture

Containers and composts

For the naturally growing orchids the tree trunks, ground, damp broken walls and rocks are the containers. But when we grow orchids domestically and commercially we need special types of containers well suited for their habitat. Some of the most suitable containers used are (1) Pots, (2) Baskets, (3) Wooden logs, (4) Tree ferns, (5) Coconut husks, etc. Clay pots are generally used for orchids. They may have few to many holes for good drainage and aeration. The pot size may vary from thumb size to 20 inch pots. Plastic pots can also be used. Wooden baskets are made up of high quality wood which can withstand frequent watering. These may also differ in size and shape generally square baskets are used. Similarly tree fern blocks can also be cut into different sizes and shapes and the plants can be tied to these with thin copper wires.

Nut pots Community pots Clear dome of community pot

Plastic vanda basket

Cidar orchid basket

Decorative clay orchid pot

Clear plastic round pot

^Top

Potting Media:
• In the above containers (Pots and baskets) compost mixture is added in different proportions.
• Care should be taken while preparing the above compost mixtures so that it provides,
  (1) Aeration,
  (2) Drainage
  (3) Rich mineral nutrition etc.
• The potting mixture which is generally used consists of the following material: Brick pieces, charcoal pieces, peat moss, stone pieces or jelly, tree fern fiber, farm yard manure, rock wool plugs, peat moss and vermiculite.
• Pots which have side drainage holes the compost used is brick pieces, stones pieces, coke which are mixed in equal proportions 1:1:1.
• At the bottom of the pots slightly bigger pieces of charcoal are put.
• Pots with bottom drainage holes are filled up with very small pieces of charcoal and tree fern fiber powdered in equal proportions of 1:1. This compost mixture is used for epiphytic orchids.
• In choosing suitable types of container, may be pot, basket or raft the needs of the plant must be considered alone with one’s own preferences.
• The bark of cork oak is extremely amenable to plant growth as well as being very durable.
• Ordinary oak or pine bark is not so durable but even so will last for several years. Because of their porosity and durability the stems of tree ferns are also extremely good.
• In larger collections, the traditional clay pots are still used, mainly because of their cheapness.
• They are also useful for the beginner as indiscretions of over watering are offset by the porous nature of the pot which, incidentally, also helps to maintain atmospheric humidity.
• Expanded polystyrene is very good, especially since its fantastic insulating properties protect the roots and favor their growth but it’s one great disadvantage is that it is so light that plants are likely to be knocked over more readily.
• The advantage of baskets is that air can enter from all directions, but this can lead to a more rapid drying out of the compost, especially in hot summer spells, and therefore watering is more of a chore with them.
• The best way of watering baskets is by dipping. Wire baskets, either of galvanized iron or aluminum or plastic-covered copper-wire, can be used and shaped to fashion.
• Terrestrials present no problems, being grown exclusively in clay or plastic pots or pans.
• For terrestrial or ground orchids, we can use sand, mud and farm yard manure in equal proportions and earthen pots.
• In Florida a new coconut basket has been introduced called the COCONEST.
• This is unique spun coconut fiber NEST treated with organic substances, creating a strong flexible shell, allowing air to circulate and retain humidity in the natural way, allowing constant moist compost for growing.
• The NEST provides an even distribution of water to the fine growing roots.
^Top