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Straits Times
01-08-2025
- Lifestyle
- Straits Times
Plant Parenting: How to grow orchids
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Depending on their growth habits, which can be upright or pendulous, these plants can be cultivated differently. SINGAPORE – Orchids, such as Singapore's national flower Vanda Miss Joaquim, are popular garden plants that are admired for their colourful and flamboyant blossoms. They are also epiphytic plants that grow on another living plant for support. The most common epiphytes here grow on trees in streets, parks and gardens. They are not parasites, as they do not depend on the host plant for nutrition. There are two types of epiphytes, the first being holo-epiphytes. These grow entirely off the ground and include not only orchids, but also air plants from the genus Tillandsia. Holo-epiphytes' roots need to dry out between rainfall. They are not accustomed to constant moisture and should never be planted in soil. Hemi-epiphytes, the second type, grow in the ground at one stage or another of their life cycles. Many aroids, which are popular houseplants, are hemi-epiphytes. They often grow along the soil of the forest floor until they find a tree. There, they produce aerial roots that attach to the tree's bark, and subsequently grow upwards towards light. Many of the orchids sold in local nurseries are epiphytic species and hybrids. Common ones come from the genera Dendrobium, Cattleya, Oncidium, Phalaenopsis and Vanda. Depending on their growth habits, which can be upright or pendulous, these plants can be cultivated differently. Orchid growing in containers A sympodial orchid has a horizontal growing stem at the base. Pseudobulbs (false stems) emerge from this stem and store water for the plant during harsh weather. PHOTO: NATIONAL PARKS BOARD Orchids with vertical stems are called monopodial orchids. Those with a horizontal growth habit, with upright pseudostems growing at intervals, are called sympodial orchids. In local gardens, epiphytic orchids are mostly grown in containers using charcoal chips or chunks. Charcoal is an affordable, durable and lightweight growing medium suited for tropical climates. A monopodial orchid has a single stem that grows upwards. Such orchids do not have pseudobulbs. PHOTO: NATIONAL PARKS BOARD In the past, broken bricks were used as a growing medium, as their weight prevented pots from toppling over. Pine bark chips are often used in temperate climates where the material is plentiful, but can be expensive here as they need to be imported. When using charcoal chips, their size needs to be customised according to the root system. Smaller chips are better for smaller plants with fine roots to anchor themselves for stability. But there must also be air pockets within the growing medium for drainage, so the roots can dry out quickly between each watering. A properly aerated root zone is crucial for epiphytic orchids. Charcoal is a common growing medium for orchids in Singapore. PHOTO: NATIONAL PARKS BOARD When growing orchids in charcoal in harsh environments, such as windy high-rise homes and exposed outdoor gardens, more frequent watering is required. Some gardeners add coconut husk chips to retain water in the root zone. Imported orchids often arrive on a buyer's doorstep in a pot of densely packed sphagnum moss. This material retains moisture very well. In humid Singapore, however, the moss can quickly become waterlogged from wet weather. This can cause root rot and disease, killing the plant. As such, it is essential to remove sphagnum moss from an orchid's root zone and repot it in charcoal chips. In the past, orchids were grown in heavy terracotta pots with holes in the sides to aerate the root zone and improve drainage. Now , gardeners can grow these flowers in lightweight plastic pots in a similar design. Hanging containers, such as wooden baskets or those with a mesh-like plastic coated material, will also serve this purpose. Plastic pots without holes, designed for conventional terrestrial plants, may not aerate the root zone well enough. Mounting orchids Some orchids are mounted on a flat surface, such as on a slab of fern bark or wood. The root systems of orchids grown this way are spread flat on the material, and plants are held in place by tying them to the material. This method of cultivation allows the roots to dry out due to the porous structure of fern bark, which is made up of a network of numerous thick fibres with air pockets in between. Plants grown on tree bark also have their roots exposed directly to the air. Epiphytic orchids can be mounted on a slab of fern bark, but these will dry out faster and need to be watered more often. PHOTO: NATIONAL PARKS BOARD Growing epiphytic orchids this way is an effective and practical way to display those with a pendulous growth habit, characterised via their long, hanging stems. One such orchid is the native Pigeon Orchid (Dendrobium crumenatum), which can be found on trees here. Mounting orchids also circumvents the issue of water accumulating within the crown of some orchid types, such as Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis). Fertilising orchids The porous nature of potted media and mounting of epiphytic orchids make conventional fertilisation quite challenging. Orchid growers usually provide the necessary nutrients for their plants via water-soluble fertiliser. Fertilisers specially formulated for orchids are also available in salt form, which need to be dissolved in water. This means plants can be fed and watered simultaneously. Nutrients are taken up by plants via their roots and leaves, in a process known as foliar feeding. Slow-release fertiliser pellets can be kept near, but not in direct contact with, an orchid's roots. PHOTO: NATIONAL PARKS BOARD Slow-release coated fertiliser pellets can also be used. First, put these pellets in a small bag fashioned from a piece of cloth or plastic netting. Next, tie the bag up and hang it near the orchid's roots. To prevent fertiliser burn, ensure they do not come into contact with the roots. Whenever the plant is watered, the pellets will release a small amount of nutrients.
New Indian Express
15-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Orchid man's blooming legacy
ASSAM: In the verdant landscapes of upper Assam's Tinsukia district, a schoolteacher's passion for orchids has blossomed into a groundbreaking conservation effort. Khyanjeet Gogoi, a science teacher at Rupai High School, has spent over three decades nurturing a collection of 850 orchid species at his Regional Orchids Germplasm Conservation & Propagation Centre. Located near the Daisajan Tea Estate, the centre has become a beacon for botanists and researchers, earning Gogoi the affectionate moniker 'Orchid Man.' The centre spans a hectare and features three meticulously maintained greenhouses dedicated to the ex-situ conservation of orchid species. These include rare, endangered, and critically endangered varieties from across India and beyond. The centre cultivates orchids such as Bulbophyllum, Dendrobium, Cattleya, Cymbidium, Epidendrum, Phalaenopsis, and Vanda—each a testament to Gogoi's dedication to preserving these fragile plants. What began as a personal hobby in the 1990s has since turned into an educational hub. Over the years, the centre has become a knowledge centre for students and botanists alike. Seven researchers have earned their PhD degrees after conducting studies at the centre. Students frequently visit on educational excursions, learning first-hand about the importance of orchid conservation. The Spark of Passion Gogoi's fascination with orchids began when he was in Class 7. Growing up in a tea garden area where orchids were abundant, he witnessed how annual tree-lopping destroyed many of these plants. His curiosity grew as he realised that local people would often pick the flowers but leave the plants behind. 'Our people, particularly girls, will take away the flowers, leaving behind the plants. I had planted them at home. After an experiment, I found that orchid plants can survive also when we grow them on pots, flower tubs etc,' said Gogoi. He began studying the orchids scientifically after passing Class 10 in 1994. In 2013, The Orchid Society of Eastern Himalaya took note of Gogoi's work, officially naming his centre the Regional Orchids Germplasm Conservation & Propagation Centre (Assam circle). The collaboration came amid growing demand for orchid species, marking a new chapter in Gogoi's long-standing efforts. Today, Gogoi's centre continues to serve as a haven for orchids, especially those at risk of extinction.
NZ Herald
26-04-2025
- NZ Herald
A Fiji family holiday that offers more than just sun and sand
Sometimes even explorers like to feel a little organised before hitting foreign soil. There are plenty of tours you can arrange from home via your travel agent, Viator (which has an app that provides excellent updates and reminders) or direct with the provider. And while many of the same tours are available through the resorts when you arrive, be warned that some bookings might cost extra. These three tours were all booked in advance and did not disappoint. A mix of traditional culture, picture-perfect plants and healing hot springs In just half a day you can deepen your understanding of traditional Fijian culture, meander through The Garden of the Sleeping Giant and treat yourself with wads of mud courtesy of Excite Tours. En route, The next we discovered that Fiji has a history of cannibalism, the story behind the omnipresent Punja brand and how to spot a locally owned restaurant (the name signs are generally shared and sponsored by a certain Cola giant). Our tour began with a trip to the historical village of Veseisei where the native Fijians first landed, and locals now live a simple, happy, communal life. Following a welcome from the female elders, we were introduced to their wares (jewellery and trinkets neither dirt cheap nor pricey) and supported them accordingly before being taken on a tour past the chief's thatch-roofed home and through the church which is central to the contemporary village existence. The next stop was The Garden of the Sleeping Giants, nestled in the (mostly) cool shadows of two giant mountains and boasting a collection of over 30 to 40 varieties of magnificent Asian orchids and Cattleya hybrids which were once the private collection of late actor Raymond Burr (aka Perry Mason). Walking trails weave across the expanse and can be followed up the hill for those willing to risk a heavy sweat for the reward of stunning views. The complimentary iced fruit drink before leaving tastes, appropriately, like something Heaven sent. The final stop was the Sabeto Mud Pools, flanked by nature and home to a three-part process of lathering yourself in mud, drying it in the sun until the body itches and skin seems to crack, and washing it all off in the warm thermal springs from which it sprung. For travellers, it's a chance to cleanse and gain supple skin for days. For locals, the site has long acted as their 'hospital', a place for healing due to perceived, and formally tested, therapeutic components in the mud. Coupled with an on-site massage the process can certainly lead to a deep state of relaxation and sensational evening slumber. Bonus: the souvenirs here are cheap! A day on the ocean Arranged directly through the operators, a day out with Salty Dog Tours is the perfect way to fit in fish feeding, snorkelling, fishing and swimming in the beautiful clear waters of the Mamanuca Islands without having to book an overnight stay. In true Fijian style, the welcome songs from the staff at Castaway Island don't cease even for those briefly stopping by. Meanwhile, nothing is too much trouble for the Salty Dog crew who provide ample water and snacks, numerous fishing tips, and point out everything from turtles and sea horses to curious looking party boats with Mad Max vibes. The bumpy boat ride back is an experience in itself – ideal for those who love getting air over waves and don't mind arriving back to shore wet. Leaving from the Naisoso Marina (Nadi) it's possible to arrange a pick-up or make your own way there. Hailing a taxi home is a cheap option but may require some walking to spot one or be spotted. Highlands by quad bike The centre of Viti Levu is mountainous and home to the Highlanders, a tough breed of people still reliant on animals and hands-on techniques over farm machinery due to the incline. While few cars can make their way up, quad bikes can, and they move at a perfect pace for absorbing the scenery with a small dose of daring. Go Dirty Tours offers a half-day adventure that sees you ascend a mountain via snake-like roads, meandering past villages to reach a panoramic view and greet happy horses on a hillside that has a rather impressive echo. Riding through muddy puddles is optional but highly encouraged. Take note, rain alone will not lead to a tour cancellation. The muddier the merrier. Returning to the flats the tour crawls through central Nadi traffic, offering a front-row seat to a city in action. The final leg back to base is across Womolo Beach (nice, but not sandy white like First Landing!) and the tour ends with a triple stack chicken sandwich washed down with welcomed extra water. For those who are happy to go with the flow Spontaneous adventure can lead to the most incredible experiences, like an afternoon at Natadola Beach riding horses, swimming with hundreds of locals and learning their language. And to mishaps too, like hour-long bus rides in the wrong direction. It's how you process them that counts. After all, the communication breakdown that extends a bus ride also delivers an extra hour of sightseeing, up-beat music, mingling and wind-swept hair. Window-free buses are wonderful. Some other things to keep in mind include the fact that potholes ensure you go nowhere fast, so leave time. As the Fijians love to say, 'You drive on the left side of the road, and we drive on what's left of the road'. You need to carry cash. This is crucial; for local wares, buses, taxis and often even the drivers that you've pre-arranged to take you on tours. Taxis are cheap, especially those you flag yourself, but every one of our tour drivers added something to the experience. Car hire is economical but it's advisable to avoid driving at night due to rogue horses, dogs, cows and, of course, those pesky potholes. Tap water is safe but good coffee is hard to come by. It's a milk thing. You'll understand when you try. Your cheeks will hurt from smiling back at the sheer number of people who greet you with warmth, and not just because they must. 'Where happiness comes naturally' is not just a clever tourism slogan, it's a truism. Bula is more than a word expressing hello and welcome. It's a beautiful feeling you will never forget. Fiji Fiji Airways and Air New Zealand regularly fly direct from Auckland to Nadi, Fiji. Details
