Friday, August 14, 2015

Learning about Orchids, Plants and Gardening at the Philippine Orchid Society’s 2015 Midyear Garden Show



For most orchid and plant enthusiasts, the rainy months of August and September are signs of the seasonal and much-awaited event in the Philippine Orchid Society (POS), the Midyear Orchid and Garden Show. Perennially scheduled in time during the blooming season of the world famous ‘Waling- Waling’orchid, or scientifically known as Vanda sanderiana,  the event highlights the promotion and revival of the hobby and technology in orchid growing and also plant growing in general.  The ‘waling- waling’ orchid is renowned world wide as the ‘Queen of all Orchids’ because it has greatly influenced the breeding of modern day orchids that are very popular in the orchid cut-flower and potted orchid trade.  With it, the event is the Philippine Orchid Society’s continuing mission of disseminating cultural information in growing our very own orchids, and also promotion of gardening to Filipinos. 



In celebration of its 69th Anniversary this coming August 28 to September 07, 2015, the POS will be showing off the lovely blooms of the ‘Queen of all Orchids’ in its Mid-year Orchid and Garden Show with the theme:  ‘Enriching Lives and Building Opportunities Through Orchids”.  This show, which is being held in cooperation with the Quezon City Government  will be held at the Flower Garden of the Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical road in Quezon City (near the East Avenue gate entrance).  Together with the sought after ‘waling-waling’, the show will also feature the best orchid collections of the country’s active orchid growers  meticulously arranged in exquisite landscapes. Daily lectures on orchid and plant culture will be held daily for free and a plant bazaar selling orchids, ornamentals, cacti, bromeliads, seeds, seedlings, bonsai, fertilizers, pots and many more at farm gate prices will be on site.



The  free daily lectures will be held every 2pm. Topics includes: August 28 (Fri) Growing Orchids in your Garden by Mr. Andres S. Golamco, Jr.; 29 (Sat) Flower arrangement for all occasions Speaker: to be announced; 30 (Sun) Vandaceous Orchids species by Mr. Wally Suarez;  31 (Mon) Basics in Landscaping by Mr. Jimmy Floro; September 01 (Tue) Edible Ornamental Vegetables by Mr. Ponchit Ponce-Enrile;  02 (Wed) Cactus & Succulent propagation by Mr. Lino Rom; 03 (Thu) Hoyas as companion crop of orchids by Mr. Fernando ‘Nanding’ Aurigue;  04 (Fri) The Importance of a good substrate by: Allied Botanical Corporation; 05 (Sat) Growing Orchids for Fun and Profit by Ms. Evangeline B. Go; 06 (Sun) The Exotic species and Hybrids of the Cattleya Alliance by Atty. Hernando B. Perez;  and  07 (Mon) Controlling Plant Pest & Diseases during Rainy Season by Mr. Norberto R. Bautista.



Come and join the said event and appreciate the array of beautiful and colorful flowers and plants. Let us promote the country’s horticultural industry and make it sustainable and progressive.  Put it in mind that aside from providing aesthetic beauty, orchids and garden plants are also efficient carbon dioxide absorbers, in addition to forest trees.  Also, gardening is one of the gratifying and socially-fulfilling hobbies of most housewives and plant enthusiasts due to the plant’s exotic and interesting beauty, which alleviate stress from the hectic and active city life.


Show entrance is at Php50.00 and Php40.00 for students & senior citizens.  The garden show  will be open from 8:00am – 6:00pm daily. For more information you may call the POS Secretariat at mobile numbers 957.3524 or 09178485468 (kindly look for Ms. Jenny F. Rivera or Mr. Jiffy A. Alegre).

Article by; Norberto R. Bautista
For inquiries, kindly email me at
norby.bautista@gmail.com


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Saturday, February 28, 2015

Enjoying the Beauty of Plants and Flowers at the FLORA FILIPINA EXPO

Enjoying the Beauty of Landscaped Plants and Flowers
Opening of the 4th Flora Filipina Expo




            The 4th Flora Filipina Expo opened last February 25, 2015 at the Hardin ng mga Bulaklak in Quezon Memorial Circle, showcasing the beauty of Philippine plants and flowers.  The event was made possible through the efforts of the Philippine Orchid Society in partnership with the Quezon City government  , the Quezon Memorial Circle, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, Del Monte-Philippines,  KFC,  Allied Botanical Corporation , Ramgo International , the Philippine Bonsai Society, the Philippine Horticultural Society, The Los Banos Horticultural Society, the Orchid Society of Davao and other major garden clubs in different parts of the country.



            The ribbon cutting was participated by guest of honor Ms. Camille Villar, daughter of  Congresswoman Cynthia and Senator Manny Villar, Mrs. Evangeline Go, President of the Philippine Orchid Society, Mrs. Cora Purificacion, Flora’s honorary chair, Mrs. Dorene Dofitas, Flora’s chairperson, officers of the Philippine Orchid Society and from the various garden clubs, representatives from the Quezon City government and various plant aficionados.


            Guests were first toured around the colorful and magnificent array of landscaped exhibits before all settled in the shaded opening stage area. The opening ceremony was later joined by guest of honor Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte-Alimurung and Dra. Elenita Binay, wife of Vice President Jejomar Binay and Flora’s honorary chair..


            With these event, the site was transformed into a garden paradise, with colorful pocket gardens of orchids, bromeliads, tillandsias, ferns, annuals, aroids, bonsai and cacti. It is a wonderful site for taking pictures or for strolling and admiring the beauty of plants around.

 

            The expo was also a venue to determine the best plants and also for landscapers to compete on their skill in arranging plants.  Winners of the best landscape exhibits and also winners of the best orchids and ornamental plants were also announced and awarded with trophies and ribbons.


            The opening ceremonies were attended by more than 200 people who viewed the 15 landscaped garden exhibits. There were numerous commercial garden booths selling various plants and garden accessories like orchids, bromeliads, tillandsias, fruit tree seedlings, ferns, annual flowering plants, bonsai, aroids, pots, potting mix, fertilizers, pesticides, garden tools, and a lot more. The festive atmosphere at the Hardin ng mga Bulaklak area was further enhanced by a music Band of Quezon City and cultural performers from the Commonwealth High School presented a Filipiniana and Muslim dances after the opening rites.



            The Flora Filipina Expo was intended to promote and highlight the country's ornamental and floriculture industry to the world. With this, we hope that our Asian, European and American neighbors will recognize our potential in growing quality and beautiful plants and flowers.



            With its theme: “Enriching Lives and Building Opportunities through Floriculture ”, the expo aims to promote the use of Philippine  plants in indoor and outdoor gardening, especially in landscaping.


            There was also a two-day conference at the Great Eastern Hotel at Quezon Avenue held last February 26-27 which was attended by our very own plant enthusiasts, gardeners and researchers from around the country. Topics on various new innovations in horticulture and the new plant cultivars developed were presented in the conference.



            Through the expo, the Philippine Orchid Society is continuing its mandate of promoting not just orchids, but also gardening to our fellow Filipinos. Hopefully, the passion and skill in floriculture, and ornamental horticulture will continue to be passed on to our younger generation for a brighter and progressive future.



            The Flora Filipina Expo will be open from February 26 up to March 9.  There will also be an ongoing free daily lectures on gardening at the exhibit site. The organizers are hoping to stage again another Expo on 2018. For inquiries, kindly contact the Philippine Orchid Society at telephone (02) 929-4425 or mobile 0917-8485468.



________________________________________
Article by: Norberto R. Bautista
For inquiries, kindly email me at
norby.bautista@gmail.com


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Saturday, February 21, 2015

Culture Tips in Growing the Phalaenopsis Orchid

CULTURE TIPS IN GROWING THE PHALAENOPSIS ORCHID




Butterfly Orchids or Phalaenopsis, are one of the most graceful and elegant group of orchid. It is locally known as mariposa or moth orchid, as its flowers resemble butterflies in flight. It is one of the most common orchid plant in the country and also in Asia, Europe and America . In fact, the Philippines is the center of Phalaenopsis orchid diversity in the world, since half of the Phalaenopsis species and varieties worldwide are found in our country. It is actually easy to grow and it takes a relatively short time to flower.

However, the Philippines , most hobbyists are having difficulty in growing this orchid due to the fact it has a different cultural requirement compared to Vanda and Dendrobium orchids, specially for its requirement for light and water. Phalaenopsis requires shade, and do not like too much water, as it excessive watering tends to cause the plant to rot.

The genus name Phalaenopsis came from the Greek word ‘phalaena’ meaning moth, and ‘opsis’ meaning appearance. Out of the 42 species and 36 varieties, 20 species and 18 varieties are found locally. Many of our Phalaenopsis species have been ancestors of modern Phalaenopsis hybrids. There are more than 40,000 hybrids in this genus and there are more hybrids being registered in this single genus than any other orchid genus. The advantages of growing this group of orchids are: that it is easy to mass produce from seeds, and plants from flasks can be flowered within 8 to 18 months. Phalaenopsis can easily be programmed to flower, by exposing plants to night temperature 10 oC lower than that of daytime temperature and increasing humidity. This is usually done by growing them in cool areas like Antipolo, Tanay, Tagaytay, or Baguio . However, greenhouses can be modified to produce a cool humid environment by evaporative cooling. Breeding and large scale production techniques or protocols for these orchids have already been developed and perfected. There are locations in the country where Phalaenopsis can be grown inexpensively. There is a very wide potential for Phalaenopsis for the foreign market.

Miniature Phalaenopsis hybrids

This is due to the fact that Butterfly orchids offers a wide range of flower color, from white to pink, Greenish, lavander-gray, with flower markings like stripes, spots and blotches. In the United States alone, over 75% of all orchids (flowering potted plants) sold are Phalaenopsis.

Orchid sales worldwide have been increasing and large scale production of potted Phalaenopsis has been done in the Netherlands , Germany, China , Taiwan , United States and Japan. In the US and Europe , Phalaenopsis have replaced the common people’s concept of ‘orchid’, which was once symbolized by Cattleya and Cymbidium. Phalaenopsis is now readily available, affordable and mass marketed in supermarkets.



An ocean of Phalaenopsis orchid hybrids in the farm of VS Orchids, Tagaytay City.

Types. Phalaenopsis orchids are usually categorized either as species or hybrids. Commercial hybrids usually created to follow a ‘standard’ plant form which is typically characterized by large, full and round flowers, in arching flower stalk. They have round or oval thick leaves, in short stems. Flower color ranges from white, semi-alba (white petals and sepals with colored lip), yellow, pink, red, green and lavender, and with flower markings like stripes, spots and blotches. There are also warm and cool growing Phalaenopsis.

General Characteristics. Butterfly orchids has very thick, short stems, and fleshy, soft leaves. The leaves are closely clustered in a two-ranked arrangement and oval-shaped. Inflorescence are either very short to long with drooping to rigidly erect raceme or panicle and bears from one to very numerous and some, mostly large delicate flowers. Phalaenopsis are truly tropical and epiphytic in nature, and they are all very sensitive to direct sun and rain.

Cultural Requirements.

Light. The plant is regarded as a shade-loving plant, thus partial shade or diffused light is required through nets or slat-house. The leaves are easily sun-burned or scorched. The plant can tolerate high light intensities as much as 2,000 foot-candles. The plants are ideally placed indoors or in an area where they will receive morning light, but shaded or protected from direct light during noontime.

Water and Humidity. Phalaenopsis require plenty of water but needs that their leaves and crown be kept dry between watering. Phalaenopsis need plastic roofing or protection from too much rain when grown outdoors during the rainy season. Younger plants require more watering than matured plants. This can be accomplished by misting the plants instead of water sprinkling. Water all matured plants twice per day during very hot and dry months, and only 2-3 times per week during wet months (or none at all). Protect plants from too much rain. For indoor growing, plants are usually watered by immersing the whole potted plant in a bucket of water and permitted to drip dry. The crown needs to be kept dry. Companion plants like ferns, bromeliads, and other foliage plants can be placed near the orchid to help increase humidity. Normal humidity levels in the home is sufficient for Phalaenopsis. However, in an air-conditioned office, humidity levels might be less than ideal. It is also best to place your potted plant over a dish of water with
pebbles so that the pot is not directly sitting on water.

Air Movement. It is necessary to provide enough space between plants and to allow air movement (slight breeze) to help dry the leaves. Using an electric fan to induce air movement in indoor gardens is common.

Flowering. Matured Phalaenopsis plants will flower when exposed to the right temperature and light photo-period. They are seasonal bloomers, usually during months of February and September, however, they can now be artificially induced to flower.

Fertilization. Fertilize plants twice or once a week. Seedlings could be sprayed with very dilute fertilizer everyday after watering. Plants need to be watered heavily once a week to flush excess salts. Wet plants first before applying fertilizers. Follow fertilizer dilution for orchids based on the label, usually at a rate of 1 tsp or less per gallon of water. Use balanced foliar fertilizer with trace elements for orchids.

Growing Media. Phalaenopsis can be potted on clay or plastic pots, with charcoal and coconut husks, or mounted in wooden slabs. Currently, the use of tree fern roots is being discourage for the conservation of our endangered giant tree ferns. Pre-soaked coconut husk is another good medium for Phalaenopsis. Another alternative medium is a 1:1 mixture of sand and coconut choir dust. In this method, Phalaenopsis is treated like a terrestrial orchid, and irrigation is done by placing the potted plant in a basin of water, where water comes up from the bottom up. Phalaenopsis can also be mounted in trunks of living trees like coconut palms, Manila palms, acacia, narra and caimito using U-nail.

Pest and Disease Control. Crown and leaves of Phalaenopsis rots easily if excessively watered. The plant is also sensitive to spider mites infestation. Mites can be controlled by applying miticides (e.g. Omite or Ascend) once a week for 4 weeks. To control crown rot, soft rot of leaves and bacterial spot: fungicide like Dithane or Captan is applied as a prophylactic during rainy season at 3 times a week. Systemic insecticides like Sevin or Lannate are applied when insect pests infestations are presents. For slugs and snails, a molluscide bait can be used.  Visit plants regularly for signs of pests and diseases, especially during the rainy season.

Propagation. Phalaenopsis can be propagated asexually by keikis forming on old flower stalks or on sides of main stem. Top cutting could be done on long drooping Phalaenopsis plants, and after which, new plants will shoot from the remaining stem. Using lanolin paste with Benzyl adenine (BA) on buds in flower stalk to induce keikis has given successful results. Pot keikis in clay or plastic pots with chopped charcoal and coconut husk.

Phalaenopsis can also be propagated sexually through seeds. This can be done by pollinating the selected orchid flower to form a capsule (fruit). However, one has to learn good plant breeding techniques in order to produce good quality plants. The orchid fruit or capsule will mature within 4 months. Then, mature capsules can be harvested and brought to an orchid laboratory, where the seeds can be sown in an artificial nutrient medium using seed culture technology. Viable seeds germinates in a month’s time and seedlings will be ready to be transferred to the nursery in a year’s time. Hundreds or thousands of seedlings can be produced in these way.


PLANTLET INDUCTION IN PHALAENOPSIS



Keiki (pronounced "kay-key") is the Hawaiian word for "baby", “anak” or "child", literally meaning "the little
one". In horticulture, it refers to a plant produced asexually by an orchid plant, usually used when referring to Dendrobium, Epidendrum (sensu latu), and Phalaenopsis orchids. The baby plant is an exact clone of the mother plant, sometimes flowering while still attached to the mother plant.

On a Phalaenopsis, a keiki is a small plant growing from one node along the flower stem. On a Dendrobium, the keiki is typically found sprouting along the length of the cane or from the end of the cane. This is induced by the accumulation of growth hormones at that point, either naturally, or by the application of keiki paste.

The Hormone paste. Keiki paste is a cytokinin hormone (usually Benyzl Adenine or Benzyl Amino Purine) in a Lanolin mixture which induces growth in the node of a Phalaenopsis inflorescence. It should not be confused with paste or powder containing auxins, which are used to force the production of roots.


Application of a benzladenine paste to induce plantlet or keiki development in a Phalaenopsis flower stem

Nodes on Phalaenopsis spikes will form either vegetative growth (keiki) or floral growth (a branch with flower buds). If the node tissue is already differentiated so that it will become a floral branch, there is no way to change the result. The trick is to get the paste onto the node before it is differentiated. However, there is no way to predict if an undifferentiated node will become a keiki or a floral branch.


Remove keikis with roots from mother plant and plant individually on plastic or clay pots

Removing Keikis. If a new plant is desired, the keiki should be left on the mother plant until it develops a healthy root system and have two or three leaves(for a Phalaenopsis) or canes (Dendrobium). At this point, it can be carefully removed with a sharp knife and planted in its own pot. Keikis are cut below and above the stem, leaving a small piece of stem on the baby plant. A separated keiki can be expected to flower in approximately the same amount of time it would take for the cross or species to flower from a seedling. Some species orchids like Phal pulchra keiki frequently and flower while still attached to the mother plant.


Article by: Norberto R. Bautista
For inquiries, kindly email me at

norby.bautista@gmail.com

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Thursday, February 12, 2015

Blooming of the Phalaenopsis schilleriana orchid

Blooming of the Phalaenopsis schilleriana orchid

This species usually produce a multitude of flowers during its flowering season, thus it is recommended to clump them in groups for a more majestic display of flowers.  Photo by Dr. N.T. Gerald


One of the most prominent and majestic orchid to bloom this season is the Phalaenopsis schilleriana or locally known as the Tiger orchid.  The orchid name was made in honor  of the German orchid collector Gustav Wilhelm Schiller in whose greenhouse it bloomed for the first time in Europe, thus, it is also called  Schiller’s phalaenopsis.  Locally, it is known among orchid enthusiasts as the Tiger orchid or Tigre due to the tiger-like markings on its leaves.

The orchid usually blooms between February to May as it response to our natural cool evening temperature from December to February.  This species is native to the Philippines and is usually found in southern Luzon and eastern Visayas.  In cool upland areas in southern Luzon like Tanay in Rizal, Lipa in Batangas or in Tagaytay in Cavite, the Tiger orchid blooms spectacularly, producing an arching 1 meter-long spray of more than a hundred scented and pink colored flowers.   This scene is even more magnificent especially if there are more than a hundred plants present!

However, plants cultivated in the lowlands, like that of Metro Manila, would not usually flower this way due to the warm temperature, but instead, produce lots of keikis or plantlets in its floral stems.
The leaves are dark green in color and spotted of silvery grey in upper side, patterned like that of a tiger and uniformly purple in the lower side, about 40 cm long and 8-12 cm wide.

The flowers are 6-8 cm in diameter with sepals of various shades of pink, paler at the edges and speckled of purple at the base, while the petals are of the same color as the sepals but without speckles, the labellum or lip is from white to dark purple in color, with the base of the lateral lobe speckled with red dots.

This orchid is very easy to cultivate.  It is an epiphytic species, usually found growing on tree branches,  with their short stem entirely hidden by the thick fleshy oblong-shaped leaves, and several flat roots.  In cultivation, the plants are usually mounted on clay pots with charcoal, in coconut husks or on wooden slabs .  the plants  thrives in shaded locations, usually exposed to morning or late afternoon sunlight, but protected from direct sunlight with temperature of 18-30 degrees Celsius.  It prefers high humidity of 60-80% and good ventilation, which can be accomplished by providing lots of companion plants.

The Tiger orchid prefers regular watering during summer, but needs to be protected from excessive monsoon rains for else it will rot.  The plant will benefit from s weekly spray of dilute solution of complete foliar orchid fertilizer or a diluted mixture of fish emulsion or washings.

Flowering is induced by subjecting plant to cool night temperatures and a day temperature not exceeding 26 degrees Celsius.  Plants in cooler or elevated regions tend to flower more than those in the lowlands. 

The plant needs to be protected from sucking insects like thrips, mites, aphids, and also from caterpillars which tend to chew on its tender leaves and young inflorescences.  For insect infestation, plants are preferably sprayed with a recommended dose of insecticide and also a weekly spray of dilute fungicide during the rainy season to prevent rotting.  

Floral stems are is usually cut when withered or when the blooming season has completed.  The plant is propagated by removing the plantlets which have developed from the old floral stems.  Commercially, plants are mass produced through seeds, usually in a laboratory using orchid embryo culture technique.

The Tiger orchid is a popular orchid plant among common and specialized orchid enthusiasts, due to its ease of growing and its seasonal show of flowers.  This orchid has been used both in landscaping and also in garden shows as a specimen plant.  The species is also used as a breeding stock in the development of modern Phalaenopsis hybrids of today. 

Flora Filipina Expo Conference



The Philippine Orchid Society is pleased to inform you that the time has come for the 4th restaging of our highly successful ‘FLORA FILIPINA EXPO’ on February 25 to March 09, 2015 at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.

The Flora Filipina Expo is the Philippines’ biggest Floriculture event that continues to promote the Philippine Floriculture Industry to the International market with the support of the country’s top garden societies, the Department of Agriculture and  the Department of Tourism. It is also the event that gives our local growers the opportunity to learn the latest information and technology to make them globally competitive in the field of floriculture.

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we cordially invite you to participate in this great orchid event. In line with this event is the hosting of the Fourth Flora Filipina Conference with the theme “Achieving Global Competency in Floriculture” to be held at the Great Eastern Hotel, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City  on February 26 and 27, 2015.

In this regard, we are inviting you to participate in our Flora Filipina Conference and will feature major industry players from here and abroad as resource speakers. We are offering free one for every one participant paying  to attend the 2 day international conference.

Participation Fee in the conference as follows:
Fee: Php1,500.00 early bird until February 15, 2015; Php1,800.00 after February 15.
Includes am/pm snacks, lunch for 2 day conference, kit, hand-outs and certificate.

Module fee: Php500 per module, includes coffee and certificate

We look forward to your continued support to the success of the Flora Filipina Expo and upliftment of the local floriculture industry.  Thank you very much in advance and we look forward to working with you in our future endeavor.  Hope to hear from you soon. 

For more information, please feel free to contact our secretariat at telephone number 929.4425 or mobile 0917.8485468 or email us at philorchidsociety@gmail.com

Achieving Global Competency in Floriculture




Mabuhay and Warm Greetings in the World of Plants!

The Philippine Orchid Society, together with the country’s major horticultural organizations, the Quezon City Government and the Department of Agriculture, will host the 4th Flora Filipina International Expo 2015 at Quezon City Hall grounds (Lagoon and Orchidarium area) from February 26 to March 9, 2015. The theme of the this year’s event is “Enriching Lives and Building Opportunities Through Floriculture".


Landscaped Pocket Gardens are one of the main attractions of the Expo.  Come visit the Flora Filipina to gain ideas on how to landscape your garden or vacant space.


The show is expected to be one of Southeast Asia’s biggest gardening and plant event, which envisions to gather under one single international gardening event  horticulturists, flower and plant connoisseurs, collectors or rare plants, traders, suppliers, landscapers, architects,  manufacturers  and traders of  gardening tools, fertilizers, pesticides, garden equipment, environmental government and non-government organizations, private and government universities and colleges, government departments and agencies, foreign embassies, including local and foreign visitors.


A Landscape Exhibit with Bromeliads and Tillandsias.  This plant group lasts for more than a month on display!


There will also be a plant competition which ranges from orchids, flowering plants, ferns, palms, cycads, bromeliads, aroids, flowering vines, annuals and perennials, and other ornamental plants. There is also a landscape booth competition. The said event intends to foster camaraderie and to enhance the competitive spirits among local and international growers, in the same way promote related products and services such as agricultural produce, books, magazines, plant related items, fertilizers, garden accessories, landscaping services, floral fashion accessories, and herbal and organic products.


Blooming orchids are one of the most preferred accent plants as they have vibrant colors and some even have pleasant scents.

The Expo will be highlighted by an Opening Ceremony on February 25, 2015,  and will be followed by a 2-day scientific conference from February 26 & 27 at the Great Eastern Hotel (formerly Aberdeen Court) at 1403 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City.  The conference will tackle various topics on the current trends and prospects of the Philippine and Southeast Asian ornamental plant industry, from the Philippines’ respected authorities and resource speakers, including a few foreign guest speakers.  A field trip to various horticultural farms and nurseries will be arranged on the 28th of February for both foreign and local guests. There will be an exposition or trade show during the whole duration from February 26 – March 9, 2015, which will also include a free daily lecture series at the show site around 2:00pm to 5:00pm on various plant groups.


In connection with this, we are inviting everyone to come and visit the upcoming FLORA FILIPINA EXPO.  Hoping to see you in the upcoming event. Thank you very much!


A Beautiful and Colorful Exhibit by Ms. Vangie Go






Article by: Norberto R. Bautista
For inquiries, kindly email me at
norby.bautista@gmail.com



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