Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is home to over 800 species of native orchids, which vary in colour, scent and shape. Growing orchids can be challenging, but with the right care, you can cultivate beautiful blooms in your garden. Australia's native orchids can be broadly classified into two types: terrestrials and epiphytes. While terrestrials grow in the ground, epiphytes grow on trees or other plants. Orchids generally thrive in bright light, good ventilation, crowded pots and semi-shaded areas with consistent humidity. They require well-drained soil and protection from strong winds and frost. Choosing the right species for your region and understanding the specific requirements of your chosen orchid are crucial for success.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of native orchid species | Over 800 |
| Types | Terrestrials, Epiphytes, Lithophytes |
| Growing requirements | Bright light, good ventilation, crowded pots, semi-shaded areas, protection from strong winds, rain, and frost |
| Watering | Avoid overwatering, water once a week in warm months, not in winter |
| Fertiliser | Dilute solution of Nitrosol and Seasol, half-strength orchid fertiliser or slow-release fertiliser in pellet form from October to April |
| Pests | Aphids, scale, lichen, snails |
| Soil | Well-drained, special orchid potting mix based on pine bark |
| Temperature | Prefer shady, cool, humid conditions |
| Propagation | Gently divide root clumps with hands, keeping 4-5 stems per clump |
| Examples | Dendrobium speciosum, Dendrobium kingianum, Cymbidium suave, Sarcochilus hybrids, Thelychiton kingianus, Thelychiton speciosus |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right species for your region and microclimate
Australia is home to over 800 species of orchids, which grow in a variety of conditions, from coast to desert and in tropical environments to the cold. Before choosing an orchid to grow, it is important to understand your microclimate. Ask yourself: How much sun is present? What type of soil do I have? Is it well-drained or does it retain water? Will my plants compete for nutrients with other plants?
There are two primary types of orchid in Australia: Terrestrials and Epiphytes. Each of these requires different care to thrive. Terrestrial orchids, which grow in the ground, make up around 75% of native orchid species. They are typically deciduous and flower during cooler, wet periods. They die down to a dormant, underground tuber or rhizome during hot, dry conditions. Some varieties are much easier to cultivate and maintain than others. Many terrestrial species also have dormancy periods, often in summer after they flower, and during this period, they can be prone to rotting out.
Epiphytes, on the other hand, grow attached to trees. They require fertilising from October to April and need protection from excess water in winter when their buds are forming. In summer, they may need daily watering, but in winter, once every 1-2 weeks is enough. Epiphytic orchids can be fastened to branch junctures or hollows in trees with some added bark and leaf mould, which will hold nutrients.
When choosing an orchid species, it is important to select one that will suit the conditions you can provide. For example, Cymbidium orchids only grow in tropical environments, while cooler climate varieties hate the heat. Orchids generally grow around the coastline and prefer shady, consistent, and humid conditions. They need bright light and good ventilation to grow well and thrive in crowded pots but will suffer in strong winds, when exposed to too much rain, or in frosty conditions.
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Preparing the right growing medium
Australian native orchids are generally quite particular about their growing requirements. It is important to study their individual requirements to guarantee success. The two primary types of orchid in Australia are terrestrials and epiphytes. Each of these requires different care to thrive.
Terrestrials, which make up around 75% of native orchid species, are notoriously difficult for beginners to grow. They generally flower during cooler, wet periods and die down to a dormant, underground tuber or rhizome during hot, dry conditions. Some varieties are much easier to cultivate and maintain than others. Many terrestrial species rely on relationships with beneficial fungi that inhabit their root systems, and these fungi are difficult to establish and maintain under garden conditions.
Epiphytes, on the other hand, can be fastened to branch junctures or hollows in trees with some added bark and leaf mould, which will hold nutrients. Epiphytic orchids can also be grown in pots using a commercial orchid mix, leaf litter, and pine bark mulch. The plants will bloom on new growth, so if your plants are just surviving and not thriving and flowering, some extra care with watering and some diluted liquid fertiliser will help. Epiphytic orchids also require fertilising from October to April with half-strength orchid fertiliser or slow-release fertiliser in pellet form. They need protection from excess water in winter when their buds are forming. In summer, they may need daily watering, but in winter, once every 1-2 weeks is enough.
When growing Australian native orchids, it is important to choose a growing medium that suits the specific requirements of the orchid type and the climate conditions. For example, the miniature rock orchid (Dendrobium kingianum) and its bigger cousin the rock lily (Dendrobium speciosum) are widely grown lithophytes that are easily cultivated under outdoor conditions in all but the coldest climates. On the other hand, the swamp orchid (Phaius tankervilleae) is a large-flowered species that requires different growing conditions.
In general, Australian native orchids grow well in crowded pots with good drainage and prefer shady, consistent, and humid conditions. They require bright light and good ventilation to grow well but will suffer in strong winds, when exposed to too much rain, or in frosty conditions. Therefore, it is important to protect them from harsh elements using shade cloth and roofing.
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Watering and fertilising
Watering your Australian native orchids depends on the type of orchid and your climate. In general, orchids thrive in crowded pots and semi-shaded areas with good ventilation, bright light, and consistent humidity. They are sensitive to strong winds, excessive rain, and frosty conditions, so consider using shade cloth and roofing to protect them.
If you're growing your orchids in pots, they can tolerate long periods without water. However, they should be watered casually and briefly once a week in the warm months and not at all in winter. Avoid planting them in soil or a normal potting mix, as this will eventually kill them. Instead, use a special orchid potting mix based on pine bark.
If you're growing epiphytic orchids, they can be fastened to trees, providing them with some drainage, protection from the hottest sun, and nutrients from falling leaf litter. Epiphytic orchids, such as the Thelychiton kingianus and Thelychiton speciosus, are very hardy and can endure extreme drying out. They flower best in full sun to one-quarter shade and may need daily watering in summer and less frequent watering (once every 1-2 weeks) in winter.
Fertilising your orchids can be a bit tricky, and it's important to use a diluted solution to avoid over-fertilisation. A dilute solution of Nitrosol and Seasol, applied via a watering can at one-third to one-quarter of the recommended strength, can be used. Epiphytic orchids should be fertilised from October to April with half-strength orchid fertiliser or slow-release fertiliser in pellet form.
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Pests and diseases
Pests
- Aphids/Plant Lice: These soft-bodied insects feed on plant juices and can be found on new flower buds. Spray your orchids with an aphicide to control their population.
- Scale: Scale insects are common pests on orchids in northern climates. They can be identified by the waxy covering they produce. Spray with summer oil or a scale control spray.
- Mealybugs: These sucking insects attach to the soft, green, usually newer growths of a plant. They tend to hide in crevices.
- Mites: There are many species of mites, some of which are beneficial predatory mites that feed on other mites and plant pests.
- Slugs and Snails: These land mollusks are related to octopi and squid. They are not insects or worms, but they can still damage orchids.
- Thrips: Thrips are small, greyish, yellow, or brown insects with fringed wings. They suck the contents out of cells, leaving a silvery lustre on the leaves with dark spots. Thrips are believed to contribute to the spread of viruses.
- Woodlice, Millipedes, and Earwigs: These pests hide in dark, cool places, such as under pots. They eat decomposing vegetable matter and can cause orchid mixes to clog. They can be controlled by using snail pellets or traps.
- Ants: Ants themselves do not harm orchids, but they can spread other pests like aphids and mealybugs. They may also build nests in pots, clogging the orchid mix.
- Orchid Blossom Midge: This pest has been reported in Southeast Asia, Australia, and Hawaii. It was recently discovered on Dendrobium species orchids.
- Dendrobium Beetle: This beetle feeds on orchids, particularly Australian dendrobiums. Signs of an infestation include little orange eggs, dying leaves, and larvae.
Diseases
- Black Rot, Crown Rot, Heart Rot, and Damping Off: These infections are caused by water molds or oomycetes such as Phytophthora cactorum and Pythium ultimum. They require free water to spread.
- Fungal Infections: Over-watering and over-fertilizing can lead to fungal infections, which can be deadly.
To prevent the spread of diseases, it is important to maintain proper sanitation when handling orchids. Always check plants for pests before bringing them indoors, as they may introduce hitchhikers into your growing area.
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Orchid propagation
The propagation of Australian native orchids depends on the type of orchid. There are two primary types: Terrestrials and Epiphytes. The former grows in the ground, while the latter grows on trees.
Terrestrials
Terrestrials are typically deciduous and make up around 75% of Australia's native orchid species. They generally flower during cool, wet periods and die down to a dormant, underground tuber or rhizome during hot, dry conditions. Some varieties are easier to cultivate and maintain than others.
Epiphytes
Epiphytes, on the other hand, can be fastened to branch junctures or hollows in trees with added bark and leaf mould, which will hold nutrients. The easiest way to propagate Dendrobiums, a common type of Epiphyte, is to gently divide root clumps with your hands, ensuring each clump has 4-5 stems. Epiphytic orchids can also be grown in pots with a commercial orchid mix, leaf litter, and pine bark mulch.
General Orchid Care
Regardless of the type of orchid, there are some general care tips to ensure successful propagation. Australian orchids typically grow in semi-shaded areas with bright light and good ventilation. They thrive in crowded pots but suffer in strong winds, heavy rain, and frosty conditions. Therefore, many growers use shade cloth and roofing to protect their orchids. Additionally, it is important to consider the microclimate, including sunlight exposure, soil type, drainage, and nutrient competition from other plants. Watering and fertiliser requirements vary depending on the season and specific orchid type.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two primary types of orchid in Australia: Terrestrials and Epiphytes. Terrestrials grow in the ground and make up around 75% of native orchid species. Epiphytic orchids grow on trees.
Some Australian native orchids include Dendrobium speciosum, Dendrobium kingianum, Cymbidium, and Thelychiton speciosus.
Australian native orchids require bright light and good ventilation to grow well. They thrive in crowded pots but will suffer in strong winds, heavy rain, and frosty conditions. Epiphytic orchids require fertilising from October to April, while terrestrial orchids are dependent on relationships with beneficial fungi that are difficult to maintain under garden conditions.
