Damon Mcknight
Singapore orchids are known for their delicate beauty and exotic appearance, and they are highly sought-after flowers. They are a popular choice for special occasions and home decor. While there are no specific instructions for growing Singapore orchids in Australia, some general guidelines for growing orchids in Australia can be followed. Orchids are a diverse family of flowering plants with various colours, shapes, and sizes, and they are native to Australia and worldwide. The Dendrobium and Cymbidium species are common in Australia. Orchids require bright, indirect light to grow and flower and should be placed near a window with plenty of natural light but no direct sunlight. The temperature, watering regime, orchid food, and lighting requirements vary depending on the orchid variety. Cymbidiums and other terrestrial orchids grow well in a premium-quality orchid mix, while epiphytic orchids like Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium thrive in a bark-based mix. Orchids require repottings every 1-2 years and should be fertilized regularly.
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What You'll Learn
Orchid types and categories
Orchids are typically classified into two categories: epiphytes and terrestrials. Epiphytes, also known as air plants, grow on other plants, usually trees, and have thick roots covered in velamen, which allows them to absorb moisture from the air. Terrestrials, on the other hand, grow in the ground and have hairy roots. Some common examples of epiphytic orchids include Oncidiums, commonly known as Dancing Ladies or Tiger Orchids, and Phalaenopsis, or Moth Orchids, which have large cascades of moth-like flowers.
The Cymbidium orchid, also known as the common boat orchid, is a popular terrestrial orchid with flamboyant and colourful flowers. Cymbidiums are easy to grow and can be found in a variety of colours, including white, yellow, green, pink, red, and brown. They are often large and hairy, with tall spikes loaded with flowers. Another type of terrestrial orchid is the Paphiopedilum, or Slipper Orchid, which can be grown outside the tropics with some shelter.
Dendrobium orchids are unique in that they grow on trees and rocks. They come in two main types: the compactum, which has multiple canes and smaller flowers, and the phalaenopsis hybrids, which have larger flowers. Dendrobium Nobile is another variety that stands out due to its cluster of flowers, which form opposite the axil of each leaf, giving it a lifespan of at least eight weeks.
Some other orchid types include the Cattleya, which originates from Central and South America and has a wide range of forms and colours; the Miltonia, or Pansy Orchid, which grows on sloping river banks; and the Stanhopea, a group of spectacular epiphytic orchids native to South America, with flowers that grow downward and a strong fragrance.
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Light and temperature
Orchids require bright, indirect light to grow and flower. They need the right amount of sunlight so that their leaves are not too green or yellow. Place your orchid plant near a window that receives plenty of natural light, but avoid direct sunlight, which can damage the plant's leaves. Orchids should be shielded from hot sun in the summer and cold winds in the winter. Your orchid will not flower if it is grown in dense shade.
Dendrobium kingianum (Thelychitons) is a native Australian orchid with sweetly perfumed flowers. The petals even sparkle when viewed in strong light. Epidendrums, native to the Americas, also grow well in a warm, frost-free climate. Lycaste, another tree-dweller from tropical America, needs a bright, airy position with ample water during the growing season.
The easiest orchids to grow in Australia are Cymbidiums and Dendrobiums (Sydney Rock Lily and Cooktown Orchid). They will thrive outdoors in most parts of Australia except for very cold climates. If growing indoors, Cattleya, Phaelaenopsis, and Paphiopedilum orchids will do quite well.
Epiphytic orchids like Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium should be grown in a bark-based mix or mounted, rather than planted in soil. Some Australian native orchids, like Greenhoods, Donkey, or Sun orchids, prefer cooler conditions and are best planted in autumn.
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Soil and fertiliser
Orchids require repotting every 1-2 years to ensure they have enough space to grow. Orchids prefer small pots that are snug but not too tight. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the root ball of your orchid plant. The pot should have good drainage.
Cymbidiums and other terrestrial orchids grow well in a premium-quality orchid mix made from fine to medium pine bark chips (5–8 mm), coarse washed river sand or perlite, and coir fibre. The mix needs to hold the roots securely and retain enough water to keep the roots moist while allowing excess water to drain freely. Make sure the bulb sits on top of the mix with just the roots covered, otherwise, it may rot.
For epiphytic orchids like Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium, use a bark-based mix or mount them, rather than planting them in soil. If growing Australian native ground orchids, like Greenhoods, Donkey or Sun orchids, use a potting mix designed for phosphorus-sensitive plants.
Premium orchid mixes contain enough fertiliser for up to six months from potting. After that, apply a controlled-release fertiliser in late winter and again in early autumn when flower spikes are forming. Give plants a boost every six weeks or so during spring and summer with a liquid or water-soluble fertiliser. A teaspoon or two of garden lime once a year in winter will keep the growing mix from becoming too acidic.
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Repotting and pruning
Pruning is generally only done to remove dead flower spikes. To prune, cut any remaining spikes off plants cleanly using sharp secateurs.
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Pests and diseases
A healthy orchid is reasonably pest-free, but you may still encounter pests and diseases. Over-watering and over-fertilising can be deadly to orchids, and they can attract pests such as aphids, mealybugs, scale, mites, slugs, snails, thrips, and midges.
Mealybugs are sucking insects that attach to the soft, green, usually newer growths of a plant. They tend to congregate and hide at junctions where there are crevices to hide in. There are many species of mites—some good, some bad. The good mites are predatory and feed on other mites and other plant pests.
Scale is probably the most important insect pest of cultivated orchids in northern climates. There are at least 27 species of scale identified from cultivated orchids.
Slugs and snails are not insects or worms but are more closely related to octopuses and squid. They can be attracted by root rot, which occurs due to incompatible basal media or over-watering. This usually happens to epiphytic orchids as they grow naturally on trees and thus their roots should never be waterlogged.
Thrips are one of the most difficult pests to control. They are very tiny and hard to notice until they damage the orchid flowers.
Blossom midges are small flies that can significantly harm plants. They can knot plant stems and foliage, preventing flowers from budding.
To prevent pests and diseases, ensure your orchid has the correct light, air movement, and water. A pyrethrum-based insecticide can be applied to control pests if required.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to establish orchids in Australia is spring to early summer (September to December) when temperatures are warm (20-30°C).
Singapore Orchids are epiphytes, which means they grow on trees but do not feed off them. They have thick roots covered in a substance called velamen that allows them to absorb moisture from the air. Therefore, a bark-based mix is ideal for Singapore Orchids.
Orchids prefer temperatures between 60-80°F during the day and 50-70°F at night.
