Ascda. Blue Tahourdin AM/RHS
May in your Orchid CollectionMay Climate DataAverage high: 87.2 Average low: 72.0 Average mean: 79.6 Average rainfall: 5.52" May is a month of transition in South Florida. Early in the month we can expect the driest weather of the year. Because of the clarity of the air and lack of cloud cover, temperatures rise rapidly in the late morning and can reach the upper eighties or nineties by mid afternoon before cooling substantially in late afternoon. Fortunately, over night radiant cooling rapidly dissipates the previous day's heat. May mornings are a delight, the wise orchidist rises early to enjoy them and to finish his chores before the heat sets in. Chief of these should be extensive dragging of hoses. May's wide temperature swings and dry air suit our orchids to a tee. New growths on sympodial orchids are developing apace and by continuing the careful watering practices of April (i.e drenching them thoroughly with repeated applications of water to saturate their roots and potting media, then allowing them to dry to nearly 'hard' dry) we can launch them into the summer in vigorous, disease-free growth. Remember, this saturation can only be achieved with two or more soakings to the point of runoff spaced a few minutes apart. Merely holding the water on the plant extra long will not suffice. The water needs to slowly soak into the roots and media. Test the weight of a "benchmark" plant to be satisfied that it is sufficiently heavy to be totally soaked. The arid air of early May will quickly dry the foliage but the roots can draw on the deep reservoir of water that you have provided with this careful, complete watering. With the increased heat and light of May we do not want to put our orchids on too lean a diet. Fertilize with up to 2 tsp. of 15-5-15 per gal of water every week or so. Alternating with Epsom salts and potassium nitrate at 1 tbs. each per gal. is still a best practice during May. Always substitute fertilizer for a watering and apply like the water in two doses to the point of saturation. Never follow the widely stated but antiquated advice to "water before fertilizing". It's a receipt for over watering without any basis in logic or science, Now is also a good time to apply a soluble trace or micro element fertilizer. Follow the dilution rates on the package as mixtures and strengths differ. You can apply this in conjunction with the Epsom salts/potassium nitrate but never with the 15-5-15, 20-20-20 or any other fertilizer containing phosphorus. In South Florida's highly alkaline water the phosphorus interacts with the other metallic elements, reducing the effectiveness of the trace elements. Potassium nitrate, 13-0-46, is the perfect companion to minor elements because it not only lacks phosphorus which would hinder the absorption of the trace elements but the nitrate nitrogen seems to enhance their uptake. May is still prime time for re-potting. With cattleyas, dendrobiums and other sympodials, the virtuous among us have long since finished this labor of love, but the majority of us are faced with the moral dilemma of doing the potting now or waiting until next year with the pseudo bulbs of our plants overhanging their pots and proclaiming to the world our sloth. The one instance in which this dilemma must be resolved absolutely in favor of the plant, is when the media has broken down in the pot. This condition will encourage root rot to become stem rot which will pursue the rhizome even into those over arching bulbs. If in doubt, give the media the "nose test". A pinch of media taken from below the surface of the pot should smell "sweet". A sour smell or the odor of a pond bottom indicates media that is broken down and must be replaced as soon as possible. The case in which this is almost universally true is with plants potted in sphagnum moss. Sphagnum simply will not last beyond one year (even under cover) in South Florida. As the vast majority of commercially produced Phalaenopsis are now grown in sphagnum, recently acquired plants MUST be re-potted annually. As most Phals. will be finishing their flowers, now is a good time to get them right for the new year's growth. When repotting, one can, of course, choose a more durable media; rock, red wood chips or various mixtures and avoid this annual ritual. Choosing a more durable media will entail modifying one's watering schedule to accommodate the faster draining, quicker drying qualities of these harder substances. May is a great month for re-setting vandaceous orchids whose baskets have deteriorated or that have grown too tall to be easily managed. keikies (off-shoots) can be most safely removed now. In both cases choose the most durable containers for the plants so they need not be disturbed for years. Teak or other hard wood baskets and clay pots last longest. Above all make amply sure that the plants are firmly fixed in their lodging. Vandaceous orchids, above all others, are intolerant of being loosely set. The very height of these plants act as a lever to keep them rocking unless we anchor them securely until their new roots affix themselves to the new containers. Stake and tie them securely until their abundant roots take over. Unsightly staking can then be removed. As we bask, lulled into complacency by the nearly ideal weather of early May, Summer sometimes surprises us. Toward the middle or end of May, the weather in South Florida literally undergoes a sea change. The large continental weather patterns which have dominated our weather through the winter and early Spring give way to the tropics and the prevailing south easterly trade winds return us to the interaction of Gulf Stream and peninsular with its characteristic afternoon thunder showers. Although lacking the clockwork consistency of June, the rains have come and we must be prepared for them. The relentless and increasing crescendo of rain will, by summer's end, tip the balance in favor of the ubiquitous fungi lurking to attack our orchids. The time to scotch their plans is now; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Leaving the taxonomic niceties to the experts, fungi which attack orchids in Florida fall into two broad classes; the leaf spotting types (Cercospora and Phyllosticata) and the soft rots (Pythium and Phytophthora). Fortunately, for modern orchidists, excellent systemic fungicides exist for both types. While these chemicals are no substitute for good cultural practices, i.e. adequate spacing, brisk air movement; the strongest possible light combined with careful watering, fungicides provide the edge to approach near total control of most fungal diseases even in their ancestral home, South Florida. May is a good time to take stock of the collection and see which plants are overgrown and need more space or perhaps even re-potting. The increase in air circulation is well worth the effort. Trimming shade trees and moving plants to brighter locations are also good strategies for May. May is also a good time to consider a preventative spray program before disease has a chance to get the upper hand in our collections. An ounce of prevention begins now. Leaf spotting fungi are symptomatic of poor air circulation and inadequate light but even under good growing conditions are rarely entirely absent from orchids in South Florida. This near inevitability results because the same diseases also afflict so many other tropical plants in our gardens. Under the battering of the heavy and sustained rains of our wet season, the most minor of problems can occasionally blossom quickly into a major epidemic. Thiophanate methyl (Cleary's 3336, Domain, Fungo) is the proven and recommended systemic fungicide to control leaf spotting. It is even more effective when combined with Mancozeb (Manzate or Dithane M45.) Two pre-packaged combinations are available;(Duosan, and Tops MZ ). Always follow label recommendations for rate of application. To be truly effective, Thiophanate methyl should be applied initially early in the growing season(IE now!), then again in two weeks and then every 5-6 weeks thereafter across the rainy season. Faithfully followed, this regimen will control nearly all leaf spotting fungus, including the dreaded 'Thai crud': Phyllostictina capitalense. A spreader sticker enhances the effectiveness of the fungicide by holding it on the plant through the hardest rain. The soft black rot of sympodial orchids and crown rot in vandas are caused by two different organisms i.e Pythium and Phytophthora although in effect they are indistinguishable. Control of these diseases necessitates different chemicals from those used on the leaf spotting diseases. Etridiazole (Truban) has long been used. For the amateur it is readily available in combination with Thiophanate Methyl(the recommended chemical for leaf spotting) in the formulation Banrot. Applied in the same manner suggested above for Thiophanate methyl to control leaf spotting fungi, this pre-packaged combination should be adequate for most circumstances and control crown rot as well. If problems persist two other systemics give excellent control: Aliette (Fosetyl-aluminum) and Subdue 2E (metalaxyl). All chemicals should only be applied at the rates and according to the label instructions. If in doubt about whether to or how to apply a pesticide always call your County Agricultural Agent at 305 248 3311 for advice. Tasks for Mayo Repot Phalaenopsis out of sphagnumo Finish repotting of various genera o Reset vandaceous plants, remove keikies o Water heavily early in month, more guardedly later o Initial preventive spray maintenance program Orchids in Drought TimeMost orchids in cultivation in South Florida are built to withstand drought. In fact drying is the chief strategy of orchids in their perpetual war against fungi. Drought is the friend of orchids, constant moisture is the cohort of fungus. Our current water restrictions give us an excellent opportunity to practice and re-enforce our best watering practices.Different genera require different watering intervals but one thing all genera share is the need to be watered thoroughly when they are watered. Be sure that all the medium and the roots of the orchid plant are saturated when one has finished watering them. To achieve this happy state, more than one application of water is required. Because water coheres to water better than it adhered to any dry surface, the first application of water serves merely to "set up" the roots and medium for the second more deeply penetrating douse. The same coherent quality of water dictates that water should only be applied to the point of run off. Once water is running off a surface or out the bottom of a pot, they can get no wetter with that application of water. Make both the Water Management District and your orchids happy by waiting a few minutes and making a second application to the point of run off. If the medium and roots appear to be still less than saturated(usually their appearance or the weight of the container will tell), give it a minute and apply more water to the point of run off. In very dry weather orchid roots behave like a cork in a wine bottle, they are too dry to easily wet. Several judicially spaced applications of water are needed to break through this dryness. Don't drain the Everglades by trying to wash away the dry in a single prolonged deluge. Now is a good time to re-new one's stock of water breaking devices. The shower head like breakers and mist heads allow the maximum efficiency of application and the maximum conservation of water. Every serious orchidist's bag of tricks should contain several of these widely available devices. Home Depot has them packaged with a watering wand that also by directing the spray allows the grower to get more water on the plants and less on himself. Make a virtue of necessity and water your orchid thoroughly and well! Orchid EventsSaturday May 12th 12: Noon American Orchid Society Regional Judging Fairchild Tropical Gardens Research Center, the Montgomery Foundation, 11935 Old Cutler Rd( just south of the junction of Old Cutler and Red Road, Coral GablesFriday, Saturday and Sunday May 18, 19 20th 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Redland International Orchid Festival 2007 Redland International Orchid FestivalAmerica's favorite orchid event, the Redland International Orchid Festival, will take place Friday, May 18th through Sunday, May 20th 2006 at the Redland Fruit and Spice Park, 24801 S.W. 187 Ave. Now in its eleventh year, the Festival has grown into the largest annual orchid event in the Americas, with tens of thousands of plants on display and for sale. Spread among several acres of exotic fruit, the Orchid Festival creates an unparalleled tropical atmosphere. The Redland Festival is not only the stellar showcase of South Dade horticulture (which has surpassed Hawaii in the production of orchids), but also brings the top growers from around the nation and the world to South Florida. The finest orchids of 60 world-class nurseries from 15 countries, including Malaysia and Madagascar, are to be seen and made available to the South Florida public only this weekend and only at the Festival. Nowhere else in the world is there comparable quality, variety and diversity of orchids gathered in one place at one time.The public is also invited to display their plants for American Orchid Society awards judging and trophies on Thursday, May 17th starting at 12:00 Noon. The benched show featuring the finest plants of the finest growers will be on display throughout the Festival. Ribbons and trophies are awarded for the best of each type of orchid according to its kind. Because this is a benched show the public will be permitted to examine these incredibly beautiful flowers at close hand and even smell their exotic perfumes. The Festival is the only event which permits the public to see the exquisite orchid flowers in natural light to fully appreciate their beauty: a unique personal encounter with nature that is not to be missed! Orchid experts from South Florida and around the world will be on hand to give a series of lectures during the entire three days of the show. Admission to the lectures, which cover all aspects of orchid culture from the beginner=s level to the most serious of specialist knowledge, is free to all Festival attendees. A schedule of lectures can be found on the Festival website, www.redlandorchidfestival.com. The Festival also assembles in one place the largest selection of orchid supplies, crafts, and orchid related art. Numerous artists will be offering original artworks and reproductions in a variety of forms. Orchid theme jewelry, porcelain, stationery and glass and antiques will be displayed for sale. Yet more international flavor is added to the Festival by the range of ethnic cuisine which can be enjoyed as one strolls through the flowers or as delightful break from them. In addition to traditional American fare such as hot dogs and ice cream(always a childhood delight), a wide range of international flavors will tempt the sophisticated palate with cuisine from Greece, France, Thailand, and the Caribbean. The Festival is a delight for the whole family with plenty of open space for youthful exuberance! The Redland Festival more than all other events brings together the entire orchid community of South Florida. Members from the American Orchid Society, Coral Gables Orchid Society, East Everglades Orchid Society, Eastern Airlines Orchid Society, Pan-American Orchid Society and South Dade Orchid Society assist with the Festival, solicit new members and receive substantial financial support from the proceeds of the event. Orchid Mania, the charity that supports children with AIDS, also participates and benefits from the Festival. No other orchid event has such broad community-based orientation and support with participation by neighboring schools and churches as a public service and in return for the Festival's financial support of their programs. The lush tropical setting of the Redland Fruit and Spice Park, the food, crafts, and educational opportunities make the Festival an orchid experience like no other. Thousands of orchid enthusiasts, pleased with its unique open air ambiance, have spread the fame of the Redland Festival across the state, the nation, and the world. Those who have not experienced the Festival should join the 15,000 visitors from as far away as Brazil and Argentina who think the festival well worth the journey. What good fortune for those of us in South Florida to have such a splendid event in our own backyard! The Redland International Orchid Festival is open 9:00 AMB 5:00 PM Friday, May 18th, Saturday, May 19th, and Sunday, May 20th . Admission is $5.00 (children under 12 free!) Directions to the Redland Fruit and Spice Park 24801 SW 187th Avenue: > From U.S. 1: Go 5 miles West on SW 248 St. to SW 187 Ave. > From Fla. Turnpike: Take Exit 12 to U.S. 1, Go South 4 miles to SW 248 St., Turn right (west) then straight ahead 5 miles to SW 187Ave. More information on lectures and classes will follow. Free Orchid ClassesDr. Martin Motes, one of South Florida's leading orchid experts with over forty-five years of growing experience, will begin teaching the special series of free classes beginning on the week of April 22nd and continuing through May 7th, 2006 at Motes Orchids 25000 SW 162 Ave, Homestead. These classes, part of an ongoing series, cover most aspects of orchid growing in South Florida.Class ScheduleSaturday May 26th- Intoduction to Orchid Growing by Dr. Martin Motes - American Orchid Society- 16700 Aos Lane Delray Beach 10-12:30. Call 561- 404-2033 or galarkon@aos.org .Sunday May 27th -Free Orchid Classes-Dr. Martin Motes, one of South Florida''s leading orchid experts with over forty-five years of growing experience, will continue teaching the special series of free classes beginning on the week of May 26st at Motes Orchids 25000 SW 162 Ave, Homestead. These classes cover most aspects of orchid growing in South Florida. ALL Classes at 11:00 AM and lasting about one hour Motes Orchids will be open to the Public from 10AM to 5PM on days when classes are held Motes Orchids is located at 25000 SW 162 Ave, that's just south of Coconut Palm Drive (248 St) and SW 162 Ave. Motes Orchids is 2 1/2 miles due east of the Redland Fruit and Spice Park in the heart of the Redland tropical agricultural district. Take Turnpike south to US 1 at exit 12, continue south on US 1 to 248St, then right(west) on 248St to 162 Ave then left(south) one block to Motes Orchids. Call 305 247 4398 or email vandas@mindspring.com for further information. |