DENDROBIUM

Introduction

Considering not only its durable and long lasting vase life, but also its economic potentials, dendrobium is ranked among the important species in the Cutflower Industry (Reyes l999). In fact, the PAC Tissue Culture Laboratory mass propagates dendrobium since its establishment on September 8, l999. Although dendrobiums are practically easy to grow, some tips may be considered to reduce mortality, hence, this primer.

MAINTENANCE OF NEWLY TRANSPLANTED

WHAT MATERIALS TO GATHER

*pot #2

*planting media – unused charcoal, finely chopped coconut husks and wood chips

HOW TO TRANSPLANT SEEDLINGS FROM COMMUNITY POTS TO INDIVIDUAL POTS

Wet the community pot and pick the seedlings out. Plant the seedlings singly at the center of the individual pot size # 2, filled with unused charcoal, finely chopped coconut husks, paslak and wood chips.

WHERE TO PLACE THE NEWLY TRANS- PLANTED SEEDLINGS

Place the newly transplanted seedlings under a light intensity of about 5.38 klx or equivalent to four layers of net. Gradually increase light intensity to about l0.76 klx or its equivalent of three layers of net. Strong light scalds the leaves and stunts growth.

HOW TO FERTILIZE THE NEWLY TRANSPLANTED SEEDLINGS

For the first two months from transplanting, spray the seedlings with Naphthyl acetic acid (NAA), a rooting hormone at the rate of 50 ml in l liter of water, 2 to 3 times a week. This can be done by spraying it to the leaves and roots.

Fertilizer application will be done by mixing l ml or l g of 30-l0-l0 per 3.8 liters of water. This is a complete fertilizer containing trace elements. The solution will be sprayed to the leaves and roots of the seedlings 2 to 3 times a week.

HOW TO WATER THE NEWLY TRANSPLANTED SEEDLINGS

To ensure provision of high humidity in the immediate surroundings of the plants, water the plants twice a day.

WHEN TO RE-POT FLOWERING DENDROBIUM

In the case of flowering dendrobium, repotting should be done right after flowering or as soon as new roots are formed in the new pseudobulb (stem).

Clumps can also be divided into smaller clumps, and it is advisable to have at least three (3) bulbs (stems) in every division.

HOW TO FERTILIZE FLOWERING DENDROBIUM

Spray a solution of l/2 tsp of l8-l8-l8 or 20-30-l0 NPK with one gallon of water every other day or 2 to 3 times a week.

Source: www.pac.edu.ph