Orchids in September
General Growing Tips. The welcome transition to fall is upon us. You can expect the emergence of buds on many orchids from the cattleyas, evergreen dendrobiums and vandas to cycnoches, catasetums and miltonias. Select the ideal spot for the plant and place pendulous bloomers atop an inverted pot. Support the inflorescence as it emerges and open the sheath to prevent the accumulation of moisture around the developing buds. Consider switching to a dilute bloom booster fertilizer to prepare winter dormant orchids for their rest period. If you switched to nighttime watering during the summer, it is time to resume morning watering so the leaves will be dry by evening.
Cattleyas. The spectacular, multiflowered C. bowringiana should be in sheath. Observe the puffy sheath structures often, they may need to be opened at the tip to encourage evaporation of condensation that forms around the buds. C. labiata and its hybrids will begin to flower this month along with the spectacular and fragrant forms of the species C. percivaliana.
Dendrobiums.This is the season for the phalaenopsis type dendrobiums. The long, arching sprays of flat dark red-purple to white or pink saucer-like blossoms provide weeks of satisfaction. Nobile-type hybrids should continue to be maintained on a nitrogen free fertilizer program. You can start to gradually reduce watering frequency on the winter dormant dendrobiums.
Oncidiums.Of the three popular pansy orchids Miltonia xbluntii, roezlii and spectabilis, the latter is probably the most showy. The reddish purple flowers of Milt. spectabilis var. moreliana usually appear singly and last for weeks.
Vandas.
This is the principal blooming season for Euanthe sanderiana (syn. V. sanderiana) and the foundation for large flowered modern vandaceous hybrids. Position plants so the inflorescences will grow out of the leaves toward the light. Help uncooperative types by placing a thin bamboo stick between the emerging inflorescence and the flattened form of the leaves, thereby forcing the raceme outward.
Miscellaneous Genera.
Autumn is typically the end of the growing season for the catasetum relatives. Plants may produce flowers from pseudobulbs with leaves, or in some instances, from bulbs that have already lost their leaves. Watch the undersides of the leaves to control spider mites which seem to find these delicacies just as the foliage reaches its prime or plants are about to bloom. Support the basal racemes of catasetums as they emerge and consider placing the pots on inverted pots to provide room for them to hang freely.
More Monthly Advice
Dr. Courtney Hackney Tips:
Cull Your Orchids
Whether you grow on a window sill, under lights or in a greenhouse, the start of fall brings the realization that cold weather is around the corner...continue reading
Dr. Martin Motes Notes:
Progress of the Season
August has delivered higher than usual rainfall this year...continue reading
Orchids in September
September looms as the only truly dismal month in South Florida. Even without...continue reading
AOS Beginner's Newsletter:
Talk to Your Orchids Our orchids talk to us, we just have to understand what they are saying. Learn to recognize orchid symptoms...continue reading
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September 7 - Monthly SAOS Meeting
We meet on the first Tuesday of each month at Watson Realty, located at 3505 US 1 South in St. Augustine. The meeting begins with a plant sale at 7 pm followed by a presentation by an orchid expert at 7:15. The meeting closes with a plant raffle and auction where members can expand their collections. It's fun and informative for beginner and experienced growers. Here's a membership form if you want to join. Visitors and guests are always welcome! |
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September 7th Meeting - Basic Orchid Culture
Jose Exposito of Soroa Orchids in Homestead will talk about general orchid culture at the September 7 meeting. He is an accredited judge of the American Orchid Society and travels around the world selling and lecturing about orchid breeding and culture. |
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September 19 - Keiki Club for Beginners
The Keiki Club is for our beginner orchid growers. We meet at a member's home on a weekend afternoon in an informal environment. While designed to meet the needs of our beginner growers, the Keiki Club meetings are enjoyed by all members. Visitors and guests are always welcome!
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September 19 Keiki Club - Problem Plant Clinic
We'll have a short discussion on orchid pests and diseases, their
identification, control and prevention. Bring any plants you have questions
about. We're meeting at Sue and Terry Bottom's home at 6916 Cypress Lake Ct., St. Aug 32086 on Sunday afternoon from 1 to 3 pm. Bring a folding chair. Call 797-4360 with any questions. |
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St. Augustine Orchid Society Happenings
Membership Chair Gail Marshall puts together the SAOS Happenings each month so you can easily find all the orchid events around town sponsored by the St. Augustine Orchid Society. |
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October 2 - Plant Clinic at Ace Hardware
The first Saturday of the month, Master Gardeners and St. Augustine Orchid Society members will be available to talk with you, answer questions and help you repot orchids. We will be at the Ace Hardware at 3050 US 1 South in St. Augustine from 9 am until 1 pm.
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Orchid Culture - Growing Orchids in North Florida
Articles about growing orchids in North Florida. There are articles about general orchid culture, orchid culture by genus and water quality and fertilizer. |
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Monthly Checklists and Newsletters
Monthly orchid growing tips including Growing Orchids in St. Augustine Month by Month (adapted from Robert Scully's articles in the AOS Bulletin), Courtney Hackney's Monthly Tips and Martin Motes Notes. There are also the AOS Beginner's Newsletters for new growers.
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Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers from the SAOS Newsletter, where members share experiences. Q and A from this month, from 2010, from 2009 and from 2008.
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Orchid Photographs
Terry Bottom photographs all the orchids brought to the Show Table each month. The photographs are categorized by alliance and are provided for your viewing pleasure. There is an interactive form to identify your plant on the show table and a photo archive of pictures from all the SAOS events.
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Donate to the SAOS
Your source for information for growing orchids in North Florida. The SAOS is a Section 501(c)(3) not for profit organization for the development, improvement, preservation, cultivation and hybridization of orchids.
All donations are tax deductible. |
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