Probably, you are searching for techniques to design your custom greeting cards exceptionally. You may have grown tired of the usual and you feel the need to come up with novel cards to give out to your friends and business associates. Do not worry; this article will not leave you in the dark. Read on and unearth some great pointers on how to design your custom greeting cards remarkably. All these tips will also help you consume your production time wisely. Understand and reflect on each pointer thoroughly and learn how you can carry them out with success.
1. Prepare your diverse selection of images.
For starters, this is primarily the first thing to do when producing your custom greeting cards. Remember, using one image is not sufficient all the time. You have to have a couple of images so as to have an array of choices once your initial design does not succeed. If your first image failed to get the approval of your target market, you still have a dozen images on the side that you could experiment with to come up with the best. Moreover, with a collection of images, the facade of your custom greeting card can appear differently a lot of times. Indeed, you have greater chances of settling for the ultimate design concept if you are armed with more choices. So prior to the design stage, see to it you have collected a diversity of images and photos for your custom greeting cards.
2. Allow your images to rise above the rest.
It is important that you aim for your images to excel. And this can be basically done by improving and polishing them. These days, modern editing facilities can help you boost your images tremendously. Believe me, enhancing your images should require your sweat and attention. That would make your custom greeting cards truly stand out and be perceived as professional and trustworthy. On the other hand, if you use bad images, you would also produce substandard custom greeting cards in effect.
3. Always go for high-resolution images.
Always remember to use images only of topnotch quality. Consequently, this will also make your printing company print your photos remarkably. Moreover, you keep your images from looking dim or blurry. Indeed, when you choose your images for your custom greeting cards, make sure that you only choose the ones with high resolution. Forget about using images if you cannot get good ones.
4. Let your font styles convey the atmosphere of the event or occasion.
Your font types are another important component of your custom greeting cards. You could actually articulate your emotions by using the appropriate font styles. Make sure you also use the ones that could express the atmosphere of the celebration or event. Never make the mistake of utilizing mere default font types. Truly, there are font types that suit the mood of a particular occasion. You just have to learn when to use the right font styles at the right time. Indeed, by employing the proper fonts, your custom greeting cards make the occasion more special and momentous.
5. Entrust your lay-out to greeting card templates.
Here is another brilliant step for you. Rely on greeting card templates if designing your custom greeting cards is troubling you. However, see to it that you pick the ones that provide the right guidelines in printing. Greeting card templates will prevent you from conscientiously reflecting on your design concept and lay-out. Just go online and you will discover a lot of greeting card templates that could provide you with impressive designs.
With all these tips, do you still think designing your custom greeting cards is a nerve-wracking task?
For comments and inquiries about the article visit: http://www.printplace.com/templates/greetingcards.aspx
by: Lynne Saarte
วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 30 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2553
วันพุธที่ 29 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2553
The Wonder of Orchids
There are many plants that have a touch of the exotic about them, but there is really something truly special about The Orchid.
Orchids can be a very rewarding plant to grow whether you grow them in a greenhouse specially set up for the purpose or you just grow them on your window sill in your home or office. They are often still considered by many to be expensive and difficult to grow. This is not universally the case. Whilst there are some orchids that are more demanding and really only suited to those with a more specialised set up there are many more that can be grown by the average person in their own home.
The modern commercial growing methods have made orchid plants more affordable and they are now fairly easily obtainable from many stores, garden centers and even supermarkets. So there will be a variety that is just right for you, to suite your taste, your home or office and your budget.
The orchid family (orchidaceae) have in excess of 30,000 different species with more being discovered regularly as inroads are made into some of the world's most remote rainforests and mountain ranges. The majority of orchids grow naturally in Central and South America and the tropical regions of Asia but orchids can be found in most regions of the world except for Antarctica and the driest of deserts. Orchids can be found flourishing in all conditions and can be seen on the seashore, high up in mountain ranges above 11,500ft (3500m) and amazingly there is even a variety first discovered in Australia that spends their whole life cycle entirely underground.
Certain orchids appearing to "hang" high up in the rainforest canopy clinging to the tree branches where their aerial roots absorb moisture from the atmosphere. Others orchids can be found on the forest floor, or clinging to rocks or stones.
Orchid's flowers come in a huge range of colors from white through to yellow, blue, pink and red. Although some of the red or blue flowers can have a really dark hue there is no truly black orchid of legend. The blooms can last for several months to less than 24 hours depending upon species.
The size of the orchid can vary from the minute to the giant tiger orchid with flowers up to 8" (20 cm) across and with stems in excess of 6ft and sometime up to 10ft (300 cm) in cultivation. The Tiger orchid species is found in Malaysia, the Solomon Islands, Sumatra, the Philippines, Papua and New Guinea near streams and rivers. The world's smallest orchid plant was discovered as recently as 2009 in Ecuador and is only 2.1 mm wide.
Many an orchid is known for its exquisite fragrance, but orchids can have scents ranging from a truly delicate perfume , to something a little more full bodied and there are even some species of orchid that have a scent that is said to resemble that of rotting flesh. by: Jonathan Lawes
Orchids can be a very rewarding plant to grow whether you grow them in a greenhouse specially set up for the purpose or you just grow them on your window sill in your home or office. They are often still considered by many to be expensive and difficult to grow. This is not universally the case. Whilst there are some orchids that are more demanding and really only suited to those with a more specialised set up there are many more that can be grown by the average person in their own home.
The modern commercial growing methods have made orchid plants more affordable and they are now fairly easily obtainable from many stores, garden centers and even supermarkets. So there will be a variety that is just right for you, to suite your taste, your home or office and your budget.
The orchid family (orchidaceae) have in excess of 30,000 different species with more being discovered regularly as inroads are made into some of the world's most remote rainforests and mountain ranges. The majority of orchids grow naturally in Central and South America and the tropical regions of Asia but orchids can be found in most regions of the world except for Antarctica and the driest of deserts. Orchids can be found flourishing in all conditions and can be seen on the seashore, high up in mountain ranges above 11,500ft (3500m) and amazingly there is even a variety first discovered in Australia that spends their whole life cycle entirely underground.
Certain orchids appearing to "hang" high up in the rainforest canopy clinging to the tree branches where their aerial roots absorb moisture from the atmosphere. Others orchids can be found on the forest floor, or clinging to rocks or stones.
Orchid's flowers come in a huge range of colors from white through to yellow, blue, pink and red. Although some of the red or blue flowers can have a really dark hue there is no truly black orchid of legend. The blooms can last for several months to less than 24 hours depending upon species.
The size of the orchid can vary from the minute to the giant tiger orchid with flowers up to 8" (20 cm) across and with stems in excess of 6ft and sometime up to 10ft (300 cm) in cultivation. The Tiger orchid species is found in Malaysia, the Solomon Islands, Sumatra, the Philippines, Papua and New Guinea near streams and rivers. The world's smallest orchid plant was discovered as recently as 2009 in Ecuador and is only 2.1 mm wide.
Many an orchid is known for its exquisite fragrance, but orchids can have scents ranging from a truly delicate perfume , to something a little more full bodied and there are even some species of orchid that have a scent that is said to resemble that of rotting flesh. by: Jonathan Lawes
Orchids Need Light - But What Light Do They Need and How Much?
Orchids need light –But what light do they need and how much?
Like most plants orchids need light in order to survive, but how much light do they require and can these plants be successfully grown in the average home.
Well for the most part the answer is yes. Most of the common orchids we choose to grow in our homes are epiphytes and grow naturally on the trunks of trees or high up in the rainforest canopy.
The intensity of the light the orchid plants receive is dependent on what position they naturally grow. Whichever position they choose to grow they will naturally receive light that is diffused by the rainforest canopy, so we should therefore try to mimic this and ensure that our plants are kept out of strong direct sunlight.
When we are talking about providing the correct light conditions for our orchids we need to consider 2 elements; the intensity of the light and the duration of light.
Orchids need between 12 and 16 hours of light to keep them in active growth. If they receive more than 16 hours of light then this can affect flower formation.
Some species of orchid like the Dendrobrium will not flower if they do not experience a period without light.
The light intensity required by orchids is generally higher than our average house plant but this can vary between species. For most varieties of orchid an east facing window sill is ideal or perhaps a south facing one so long as shading is provided.
For shading, one could make use of net curtains or some of the bamboo or grass style of blinds that are available. If you are not able to or don’t wish to put shading up at your window you could just move your plant further into the room away from the window and sunlight.
An orchid can suffer burn on an unshaded window sill but in the average home most will receive too little rather than too much light.
A north facing window is really not suitable for your plants.
Be aware that light intensity changes throughout the year
In winter plants should be moved to the brightest spot in the house however do not move from a shaded spot to a bright spot directly. Allow the plant to slowly adjust to changes in light levels. Once again you move your plants to a bright window sill but provide some shade which you can slowly remove over a period of time.
Tip #1
White or light colored surroundings will help to reflect more light onto your plant
Tip #2
Keep your window glass clean and gently dust your orchid leaves so they receive maximum benefit from the light that is available
Tip #3
Turn your plants occasionally around to prevent uneven growth. But make sure you do not turn your plants when they are in bud.
Artificial Lighting
You could grow your orchids under artificial lights if your environment just does not have sufficient natural light or a combination of natural and artificial light.
Probably the most economical is to use florescent tubes but make sure you use those with warm white or cool white tubes. For a combination the light fixture could be placed in your window.
If the light available in your home is totally inadequate you can buy special grow lights from your local garden center.
When using artificial lighting stand your plants on a humidity tray and ensure that any florescent tubes are between 4 and 12” (10 – 30cm) away from your plants.
Conclusion
You will always be more successful if you are able to grow your orchids in lighting conditions that mimic their natural habitat.
The color of your plant leaves will help determine if it is receiving enough light. The leaves will be paler than normal if they are receiving too much light often with brown sunburn patches. The leaves will be darker than normal if they receive insufficient light which may also reduce the number of flowers your orchid will produce.
Ideally you leaves should be a mid green color
by: Jonathan Lawes
Like most plants orchids need light in order to survive, but how much light do they require and can these plants be successfully grown in the average home.
Well for the most part the answer is yes. Most of the common orchids we choose to grow in our homes are epiphytes and grow naturally on the trunks of trees or high up in the rainforest canopy.
The intensity of the light the orchid plants receive is dependent on what position they naturally grow. Whichever position they choose to grow they will naturally receive light that is diffused by the rainforest canopy, so we should therefore try to mimic this and ensure that our plants are kept out of strong direct sunlight.
When we are talking about providing the correct light conditions for our orchids we need to consider 2 elements; the intensity of the light and the duration of light.
Orchids need between 12 and 16 hours of light to keep them in active growth. If they receive more than 16 hours of light then this can affect flower formation.
Some species of orchid like the Dendrobrium will not flower if they do not experience a period without light.
The light intensity required by orchids is generally higher than our average house plant but this can vary between species. For most varieties of orchid an east facing window sill is ideal or perhaps a south facing one so long as shading is provided.
For shading, one could make use of net curtains or some of the bamboo or grass style of blinds that are available. If you are not able to or don’t wish to put shading up at your window you could just move your plant further into the room away from the window and sunlight.
An orchid can suffer burn on an unshaded window sill but in the average home most will receive too little rather than too much light.
A north facing window is really not suitable for your plants.
Be aware that light intensity changes throughout the year
In winter plants should be moved to the brightest spot in the house however do not move from a shaded spot to a bright spot directly. Allow the plant to slowly adjust to changes in light levels. Once again you move your plants to a bright window sill but provide some shade which you can slowly remove over a period of time.
Tip #1
White or light colored surroundings will help to reflect more light onto your plant
Tip #2
Keep your window glass clean and gently dust your orchid leaves so they receive maximum benefit from the light that is available
Tip #3
Turn your plants occasionally around to prevent uneven growth. But make sure you do not turn your plants when they are in bud.
Artificial Lighting
You could grow your orchids under artificial lights if your environment just does not have sufficient natural light or a combination of natural and artificial light.
Probably the most economical is to use florescent tubes but make sure you use those with warm white or cool white tubes. For a combination the light fixture could be placed in your window.
If the light available in your home is totally inadequate you can buy special grow lights from your local garden center.
When using artificial lighting stand your plants on a humidity tray and ensure that any florescent tubes are between 4 and 12” (10 – 30cm) away from your plants.
Conclusion
You will always be more successful if you are able to grow your orchids in lighting conditions that mimic their natural habitat.
The color of your plant leaves will help determine if it is receiving enough light. The leaves will be paler than normal if they are receiving too much light often with brown sunburn patches. The leaves will be darker than normal if they receive insufficient light which may also reduce the number of flowers your orchid will produce.
Ideally you leaves should be a mid green color
by: Jonathan Lawes
Orchid Re-Potting - The Basics
Orchid Repotting - The basic rules
How do you know when your orchid plant needs re-potting and why this should be undertaken. All this will become clear if you follow the simple guidelines outlined in this article.
Why Re-pot
• Your orchid plant has outgrown its current pot
• Your plant has been damaged by over-watering
• The old potting medium as broken down and is no longer
free draining
The best time to re-pot
The best time to re-pot your orchid plant is in the spring after your plant has finished flowering.
The Re-potting procedure
Choose a suitable pot that will allow 2 years worth of growth and only about an extra couple of inches (5cm) wider. Orchids like to have a fairly snug pot in which to grow.
Put a layer of drainage material in the bottom of the pot (Clay pot fragments,Polystyrene chips or small pebbles).
Remove the plant from its existing pot by laying it on its side and gently pulling the plant . If it is difficult to pull free use a thin blade around the inside edge of the pot to help release the plant.
Remove any of the old medium that is loose and decayed.
Cut away any dark, damaged roots and any brown or shrivelled pseudobulbs (Do not cut the thick aerial roots that were growing outside of the pot).
Hold the plant in position in the new pot so that the bottom of the rhizome is just below the rim of the pot.
Add your chosen medium (one appropriate for your species of orchid) and firm carefully around the roots. Never bury the Rhizome in your growing medium.
If your orchid is top heavy you might want to add a stake to which you can tie the stem with twine or garden ties.
Once re-potted you can lightly water you plant and then do not water again for a couple of weeks.Avoid feeding you plant for about 6 weeks to allow the roots to settle into the new medium.
by: Jonathan Lawes
How do you know when your orchid plant needs re-potting and why this should be undertaken. All this will become clear if you follow the simple guidelines outlined in this article.
Why Re-pot
• Your orchid plant has outgrown its current pot
• Your plant has been damaged by over-watering
• The old potting medium as broken down and is no longer
free draining
The best time to re-pot
The best time to re-pot your orchid plant is in the spring after your plant has finished flowering.
The Re-potting procedure
Choose a suitable pot that will allow 2 years worth of growth and only about an extra couple of inches (5cm) wider. Orchids like to have a fairly snug pot in which to grow.
Put a layer of drainage material in the bottom of the pot (Clay pot fragments,Polystyrene chips or small pebbles).
Remove the plant from its existing pot by laying it on its side and gently pulling the plant . If it is difficult to pull free use a thin blade around the inside edge of the pot to help release the plant.
Remove any of the old medium that is loose and decayed.
Cut away any dark, damaged roots and any brown or shrivelled pseudobulbs (Do not cut the thick aerial roots that were growing outside of the pot).
Hold the plant in position in the new pot so that the bottom of the rhizome is just below the rim of the pot.
Add your chosen medium (one appropriate for your species of orchid) and firm carefully around the roots. Never bury the Rhizome in your growing medium.
If your orchid is top heavy you might want to add a stake to which you can tie the stem with twine or garden ties.
Once re-potted you can lightly water you plant and then do not water again for a couple of weeks.Avoid feeding you plant for about 6 weeks to allow the roots to settle into the new medium.
by: Jonathan Lawes
วันอังคารที่ 28 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2553
Success with Phalaenopsis Orchids
The Phal or Phalaenopsis orchid is fast becoming one of the most popular house plants. Where once orchids were thought to be only for specialist enthusiasts, the phal orchid with its environmental requirements so similar to that provided by our own homes, this perception is rapidly changing.
The phal orchid is relatively easy to take care of so long as you observe some basic guidelines.
Environment
The phalaenopsis orchid likes a fairly warm and quite humid environment; somewhere with a temperature that does not fall below 58 F (15C) so most heated homes would be quite suitable. They do enjoy light but not strong direct sunlight as this could scorch the leaves. If the temperature becomes too hot or if the humidity drops they can be misted daily with a spray bottle.
Compost
Phal are epiphyte orchids and can be found growing on trees in the tropical regions of Asia. In their natural habitat they get the bulk of their water and nutrients from the atmosphere and from decaying matter that falls around them and not from the earth. They should never be planted in regular house plant soil but should be grown in a fairly open mix of medium sized bark pieces and sphagnum moss or tree-fern fiber. Once they have started to become established their aerial roots will start to extend and will eventually cascade of their pot. These aerial roots should not be cut back.
Watering
Phals store water in their large succulent leaves and do not produce bulbs so they must be watered regularly. They should be watered once or twice a week in summer and only about once a week in winter. To water them place them on a draining surface, your kitchen draining board for example and pour a large cupful of water into the top of the pot.
Orchids should never be watered from the bottom as this will run the risk of the roots become water-logged which is a sure way of killing your beloved plant. Let the water drain free before you return them back to their normal home.
Humidity
Phalaenopsis orchids like a humid environment and the best way of providing this in the home is to place them on a humidity tray. A humidity tray is simply a tray or container that your fill with gravel or medium sized pebbles on which you place your orchid pot.
Pour water into the tray to about half the depth of the gravel or pebbles. Water will then naturally evaporate around your plant creating the humid environment. The water in the humidity tray should never be allowed to touch the bottom of your orchid pot and seep in and around your orchid’s roots which could result in root rot.
by: Jonathan Lawes
The phal orchid is relatively easy to take care of so long as you observe some basic guidelines.
Environment
The phalaenopsis orchid likes a fairly warm and quite humid environment; somewhere with a temperature that does not fall below 58 F (15C) so most heated homes would be quite suitable. They do enjoy light but not strong direct sunlight as this could scorch the leaves. If the temperature becomes too hot or if the humidity drops they can be misted daily with a spray bottle.
Compost
Phal are epiphyte orchids and can be found growing on trees in the tropical regions of Asia. In their natural habitat they get the bulk of their water and nutrients from the atmosphere and from decaying matter that falls around them and not from the earth. They should never be planted in regular house plant soil but should be grown in a fairly open mix of medium sized bark pieces and sphagnum moss or tree-fern fiber. Once they have started to become established their aerial roots will start to extend and will eventually cascade of their pot. These aerial roots should not be cut back.
Watering
Phals store water in their large succulent leaves and do not produce bulbs so they must be watered regularly. They should be watered once or twice a week in summer and only about once a week in winter. To water them place them on a draining surface, your kitchen draining board for example and pour a large cupful of water into the top of the pot.
Orchids should never be watered from the bottom as this will run the risk of the roots become water-logged which is a sure way of killing your beloved plant. Let the water drain free before you return them back to their normal home.
Humidity
Phalaenopsis orchids like a humid environment and the best way of providing this in the home is to place them on a humidity tray. A humidity tray is simply a tray or container that your fill with gravel or medium sized pebbles on which you place your orchid pot.
Pour water into the tray to about half the depth of the gravel or pebbles. Water will then naturally evaporate around your plant creating the humid environment. The water in the humidity tray should never be allowed to touch the bottom of your orchid pot and seep in and around your orchid’s roots which could result in root rot.
by: Jonathan Lawes
Choosing The Right Orchid Pot Or Container For Your Plants
Orchids have very different requirements from a container than your normal house plant. Orchids can grow with hardly any or no compost at all as long as there roots receive water on a regularly basis.The orchids roots should never be allowed to become water-logged and an orchid pot should allow air to circulate around the roots.
There are many different types of container or pot you can use for your orchid and you don't even need to use a container at all. Epiphyte orchids can be grown on a section of bark or cork that has been sterilized or a section of tree-fern fiber. These effectivley mimic the habitat of many epiphyte orchids.
Below are detailed the sorts of container you can use for your orchid plants with a brief outline into the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Baskets
Orchids that take in their moisture and nutrition through aerial roots and those orchids that have trailing flowers are ideally suited for basket growing. Baskets of this type are typical made of plastic coated wire or are square baskets formed from individual wooden slats.
The basket should be lined with sphagnum moss and then filled with a suitable orchid compost mix. Baskets are very open containers so they will need to be watered regularly, for this reason they may not be suitable to hang in your average house and are more suited to the conservatory or greenhosue.
Terracotta or Clay pots
The clay pot is an ideal container for your orchid as the natural clay construction allows air in so that your plant roots can "breathe" and it also allows water to evaporate out which helps to prevent your roots from becoming water-logged.
Top heavy plants placed in a clay pot will also be more difficult to knock over than those in plastic pots due to the weight of the pot itself. The disadvantage with clay orchid pots is that they are generally more expensive than plastic ones and they don't come in a huge range of colors.
Plastic pots
Plastic pots come in a huge range of different shapes, sizes and colors so you are bound to find one to fit in with your home environment.They also have the advantage of probably being the cheapest form of container.
Plastic pots will not allow your compost mix to dry out too quickly but on the negative side you do need to be careful of water retention as you don't want water-logged roots which is the main killer of orchids in the home.
You can also buy transparent plastic pots that enable you to see the condition of your orchids roots and compost without disturbing the plant itself. This is why many growers sell their orchids in the type of pot as it makes it easy for them to keep an eye on the state of the plant whilst they are in store waiting to be sold.
All mature orchids should be placed into individual pots. If you want to create a display of several orchids place these pots into a large outer container which can be a basket or another more decorative pot.
Where the outer container is to have no drainage holes make sure that you provide plenty of drainage material in the form of small pebbles or gravel under your individual pots. This will prevent your orchids from siiting in water.
Always make sure with this type of planting that you always remove your individual pots from the outer container before watering your orchids and then return them back to your display once the water has drained through them.
by: Jonathan Lawes
There are many different types of container or pot you can use for your orchid and you don't even need to use a container at all. Epiphyte orchids can be grown on a section of bark or cork that has been sterilized or a section of tree-fern fiber. These effectivley mimic the habitat of many epiphyte orchids.
Below are detailed the sorts of container you can use for your orchid plants with a brief outline into the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Baskets
Orchids that take in their moisture and nutrition through aerial roots and those orchids that have trailing flowers are ideally suited for basket growing. Baskets of this type are typical made of plastic coated wire or are square baskets formed from individual wooden slats.
The basket should be lined with sphagnum moss and then filled with a suitable orchid compost mix. Baskets are very open containers so they will need to be watered regularly, for this reason they may not be suitable to hang in your average house and are more suited to the conservatory or greenhosue.
Terracotta or Clay pots
The clay pot is an ideal container for your orchid as the natural clay construction allows air in so that your plant roots can "breathe" and it also allows water to evaporate out which helps to prevent your roots from becoming water-logged.
Top heavy plants placed in a clay pot will also be more difficult to knock over than those in plastic pots due to the weight of the pot itself. The disadvantage with clay orchid pots is that they are generally more expensive than plastic ones and they don't come in a huge range of colors.
Plastic pots
Plastic pots come in a huge range of different shapes, sizes and colors so you are bound to find one to fit in with your home environment.They also have the advantage of probably being the cheapest form of container.
Plastic pots will not allow your compost mix to dry out too quickly but on the negative side you do need to be careful of water retention as you don't want water-logged roots which is the main killer of orchids in the home.
You can also buy transparent plastic pots that enable you to see the condition of your orchids roots and compost without disturbing the plant itself. This is why many growers sell their orchids in the type of pot as it makes it easy for them to keep an eye on the state of the plant whilst they are in store waiting to be sold.
All mature orchids should be placed into individual pots. If you want to create a display of several orchids place these pots into a large outer container which can be a basket or another more decorative pot.
Where the outer container is to have no drainage holes make sure that you provide plenty of drainage material in the form of small pebbles or gravel under your individual pots. This will prevent your orchids from siiting in water.
Always make sure with this type of planting that you always remove your individual pots from the outer container before watering your orchids and then return them back to your display once the water has drained through them.
by: Jonathan Lawes
Orchid Propagation - An Easy Introduction
Some methods of propagating orchids are fairly easily accomplished in your own home with due care and attention. However other methods are really only suitable for the commercial laboratory growers such as propagation from seed and tissue culture as both of these require extremely sterile environments to germinate and grow successfully.
The methods more easily employed in the home are outlined here.
Division
This is probably the easiest of the propagation methods and involves dividing your orchid plant into 2 or more sections depending on size. Cymbidium orchids respond well to this method.
1.Remove your orchid plant from its pot and take a sharp blade that has been sterilized and cut through the rhizome and root ball. Each section should have at least 3 pseudo bulbs.
2.Use sulphur powder to dust each cut to prevent infection.
3.Place each division in a seperate pot. You might initially need to provide some initial support by loosely tying your plant section to a stake .
Back Bulbs
Back bulbs are small leafless bulbs which are often found behind the pseudo bulbs. So long as these look healthy and are not shrivelled, with patience these can often be encourage to grow roots.
1.Choose back bulbs that have a small bud formed near the base.
2.Fill a pot with a sphagnum moss and course sand mix into which you can grow several back bulbs ( a community pot)
Place each bulb into the sphagnum mix up to the bud.
3.Put your pot into a clear plastic bag or propagator.
4.Place in a spot that is out of sunlight and warm
Keiki
Keiki are small plantlets that are produced on the stems of older orchids, typically of the Dendrobrium, Oncidium and Phalaenopsis species.
1.These plantlets can be safely removed from the parent once the roots have developed and are at least 1” (2.5cm) long.
2.Plant the keiki into a pot that has been filled with a fine bark mix. spreading the roots out. Though don’t plant too deep.
3.Water the plantlets and place the pot into a propagator or plastic bag until established.
4.Come next season re-pot the plant into your usual orchid mix.
Stem Cuttings
Some orchids such as the Dendrobrium can be propagated from stem cuttings.
1.Take a leafless stem and cutting it just above a node.
Each stem if long enough can be used to take several cuttings , but each cut section should contain a minimum of 2 nodes.
2.Dust the end of each cut with sulphur powder
3.Fill a plant/seed tray with a sphagnum moss.sand mix and gently push the cut sections into it.
4.Moisten the surface of the moss sand mix
5.Put the tray into a propagator or plastic bag and keep in a warm position in light shade.
6.Shoots and roots should begin to form in a couple of months at which stage they can be potted on into individual pots in fine bark compost.
Different methods of propagation will suit different species of orchid of which an indication is given above however you should investigate further which method is appropriate for your orchid plant.
by: Jonathan Lawes
The methods more easily employed in the home are outlined here.
Division
This is probably the easiest of the propagation methods and involves dividing your orchid plant into 2 or more sections depending on size. Cymbidium orchids respond well to this method.
1.Remove your orchid plant from its pot and take a sharp blade that has been sterilized and cut through the rhizome and root ball. Each section should have at least 3 pseudo bulbs.
2.Use sulphur powder to dust each cut to prevent infection.
3.Place each division in a seperate pot. You might initially need to provide some initial support by loosely tying your plant section to a stake .
Back Bulbs
Back bulbs are small leafless bulbs which are often found behind the pseudo bulbs. So long as these look healthy and are not shrivelled, with patience these can often be encourage to grow roots.
1.Choose back bulbs that have a small bud formed near the base.
2.Fill a pot with a sphagnum moss and course sand mix into which you can grow several back bulbs ( a community pot)
Place each bulb into the sphagnum mix up to the bud.
3.Put your pot into a clear plastic bag or propagator.
4.Place in a spot that is out of sunlight and warm
Keiki
Keiki are small plantlets that are produced on the stems of older orchids, typically of the Dendrobrium, Oncidium and Phalaenopsis species.
1.These plantlets can be safely removed from the parent once the roots have developed and are at least 1” (2.5cm) long.
2.Plant the keiki into a pot that has been filled with a fine bark mix. spreading the roots out. Though don’t plant too deep.
3.Water the plantlets and place the pot into a propagator or plastic bag until established.
4.Come next season re-pot the plant into your usual orchid mix.
Stem Cuttings
Some orchids such as the Dendrobrium can be propagated from stem cuttings.
1.Take a leafless stem and cutting it just above a node.
Each stem if long enough can be used to take several cuttings , but each cut section should contain a minimum of 2 nodes.
2.Dust the end of each cut with sulphur powder
3.Fill a plant/seed tray with a sphagnum moss.sand mix and gently push the cut sections into it.
4.Moisten the surface of the moss sand mix
5.Put the tray into a propagator or plastic bag and keep in a warm position in light shade.
6.Shoots and roots should begin to form in a couple of months at which stage they can be potted on into individual pots in fine bark compost.
Different methods of propagation will suit different species of orchid of which an indication is given above however you should investigate further which method is appropriate for your orchid plant.
by: Jonathan Lawes
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