Orchids: 300 Questions on Classification, Cultivation, Naming, Registration, Market, and Export

Author: Chen Xinqi et al. / Country:
Publisher:
Publishing Time: 2000-01-01
Features:
126. What is meant by "multi-petaled"? Multi-petaled refers to all the floral segments (sepals, petals, and lip or outer three petals and inner three petals) being more than the normal six, essentially a deformed flower. For example, the prized "Lüyun" in Cymbidium goeringii is a multi-petaled type. Sometimes the petal segments can double in number, known as "chrysanthemum petals" or "peony petals."
127. Are there clear boundaries between "plum petals," "lotus petals," and "orchid petals"? The petal shapes such as "plum petals," "lotus petals," and "orchid petals" are merely rough classifications, with many intermediate types and varying opinions. For instance, in Cymbidium goeringii, "Xishenmei" and "Yipin" are sometimes considered plum-petaled types, while others believe they are plum-shaped orchid-petaled types, or even classify "Yipin" as an orchid-petaled type. Similarly, in Cymbidium faberi, "Daiyipin" and "Dangzi" are sometimes regarded as orchid-petaled types, while others classify them as lotus-shaped orchid-petaled types. At times, the petal shape can vary even on the same plant. For example, in Cymbidium goeringii, "Jiyuan" was originally a plum-petaled type but sometimes blooms with orchid-petaled flowers.
128. What is meant by "level shoulders"? "Level shoulders," also known as "one-character shoulders," refer to the two lateral sepals (side petals) extending horizontally in opposite directions, forming a 180° straight line. Level shoulders are considered aesthetically pleasing and are among the finest flowers.
129. What is meant by "flying shoulders"? "Flying shoulders" imply a fluttering flight posture, referring to the two lateral sepals (side petals) extending diagonally upward, with an angle less than 180° above. Flying shoulders have a graceful appearance and are regarded as extraordinary flowers.
130. What is meant by "silkworm-moth(heart)" or "Guanyin(heart)" or "cat(heart)" or other shapes of "(heart)="? "Pong(heart)" refers to the petals. Any petal with a cup-shaped tip, known as a cupped-petaled orchid, especially prized varieties, are often named based on the shape of the "pong(heart)." For example, in Cymbidium goeringii's "Songmei," the "silkworm-moth(heart)" is named because the two petal tips () are thick and slightly curved, resembling a pair of silkworm antennae. In Cymbidium sinense, the "Guanyin(heart)" refers to the early stage when the two petals () are closed, resembling a wind cap or wind hood, but this disappears when the flower fully opens. The "cat-ear(heart)" refers to petals that are nearly upright and have a small, pointed cupping area, resembling cat ears. Other shapes such as "hard(heart)," "bean-shell(heart)," "scissors(heart)," and "ear-digging(heart)" are also named based on their postures, and it is difficult to list them all.
131. What is meant by "round tongue," "large," "rolled tongue," "ruyi tongue," "Liu E tongue," or other shapes of ""? "Tongue" refers to the lip. The shape and posture of the lip are highly varied, allowing for endless naming. For example, "round tongue" refers to a round lip, especially visible from the front of the flower. "Large" refers to a large, flat, and slightly drooping lip. "Rolled tongue" refers to a lip that curls backward. "Ruyi tongue" resembles an ancient jade ruyi, flat or slightly raised, slightly concave, and only slightly protruding. "Liu E tongue" refers to a lip that curves downward at the tip, somewhat like Liu E's hair. Additionally, there are countless other shapes of tongues. The shape and posture of the tongue are also important criteria for evaluating orchids. Orchid colors are endlessly varied and difficult to describe. However, everyone has an aesthetic sense, and the desire for novelty is also very common. Therefore, flower color should primarily be chosen for its beauty and rarity. For example, the flowers of Cymbidium goeringii are mostly pink to light green, with deep red, golden yellow, and snow-white colors being extremely rare. The latter colors are also pleasing to the eye, naturally becoming targets for collectors. Traditional varieties such as "Songmei," "Zhengtonghe," and "Xishenmei" have a free and unrestrained charm, full of vitality, and carry a sense of joy amidst simplicity. A pot of them in a room fills the entire space with energy, which is why they have remained popular for centuries. However, preferences for flower color vary among different countries, ethnic groups, and even regions. Japanese people favor golden yellow, as it symbolizes gold and wealth, being both beautiful and auspicious—why not appreciate it? Chinese people prefer pure white, reflecting the desire to rise above filth without being tainted. Westerners, however, value large, vibrant flowers, which is why hybridized large Cymbidiums thrive in Europe and America and are still highly sought after today. Nevertheless, while aesthetics has subjective elements, there are still objective standards. This is why excellent flower colors and postures endure over time, while unusual flowers and colors often rise and fall sharply, fading away in an instant.
VIII. Cultivation and Management
134. What aspects should be prioritized when cultivating orchids? Orchids, like other plants, come in many varieties and thrive in different environments, making it difficult to have a universal cultivation method. However, all orchids require regulation of water, nutrients, temperature, and light. In their natural state, orchids typically grow in well-ventilated areas with abundant rainfall, good drainage, warm and humid conditions, and scattered sunlight. Therefore, ventilation, drainage, humidity, warmth, and appropriate shading are essential for growing orchids.
135. What type of water is ideal for watering orchids? The best water for orchids is rainwater, snowwater, or natural soft water (well water or river water). Of course, in areas with severe pollution, rain, snow, and river water may also contain harmful substances, so this cannot be generalized. Generally speaking, hard water and artificially softened water should be avoided, as the latter converts calcium in the water to sodium during processing, and sodium is more harmful to orchids than calcium.
136. Can tap water be used to water orchids in northern regions where rainfall and snowfall are scarce? In northern regions, cultivating orchids with rainwater or natural soft water can be challenging, making it inevitable to use tap water. Since northern tap water is often disinfected with bleach, it is not advisable to use it directly. It is best to store tap water in an artificial pond or water barrel for as long as possible, preferably exposed to sunlight to allow chlorine to dissipate and bleach to settle, while the temperature rises to near room or ambient temperature before watering, preventing drastic temperature changes for the orchids.
137. How should the pH of orchid watering water be adjusted? Orchid watering water should be slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.2–6 being ideal. Northern tap water or groundwater is often slightly alkaline and may need to be treated with hydrochloric acid (HCl) or citric acid to lower the pH to 5.2–6. In some southern regions where the water is too acidic, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH) can be used to adjust it to a slightly acidic level.
138. How should the frequency and amount of watering for orchids be determined? The frequency and amount of watering for orchids vary with the seasons. The number of waterings depends on the season, the condition of the growing medium, the type of orchid, and regional climate conditions (humidity, temperature, etc.). The amount of water should be sufficient to moisten the growing medium thoroughly. General guidelines include: more water during the growing season, less during dormancy; more water in high temperatures, less in low temperatures; more water for terrestrial orchids, less for epiphytic orchids; more water on sunny days, less on cloudy days; more water for healthy plants, less for unhealthy ones; more water for clay pots, less for porcelain pots; more water for bark or gravel substrates, less for moss or fern substrates, etc. Generally, at least once a day in summer; every 2–5 days in spring and autumn; every 4–5 days or once a week in winter. The most important thing is to observe carefully and adjust accordingly, keeping the growing medium moist without waterlogging during the growing season, and ensuring it does not dry out in winter, avoiding excessive water, especially when cold temperatures approach.
139. Are there any specific considerations for the timing of watering orchids? Orchid watering is typically done during the day, except for the high temperatures of midday and the cold of early morning and late evening. Terrestrial orchids usually open their stomata during the day.