Scientists have only just scratched the surface of the plant kingdom in their quest for new drugs, and there is no doubt that the Amazon rain forests, already a vital source of oxygen for life on Earth, will prove equally important in treating the diseases of the human race.
Watering advice
Anyone with plants growing in soil-less compost like Promix must take care that they do not become water-logged. Soil-less compost is a very effective growing medium when used properly, and a very effective sponge for drowning roots in the hands of people who don’t adjust their watering technique. Superficially, soil-less composts start to look dry very quickly, but because the surface looks dry it doesn’t mean it’s watering time. Check under the surface.
In wet weather you might consider making special arrangements if your plants are in Promix and are growing in pots outside, as they could easily become more saturated than is good for them. Move them to drier quarters or cover them with a sheet of glass or zinc in torrential rain.
Vanda orchids are found growing naturally in the Far East and, being among the most beautiful of orchids they are also found in collections throughout the world. In my view no collection should be without them. They are epiphytes. That is, they grow in trees naturally and they are easy to cultivate in Guyana. The secret of success lies in the root system which must be allowed to develop without damage or too much disturbance, and which thrives in a humid atmosphere.
Vanda orchids are normally grown in wooden baskets, and the roots are always allowed to grow down through the lattice work. They can be grown just as successfully and easily by tying them to a wire frame or simply to a piece of wire hanging down from any convenient branch. In other words, they don’t need to be grown in pots at all.
Many just secure them in the baskets with a stake or strong tie until they are established. I have always taken the view that something else in the baskets apart from just roots is better than nothing. Young roots (and indeed young shoots) grow more vigorously when they can enjoy the humidity provided by moist pieces of clay pot, broken clay brick or charcoal placed in close proximity to them. So should you be in possession of a Vanda orchid break up an old plant pot or clay brick into small pieces, add a little broken charcoal and gently work it between the roots. No other compost is required. It’s easy, but make sure that the atmosphere remains humid by damping the floor of the shade shelter occasionally, and by syringing the plants at least twice a day.
Vandas don’t really need much shade. More the kind of dappled sunlight they would get if suspended from the inner branches of say, a five finger tree.
Many readers will think that the holidays are very nearly over, but not quite. There are still plenty of parties going on and you still need to take great care on the roads, so may your God go with you wherever you may live in this lovely country of ours. Next week the year 2010 begins. Until then…
