Orchid Myths

[kavanaru]

Sucuz, indeed thsi drink exist and is made with the roots (actually the tubers) of Orchis maculata. Orchis has two underground tubers that look like testicles, and therefore it has always been believed the would have a similar effect to Viagra. This has been already discussed here in OB check this link:

Orchid drink - Sahlep

by the way, of course the effect of the drink is in the mind of the people who drink it like Caviar being aphrodisiac too

[Jbyron]

I could never understand the idea that keeping the orchid roots tight in their pot was a benefit. If that is so, how do they live in the wild without a pot?

I think what they really want to say is don't let the roots stay wet. By keeping the roots tight there is little room for media of any type around the roots. That lets the water run through the pot easily and the roots can dry quickly. Doesn't that make more sense?

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Jbyron

I could never understand the idea that keeping the orchid roots tight in their pot was a benefit. If that is so, how do they live in the wild without a pot?

I think what they really want to say is don't let the roots stay wet. By keeping the roots tight there is little room for media of any type around the roots. That lets the water run through the pot easily and the roots can dry quickly. Doesn't that make more sense?

I agree with your reasoning. I don't think underpotting will make the orchid bloom better like is sometimes said. Orchids need to have fast drying airy medium. If you stick a plant in a big pot, there is much more medium and much less roots to absorb all the moisture. So the medium stays wet longer, which can cause rot problems. This is also why normal plants should not be over potted too much as well (but should not be underpotted like orchids)

[kinknstein]

I am not too sure about this myth, but I had read somewhere that Hawaii does not have any native orchids. Seems pretty unlikely to me, being that just about anywhere else in the world has at least a couple. I have also heard the same about Ireland, but am pretty sure I have read since then about orchids which are found there.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by kinknstein

I am not too sure about this myth, but I had read somewhere that Hawaii does not have any native orchids. Seems pretty unlikely to me, being that just about anywhere else in the world has at least a couple. I have also heard the same about Ireland, but am pretty sure I have read since then about orchids which are found there.

It would be strange for hawaii to not have any native orchids! And yes, Ireland does have native orchids, all terrestrials. They have a good amount of species growing there.

[ronaldhanko]

Ireland has no snakes, St. Patrick reputedly got rid of them, but it does have orchids. There are several pictures of wild Irish orchids in my gallery: http://www.orchidboard.com/community...y.php?cat=1172. The first two are both from Ireland. If you ever go to Ireland than you should visit the west coast in County Clare where there is an area of limestone pavement called the Burren. Many species of orchids grow there, some unique to that area.

[Andrew]

Liparis hawaiensis, Anoectochilus sandvicensis and Platanthera holochila are native to Hawaii.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by Jbyron

I could never understand the idea that keeping the orchid roots tight in their pot was a benefit. If that is so, how do they live in the wild without a pot?

I think what they really want to say is don't let the roots stay wet. By keeping the roots tight there is little room for media of any type around the roots. That lets the water run through the pot easily and the roots can dry quickly. Doesn't that make more sense?

On the first part - which I have argued many times myself - I would bet that's a bastardization of the fact that plants like to be well-established and firmly secured in a pot before they will comfortably bloom.

As is demonstrated so well by semi-hydro culture, roots staying wet is not a problem in the least if the plant is attuned to it.

[rogerman]

Originally Posted by camille1585

I agree with your reasoning. I don't think underpotting will make the orchid bloom better like is sometimes said. Orchids need to have fast drying airy medium. If you stick a plant in a big pot, there is much more medium and much less roots to absorb all the moisture. So the medium stays wet longer, which can cause rot problems. This is also why normal plants should not be over potted too much as well (but should not be underpotted like orchids)

I grow my Vanda's, Ryn. and some other breeds straight in the pot with absolutely no potting mix or coconut..... Their roots hang down and slurp on moisture thats in the air.... I only water them once every two days when it's not too hot.

[Des]

Personally from my experience it is not too much water that rots roots but spent media . This is one of the reasons why I am currently experimenting with growing Cymbidiums without any media in the pots.My initial trials have been sucessful,with just a few problems to solve