Sunday, June 19, 2011

Facts About Fertilizer

Functions and benefits of fertilizer have been compromised. Not a few who memorized the function of each constituent of fertilizer nutrients. Nitrogen is useful for the leaves, phosphorus for flowering, and potassium for fruit. Many books, magazines, and brochures that explain this farm. However, rarely explained about the mechanisms and processes of fertilizer uptake by plants. The latter eventually led to some controversy in terms of fertilization. On the other hand, the controversy surrounding the fertilization actually utilized by several manufacturers of fertilizers to increase the sale value and as a tool of trade competition. The following discussion of the controversy surrounding the manure and fertilizer, with the only restriction for ornamental plants in the garden and in pots.

Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer(Fertilizer Chemistry)

The advantages of organic fertilizer than chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers more easily absorbed by plants, more environmentally friendly, organic fertilizers are not harmful to health, and so forth. And why is it so?

In fact, plants can not differentiate and can not choose which absorbed nutrients from organic fertilizers or chemical fertilizers. Plants absorb nutrients, through ion exchange mechanism, and in the form of inorganic ions. To be absorbed by plants, organic fertilizers have to go through a series of reform processes by microbes in the soil into inorganic ions / chemicals. So are absorbed by plants in the end still be inorganic ions / chemicals.

The concentration of the nutrient content of organic fertilizer is far below the content of chemical fertilizers. A few tons of fertilizer a few tens of grams of organic versus chemical fertilizers, for the nutrient content of the same size. Excess properties of this organic fertilizer (though more accurate to say lack of), rumored as environmentally friendly. The new statement was true when the use of chemical fertilizers and excessive dosing is not appropriate. Something reasonable, any excessive certainly not good for any thing.

So is there any advantages of organic fertilizers over chemical fertilizers?, Organic fertilizers have the advantage in terms of improving the physical and biological properties of soil, something that can not be achieved chemical fertilizers. But with the record, only the organic fertilizer which is still solid, in the form of compost or manure original. Organic fertilizer in liquid form, extracts, leaf manure, and the pellets, will not have the ability to improve soil structure. But what about the plants in pots? Amid the trend is the use of soilless media, of course, the above-mentioned excess properties become meaningless anymore.

When should I use organic fertilizer or chemical fertilizer?, As long as we intend to give nutrients to plants, use of chemical fertilizers. Why is that?, Besides a lot cheaper, more quickly absorbed by plants, is also more controlled. Wherever, whose name must be the same urea fertilizer, containing nitrogen (in the form of ammonium) by 46%. As for organic fertilizer, depending on the material than anything, what kind of livestock and manure-producing livestock eat, and others. More difficult to predict. But if the main goal is to improve soil structure, use compost, manure or original. Do not be influenced by advertisements in the form of liquid organic fertilizer, leaf fertilizer, or manure pellets. These same fertilizers with chemical fertilizers, but much more expensive.

When the market found to contain elements of organic fertilizer Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium respectively over 4%, be assured that the fertilizer has been enriched with chemical fertilizers.

Leaves and Roots Fertilizer

Is it true leaf fertilizer is more effective and efficient than root fertilizer?, True absorption of fertilizers through the leaves 10 times more effectively and efficiently than through the roots?, Really fertilizers through the leaves means providing plant nutrients directly to the kitchen?, The answer to the question above is used as one one commercial tool and a tool for adding value selling leaf fertilizer. In fact, there has been no independent and valid research that can answer questions about the above.

The fact has been acceptable, in addition to the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, nutrients such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and other acquired and absorbed by plants from the soil through the roots. By design roots are specifically designed to absorb nutrients, through ion exchange.

What about leaves? At the beginning of the introduction of leaf fertilizer, said the absorption of nutrients through leaf stomata. But this is later rectified, because the stomata were only passable gas. Then developed other issues, absorption through the leaf surface (epidermis cells and kultikula), that looks like a weave. In fact, most of the plant leaf surface covered by a layer of oil, wax, and even covered with fine hairs. Circumstances will certainly be a factor inhibiting the entry of nutrients through the leaves.

Indeed, leaves, or even stems of plants can absorb nutrients, yet the roots still more effective and efficient in absorbing nutrients. In some cases, are nutrients such as K, and Ca easy to get into the plant tissue to leaves and even stems of plants. But that does not mean all the nutrients more easily absorbed by plants through the roots of the plants outside.

When leaf fertilizer can be used? When fertilizer use root difficult to apply, for example in epiphytic plants, like most orchids. This answered the question why the leaf fertilizer is very popular and widely used among orchid lovers. Plants that have just experienced the root pruning, removal of pots, or the conditions under which for the time being the root of hard working properly, leaf fertilizer will be helpful and beneficial.

Another fact, Orchids hydroponic agriculture more people would be selected not only for reasons of saving space, but also the belief of plant nutrients are more controlled, effective, and efficient through the roots. Or perhaps there are ideas cropping systems in small pots but only fertilizer applied through the leaves. Guaranteed losses that will be harvested.

Slow Release Fertilizer

This type of fertilizer is also a brilliant trade idea from fertilizer producers. It said slow release fertilizer is a chemical fertilizer that are similar to organic fertilizers. Absorbed by plants as needed, to not pollute the environment. Superb. Once again great. Is this true?

In fact, plants can not feel full then stop eating. Throughout the many available nutrients, along the same plants will absorb as much as available. This fact gave birth to the term luxury consumption. Throughout do not destabilize the soil solution chemistry, plants will absorb nutrients provided land. The results are used as food reserves and to reproduce themselves.

Slow release fertilizer is made ?, from chemical fertilizers are coated with specific layers that are permeable. The existence of the coating makes the chemical is released bit by bit according to the passage of time. If it's true that the release of the chemical elements according to the needs of plants, of course not be included in the packaging label usage rate period of 3 months or 6 months. The numbers are actually a whole time fertilizer. A number that describes the time period until exhausted release fertilizers contain content fertilizer.

When do we need to use a slow release fertilizer? If we include a lazy lover of orchids. Lazy flushing, and lazy to experiment. Is not one of the pleasures grow orchids is when we watered our favorite plants. Or maybe we are people who are more suitable with plastic Orchid plant.
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Thursday, June 16, 2011

In Order For Rapid Flowering Orchids

You have trouble blooming orchid plants?, Special treatment is needed to stimulate and accelerate the flowering process in your Orchid plants.

Granting MSG

Try to use the MSG / MSG to stimulate flowering, the content of monosodium glutamate has a role as a growth stimulating hormones (gibberellins) and trigger the orchid to produce gibberellins. Provision made ??in plants that are grown, function only as a catalyst. While the energy that support the occurrence of flowering in supply through provision of fertilizer.

Containment / Lid

Giving Containment / lid on the plant will cause humidity to rise, more stomata open wide so that photosynthesis is better; would be optimal if accompanied by the provision of  P elements with high doses. Use a cloth or paper with a dark color as the lid.

Light intensity

There is a difference in light intensity level needs (in general) between: 4000-5000fc dendrobium, phalaenopsis 2000fc, 3000-4000fc Cattleya. In bright daylight, the intensity of the sun 10.000fc be required percentage:  40-50% Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis 20%, 30-40% Cattleya (you can adjust it to use a different paranet size).

With the addition of setting the light intensity, seedlings  that should bloom at the age of 1.5 years, can already flowering at the age of 8 months. The addition can be done by drying without paranet on 07.00-10.00 am (in addition to Cattleya need longer dark conditions for flowering).

Setting the stability of nutrients with hydroponics techniques

Use a drip system (drip irrigation) to control the amount of fertilizer to the plant intake, do it with the provision of a complete liquid fertilizer and the addition of a systemic fungicide. Adjustable speed drops to the level of evaporation that occurs.

Use of hormones gibberellins

Performed on plants grown to spur diversity cell function, so that the cells are directed for growth of shoots can be transferred to the flowering process.

Dose according to the type of plants, generally 2 mg / liter. If the concentration is too small, flowering will not occur, it will grow shoots. If given too much will inhibit the formation of flowers or flower to grow but quickly fell out and then will not bloom at all.

Inhibiting growth hormone usage

This hormone is also called retardants, are widely used is Paclobutrazol. Function inhibits the growth of shoots that become dormancy, the energy of this phase will be growing and collected ... for 3 months. After that dormancy should be solved with the provision of gibberellins and the plant will bloom simultaneously.
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Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Coconut Water For The Growth Of Orchids

Coconut Water proved to have benefits for improving plant growth, Coconut Water is also used as additional nutrients in the tissue culture medium. Results showed that Coconut Water is rich in Potassium to 17%. In addition to mineral rich, Coconut Water also contains Sugar between 1.7 to 2.6 % and Protein 0.07 up to 0.55%. Other minerals such as Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Ferum (Fe), Cuprum (Cu), Phosphorus (P), and Sulfur (S). In addition to mineral rich, coconut Water also contains various vitamins such as Citric Acid, Nicotinic Acid, Pantotenal Acid, Folic Acid, Niacin, Riboflavin, and Thiamin. There are also Two mineral hormones, Auxin and Cytokinin is supporter of Coconut embryo cell division.

Research at The National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) UP Los Banos revealed that Coconut Water can be extracted from hormone which then created a product called COCOGRO Supplements. Results study to show that the hormone product of the Coconut Water is able to increase soybean yields up to 64%, up to 15% for peanuts and vegetables up to 20-30%. With the elemental content of Potassium is high enough, Coconut Water can stimulate flowering in Orchids, like the Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis.

From now on, try to set aside a little Coconut Water for granted as additional nutrients to the Orchids bellowed. Good luck and don't forget to share information as an evaluation to your friends
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Monday, June 13, 2011

Phalaenopsis

Scientific classification:

Kingdom : Plantae
(unranked) : Angiosperms
(unranked) : Monocots
Order : Asparagales
Family : Orchidaceae
Subfamily : Epidendroideae
Tribe : Vandeae
Subtribe : Aeridinae
Alliance : Phalaenopsis Blume
Genus : Phalaenopsis
(Blume 1825)

The generic name means "Phalaen[a]-like" and is probably a reference to the genus Phalaena, the name given by Carolus Linnaeus to a group of large moths; the flowers of some species supposedly resemble moths in flight. For this reason, the species are sometimes called Moth orchids.

They are native throughout southeast Asia from the Himalayan mountains to the islands of Polillo, Palawan and Zamboanga del Norte in the island of Mindanao in the Philippines and northern Australia. Orchid Island of Taiwan is named after this genus. Little recent information about their habitat and their ecology in nature is available since little field research has been done in the last decades.


Phalaenopsis aphrodite (Moon Orchid)
Most are epiphytic shade plants; a few are lithophytes. In the wild, some species grow below the canopies of moist and humid lowland forests, protected against direct sunlight; others grow in seasonally dry or cool environments. The species have adapted individually to these three habitats.

Possessing neither pseudobulbs nor rhizome, Phalaenopsis shows a Monopodial growth habit: a single growing stem produces one or two alternate, thick, fleshy, elliptical leaves a year from the top while the older, basal leaves drop off at the same rate. If very healthy, a Phalaenopsis plant can have up to ten or more leaves. The inflorescence, either a raceme or panicle, appears from the stem between the leaves. They bloom in their full glory for several weeks. If kept in the home, the flowers may last two to three months.

Some Phalaenopsis species in Malaysia are known to use subtle weather cues to coordinate mass flowering.

Species

Phalaenopsis amabilis (Moon Orchid; East Malaysia to Papuasia)
Phalaenopsis amabilis subsp. amabilis (East Malaysia to Papuasia).
Phalaenopsis amabilis subsp. amabilis forma Grandiflora (the Philippines - Palawan island).
Phalaenopsis amabilis subsp. moluccana (Northeastern Borneo to the Moluccas).
Phalaenopsis amabilis subsp. rosenstromii (New Guinea to Queensland).
Phalaenopsis amboinensis (Sulawesi to the Moluccas).
Phalaenopsis amboinensis var. amboinensis (the Moluccas).
Phalaenopsis amboinensis var. flavida (Sulawesi)
Pink Phalaenopsis
Phalaenopsis aphrodite (Southeastern Taiwan to the Philippines).
Phalaenopsis aphrodite subsp. aphrodite (the Philippines).
Phalaenopsis aphrodite subsp. formosana (Southeastern Taiwan).
Phalaenopsis appendiculata (Malaya to northeastern Borneo).
Phalaenopsis bastianii (the Philippines - Luzon).
Phalaenopsis bellina (Borneo).
Phalaenopsis borneensis (Borneo).
Phalaenopsis braceana (Eastern Himalayas to China - Yunnan).
Phalaenopsis buyssoniana (Indochina)
Phalaenopsis celebensis (Sulawesi)
Phalaenopsis chibae (Vietnam)
Phalaenopsis cochlearis (Malaya to Borneo)
Phalaenopsis corningiana (Borneo)
Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi (Indochina to southern Philippines)
Phalaenopsis deliciosa (Indian subcontinent to Malesia)
Phalaenopsis deliciosa subsp. deliciosa (Indian subcontinent to Malesia)
Phalaenopsis deliciosa subsp. hookeriana (Eastern Himalayas to southwestern China)
Phalaenopsis deliciosa subsp. philippinensis (the Philippines)
Phalaenopsis dowery?nsis (Northeastern Borneo).
Phalaenopsis equestris (Taiwan - Hsiao Lan Y? to the Philippines)
Phalaenopsis equestris var. alba
Phalaenopsis equestris var. aurantiacum
Phalaenopsis equestris f. aurea (synonym of the accepted name Phalaenopsis equestris (Schauer) Rchb.f.,, 1850 )
Phalaenopsis equestris var. coerulea
Phalaenopsis equestris f. cyanochila (synonym of the accepted name Phalaenopsis equestris (Schauer) Rchb.f.,, 1850 )
Phalaenopsis equestris var. leucaspis
Phalaenopsis equestris var. leucotanthe
Phalaenopsis equestris var. rosea (synonym of the accepted name Phalaenopsis equestris (Schauer) Rchb.f.,, 1850 )
Phalaenopsis fasciata (the Philippines).
Phalaenopsis fimbriata (Sumatra, Java and Borneo).
Phalaenopsis floresensis (Lesser Sunda Islands).
Phalaenopsis fuscata (Borneo to Philippines - Palawan island)
Phalaenopsis gibbosa (Vietnam).
Phalaenopsis cultivars
Phalaenopsis gigantea (Borneo to Java).
Phalaenopsis hainanensis (China - Hainan and Yunnan).
Phalaenopsis hieroglyphica (the Philippines - Luzon, Leyte, Samar, Palawan, and Mindanao islands).
Phalaenopsis hieroglyphica var. Alba
Phalaenopsis honghenensis (China - Yunnan).
Phalaenopsis inscriptiosinensis (Central Sumatra
Phalaenopsis javanica (Western Java).
Phalaenopsis kunstleri (Myanmar to Malaya).
Phalaenopsis lamelligera (Northeastern Borneo).
Phalaenopsis lindenii (the Philippines - Luzon island).
Phalaenopsis lindenii var. alba
Phalaenopsis lobbii (Eastern Himalayas to Myanmar).
Phalaenopsis lowii (Southern Myanmar to western Thailand).
Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana (the Philippines).
Phalaenopsis Mambo (a hybrid cultivar)
Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana var. delicata
Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana var. ochracea
Phalaenopsis luteola (Northwestern Borneo).
Phalaenopsis maculata (Malaya to Borneo).
Phalaenopsis malipoensis Z.J.Liu & S.C.Chen (China - Yunnan)
Phalaenopsis mannii (Eastern Himalayas to China - Yunnan).
Phalaenopsis mariae (Northeastern Borneo to the Philippines - Mindanao).
Phalaenopsis micholitzii (the Philippines - Mindanao island).
Phalaenopsis modesta (Borneo).
Phalaenopsis mysorensis (Indian subcontinent).
Phalaenopsis pallens (the Philippines - Luzon and Mindanao islands).
Phalaenopsis pantherina (Borneo).
Phalaenopsis parishii (Eastern Himalayas to Myanmar).
Phalaenopsis petelotii (Vietnam)
Phalaenopsis philippinensis (the Philippines - Luzon island).
Phalaenopsis pulcherrima (Indochina to Borneo). Formerly classified as Doritis.
Phalaenopsis pulchra (the Philippines - Luzon island).
Phalaenopsis pulchra var. Alba
Phalaenopsis regnieriana (Indochina).
Phalaenopsis reichenbachiana (the Philippines - Mindanao island).
Phalaenopsis Nivacolor (a hybrid cultivar)
Phalaenopsis robinsonii (the Moluccas).
Phalaenopsis sanderiana (the Philippines - Mindanao island).
Phalaenopsis sanderiana var. Alba
Phalaenopsis sanderiana var. Marmorata
Phalaenopsis schilleriana (the Philippines - Luzon, Mindoro, and Biliran islands).
Phalaenopsis schilleriana var. immaculata
Phalaenopsis speciosa (Andaman and Nicobar Islands).
Phalaenopsis stobartiana (China - southeastern Tibet to Guangxi)
Phalaenopsis stuartiana (the Philippines - Mindanao island).
Phalaenopsis stuartiana var. nobilis
Phalaenopsis stuartiana var. punctatissima
Phalaenopsis sumatrana (Indochina, Borneo to Philippines - Palawan island).
Phalaenopsis taenialis (Eastern Himalayas to China - Yunnan)
Phalaenopsis tetraspis (Andaman and Nicobar Islands to northwestern Sumatra).
Phalaenopsis venosa (Sulawesi).
Phalaenopsis violacea (Malaya to Sumatra).).
Phalaenopsis viridis (Sumatra).
Phalaenopsis wilsonii (China - southeastern Tibet to Guangxi).
Phalaenopsis zebrina (Borneo).
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Vanda

Scientific classification
Kingdom : Plantae
(unranked) : Angiosperms
(unranked) : Monocots
Order : Asparagales
Family : Orchidaceae
Subfamily : Epidendroideae
Tribe : Vandeae
Subtribe : Aeridinae
Genus : Vanda

The name "Vanda" is derived from the Sanskrit name for the species Vanda tessellata.
These mostly epiphytic, but sometimes lithophytic or Terrestrial Orchids are distributed in India, Himalaya, SE Asia, Indonesia, the Philippines, New Guinea, southern China and northern Australia.

The genus has a Monopodial growth habit with leaves that are highly variable according to habitat. Some have flat, typically broad, ovoid leaves (strap-leaves), while others have cylindrical (terete), fleshy leaves and are adapted to dry periods. The stems of these orchids vary considerably in size; there are miniature plants and plants with a length of several meters.

There are few to many flattened flowers growing on a lateral inflorescence. Most show a yellow-brown color with brown markings, but they also appear in white, green, orange, red and burgundy shades. The lip has a small spur. Vandas usually bloom every few months and the flowers last for two to three weeks.

This genus is one of the five most horticulturally important orchid genera, because it has some of the most magnificent flowers to be found in the entire Orchid family. This has contributed much to the work of hybridists producing flowers for the cut flower market. Vanda coerulea is one of the few botanical orchids with blue flowers (actually a very bluish purple), a property much appreciated for producing interspecific and intergeneric hybrids. Vanda dearei is one of the chief sources of yellow color in Vanda hybrids.

Many Vanda orchids (especially Vanda coerulea) are endangered, because of habitat destruction. The export of wild-collected specimens of the Blue Orchid (Vanda coerulea) and other wild Vandas is prohibited worldwide, as all orchids are listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

Species

Vanda alpina (Himalaya to China - S. Yunnan).
Vanda arbuthnotiana (India).
Vanda arcuata (Indonesia - Sulawesi).
Vanda bensonii (Assam to Thailand).
Vanda bicolor (Bhutan).
Vanda bidupensis (Vietnam).
Vanda brunnea (China - Yunnan to Indo-China).
Vanda celebica (Indonesia – Sulawesi).
Vanda chlorosantha (Bhutan).
Vanda coerulea : "Blue Orchid" (Assam to China - S. Yunnan)
Vanda coerulescens (Arunachal Pradesh to China - S. Yunnan).
Vanda concolor (S. China to Vietnam).
Vanda cristata (Himalaya to China - NW. Yunnan).
Vanda dearei (Borneo).
Vanda denisoniana (China - Yunnan to N. Indo-China).
Vanda devoogtii (Sulawesi).
Vanda flabellata (Rolfe ex Downie) Christenson, 1985
Vanda foetida (S. Sumatra).
Vanda furva (Java, Maluku).
Vanda fuscoviridis (S. China to Vietnam).
Vanda griffithii (E. Himalaya).
Vanda hastifera (Borneo).
Vanda hastifera var. gibbsiae (N. Borneo).
Vanda hastifera var. hastifera (Borneo).
Vanda helvola (W. Malaysia to Philippines).
Vanda hindsii (Papuasia to N. Queensland).
Vanda insignis (Lesser Sunda Is.).
Vanda jainii (Assam).
Vanda javierae (Philippines - Luzon).
Vanda jennae P.O'Byrne & J.J.Verm., 2005
Vanda lamellata (Taiwan (to Philippines, North Borneo)
Vanda lamellata var. boxallii
Vanda lamellata var. calayana (synonym of the accepted name Vanda lamellata var. lamellata).
Vanda lamellata var. flava
Vanda lamellata var. lamellata
Vanda lamellata var. remediosae (synonym of the accepted name Vanda lamellata var. boxallii Rchb.f. )
Vanda leucostele (N. & W. Sumatra).
Vanda lilacina (China - Yunnan to Indo-China).
Vanda limbata (Java, Lesser Sunda Is., Philippines - Mindanao).
Vanda lindenii (Maluku). (synonym of the accepted name Vanda furva (L.) Lindl. )
Vanda liouvillei (Assam to Indo-China).
Vanda lombokensis (Lesser Sunda Is.).
Vanda luzonica (Philippines - Luzon).
Vanda merrillii (Philippines).
Vanda merrillii var. immaculata (synonym of the accepted name Vanda merrillii Ames & Quisumb. )
Vanda merrillii var. Rotorii (synonym of the accepted name Vanda merrillii Ames & Quisumb. )
Vanda metusalae P.O'Byrne & J.J.Verm. (2008)
Vanda petersiana (Myanmar).
Vanda pumila (Nepal to Hainan and N. Sumatra).
Vanda punctata (Pen. Malaysia).
Vanda roeblingiana (Philippines - Luzon).
Vanda sanderiana (now synonym of Euanthe sanderiana)
Vanda scandens (Borneo, Philippines - Mindanao).
Vanda spathulata (India -Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka).
Vanda stangeana (India - Arunachal Pradesh to Assam).
Vanda subconcolor (China - SW. Yunnan to Hainan).
Vanda subconcolor var. disticha (Hainan). (synonym of the accepted name Vanda subconcolor Tang & F.T.Wang , 1974)
Vanda sumatrana (Sumatra).
Vanda tessellata (Indian Subcontinent to Indo-China).
Vanda testacea (Indian Subcontinent to SC. China).
Vanda thwaitesii (S.India, Sri Lanka).
Vanda tricolor (Laos, Java to Bali).
Vanda ustii (Philippines - Luzon).
Vanda vipanii (Myanmar).
Vanda wightii (S. India).

References.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanda
Grove, D. L. 1995. Vandas and Ascocendas. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon. 241 pp.
Motes, Martin R., and Alan L. Hoffman. 1997 Vandas, Their botany, history and culture.
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Utilizing The Epiphytic Orchids As CO2 Absorbent Agent

As we all know, that the plant is known as biological agents CO2 absorber very effective. Through a complex process of photosynthesis, CO2 is absorbed from the atmosphere is converted to carbohydrates with the aid of sunlight energy. The result of photosynthesis and then spread throughout the plant to backfilled in a network or used directly to produce energy through respiration. Therefore, by measuring the number of elements of C (carbon) in plant biomass, it can be predicted much CO2 in the atmosphere is absorbed by a species of plant.

In this world there are various types of plants. One of them are Epiphytic plants. Epiphytic plants are non-parasitic plants that use other plants as a place to grow during the life cycle. Or in other words, epiphytic plants grow only ride in a way attached to the trunk or branches of trees or other vegetation. Kress (1986) and Nieder et al (2001) mentions that the vascular plant species that live as epiphytes mostly found in tropical forests. Whereas in tropical, epiphytic plants represent 25 percent of all vascular plant species, and Orchid (Orchidaceae) is the main group of epiphytic plants (Dressler, 1993).

Bulbophyllum is one genus in the Orchid families(Orchidaceae), which has more than 1200 species in the world. Almost all members of this genus live as epiphytes plants. Marga This includes having enough growth rate relatively fast compared to other Epiphytic Orchids. This type of growth that simpodial and often creeping along the surface of the media make this plant more quickly cover the surface of the media compared with monopodial epiphytic orchids such as Phalaenopsis, Vanda, Malleola, Cleisostoma etc.

Some of the benefits of Epiphytic plants as carbon sinks when compared with other terrestrial plants including: plant epiphytes are generally tolerant of light intensity under the canopy of host trees; epiphytic plants are very efficient to fill the space tree trunk surface thereby increasing the absorption of CO2 is higher when compared with the surface of tree trunks that are not overgrown with epiphytic plants; generally epiphytic plants have evolved to adapt to limited sources of water and nutrients around the growth as well as plants that can efficiently utilize the moisture from the water flow in the trunk of trees when it rains for the growth of epiphytic orchids. Due to the absence of epiphytic plants, moisture in the skin surface and shaft fractures trees will just evaporate and go away because the process of evapotranspiration. Therefore, with the advantages of epiphytic plants in utilizing the space as well as the limitations of growth factors that exist, it is important to know the extent of epiphytic orchids potential to increase carbon absorption capacity.

The observation of several kinds of orchids Bulbophyllum showed that Epiphytic Orchids has enough potential that effective and efficient as CO2 absorbent agent to maximize the space to grow on the surface of tree bark. In general, leaf surface area produced by the orchid Bulbophyllum much broader than the broad field of growing orchids themselves. In the field grew by 100 cm ? leaf surface area can be generated between 234.36 up to 532 cm ?. Thus, the presence of epiphytic orchids on bark surface will add to the field of chlorophyll that can perform photosynthesis, so that automatically will also improve the absorption of CO2 in tree bark surface area. While the biomass produced by growth in epiphytic orchid show that orchid Bulbophyllum can also act as effective carbon storage and efficient. It is shown from the mean dry weights ranging from 1 to 10 g per 100 cm ? surface area of the field grow. Bulb parents on the orchid Bulbophyllum presisten generally remain attached to the skin and tree / growing medium, although the leaves have fallen, because this old bulb to function as reserve food and water for the growth of young shoots next. Therefore, the carbon is in the old bulb networks will survive as the carbon stored over the old bulb has not fallen on the ground and decomposes.

Kind used in this observation include Bulbophyllum lepidum (Blume) JJSm., Bulbophyllum membranaceum Teijsm. and Binn., Bulbophyllum odoratum (Blume) Lindl., Bulbophyllum purpurascens Teijsm. and Binn., Bulbophyllum inunctum JJSm., and Bulbophyllum vaginatum (Lindl.) Rchb.f.

Seeing the potential of  orchids Bulbophyllum as Epiphytes plants that can produce the leaf surface area large enough and produce biomass through photosynthesis, although with limited growth factor on the surface of the bark, such as limited water supply, lack of nutrients, and light intensity shaded, then the orchid is proven as an agent absorbing CO2 and carbon storage is an effective and efficient. Therefore, the surface of tree bark is covered with epiphytic orchids like Bulbophyllum, will have a field of more optimal absorption of CO2 compared with the skin surface of the tree trunk is not covered by epiphytic plants.

Therefore, let's start planting trees stems beside our house with various types of Epiphytic Orchids of the genus Bulbophyllum. In addition to adding aesthetic value because of the beautiful flowers, will also increase carbon absorption field along the surface of the rod is covered with orchids. Although the contribution of carbon sequestration is low, but if everyone can do it, then its contribution will also be significant.

Reference:

http://blog.sivitas.lipi.go.id/blog.cgi?

Dressler, Robert L., 1993. Phylogeny and Classification of the Orchid Family. Melbourne. Cambridge University Press.

Kress, WJ, 1986. The Systematic Distribution of Vascular epiphytes. Selbyana 9: 2-22.

Nieder, Jurgen., Juliana Prosperi, Georges Michaloud., 2001. Epiphytes and Their Contribution to Canopy Diversity. Plant Ecology 153: 51-63. Netherlands. Kluwer Academic Publishers.
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Dendrobium

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
(unranked) : Monocots
Order : Asparagales
Family : Orchidaceae
Subfamily : Epidendroideae
Tribe : Podochilaeae
Subtribe : Dendrobiinae
Genus : Dendrobium.

Dendrobium species are either epiphytic, or occasionally lithophytic. They have adapted to a wide variety of habitats, from the high altitudes in the Himalayan mountains to lowland tropical forests and even to the dry climate of the Australian desert.

This genus of sympodial orchids develop pseudobulbs, which vary in length from a few centimetres (e.g. Dendrobium cuthbertsonii) to two metres long (e.g. Dendrobium pulchellum). Most grow into long reedlike stems. Some appear densely covered with short white or black hairs (Dendrobium infundibulum).

In selected species, the short, ovate leaves grow alternately over the whole length of the stems, in others, the leaves are bunched towards the apex of the stem (e.g. Dendrobium tetragonum). The axillary inflorescence vary in length from insignificant to 1m long, and can carry from a few (1-4) (e.g. Dendrobium nobile) to as many as 100 (e.g. Dendrobium speciosum) flowers. Deciduous species carry their leaves for one to two years then typically flower on leafless canes, while canes of evergreen species usually flower in the second year and can continue to flower for a number of years (e.g. Dendrobium densiflorum).

These Orchids grow quickly throughout summer, but take a rest during winter. Dormant buds erupt into shoots from the base of the pseudobulb mainly in spring, and a few species in autumn. This is then followed by rapid growth of new roots. Reproduction is usually through seed, but a few species reproduce asexually through keikis produced along the stem, usually after flowering and sometimes as a result of injury to the growing tip.

Selected species

Dendrobium amethystoglossum– Amethyst Tongued Dendrobium.
Dendrobium anosmum – Unscented Dendrobium - misnomer.
Dendrobium auriculatum – Eared Dendrobium.
Dendrobium bicaudatum – Two-tailed Dendrobium.
Dendrobium bukidnonensis– Bukidnon Dendrobium.
Dendrobium bullenianum – Bullen's Orange Dendrobium.
Dendrobium candidum.
Dendrobium cariniferum.
Dendrobium ceraula – Horned Dendrobium.
Dendrobium cerinum.
Dendrobium chameleon – Chameleon-like Dendrobium.
Dendrobium chrysanthum.
Dendrobium conanthum.
Dendrobium crumenatum – Pigeon Orchid, Sparrow Orchid, Bag-shaped Dendrobium, "dove orchid".
Dendrobium cuthbertsonii – Cuthbertson's Dendrobium.
Dendrobium dearei – Deare's Dendrobium.
Dendrobium erosum.
Dendrobium fairchildae – Fairchild's Dendrobium.
Dendrobium formosum.
Dendrobium gerlandianum.
Dendrobium gibsonii.
Dendrobium goldschmidtianum – Goldschmidt's Dendrobium.
Dendrobium guerreroi – Guerrero's Dendrobium.
Dendrobium hercoglossum.
Dendrobium heterocarpum – Different fruits Dendrobium.
Dendrobium hymenophyllum.
Dendrobium ionopus – Violet scented Dendrobium.
Dendrobium junceum Philippine endemic.
Dendrobium kingianum – Pink Rock Orchid, Captain King's Dendrobium, Pink Rock Lily (sometimes separated in Thelychiton).
Dendrobium lindleyi – Lindley's Dendrobium (formerly D. aggregatum).
Dendrobium lituiflorum.
Dendrobium loddigesii – Loddiges' Dendrobium.
Dendrobium macrophyllum – Large leafed Dendrobium.
Dendrobium mindanaense – Mindanao island Dendrobium.
Dendrobium miyasakii – Miyaki's Dendrobium.
Dendrobium nobile – Noble Dendrobium.
Dendrobium papilio – Butterfly Dendrobium.
Dendrobium parthenium.
Dendrobium phalaenopsis – Cooktown Orchid (formerly D. bigibbum var. phalaenopsis, D. bigibbum var. superbum) - now classified as Vappodes phalaenopsis.
Dendrobium philippinensis– Philippine Dendrobium.
Dendrobium phillippsii – Phillips' Dendrobium.
Dendrobium platycaulon – Flat Cane Dendrobium.
Dendrobium profusum – Profused' Dendrobium.
Dendrobium ramosii – Ramos' Dendrobium.
Dendrobium sanderae – Sander's Dendrobium.
Dendrobium schuetzei – Schuetz's Dendrobium.
Dendrobium secundum.
Dendrobium seratilabium – Serrated Lip Dendrobium.
Dendrobium sinense.
Dendrobium speciosum – Outstanding Dendrobium, King Orchid, Rock Lily.
Dendrobium taurinum – Bulls Head Dendrobium.
Dendrobium thyrsiflorum.
Dendrobium thysanophorum.
Dendrobium uniflorum – Single flowered Dendrobium.
Dendrobium velutinalabrum.
Dendrobium victoriae -reginae – Queen Victoria's Dendrobium.
Dendrobium wenzellii – Wenzell's Dendrobium.
Dendrobium yeagerei – Yeager's Dendrobium.


From wikipedia, The free ensyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendrobium)
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Fungicide

Fungicides are chemicals that are used to control fungi. Fungicides are generally divided according to how it works in the body of the target plants are applied, the fungicide nonsistemik, systemic, local and systemic. On fungicides, especially systemic and non systemic fungicides, the division is closely related to the nature and fungicide activity against the target's body.

Nonsistemik fungicide
Nonsistemik Fungicides can not be absorbed and moved within the plant tissue. Fungicides nonsistemik only form a barrier layer on the surface of plants (mostly leaves) where the fungicide was sprayed. Fungicides are only function to prevent infection by inhibiting the germination of fungal spores or mycelial fungi on plant surfaces. Therefore, it serves as a contact fungicide protektan and is only effective when used before the plants are infected by the disease. Consequently, fungicide nonsistemik must often be applied for continuous plants are protected from new infections.

Systemic Fungicide
Systemic fungicide absorbed by the organs of plants and transferred to other plant parts through the transport vessel and through simplas path (through the cell). In general, a systemic fungicide transferred to the top (akropetal), ie from root to leaf organ. Some systemic fungicides can also move downward, ie, from leaf to root (basipetal).

Excess systemic fungicide such as:

The active ingredients go directly to the center of infection in plant tissue, so as to inhibit the fungus infection that has been attacked in the plant tissue. Fungicides are quickly absorbed by plant tissue and then distributed to all parts of the plant so that the active ingredient and the residue is not too dependent on spray coverage, besides the active ingredient is not washed away by rain. Therefore, the application does not need too often.

Local Systemic Fungicide

Local systemic fungicide absorbed by plant tissue, but not transferred to other plant parts. The active ingredient will only be absorbed into the tissue cells that are not too deep and not to go up to haul vessels.

According to its mechanism of action, fungicides were divided into two groups, namely:

Multisite inhibitors
Multisite inhibitors are fungicides that inhibit some metabolic processes of fungi. Multisite nature of this inhibitor is not easy to make fungicide resistance causing fungi. Fungicides that are multisite inhibitors (destructive in many metabolic processes) is generally broad spectrum. Examples of active ingredients is maneb, mankozeb, zineb, probineb, ziram, thiram.

Monosite Inhibitors
Monosite inhibitor also known as site specific, which is a fungicide that works by inhibiting a metabolic process of fungi, such as only inhibit protein synthesis or merely inhibit respiration. Its only work in one of these sites (narrow spectrum) lead to easy emergence of resistance of fungi. Examples of active ingredients is metalaksil, oksadisil, and benalaksil.
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Saturday, June 11, 2011

Overwatering

How to minimize and avoid them.
Overwatering, due mostly to water Orchids is very detrimental. Not only financially, but also time. What is clear with the occurence of uncontrolled " Overwatering" will cause distrubed plant growth. As a result of Overwatering on Orchid plants like rooten roots, the growth of fungi and bacteria. Anticipating high rainfall condition and the humidity is high enough to watch. Threats Overwatering must quickly overcome as solution found.

Some things happen that can minimize Overwatering :

1. Selection of type of POT should be appropriate, wear a lot of Pot holes, so that the pouring rain / watering time will be wasted directly from the pot. When you used a plastic pot, add holes and holes in addition to below can be enlarged.

2. Use planting medium that does not bind water or have a lot of drainage and aeration is good. So that the pouring rain / watering constant is not stored in the pot. Avoid the use of media Sphagnum Moss or Coconut fiber, which both have high water holding capacity. Media that can be used is Wood Charcoal or Fern.

3. Drainage and air flow in the garden should be good. In the event of rain, the water can be directly discarded completely. There are no puddles plantation house. Can be added to the fan when the air flow is poor. This will help the evaporation of the remnants of rain water.

4. To anticipate the growth of fungi and bacteria, spray regurarly once a week with fungicide and bactericide. Dose according to the ruler of the maker.

5. To avoid Overwatering incident, the maintenance of the greenhouse plastic is strongly recommended. Everything can be controlled, including the need for water. Besides the quality of flowers, generally will be better than the open garden.

Actually only one problem," WATER", but can spread and cause other problems, including disease and death. Speed and accuracy are needed to overcome this, in order to avoid greater looses. The five things above hopefully can become the rationale for you, who have a problem with Overwatering. It would be better to anticipate earlier than had already occurred further damage.
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Caring For Orchid Flower Back

At first when buying Orchids in bloom with gorgeous, but after being treated for some time, do not ever want to bloom again, and many were dead. In general, orchid lovers think that taking care of orchids is difficult, Is it really that difficult to care for orchids? What causes different orchid care for treating plants with another? Although for some people it has to be overcome, but there are still many who have difficulty in caring for orchids to bloom again.

For that we need to decompose the problem and find out the cause and provide alternative solutions. That's why this post was made. Although simple, this paper may be useful in:

1. Understanding the problems in the care of orchids.
2. Understanding the factors that affect growth and development of orchid.
3. we love to make orchids bloom again.

Mistakes in Caring for Orchids.

A. Orchid planting medium is equated with other ornamental plant growing media.
Many orchid enthusiasts equate caring for orchids with other plants, they just do watering only. Even some that such a lack of attention, watering just remembered This is due to the perception of those who thought that the orchids in the forest does not need watering and do not need to be fed. In the forest do not need to be fed and drinking caused his condition still can support the growth of orchid. Orchids grow on large trees with thick bark cavity is overgrown with moss. Moss contains microbes that can bind to the N from the air. So although not given food, but they still get it from the degradation of bark and dust and nutrient elements from the air. Similarly, the availability of water is always available with the moss and the bark cavity. Plus the appropriate environmental conditions, sunlight, humidity and wind circulated.

Another case with orchid plants grown in pots using charcoal or pieces of tile or coconut fiber. Although capable of binding a little water but no food, microbes that can bind elements of N from the air does not exist, extreme environmental conditions, strong wind, the light is too hot, high temperature, low humidity, this all makes supplied water became exhausted and lack of food, then the plant will eventually become dehydrated and suffered permanent wilting. In order to defend themselves from these conditions then orchids leaves reduce evaporation by abort, be the orchid becomes barren and quasi-living bulb stem only.

B. The roots of orchids are considered the same as other ornamental plant roots.
There orchid enthusiasts who have the wrong mindset, which he knows that charcoal or pieces of tile, or coconut fiber foods contain no or little, for it then he adds manure and compost. He forgot that the roots of orchids are different from ordinary roots of ornamental plants. The roots of the orchid is a natural root attached to the tree so that tree roots naturally orchids do not like when the pent-up media or do not like when the air circulation is poor. As with the roots of ornamental plants that are naturally able to function well in the soil. That's why when the media were given orchid mix of manure and compost, then the conditions become too tight and solid for the roots of orchids, especially if a lot of watered and moist, it will cause the roots of orchids will rot.

C. Orchid plants fertilized deemed unnecessary.
There are still many fans who just poured water orchid just for orchids, or there is also a modest provide water to wash rice, meat or sometimes laundry or given MSG, or the rest of the beverage tea. All are allowed but it is not sufficient. We must not feed the orchid only recollection and sober, but we must provide routine and regular  food in adequate amounts. What else is flowering orchid plant conditions, meaning they require food orchid plants in considerable amounts.

Nutritious food for orchids include:

1. Macro and micro nutrients contained in a complete fertilizer such as grow more, Hyponex, Gandasil etc. all the necessary nutrients in appropriate composition. And the amount that fits.
2. P element in greater numbers to support the process of flowering. This P element can be met in the form of fertilizers with high P dominance.
3. Gibberellin hormone is a hormone that play a role in the development of flowering and fruiting. The existence of this hormone is important at the time of flowering process
4. Instant energy source can be met from the organic material or energy source that many of us encounter in our lives such as: sugar, honey, palm extract, molasses, soy sauce.
5. Organic matter is a very important ingredient that will help many metabolic processes in these orchids. Can be from: young coconut water, water, juice, chlorophyll and spirulina.
6. Fish oil is a provider of fatty acids are also important in the process of plant metabolism.
7. Vitamins, especially Vitamin B1, B6 and B12 are very important in the process of cell division and organ morphogenesis processes and so on.

D. Orchid plants can be grown anywhere in the paste from under the tree.
Most orchid enthusiasts tried to put the same as in natural orchid that grows attached to the tree, and it was considered adequate for growing orchids, but not so. Orchids require specific environmental conditions to grow well.

Orchids require environmental conditions that meet their individual needs, namely:

1. Light intensity 60-80%, for that indeed can be placed under a shaded tree about 40-20%, or we can also use paranet with the appropriate density. But there is another factor of the rays are much forgotten by fans of orchids, namely the length of exposure (exposure duration). The duration of exposure required is about 12 hours. For that it should really be put in place that is open but given paranet. While at home  conditions, duration of exposure is often lacking. The sun is often started on orchids after hours of 10 and had obstructed a neighbor's house around 4 pm, so practically only get the light just 6 hours, that is definitely lacking. Alternatively we can do is to provide artificial illumination with a lamp. In fact we can create environmental conditions that we want the light beam that is required is equivalent to 40 watt fluorescent lamp with a distance of 30-40 cm. We can add the length of the light deficiency by providing the fluorescent lamp.

2. A good temperature is around 25-28 o C, it is very influential on the speed of metabolism in these orchids. If too high it will proceed fast metabolism will cause the depletion of energy and not balanced with the need for light and food ingredients that are available.

3. Humidity is needed about 60 -90% .. It is important to keep moisture from the roots and leaves of orchids. However, that need attention in these high humidity conditions, the air circulation is very important.

4. Circulation of air / wind plays an important role in the process (evapotranspiration), which play a role transporting foodstuffs from the root to the leaves. And this circulation does not play a role for microbial population explosion due to high humidity.

5. The availability of continuous water but not wet, and muddy. That's why the media need to be in cut orchids or big hollow blob media so that good air circulation but on the sidelines of the media are still able to hold water so that the presence of water can be better maintained.

Treating Techniques Orchids To Flower Back.

1. Placement Orchid.

Place the orchid in place in accordance with their needs. If we do not have a suitable venue then we can modify it to suit the needs of the environment.

Above all is the problem of lack of light, in this case is a matter of the length of exposure. Tips can make the transfer pot is adjusted to a sunny location in one day, but this requires a fairly intensive attention. Another way is to install lights for this plant. For money we spent in accordance with the value we want then we can put a few orchid plants on a single lamp.

The length of adjustable lighting installation needs a few hours then when shortages we can add the amount of the deficiency. Or it could be full of orchids we replace the need for light with a lamp. This is when the objective is the orchid is indeed about to be placed in the house permanently, so we also get to enjoy the benefits of beautiful orchid flowers in the house.

Conditioning not only on light but also on the humidity, we could put a Smoker or if there is no fine sprayer can be turned on by timers, so that moisture can be better maintained.

Similarly, we can use wind circulation fan of small computers that we attach so as to produce subtle but still there is wind, it is very important for plant transpiration.

Food can we give to the drip irrigation system to guarantee will not be short. To this we can make it by making the infusion system. Food infuse our input on the bottle or water bottle batteries are small holes connected with a hose end of the flute aerator for fish tank and a hose clamp end of the flute was given to control the speed of droplets that come out of the interval.

2. Feeding.

Provide adequate food and nutrition in terms of completeness in number. To that end so that growth can flourish and bloom again it needs to be given:

a. Fertilizer complete macro and micro nutrients (such as Gandasil, grow more, Hyponex etc.) with the recommended dose. Fertilizing is done at intervals of every day.
b. Vitamin B1 5 mg / l, B6 3 ml / l and B12 3 mg / l given 2 days. Sprayed throughout the plant.
c. The hormone gibberellin 2 mg / l given 2 days once sprayed throughout orchids
d. Fish oil at a dose of 1 ml / l is given once a week sprayed to the roots only.
e. When the media is mixed with mos or coconut fiber (so as not to spill through the sidelines of the media is very hollow that we can provide granular fertilizer Dekastar to ensure that the orchid will not be shortage of food.
f. For orchids that are in the process of flowering can grow large and long lasting then we can give a mixture of B1 5 mg / l, water, sugar 30 g / l and gibberellin 2 mg / l. sprayed on the roots. Spraying can be done once day for the orchid is still blooming.

3. Replace Pot

Changing Pot, aims to move the orchids to a bigger pot so the roots can hold well and can absorb the food with the optimal. Often for the orchids that have been growing for some time, the roots have started to come out of the pots and hanging. For some specific types such as Vanda does not matter, but in the orchid Dendrobium should be transfer to larger pots with planting medium more enough, so that the orchid can grow better in accordance with the size is getting bigger.

There are some orchid fans the wrong perception by the roots of this orchid. Maybe because that person wanted to look nice and neat flowered orchid, so the roots are cut out so that nothing is sticking out, ugly seem reasons. This is not good for orchids, orchid Because it will cause stress even chance of developing the disease with a wound in the roots. move to a larger pot with good quality then it will look good and still blooming with beautiful.

Moving into a larger pot is related to the ability to absorb food in, the ability to retain moisture around the roots, the ability to grow a better place is not crowded enough.

4. Do not Make Sorting (Split) Clumps If Want to Keep Flower.

Some fans orchid orchid cultivation purpose mortar mix. For example, on one hand he wants to keep flowering orchid beautiful, but on the other hand he wants to be a lot of orchids, we perform the sorting clump (split). Yet with done sorting this family of orchids will cause longer to flowering. This is due to changes in physiological systems relating to the availability of food reserves, changes in hormonal system dominance in these orchids.

Therefore, if we wish we still blooming orchids so let it grow thick clumps, which is important we can provide optimal feeding and assisted by the hormone gibberellin then repeat blooming orchids will be able to properly every time you grow a new bulb, or each time a sufficient food reserve for flowering.

5. Genetic segregation for each section consisting of at least 6 bulbs.

Orchid is already very dense, then we must still provide an adequate place to grow a bigger pot. And to create a lush flower (flowering once composed a few flowers, then we can do the cutting grove but still let each part into position, remain still in one pot. This makes the roots are not damaged so as not to experience stress

By doing this family separation occurs physiologically, the segregation of individuals in every part of the grove, each of which will grow new shoots which in turn can generate interest. If we can sort into 4 sections, for example, then there is a possibility later on, once there are 4 flowers will bloom all at once.

For orchid plants that are old this is important to note is the dominance in these plants must domination hormone gibberellin and cytokinin. Therefore, we can add the combined Giberelin 8 mg / l and cytokinin 2 mg / l and auxin 0.5 mg / l. besides providing vitamins, fish oil and meal should be sufficient or  arguably quite a lot. We can provide Dekastar in the medium in considerable amounts. So your orchid will bloom lush and healthy.
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