| Rest Periods..... |
| Email me ....Macara@xtra.co.nz |
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| How frequently do we hear the more experienced among us referring to “resting” orchids, or providing a “rest period”? This is a subject that to many of us is quite confusing, knowing exactly when to carry out this resting process, for how long & to which plants. As with most aspects of orchid culture there is no real hard & fast guidelines to go by as the “resting period” can vary quite considerably between different genera & can be from little or no rest, through to periods of several weeks. Let’s firstly look at why certain plants require a rest period. The rest period generally coincides with the winter period in the plants natural habitat, & in a lot of cases this means that the temperature becomes cooler but conditions also become drier (hence the summers are the reverse, being generally warm & very humid & damp). The plants that inhabit these areas tend to slow their growth during this time & because the trees that provided shade to the orchids during the warm & bright damp summer also slow down their growth they loose their leaves & the orchids are exposed to full light during those winter months. One of the easiest indications that it is time to start slowing down your watering is the leaves of deciduous type genera start to yellow, usually early autumn, another indication can be seen in plants that have aerials type roots, you will notice that the usually green growing tip of the root is either fully or partially enveloped by the velamen (the outer layer of absorbent cells that surrounds the root itself). This happens for two reasons, firstly to protect the tender growing area of the root from the harsh effects of the approaching winter, & secondly from any possible physical damage (the winter environment can be very unfriendly, with falling twigs etc. ). Now as you ease back on the watering it is important that the amount of light the plant receives is increased, either by moving the plant into a lighter position or by removing some of that summer shading etc. It is not only deciduous orchids that have a rest period however, but it is harder to tell with the ever-greens, or more correctly, orchids plants that retain their foliage for several growing seasons. Root activity, or the lack there of is the best indicator in these plants, but as this is not always easily seen you must be very careful. Too much water is likely to set off rotting, while too little water s likely to cause withering of the pseudobulbs & desiccation (drying out, or lankness) of the leaves, as long as you are observant, this desiccation can be quickly corrected. Usually with the evergreens, if you notice the leaves becoming lank or if the leaves start to take on a bluish tinge watering should be commenced immediately or there is a real danger that permanent tissue danger will occur. The duration of the rest period can also vary widely, but the end of a rest period will be indicated by the roots with the emergence of the fresh green growing tip, or in the very least the appearance of a new growth shoot or two from the base of the plant. This is the time to start up a full watering & feeding regime. Now as I mentioned earlier, there are no hard & fast rules but remember, if you have any doubts or queries, ask at the club meetings or even give one of our more experienced members a ring. You’ll find that they are only too willing to help in whatever way they can, & if they don’t have the answers you need they will soon point you in the direction of someone who can be of assistance. |