The orchid family includes close to 30,000 species, and more than 70,000 hybrids (also known as cultivars.) South America is especially rich in wild orchids, but orchids can be found almost anywhere in world, except the polar regions.
The largest number, and often the most popular, come from Asia. This is the home of the striking Venus Slipper.
New types of orchids are found regularly in that area of the world. Just recently, scientists working for the conservation entity WWF in Papua New Guinea discovered 8 new orchid species. They have come across a further 20 new plants, which have not been
classified, but more new orchids are certainly in the lot.
Pointers
Choose hybrids rather than wild species.
Make sure they get fresh air now and then, but don't leave them in a draughty spot.
Keep fruit bowls away from orchids because the gas released by apples, bananas and other fruits makes the buds and flowers drop.
Use only food or fertilisers made specially for orchids, and only apply when the orchid is in active growth.
Create a microclimate that will suit your orchids by grouping them with other plants that like the same conditions, such as bromeliads and ferns.
Give orchids bright light but not hot sun, and humidity levels of around 65 per cent. When it's sunny outside, the indoor plants like being misted.
Contributed
Newspaper as mulch
Using newspapers as a mulch is simple,
inexpensive and rather effective around ornamental plants. The procedure is simple. Spread a layer of newspaper a few pages thick on freshly-raked ground around your ornamental plants and wet it thoroughly with a garden hose, then cover with a layer of dirt or organic mulch. The newspaper will help prevent weeds from emerging, and as it decomposes it will add nutrients to the soil.
NOTE: Better be on the safe side and don't use newspaper pages on the compost pile. Indeed, the ink contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which may make the compost unsafe for growing food plants. Use the paper for ORNAMENTAL plants only.
Rita Elliott
