Course CodeBHT232Fee CodeS2Duration (approx)100 hoursQualificationStatement of Attainment Learn Where, When and What Orchid To Grow: Get involved and follow a passion Orchids are a popular hobby plant often providing a challenging occupation, but the unusual flowers reward your effort well. Learn what orchids are all about. Learn to improve your results and grow flowers which will be the envy of all who see them. Study many of the major orchid genera in depth including Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Cattleya, Vanda and others. Lesson Structure There are 8 lessons in this course: Introduction Introduction to Orchid Species Plant Names and the System for Naming Orchids Orchid sub families and tribes Plant Name Pronunciation Orchid Plant structure. Resources Terminology Culture Overview of Growing Orchids Guidelines; temperature, light, humidity, ventilation, watering, feeding, potting mixes Growing Cattleyas Substrates for Geophytes and Epiphytes Understanding Soils; texture, pH, nutrient availability, fertility, Mycorrhyza and Orchids Propagating and Potting Media Nutrients and Nutrition Plant Health; orchid pests, orchid diseases, other problems Pruning Orchids Watering Orchids Propagation Sexual vs. asexual propagation Asexual Propagating sympodial Orchids Asexual Propagation of Monopodial Epiphytes Aerial Offset Propagation (Keikis) Propagating Orchids by Seed Hybrid Seed Production Harvesting Orchid Seed Flasking Method of Seed Sowing Tissue (Meristem) Culture of Orchids Propagation Equipment; greenhouses, hotbeds, cold frames, mist systems, Fluro light boxes, etc Cymbidiums And Dendrobiums. Cymbidium culture Dendrobium Types -soft cane, hard cane, black haired Dendrobium Culture Dendrobium species Cattleyas, Vandas And Other Commonly Grown Orchids. Cattleya varieties and culture Vandas; main species and culture Odontoglossum Oncidium -types (climbing and spreading), culture Paphiopedalum (Slipper Orchids) Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids) Pleione (Indian Crocus) Crucifix Orchids (Epidendrum) Australian Native Orchids. Endemic, naturalised and indigenous plants Problem Based Learning Project, with the following Learning Outcomes: Determine which species of orchids are most commonly sold in your locality. Determine orchid varieties which are being grown in your locality Determine any orchid genera suited to growing in a warm climate. Growing Orchids: Commercial and general uses Cut Flower Production Basket Plants Epiphytes Review of Orchid Genera for Cut Flower Production Environmental Requirements for many significant orchid genera Vanilla Bean Culture and Production Greenhouse Management for Orchids Harvest and Special Project On One Group Of Orchids. Crop Scheduling; Writing a schedule for production of an Orchid Crop Harvest and Post Harvest of Selected Orchid Cut Flowers; bud opening, transport, storing flowers, etc Cattleya, Cymbidium, Dendrobium Aims Understand the system of plant classification and naming Gain an insight into the appropriate way to grow a range of different orchid species. Understand common methods of Orchid Propagation Understand the basics of the structure, taxonomy and culture of Cymbidiums and Dendrobiums Learn about some of the more commonly grown orchids apart from Dendrobiums and Cattleyas Learn about orchids native to your locality Understand a range of alternative ways in which to grow orchids Research two commercial orchid growing establishments Introduction To Growing Orchids by JOHN MASON, Principal of ACS, Fellow Institute of Horticulture (UK), Fellow Australian Institute of Horticulture, author "Growing Orchids (published by Hyland House) If you choose the appropriate orchids for your locality, they are very easy plants to grow, often requiring very little attention once established in a suitable position. This doesn't mean they will grow better if neglected, but they will often survive neglect better than many other types of plants. The best way to know how to grow a particular orchid is to look at its natural habitat, and try to recreate similar conditions. In cool areas most species will need protection from extreme cold, and in hot climates protection from direct sunlight is essential. For this reason, shade houses and well ventilated greenhouses are frequently used for orchid growing. In cooler climates Cymbidiums, Dendrobiums, Pleonies and some of the Australian native orchids will grow easily. In warmer climates Dendrobiums and Cattleyas are good orchids for the beginner. There are between 20,000 and 30,000 orchid species known to man, coming from almost every corner of the world (except for very arid desert areas and the artic and Antarctic). Many, particularly tropical species, are epiphytic (i.e. growing on other plants but not deriving nutrition from those plants), others are lithophytes (i.e. grow on rocks which are usually well matted in organic matter), while others, mostly cool climate species, grow in the soil (ie. terrestrial). Some have very small, short lived flowers which easily go unnoticed, while others have large flowers or flower stems which continue to give colour for up to two months. I think every greenhouse, even if growing vegetables, should have at least one orchid. You don't have to mix special fertilisers. Just use the general fertiliser used for the vegetables. I once grew an orchid over the horizontal cooler pad in a greenhouse with 1200 tomato plants. The orchid got too much sun, was fed the regular nutrient solution for tomatoes and did not get proper air circulation because of its location but it did beautifully. The leaves were a yellowish colour instead of a bright green but the plant grew very well. There are complete books on orchids for dedicated growers. I will give you some tips on how to get started with no special knowledge and have a lot of fun. It was once thought that all orchids came from the tropics and needed heat, humidity and shade. This is not true. Orchids come from all parts of the world and even in the tropics orchids are most often found growing in tree tops where there is constant movement of air and quite a bit or sunshine. Orchid flowers are produced in all colours of the rainbow. White, green and brown are among the most common colours. There are some deep purple colours that look almost black. If you choose the appropriate orchids for your locality, they are very easy plants to grow, often requiring very little attention once established in a suitable position. This doesn't mean they will grow better if neglected, but they will often survive neglect better than many other types of plants. The best way to know how to grow a particular orchid is to look at its natural habitat, and try to recreate similar conditions. In cool areas most species will need protection from extreme cold, and in hot climates protection from direct sunlight is essential. For this reason, shade houses and well ventilated greenhouses are frequently used for orchid growing. In cooler climates Cymbidiums, Dendrobiums, Pleonies and some of the Australian native orchids will grow easily. In warmer climates Dendrobiums and Cattleyas are good orchids for the beginner. Suggested Reading Orchids 2nd edition by John Mason - ebook click for details Follow this link for more information on a great introductory book on Orchids by our Principal Who Will Benefit From This Course? Those looking to set up a greenhouse for orchid growing Those looking to start a business in this field Those working in the orchid growing trade and need more knowledge Hobbyists and orchid enthusiasts HOW TO ENROL Click box below on left hand side - follow instructions. IF YOU NEED ADVICE - click here to use our FREE ADVISORY SERVICE