Growing the Gadener's Pride

Every time I go to a nursery, I’m charmed by the beautiful and vibrant orchids. It is an esteemed flower, both a gardener’s pride and challenge. Recently I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Madhusudan, the Technical Manager of the Orchid and Succulents division at INDAM nursery. He willingly shared his knowledge on how to properly cultivate these plants. I've summarized the key insights from our conversation so that we can all grow orchids with more confidence.

Orchids have unique environmental requirements that differ from many of our other plants. They require high humidity levels and diffused sunlight to thrive. According to Dr. Madhusudan, the key to successfully growing orchids is understanding their natural habitat. Orchids are native to the tropics and subtropics, where they flourish in warm, humid environments. Cool-growing orchid species, such as Miltoniopsis, originate from high-altitude, cloud-covered forest environments. In contrast, intermediate-growing orchids, like Cattleya, are found naturally in subtropical climates, adapted to warmer but not overly hot temperatures. Warm-growing orchids, including Vanda, come from the steamy, moisture-rich rainforests at or near sea level. These orchids require consistently warm, humid conditions to flourish. What remains constant for all orchids is humidity, without which they will die.

If you wish to grow an Orchid garden, dedicate a space for them. Here are the things that you need to do. Cover the space with a green net to trap sunlight, add misty water sprayers, and provide good air circulation which will pump up the humidity. You can also use pebble trays or place the plants near a small water feature like a fountain. A relatively stable temperature range is essential for orchids to develop well whether they're cultivated indoors or in a greenhouse setting. Also, avoid positioning them in strong air drafts or air-conditioned rooms.

Many orchids find home when mounted on wooden planks or tree bark, which provides ideal aeration and drainage for their roots. When potting, use a well-draining medium like one formulated specifically for epiphytic orchids. Orchid placement is also crucial - orient them towards the east or north to provide the appropriate light levels.

Once you have a set up ready, select the right plant. Here are some points to look out for while buying orchids. Buy from authentic sellers who are a trusted supplier and source of guidance for home orchid growers. Check the tag or label for the orchid's species name, native habitat, and optimal growing conditions - this knowledge will guide your care strategy.

If you are a beginner, Dr Madhusudan recommends growing simple ones like Phalaenopsis or Dendrobium because they adapt quickly to subtle changes. Look for orchids with bright, non-drooping leaves and healthy roots free of rot. Avoid any plants showing signs of disease like spots or sogginess. The orchid should be in an active growth phase, with fresh leaves. If buying a blooming plant, choose one with a few unopened flower buds.

When you bring a new orchid home, it's best to keep it isolated for a few days before introducing it to your existing collection. This quarantine period can prevent the spread of any disease or pests. Orchids require regular fertilization with both macro and micronutrients to stay healthy. A well-scheduled feeding regimen is essential. Additionally, preventative treatment with pesticides and fungicides can ward off common issues.

Orchid blooms stay for nearly two to four months in a year. When the flowers are nearing their blooming phase, cut the spent blooms to redirect the plant's energy into producing new leaves rather than maintaining the old flowers. This helps delay leaf yellowing and drying.

Orchids prefer a fine mist of water. If growing in pots, you can dunk the entire plant, but ensure the water drains completely and doesn't stagnate. Avoid sharing this water between different orchids to prevent disease transmission. For orchids growing on barks and wooden planks, throw a mug of water aimed at the roots.

Orchids can be long-lived, perennial plants. As they mature, they'll develop more branches and flower spikes. You might become a successful Orchid

parent if you follow the right care and conditions. I picked up a Phalaenopsis after the interview and is now growing on the bark of a tree. Dr Madhusudan also spoke about cacti and succulents, which I will summarize in the next column.

Happy Gardening from the Orchid family. This was originally published in Deccan Herald in the June issue of Arts and Pursuits. I have included the name of Dr Madhusudan from INDAM nursery with whom I had this interesting converation.

Simplifying life is a complicated process

Lately, I've found myself slowing down, and cooking has been consuming more of my time and energy than I'd like. The daily grind of food preparation was taking its toll, leaving little time for myself. Most of my friends have hired cooks to help them out, but I had always believed in cooking my own food. It was a point of pride for me, really. Finally, I decided to take the plunge, hoping to reclaim some precious "me" time and ensure my family still enjoyed some"new" meals. I then hired a cook who was working in the neighborhood. The cook, let me call her "L", started working for us about a few weeks ago. In a week I realised that L is very quick. It didn't take long before I noticed her extraordinary efficiency. I was surprised by her ability to prepare four different dishes in an hour, which would normally take me twice as long. I couldn't help but admire her skills. Her laser-like focus was particularly striking. When I cook, I would get sidetracked by a variety of duties - jotting down grocery lists, doing laundry, strolling in the garden collecting herbs and find something fascinating to be photographed, then racing back to check on cooking, scribbling down random thoughts, or answering the door - she was the picture of concentration. L would arrive, work her culinary magic with astonishing speed and accuracy, then leave without a fuss. It was like seeing a well tuned machine in motion. While L's efficiency is inspiring, there are also disaster days. Let me recount one such culinary misadventure - the infamous Upma Saga. It happened on an ordinary Wednesday morning. Our usual dosa batter supply had run out, so I asked L to prepare some MTR's readymade vermicelli upma for Amma, our sole breakfast eater at home. It is a simple enough dish, right? After her morning rituals and prayers, my hunger piqued amma, wandered into the kitchen and lifted the lid of our banali (that's Kannada for wok). What she saw prompted an immediate call: "Subha, come and look at this!" I hurried over. The sight that greeted me was more suited to a geology exhibit than a breakfast dish. In the banali lay clumps of white and yellow vermicelli, raw and undercooked, clinging together with mustards and urad dal like crystals on a rock face. The curry leaves popped up like cactus on a dry desert. Amma's culinary expertise came to our rescue. She set about salvaging the breakfast by shaping the vermicelli lumps into balls, and steam cooking them. She managed to transform the dish from inedible to palatable in half an hour. Phew! There is also a story of potato masala which is for another day. But what prompted this writing was today morning's adventure. I asked L to make vegetable rice using basmati grains. As usual she was done in a jiffy, and showed me the cooked rice in the cooker. It looked picture-perfect until amma tasted it later. It was crunchier than al dente pasta. She had also cooked some fire-breathing saagu that had me chugging water like I was lost in the Sahara. So there I was, still in the kitchen, fixing undercooked rice and taming spice levels. My plan for more free time? Well, it is turning into a different kind of juggling act. While having a cook has somewhat eased my morning rush, ensuring edible meals has become a task in itself. It's ironic how attempts to simplify our lives often lead to new complications, isn't it?

The Art of Nurturing Prickly Beauties

This is the concluding part of the two part series. The first part on Orchids can be found here. with generous inputs from Dr Madhusudan, Indo-American Hybrid Nursery.

Brahma Kamalam- Epiphyllum oxypetalum

Succulents and cacti offer a diverse palette of textures and forms that challenge our expectations of greenery. I remember being astonished when my friend showed me a

tray of Lithops - succulents that look like pebbles. For a fleeting moment, I thought I was being shown well-crafted pastries until I was told they were plants. That sense of wonder struck again when I learned that the locally called Brahma Kamala, known for its beautiful fragrant flowers is actually a cactus, Epiphyllum oxypetalum. It has numerous long, flat, leaf-like structures called cladodes from which the flowers bloom. Unlike typical cacti, it doesn't have spines. The sensational fragrant flowers open late in the evening and close in the morning. (Note: The original Brahma Kamala, Saussurea obvallata, belongs to the Asteraceae and is the state flower of Uttarakhand.)

Moon Cactus- Gymnocalycium Stenopleurum

These fascinating plants like the Lithops and Epiphyllum oxypetalum, are just a small sample of the diverse world of succulents and cacti. Cacti, primarily native to the Americas, are a specific family of succulents with unique features like areoles—structures from which their characteristic spines and flowers grow. While all cacti are succulents, the broader category of succulents extends far beyond cacti, with representatives found worldwide.

Both groups have evolved remarkable strategies to thrive in arid environments where rain might not fall for years, with their plump leaves and stems holding onto every drop of moisture. The spines serve as protection against thirsty animals and birds. When the rains finally arrive, these plants spring into action, drinking deeply and erupting in a brief but spectacular display of life and color.

If you are a beginner, understanding the importance of soil composition is important when growing succulents and cacti in containers. Be cautious with watering, as overwatering is a common pitfall. These plants prosper in well-draining, aerated mediums that prevent water-logging. A good potting mix consists of nutrient-rich soil combined with gravel and perlite in a 2:1:1 ratio. This combination promotes drainage and aeration while helping retain nutrients without accumulating moisture.

Echeveria Elegans

Succulents and cacti typically have shallow roots, so they do well in wide, shallow containers rather than deep pots. Before adding these plants to your collection, research their specific needs regarding sunlight, water, and dormant seasons. When planting directly in soil, choose a location that suits their sunlight requirements and is away from high-traffic areas. Cacti spines can be numerous and painful if touched, and some species produce harmful milky sap. Some succulents or cacti that can’t tolerate full sun may perform well under a shrub or in partially shaded areas.

Indoors, cacti and succulents flourish in a light, airy environment with proper ventilation. Place succulents and cacti in areas with indirect sunlight and good air circulation. Good airflow helps maintain the dry conditions these plants prefer and prevents potential issues caused by excess moisture. Protect them from air conditioners and extreme heat sources. Closed windows, especially during hot afternoons, can trap humidity, which these desert-adapted species poorly tolerate. Regular application of insecticide keeps pests like mealybugs and aphids at bay.

Cacti and succulents have distinct phases of activity and dormancy. The active period is characterized by new leaves and a more vibrant appearance, while dormancy is indicated by a halt in development. During their active phase, they require regular watering, pruning, and feeding with NPK fertilizer that has high phosphorous content. In dormancy, keep them in a sunny, airy place, while avoid watering, pruning, or fertilizing.

Different species have varied active periods, with some flourishing in warm months and others in cooler times. For example, cacti such as _Echinopsis, Mammillaria,_ and _Rebutia,_ and succulents such as _Aloe, Sedum,_ and _Haworthia _flower and grow actively in the warmer months, then enter dormancy during winter. Conversely, some cacti, including _Schlumbergera (Christmas Cactus), Rhipsalidopsis (Easter Cactus), Ariocarpus,_ and succulents like _Kalanchoe, Aeonium,_ are dormant during the summer months and active in rainy and winter months.

The blooming of a cactus is a marvel to behold, as delicate beautiful flowers emerge from plants. It feels like there is a hidden gentleness within those harsh spines. To me, succulents and cacti are the ultimate optimists of the botanical world and serve as a powerful reminder of life's capacity to flourish even in the face of adversity. Until next time, Happy Gardening. This article originally appeared in Deccan Herald on 28th July 2024.