9 Production Technology of Commercial Epiphytic Orchids For
9 Production Technology of Commercial Epiphytic Orchids for Cut flowers The term “Cut flowers” refers to blossoms or flower buds that are cut with branches, leaves and stems. Fresh cut flowers are highly perishable because they maintain only limited life supporting processes by absorbing water through their stems. They are used for bouquet preparation, decorations, vase arrangements; designs for weddings and funerals; gifts on occasions; informal display to beautify home and public places. Cut flowers are the most important floricultural products in the international flower trade. The most traded flower crops include roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, dahlia, gerbera, gladiolus, gypsophila, liatris, nerine, orchids, poinsettias, achillea, anthur- ium, tulips and lilies. These flowers are cultivated in open fields or protected structure. Epiphytes grow on trees or other objects above ground level, but they do not act as parasites. Plants living epiphytically in a tropical rain forest face better light con- ditions than plants living on the ground level. On top of that, epiphytes are more easily pollinated by flying pollinators. The roots of an epiphyte are developed for a life above soil. For example, they need high air humidity since they often are forced to take most of their water from the air. Together with epiphytic ferns and bromelias, orchids grow and flower on tropical trees. Many orchids growing ‘with’ a tree have adapted very precisely to the tree’s ‘behaviour’. For example, when the tree drops its leaves to a period of rest, the orchid does the same thing. 9.1 Cymbidium (Orchidaceae) 9.1.1 Introduction Cymbidiums are among the most popular winter and spring blooming semi-terrestrial orchids and originated from tropical and subtropical Asia.
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