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 Introduction |
| Apollo, our Phalaenopsis young plant production site, is located at a tropical highland area in Vietnam with a stable climate through out the year. While utilizing greenhouse facilities, it is easy to control a suitable microclimate for Phalaenopsis young plant growth and maintain a excellent quality of young plants. With numerous of trials and observations, we have established a cultivation model and production schedule suitable for the local climate and environment. This way, we are able to control the production to ensure the quality, quantity and stability. Our clients are very satisfied with our product quality. Following is a brief outline of our Phalaenopsis young plant cultivation techniques. These techniques are only applicable to Apollo production site. Base upon different climates, a localized cultivation method may apply. We are also able to offer technical support for any questions in young plant cultivation. |
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| Temperature |
| During cultivation stage, the temperature is set at 25 C or above during 1.7” and 2.5” pots. For 3.5” pots, the temperature is maintained at 27C or above in order to prevent from early spike induction which would cause different timing in flowering. |
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| Light Intensity |
| In order to produce young plants with strong healthy leaves, with light-green and yellow-green leaf color, each stage we have set up a particular light intensity. |
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For 1.7” and 2.5”, the light intensity for de-flasked young plants is between 3,000 to 5,000 lux according to the young plant condition. After a period, it will increase to 5,000 to 8,000 lux (PAR 100 – 150 umol/m2.s.) |
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For 3.5” pots, the light intensity will be around 8,000 to 20,000 lux (PAR 150-350 umole/m2.s.) |
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| Relative Humidity |
| The relative humidity in the greenhouse during daytime can be as low as 50%. Phalaenopsis belongs to the CAM plant family with the characteristics of stomata close during the day time and open at night time. The plant will not be impact by the low humidity in the greenhouse during the day. At night, the relative humidity needs to be controlled between 70-80%, this benefits the plant growth and disease control. |
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| Medium |
| During 1.7” stage, the sphagnum moss is used to preserve moisture and for root initial development. For 2.5” and 3.5” stage, the roots are already developed into a strong root system, too much moisturize can damage root system. Therefore, bark with good air ventilation and water drainage is used. The bark is also mixed with small sphagnum moss pieces to maintain the moisture and fertilizer. |
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| Irrigation |
| With the automatic irrigation system replacing manpower watering, it improves the irrigation efficiency and even water distribution among the plants. Irrigation frequency is decided upon the climate and plant growth condition. We water about every 7 to 10 days. At initial cultivation period, medium is recommended to be slightly wet not damp. It is advised to apply less dosage during each watering and multiple times to enhance root induction. |
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| Fertilizer |
| We use Peters 20-20-20 All Purpose fertilizer with extra iron, calcium, magnesium, and boron. The fertilizer concentration will be adjusted during each stage of growth. |
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During 1.7” stage, we apply low concentration fertilizer with 40 to 50 ppm nitrogen to enhance root system development. |
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After transplant into 3” pots, the nitrogen concentration will increase to 70 to100 ppm. |
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At 5” pot, the nitrogen concentration increases to 150 to 200 ppm. |
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