36th Issue Vol. 4 No.

ISSN 2094-1765

September 2011

PLANT WINNERS OF THIS SEASONS ORCHID MIDYEAR SHOW

by Norby Bautista The Philippine Orchid Society has successfully staged their 65th Mid-Year Orchid and Garden Show at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Diliman, Quezon City, which were visited by thousands of orchid enthusiasts and plant lovers last August 25 September 5, 2011. With the theme Green Living with Orchids, the society promoted environment-friendly ways of gardening and orchid growing. As this seasons show was in celebration of the blooming season of our very own Vanda sanderiana or the majestic Waling-Waling orchid, one orchid category was devoted for this unique orchid. A part of the Quezon Memorial Circle Park facing the Commonwealth Avenue was transformed into a tropical paradise showcasing the best of this seasons blooming orchids.

Vanda sanderiana alba

Trichoglottis brachiata

Phalaenopsis Sogo Yukidian 'V3'

Oncidium leucochilum

A tropical Zen Waterfall garden and Dishgarden exhibit by Mr. Serapion Metilla 2

A landscape exhibit by Manuel and Susan Lee

Best Landscape Exhibit by Malvarosa Orchids

3

Epiphyllum floribundum

Dendrobium UH 800 X 306 X KB White

Brassocattleya Mount Hoos Delco Point

Aerides lawrenceae

The plant winners of this show were: (1) Best in Show - Vanda sanderiana 'alba' exhibited by Arid & Aroids; (2) Best Philippine Species - Aerides lawrenceae exhibited by Vangie Go; (3) Best Orchid Exhibit - exhibited by Malvarosa Orchids / Atty. Nani Perez; (4) Best Cattleya - Brassocattleya Mount Hoos Delco Point exhibited by Malvarosa Orchids / Atty. Nani Perez; (5) Best Dendrobium - Dendrobium UH 800 X 306 X KB White exhibited by VS Orchids / Mark Spowart; (6) Best Other Genera - Epiphyllum floribundum - exhibited by Vangie Go; (7) Best Orchid Showcase - Exhibited by Manuel & Susan Lee;.(8) Best Ornamental Exhibit - Exhibited by Mett's Plant Arts Shop; (9) Best Oncidium - Oncidium leucochilum - exhibited by Purificacion Orchids; (10) Best Phalaenopsis - Phalaenopsis Sogo Yukidian 'V3' - exhibited by Purificacion Orchids; and (11) Best Other Genera - Monopodial Orchid - Trichoglottis brachiata - exhibited by Purificacion Orchids. Most of the visitors enjoyed the show, especially the tips they have learned from the lectures and plant raffles. A lot of plant collectors, usually coming from the provinces, were able to purchase and bring home their new and prized plant collections. With the success of this seasons orchid show, the society is now gearing for a bigger show this coming 2012 the 3rd FLORA FILIPINA INTERNATIONAL EXPO, which will be held on February 24 March 5, 2012.

HANGING STRAWBERRY IN ISRAEL

Verman Reyes (Rarefruit Network of the Philippines)

Here is one example of horticultural technology which we can adapt here in the Philippines when growing crops inside the greenhouse. Israeli farmers do fantastic techniques in growing their crops, not only for maximum yields but also for their superior quality.

In some farms, instead of growing the strawberry in plots in the ground, they produce them on narrow platforms five feet or so above the ground. The plants are grown in containers that are provided with well drained growing media inside the greenhouse. They are watered and fertilized by means of drip irrigation (fertigation). The big advantage is that the plants don't have to be sprayed with chemical pesticide because they are grown inside the greenhouse. The fruits are very clean, and harvesting is very convenient. Take a look at the profuse fruiting of the plants at left. That is the result of providing just the right kind and right amount of fertilizer. If the water is saline, it has to be desalinated to produce healthy plants. Clean culture is very important to meet the requirements of importing countries, particularly those in Europe.

Notice how clean and insect /disease free the strawberry fruits are. Interested individuals could join the Rarefruit Network of the Philippines discussion forum by sending an email to : rarefruit-ph@yahoogroups.com .

GROWING THE STICKBUSH

An interesting fragrant plant is the Stickbush or scientifically known as Clerodendrum philippinum Schauer which belongs to the Verbenaceae plant family. It has tight clusters of white bouquet like blooms and are highly fragrant. The plant originated from Japan and China and has become a popular potted plant both local and abroad. It is commonly cultivated as a potted indoor plant.

This beautiful shrub that can grow to a height of about 4 to 6 feet. with cordate downy green leaves, flowering in tight clusters in the stem tips, and each flower is like a tiny rose or rosebud. The flowers are very highly fragrant at sundown. This tropical plant is very easy to grow and bloom. It thrives in full sun, and can tolerate filtered or partial shade. It prefers regular watering and high humidity (about 50%) though could easily thrive on a drier condition. It prefers a warm to semi-cool temperature, but would not survive in freezing temperatures. It grows well in containers. Since it can grow into a large plant, a pot size of about 1-2 feet in diameter or larger is recommended. Use a fertile loamy soil to provide the plant with enough nourishment. A minimal application of complete fertilizer, about half teaspoon dissolved in a gallon of water is applied once every two months. Do not over fertilize as the plant will grow more leafy than flowers. Plants with flowers can be displayed inside the home or office, in order to enjoy the fragrant blooms. The plant is also an ever-bloomer and its blooming time can be programmed as the plant responds to short-day photoperiods. In order to bloom, place plants in a area where it will be provided with a longer period of darkness (about 16 hours) everyday for 2 months, and a daily light of 8 hours. In nature, it usually blooms during February to March, when it is exposed to short day periods and cooler temperatures. The plant is susceptible to insect pests like mites, aphids and other sucking insects. Regularly check underside of leaves and spray insecticides if infestations arises. Separate diseased plants from healthy ones. The plant needs regular pruning as it can become a very large plant over one growing season. Also, the plant easily propagates itself, and thus could become wild and weed-like if unchecked.. Plants are best pruned after flowering time. The plant is easily propagated by root runners, and cuttings. The plant is an ideal botanical garden plant as it attracts birds, bees and butterflies.

The Urban Gardener is an official electronic publication (in PDF Format) of the Plant Biotechnology Project, Research & Development Center, Rizal Technological University, Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Philippines. It is published monthly. For more information, please inquire thru email: rdc_rtu@yahoo.com or plantbiotech_rtu@yahoo.com and landline (+632) 534-8267 Local 135 or Fax (+632) 534-9710. Edited by N.R. Bautista September 2011
The Plant Biotechnology Project Committee is composed of: Alexander B. Quilang, Norberto R. Bautista, & Jovita A. Anit.