- origin
- blossom
- fruit
- leaves
- growth
- Is Farm Orchid Poisonous?
- use
- Which location is suitable?
- What soil does the plant need?
- sowing
- What is the best planting time?
- The right planting distance
- balcony
- In the greenhouse
- Peasant orchid in a pot
- Propagating farmer's orchid
- Pruning farm orchid correctly
- Fertilize farm orchids properly
- Water the farmer's orchid
- pricking
- fungus
- pests
- hardy
- sorts
The farmer's orchid convinces with its lush flowering, which can be promoted by appropriate care measures. If you consider the site conditions, you have an easy-care ornamental plant that offers a wide range of uses. The herbaceous plants are suitable for outdoors and indoors.
Table of Contents
Show all- origin
- blossom
- fruit
- leaves
- growth
- Is Farm Orchid Poisonous?
- use
- Which location is suitable?
- What soil does the plant need?
- sowing
- What is the best planting time?
- The right planting distance
- balcony
- In the greenhouse
- Peasant orchid in a pot
- Propagating farmer's orchid
- Pruning farm orchid correctly
- Fertilize farm orchids properly
- Water the farmer's orchid
- pricking
- fungus
- pests
- hardy
- sorts
- Tinkerbell: Blooms in pink, light purple, and white with a yellow-black flower eye. Flowering time between June and October. Reaches heights of growth between 50 and 60 centimetres.
- Compacta: Finely dissected leaves. Flowers unicolored or multicolored with red, yellow and white nuances. Grows between 30 and 40 centimeters high.
- Blunt Splitflower: Develops hand-sized flowers with star-shaped sepals. Strong growth with densely branching shoots and numerous flower clusters. Petals golden yellow with red veins, calyx leaves bright red or pink. Blooms between July and September. Grows between 70 and 90 centimeters high.
- Plumed Splitflower: Flowers are bright pink, ruby red, or dark purple. Flowering time extends over late summer. Grows up to 90 centimeters high.
- Hybrid split flower: Finely divided foliage. Flowers are colored red-white, cream-yellow, purple-yellow or various shades of pink. Grows up to 80 centimeters high.
origin
The farmer's orchids originally come from South America, where they grow in the coastal regions of Chile. Their range extends from Antofagasta in the north to Lake Llanquihue in the south. Two of the twelve species within this genus managed to spread across the high mountain regions of the Andes to Argentina. These types are characterized by particularly robust properties. Farmer orchids have been transported to various parts of the world by sea voyages, where they are cultivated as annual plants.
blossom
The herbaceous plants develop flowers with five petals that are mirror-symmetrical. One petal protrudes forward while two lean to one side. The two rear petals are fused into a boat and bent backwards. Each flower stands on a flower stalk, which bends back as the growing season progresses. When the plants are in full bloom, the flower stalks are rotated 72 degrees. Unlike other nightshade plants, farmer's orchids develop free-standing sepals.
The flowering period extends from spring to late summer, with the plants flowering several times. Farmer's orchids are rarely colored pure white. The color palette of the flowers is broad and ranges from red to yellow to blue and black. They can appear monochromatic or multicolored. Variegated specimens develop eye-catching drawings in the center of the flower. A yellow-black colored flower eye is typical. Monochrome cultivated forms carry pink, red or white color nuances. The color strength of the farmer's orchids is intense and is characterized by a high luminosity.
fruit
The plants develop egg-shaped fruit capsules with a blunt or rounded tip. A fruit contains between twelve and 34 seeds that are only two millimeters long. The fruits can grow up to ten millimeters in size. They develop several times a year. The first fruit ripens in May. The last fruit development occurs in September.
leaves
Farmer's orchids develop finely structured foliage that lies flat over the substrate. The leaves are heavily incised, creating a pinnate appearance. The sections have a roughly jagged leaf edge. The leaves grow between three and nine inches long. With their juicy, shiny green, they form an aesthetic contrast to the brightly colored blossoms. In autumn the leaves wither.
growth
The majority of farmer's orchids grow as annuals. Only rarely do the plants grow over two growing seasons. The ornamental plants are cultivated as annuals. They partially lignify at their base and grow between 25 and 100 centimeters high. The entire plant is sticky because the surfaces of the leaves, stems, and flowers are lined with glands that produce a viscous secretion.
Is Farm Orchid Poisonous?
Farmer's orchids contain a high proportion of various alkaloids, which cause toxic effects after consumption. The chemical compounds are nitrogen-containing organic substances that are secondarily formed by the plants in certain cells. All parts of the plant of the farmer's orchid contain alkaloids which, even in small doses, have a strong effect on the organism of animals. In humans, they cause problems in the stomach and intestines, which can lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
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use
Ever since the advent of cottage gardens, annual plants have been popular ornamental plants. They decorate balconies and terraces mainly during Easter. Farmhouse orchids decorate tables and benches in entrance areas and create a spring-like atmosphere next to front doors and on stairs. They create a wild character and enchanted oases in the garden. The ornamental plants are ideal for country-rustic themed gardens.
The ornamental plants, also known as fissure flowers, are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Farmer's orchids can be cultivated as solitaires in pots. They thrive in small groups in garden beds under trees or in open, unshaded areas. They are particularly effective in the vicinity of flowering hedges and bushes. Spindle trees and cornel cherries are ideal planting partners. Farmer's orchids harmonize with candytufts, masculine, mallow and daisies.
Which location is suitable?
Look for a sheltered location where there is no wind. Farmer Orchids like a spot with sunny conditions. Even in a semi-shady location, the flowers are lush if the care conditions are right. Shady locations are possible, but ensure less flowering.
If you cultivate your farmer's orchid in tubs, entrance areas, terraces and stairways provide ideal locations. Outdoors, the plants like to grow under trees or in full sun with a good water supply.
What soil does the plant need?
The plants prefer a well-drained substrate with a high proportion of humus. Compost or stable manure are ideal for enriching the soil. The soil should be well drained to prevent waterlogging. You can mix heavy soil with sand to improve the soil properties for the farm orchid.
sowing
Scatter the seeds on the ground. Farmer's orchids germinate in the light. Be careful not to cover the seeds with soil. Evenly wet the seeds with water. Use a spray bottle for this, as vigorous watering will make the soil fluffy and the seeds will float in stagnant moisture. Wrap a translucent fleece around the planter to keep the humidity constant. Ventilate once a day to prevent mold growth.
Place the planter in a bright location with temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius during the day. At night, temperatures should not drop below 18 degrees Celsius. Make sure that the planter is in a wind-protected place. Under optimal conditions, the seeds will begin to germinate after three days. It usually takes seven days for the first signs of germination to appear.
What is the best planting time?
Young plants started in March are ready for planting outdoors between April and May. Plants that you brought up in autumn can be transplanted into pots and placed in a sheltered place from mid-March. If you want to sow the seeds directly in the bed, you can start in March.
The right planting distance
Don't plant farm orchids too close together. The ornamental plants need space together outdoors so that the foliage can dry off quickly after a downpour. Too dense stocks favor a humid microclimate in which fungal spores find optimal growth conditions. A distance of at least 20 centimeters to the next planting partner is ideal.
balcony
Farmer's orchids are ideal plants for the balcony. Here they thrive in balcony boxes. Cultivated as a container plant, they are perfect for decorating balconies at an early stage. From March you can put the farmer's orchid on the balcony. The plant tolerates temperatures down to -7 degrees Celsius without any problems.
In the greenhouse
Greenhouses (€77.12) are ideal for growing the seeds, as they ensure high and constant humidity. Here you can sow seeds that you have collected yourself or bought from specialist retailers in the autumn. Be sure to place the greenhouse in a consistently warm spot. As soon as the young plants have grown about one centimeter high, they should be transplanted into larger planters. If you have a sufficiently large greenhouse, there is no need to move. The following spring the plants are ready for planting in containers or outdoors.
Peasant orchid in a pot
Farmer's orchids are ideal for cultivation in tubs. The vessels can be placed outside early in the year. The plants are adapted to fluctuating temperatures and have no problems with late frosts.
Propagating farmer's orchid
The seeds, which develop several times a year, are suitable for propagating annual plants. However, not every cultivated form produces viable seeds. You can find out by sowing the seeds in moist soil and observing them. Leave the faded flower stalks in place so the fruit can ripen. Since the seeds are a few millimeters in size, collecting them requires a bit of finesse. Alternatively, you can purchase seeds from stores.
The seeds retain their germination capacity for several months, so you can store them before sowing. Make sure they are stored in a cool and dry place, as warm temperatures and moisture encourage the seeds to germinate. Collect the seeds in a paper bag.
Pruning farm orchid correctly
After the first flowering phase in May, vigorous pruning promotes the development of a second flower. Separate the withered flower stalks. Peasant orchids can be cut back by two thirds. The plant develops numerous side shoots on which new flowers develop. If you want to propagate the plant, you should wait until the fruit is ripe before pruning the stems. Cut off withered leaves periodically to prevent rot.
You can remove faded flowers all year round. A last pruning takes place in August. The plant will continue to develop new shoots until the last flowers have wilted in September. After heavy rains, be sure to cut off broken stems. This will prevent the parts of the plant from rotting between the fresh shoots.
Use sharp pruning shears to avoid tearing the fabric when cutting. Small wounds provide a good breeding ground for fungal spores when conditions are very humid.
Fertilize farm orchids properly
Farmer's orchids have a high energy requirement, which increases even more when the flowers are developing. Fertilize the plants every two weeks. This nutrient supply leads to a lush development of flowers, so that the leaves of the plant can hardly be seen under the flowers. Use balcony flower fertilizer or liquid fertilizer that has been enriched with guano (€121.99).
Young plants do not require fertilization. Plants should be at least eight weeks old when they are first fertilized. After heavy pruning, farmer's orchids need additional fertilization so that they can regenerate quickly.
Water the farmer's orchid
The ornamental plants are characterized by a high water requirement. Never let the soil dry out completely and keep the soil in the bucket and outdoors evenly moist. Farmer's orchids do not tolerate waterlogging, which is why the planter should have a drainage hole. Only water potted plants over the saucer. Outdoor plants are watered at the base. Farmer's orchids are extremely sensitive when the flowers get wet. They look ugly after a rain shower because the petals hang limply. Intense rainfall can cause flower stalks to break off. The plants usually regenerate quickly.
pricking
After about two weeks, the young plants are transplanted from the seed pot into a larger pot. They should be at least an inch tall. When the plants have reached ten centimeters, you can cut off the tops. This will encourage bushy growth.
fungus
Under too humid conditions, farm orchids can be attacked by fungi. Waterlogging is one of the most common causes of fungal diseases. When the roots rot, spores find an ideal breeding ground and spread. The roots can no longer draw enough nutrients and water from the soil, causing the flowers to dwindle and the plant to wither.
Too densely planted stocks favor a humid environment, since the plant is no longer sufficiently ventilated. Withering leaves that are not removed in time provide good growing conditions for the spores. Do not place the plants too close together in the bed and regularly remove dead plant material.
pests
Because of the alkaloids they contain, farm orchids are of no interest to pests. They are not attacked by aphids and are not an attractive food source for snails and beetles.
hardy
As an annual plant, you cannot overwinter the farmer's orchid. After the plant has withered in the fall, you can compost the leftovers. In spring, mature plants tolerate temperatures that do not fall below -7 degrees Celsius. Young plants should be brought in. Otherwise there is a risk that the plants will be damaged by night frosts.
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tips
Cut the withered flowers as low as possible and shorten the side of the plants a little. Gently push the plants to one side and mix some fresh compost into the soil. Water the plants vigorously. After three weeks, the farmer's orchid is in full bloom.