The farmer's orchid impresses with its lush flowering, which can be promoted through appropriate care measures. If you take the site conditions into account, you will have an easy-care ornamental plant that offers a variety of uses. The herbaceous plants are suitable for outdoor and indoor use.
What are the care requirements for farmer orchids?
The farmer's orchid is an annual ornamental plant from South America that blooms in many colors. It requires a sunny to partially shaded location, well-drained, humus-rich soil and regular watering without waterlogging. You can sow them in spring and autumn and, depending on the variety, cultivate them in the garden or as a container plant.
Origin
The farmer's orchids originally come from South America, where they grow in the coastal regions of Chile. Their area 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 species are characterized by particularly robust properties. Through ship voyages, farmer orchids reached various parts of the world, where they are cultivated as annual plants.
Bloom
The herbaceous plants develop flowers with five petals that are mirror-symmetrical. One petal protrudes forward while two lean to the side. The two rear petals have grown together to form a boat and are bent backwards. Each flower stands on a flower stalk that bends back over the course of the growing season. When the plants are in full bloom, the flower stalks are rotated 72 degrees. Unlike other nightshade plants, farmer orchids develop free-standing sepals.
The flowering period extends from spring to late summer, with the plants blooming several times. Farmhouse orchids are rarely colored pure white. The color palette of the flowers is wide and ranges from red and yellow to blue and black. They can appear monochromatic or multicolored. Different colored specimens develop striking markings in the flower center. A yellow-black colored flower eye is typical. Monochrome cultivated forms have pink, red or white shades. The color of the farmer's orchids is intense and is characterized by their high luminosity.
Fruit
The plants develop egg-shaped capsule fruits whose tips are blunt or rounded. 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 orchids develop finely structured foliage that lies flat over the substrate. The leaves are heavily cut, creating a feathery appearance. The sections have a roughly jagged leaf edge. The leaves grow between three and nine centimeters long. With their juicy, shiny green, they form an aesthetic contrast to the brightly colored flowers. In autumn the leaves wither.
Growth
The majority of farmer's orchids grow as annuals. The plants rarely grow over two growing seasons. The ornamental plants are cultivated as annuals. They are partially woody 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 covered with glands that produce a thick secretion.
Is farmer's orchid poisonous?
Farmer orchids contain a high proportion of various alkaloids that cause toxic effects when consumed. The chemical compounds are nitrogen-containing organic substances that are secondarily formed by plants in certain cells. All parts of the farmer's orchid plant contain alkaloids that, even in small doses, have strong effects on the organism of animals. In humans, they cause problems in the stomach and intestines, which can lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.read more
Usage
Ever since the advent of cottage gardens, annual plants have been considered popular ornamental plants. They mainly decorate balconies and terraces during Easter. Farm orchids decorate tables and benches in entrance areas and create a spring-like atmosphere next to front doors and on steps. They create a wild character and enchanted oases in the garden. The ornamental plants are ideal for rural-rustic themed gardens.
The ornamental plants, also known as split flowers, are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Farmer orchids can be cultivated as solitary plants in pots. They thrive in small groups in the garden bed under trees or in open, unshaded areas. They work particularly well near flowering hedges and bushes. Pfaffenhütchen and cornelian cherries are ideal planting partners. Farm orchids harmonize with candytufts, mannequins, mallows and daisies.
Which location is suitable?
Make sure you have a sheltered location where there is no wind. Farmhouse orchids like a spot with sunny conditions. Even in a partially shaded location, the flowers will be lush if the care conditions are right. Shady locations are possible, but ensure less flower development.
If you cultivate your farmer orchid in a pot, entrance areas, terraces and staircases provide ideal locations. Outdoors, the plants like to grow under trees or in full sun with good water supply.
What soil does the plant need?
The plants prefer a well-drained substrate with a high proportion of humus. Compost soil or stable manure are ideal for enriching the soil. The soil should be well-drained to avoid waterlogging. You can mix heavy soil with sand to improve the soil properties for the farmer orchid.
Sowing
Sprinkle the seeds on the soil. Farm orchids are light germinators. Make sure the seeds are not covered by soil. Wet the seeds evenly with water. Use a spray bottle for this, as vigorous watering will loosen the soil and the seeds would float in accumulated moisture. Wrap a translucent fleece around the planter to keep the humidity constant. Ventilate once a day to prevent mold formation.
Place the planter in a bright location with temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius per day. At night temperatures should not fall below 18 degrees Celsius. Make sure that the planter is in a place protected from the wind. Under optimal conditions, the seeds begin to germinate after three days. It usually takes seven days for the first signs of germination to appear.
What is the best time to plant?
Young plants grown in March are ready for planting outdoors between April and May. Plants that you grew early in the fall can be transplanted into pots and placed in a protected location as early as mid-March. If you want to sow the seeds directly in the bed, you can start in March.
The correct planting distance
Do not plant farmer orchids too closely. The ornamental plants need space between each other outdoors so that the leaves can dry quickly after a rainstorm. Plants that are planted too densely promote a moist microclimate in which fungal spores find optimal growth conditions. A distance of at least 20 centimeters from the next planting partner is ideal.
Balcony
Farmer orchids are ideal plants for the balcony. Here they thrive beautifully in the balcony box. Cultivated as a container plant, they are perfect for early decoration of balconies. From March you can put the farmer's orchid on the balcony. The plant can tolerate temperatures down to -7 degrees Celsius without any problems.
In the greenhouse
Greenhouses are ideal for growing seeds because they ensure high and consistent humidity. Here you can sow seeds you have collected yourself or purchased from specialist retailers in the fall. Be sure to place the greenhouse in a consistently warm location. As soon as the young plants have grown about one centimeter high, they should be moved into larger planters. If you have a sufficiently large greenhouse, there is no need to move it. The following spring the plants are ready for planting in containers or outdoors.
Farmer orchid in a pot
Farmer orchids are ideal for cultivation in pots. The containers can be placed outside early in the year. The plants are adapted to fluctuating temperatures and have no problems with late frosts.
Propagate farmer orchid
Seeds, which develop several times a year, are suitable for propagating annual plants. However, not every cultivation form produces germinable seeds. You can find out by sowing the seeds in moist soil and observing them. Leave the spent flower stalks so that the fruit can ripen. Since the seeds are a few millimeters in size, collecting them requires some sensitivity. Alternatively, you can purchase seeds commercially.
The seeds retain their ability to germinate for several months, so you can store them before sowing. Make sure to store them in a cool and dry place, as warm temperatures and humidity encourage the seeds to germinate. Collect the seeds in a paper bag.
Cut farmer orchid correctly
After the first flowering phase in May, vigorous pruning promotes the development of a second flower. Separate the wilted flower stems. Farmer orchids can be cut back by two thirds. The plant develops numerous side shoots from which new flowers emerge. If you want to propagate the plant, you should wait until the fruit ripens before cutting back the stems. Cut off wilted leaves regularly to prevent them from rotting.
You can remove wilted flowers all year round. A final pruning takes place in August. The plant will continually develop new shoots until the last flowers fade in September. After heavy rains, be sure to cut off any broken stems. This will prevent the plant parts between the fresh shoots from rotting.
Use sharp secateurs so that the fabric does not tear when cutting. Small wounds provide a good breeding ground for fungal spores when conditions are very humid.
Fertilize the farmer's orchid properly
Farmer orchids have a high energy requirement, which increases during flower development. Fertilize the plants every two weeks. This supply of nutrients leads to lush flower development, so that the leaves of the plant can hardly be seen under the flowers. Use balcony flower fertilizer (€16.00 on Amazon) or liquid fertilizer enriched with guano.
Young plants do not require fertilization. The plants should be at least eight weeks old when they are fertilized for the first time. After vigorous pruning, farmer orchids need additional fertilization so that they can regenerate quickly.
Watering the farmer's orchid
The ornamental plants are characterized by their high water requirement. Never let the ball of soil dry out completely and keep the soil in the pot and outdoors evenly moist. Farm 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 orchids react extremely sensitively when the flowers get wet. They look unsightly after a rain shower because the petals hang limply. Intense rainfall can cause flower stems to break. The plants usually regenerate quickly.
Pricking
After about two weeks, the young plants are transplanted from the cultivation container into a larger pot. They should be at least one centimeter tall. When the plants have reached ten centimeters, you can cut off the tops. This will encourage bushy growth.
Fungal infestation
In conditions that are too humid, farmer 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, so the flowers diminish and the plant withers.
Stocks planted too densely promote a damp environment because the plant no longer receives sufficient ventilation. Wilting leaves that have not been removed in a timely manner provide good growth conditions for the spores. Do not plant the plants too close together in the bed and remove dead plant material regularly.
Pests
Due to the alkaloids they contain, farmer orchids are uninteresting to pests. They are not attacked by aphids and do not provide an attractive food source for snails and beetles.
hardy
As an annual plant, you cannot overwinter the farmer orchid. After the plant has wilted in the fall, you can compost the remains. In spring, adult plants can 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.read more
Tip
Cut off the withered flowers as deeply as possible and shorten the plants a little at the sides. Push the plants slightly to the side and mix some fresh compost into the soil. Water the plants vigorously. After three weeks the farmer's orchid is in full bloom.
Varieties
- Tinkerbell: Blooms in pink, light purple and white with a yellow-black flower eye. Flowering time between June and October. Reaches heights between 50 and 60 centimeters.
- Compacta: Finely cut leaves. Flowers are monochromatic or multicolored with red, yellow and white nuances. Grows between 30 and 40 centimeters high.
- Blunted Cleaver: Develops hand-sized flowers with star-shaped sepals. Distinctive growth with densely branched shoots and numerous flower clouds. Petals golden yellow with red veins, sepals bright red or pink. Blooms between July and September. Grows between 70 and 90 centimeters high.
- Feathered split flower: flowers shine in light pink, ruby red or dark purple. Flowering time extends over late summer. Grows up to 90 centimeters high.
- Hybrid split flower: Finely structured foliage. Flowers are red-white, cream-yellow, purple-yellow or colored in various shades of pink. Grows up to 80 centimeters high.
