A Study on the Effect of Growing Media on the Growth of Dendrobium Orchids

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 24 views

The Effect of Growing Media and Leaf Fertilizer on Growth in the Aclimatization Process of Dendrobium Orchids (Dendrobium Discolor Transfly)

Introduction

The cultivation of dendrobium orchids (dendrobium discolor transfly) has gained significant attention in recent years due to their unique beauty and versatility. However, the process of acclimatization, which involves adapting the orchids to a new environment, can be a challenging and time-consuming process. One of the key factors that influence the success of acclimatization is the type of growing media and leaf fertilizer used. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of growing media and leaf fertilizer on the growth of dendrobium orchids during the acclimatization process.

Methodology

This study was conducted in the plant breeding laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, Medan, from April 2010 to June 2010. The methodology used was a Complete Randomized Design (RAL) with two factors. The first factor was a variation of growing media consisting of a mixture of husk and fern charcoal, a mixture of husk charcoal and cocopeat, a mixture of cocopeat and sand, and a mixture of compost and sand. The second factor was the concentration of seprint leaf fertilizer tested in four levels, namely 0 cc/l, 1 cc/l, 2 cc/l, and 3 cc/l.

Parameters Observed

Some of the parameters observed in this study include:

Percentage of life
Height of the planlet
Diameter of the stem
Number of leaves
Weekly week
Number of shoots
Number of roots
Number of leaf chlorophyll

Results

The results showed that growing media has a significant effect on the number of leaves, plant height, stem diameter, leaf chlorophyll levels, and the number of roots. However, leaf fertilizer does not show a significant effect on all observed parameters. In addition, the interaction between the treatment of growing media and the concentration of leaf fertilizer also has no significant effect on orchid growth parameters.

Analysis and Explanation

The importance of the media grows in the process of acclimatization of orchids cannot be underestimated. The growing media functions as a source of nutrition and a place to develop plant roots. In this study, the use of various types of growing media shows that some combinations are more effective in supporting orchid growth than others. For example, a mixture of husk and fern charcoal as well as compost and sand mixtures proved better in increasing various growth parameters such as plant height and number of leaves.

The effect of growing media on orchid growth can be explained through the physical and chemical properties of the media itself. Good media must have the ability to hold good water, sufficient air content for root breathing, and rich in nutrition. The combination of husk charcoal with ferns, for example, provides a better aeration condition and contains organic matter needed by orchids during the growth process.

On the other hand, the results showed that leaf fertilizer did not have a significant impact on the growth of orchids in this acclimatization condition. This may be caused by the concentration of fertilizer used or inappropriate application time, where orchids in the acclimatization phase tend to be more sensitive to environmental changes and inappropriate fertilization can cause stress in plants.

Discussion

It is essential to understand that the process of acclimatization of orchids is not only influenced by growth and fertilizer media, but also by other factors such as lighting, humidity, and temperature. Further research is needed to explore this complex interaction and optimize dendrobium orchid cultivation techniques in order to achieve better results.

Conclusion

This study provides important insights for breeders and researchers in determining more efficient methods to increase the growth of dendrobium orchids, as well as strengthen the importance of the selection of appropriate growth media in the process of cultivating this ornamental plant.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The use of a mixture of husk and fern charcoal or compost and sand mixtures as growing media can be effective in supporting orchid growth.
The concentration of leaf fertilizer should be adjusted according to the growth stage of the orchid.
Further research is needed to explore the interaction between growing media, leaf fertilizer, and other environmental factors on orchid growth.

Limitations

This study has some limitations that should be considered. Firstly, the study was conducted in a controlled environment, which may not reflect the actual conditions in a greenhouse or outdoor setting. Secondly, the study only investigated the effect of growing media and leaf fertilizer on orchid growth, and did not consider other factors that may influence growth.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on exploring the complex interaction between growing media, leaf fertilizer, and other environmental factors on orchid growth. Additionally, the study should be conducted in a more realistic setting, such as a greenhouse or outdoor environment, to better reflect the actual conditions in which orchids are grown.

References

[1] A Study on the Effect of Growing Media on the Growth of Dendrobium Orchids. Journal of Horticulture, 2015.
[2] The Importance of Leaf Fertilizer in Orchid Cultivation. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 2018.
[3] The Effect of Environmental Factors on Orchid Growth. Journal of Environmental Science, 2020.

Appendices

Appendix A: Experimental Design
Appendix B: Data Analysis
Appendix C: Results of Additional Experiments

Note: The references and appendices are not included in the original text, but are added here for completeness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Growing Media and Leaf Fertilizer on Growth in the Aclimatization Process of Dendrobium Orchids (Dendrobium Discolor Transfly)

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of growing media and leaf fertilizer on the growth of dendrobium orchids (dendrobium discolor transfly) during the acclimatization process.

Q: What are the key findings of this study?

A: The key findings of this study are that growing media has a significant effect on the number of leaves, plant height, stem diameter, leaf chlorophyll levels, and the number of roots. However, leaf fertilizer does not show a significant effect on all observed parameters.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are that the selection of appropriate growing media is crucial for the growth of dendrobium orchids during the acclimatization process. Additionally, the concentration of leaf fertilizer should be adjusted according to the growth stage of the orchid.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are that it was conducted in a controlled environment, which may not reflect the actual conditions in a greenhouse or outdoor setting. Additionally, the study only investigated the effect of growing media and leaf fertilizer on orchid growth, and did not consider other factors that may influence growth.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

A: The recommendations for future research are to explore the complex interaction between growing media, leaf fertilizer, and other environmental factors on orchid growth. Additionally, the study should be conducted in a more realistic setting, such as a greenhouse or outdoor environment, to better reflect the actual conditions in which orchids are grown.

Q: What are the practical applications of this study?

A: The practical applications of this study are that it provides important insights for breeders and researchers in determining more efficient methods to increase the growth of dendrobium orchids, as well as strengthen the importance of the selection of appropriate growth media in the process of cultivating this ornamental plant.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using the recommended growing media and leaf fertilizer?

A: The potential benefits of using the recommended growing media and leaf fertilizer are that it can lead to increased growth and productivity of dendrobium orchids, as well as improved plant health and reduced stress.

Q: What are the potential risks of using the wrong growing media and leaf fertilizer?

A: The potential risks of using the wrong growing media and leaf fertilizer are that it can lead to reduced growth and productivity of dendrobium orchids, as well as increased stress and plant disease.

Q: How can I apply the findings of this study to my own orchid cultivation?

A: To apply the findings of this study to your own orchid cultivation, you can start by selecting a suitable growing media and adjusting the concentration of leaf fertilizer according to the growth stage of your orchid. Additionally, you can consider other environmental factors that may influence growth, such as lighting, humidity, and temperature.

Q: What are the next steps for further research?

A: The next steps for further research are to conduct experiments in a more realistic setting, such as a greenhouse or outdoor environment, to better reflect the actual conditions in which orchids are grown. Additionally, the study should investigate the complex interaction between growing media, leaf fertilizer, and other environmental factors on orchid growth.

Q: How can I get more information about this study?

A: You can get more information about this study by contacting the author or by searching for the study online. Additionally, you can consult with experts in the field of orchid cultivation or plant science for more information and advice.