EFFECT OF SUBSTRATE AND NITROGEN SUPPLY ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF MINICYMBIDIUM

A factorial trial with the orchid Mini-Cymbidium cv. ‘Pendragon Sikkim’ was carried out including the following treatments: Two types of substrate, viz., granulated rock wool and a commonly used mixture based on peat; three nitrogen rates, viz., 4, 6 and 8 mmol N per litre in the nutrient solution; two methods of fertilizer application, viz., withholding fertilizer during May and June, and a continuous fertilizer supply.

There were no differences in results between granulated rock wool and the peat mix, except for the spike/shoot ratio which was higher in the case of rock wool.

Shoot formation improved with increasing nitrogen rate, in contrast to the spike/shoot ratio which declined from the lowest nitrogen rate upwards.
An adverse effect of nitrogen was also found for spike length, spike fresh weight, flower/spike ratio and earliness of flowering.

Omitting fertilizers during May and June resulted in a reduced shoot formation, but a higher spike/shoot ratio along with earlier flowering, as compared with a continuous fertilizer supply.

The results demonstrate the importance of a well-balanced nitrogen supply in producing a good crop of Mini-Cymbidium.
It has also become apparent that withholding fertilizer temporarily in early summer might be advantageous.
However, more research data are needed to set up a complete fertilization programme for this orchid.

International Symposium on Substrates in Horticulture other than Soils In Situ

R. Arnold Bik, Th.J.M. van den Berg

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1984.150.32