ORCHIDS IN PHILIPPINE LANDSCAPE 2009

Orchids in Philippine Landscape 

(*NOTE to add more pictures once we retrieve them)

In the city’s high-rise condominiums, posh residential villages or in the remote

barangays all over the country, orchids can add lovely colors , amazing beauty that dazzle one’s creative imagination and various artistic landscaping styles in every garden. 

The tropical climate in the Philippines in which many of the native orchids species as well as thousands of hybrids that are accustomed with, provide an opportunity for professional landscapers or just simple hobbyists with a few orchids and ornamental plants to use orchids as a landscape subjects or as a focal point in the garden. Some gardeners or hobbyists tend to cultivate orchids for good luck charm or prosperity .

People grow epiphytic orchids in fruit trees or trees in their own garden. In selecting a suitable host tree, a good host tree should have rough bark, not too dense canopy. The orchid roots will attach to the host, so the trees with smooth bark, or barks that can easily peels off the trees regularly will not be a good host . Trees with heavy canopy that tends to block the sunlight is not that suitable in growing orchids, If the lawn grass will not grow under the peculiar tree, the lighting conditions in the area might not

be right to grow orchids. 

There are a lot of ideal host trees, which makes an ideal host for epiphytes like orchids, hoyas, dischidias,ferns among others. One of the ideal host trees which is fondly called Kakawate tree ( Gliricidia sepium ) This shade tree was introduced  in the late 16th century from Mexico , where it is grown as a favorite shade tree in cocoa plantations hence the name “ Madre de cacao” in local vernacular in Tagalog .

Dendrobium hybrid

This tree is planted as a border plant in various places throughout the country, this plant is also used in livestock feeding . Mature trees are usually cut off and then made into driftwood with either steel or cement support at its base. Another is the coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) which is extensively grown all over the country as crop or landscaped focal point of the garden .

Bunga China ( Veitchia merrillii ) the solitary and slender palm may grow up to 6 meter tall and found commonly cultivated throughout the country , Choose the palms with clear trunk below the foliage and rough texture on the trunk it is where you can tie or secure an orchid to grow. 

Other common fruit trees, which are also ideal host trees are Jackfruit ( Artocarpus heterophyllus ), Santol ( Sandoricum koetjape ) However make sure that before the onset of the rainy season try to prune the trees so that it is not too shady for orchids .


Mango (Mangifera indica) this tree is ideal to grow Aerides quinquevulnera , Dendrobium anosmum , However do not attempt in putting any Phalaenopsis orchids in the tree since this tree harbor some insects like June beetle grubs (salagubang beetles ) which may attack the leaves of the Palaenopsis . 

Caimito tree (Chrysophyllum cainito), other common trees that are also suitable for planting orchids . Our very own narra or angsana tree ( Prerocarpus indicus ). In large estate or garden clubs, Huge acacia or rain tree ( Samanea saman ) serves as an ideal host tree. 

 There are several reasons“ why” this tree is an ideal host for epiphytes.
The wide spreading branches provide convenient places for the orchids and ferns to thrive,
while its scaly bark helps to trap dust and nutrients, the bark of this tree can also retain moisture . The folding of its leaves during the evening , or before a thunderstorms allows for dew and rains toreach the inner areas of the crown where these epiphytes can be found.

This tree was introduced from South America in the 1840’s and is planted in many parts

of the country including the official residence of the first family in Malacañang Palace .

Epiphytes can be seen in the several centuries –old rain trees that are found within

the presidential compound . These plants adds mystery and charm to the landscape

gardens of the palace. These are just a few examples. 

 You can examine at the trees and palms which are growing in your garden .Once you have selected your ideal host tree, check the actual position of the tree and the amount of light falling on the trunk or branches on several times of the day . On the exposed palm trunk or tree branch

receiving full sun much of the day , the best orchids to establish are Vanda teres, semi-teres Vandas. Another favorite flowering shrub which was also introduced from Central America which is also an ideal host tree is Kalachuchi or Frangipani , This tree is not only known for its flowers but also an ideal host for orchids like Cattleyas .

If you are planning to plant several orchids in the garden, always remember that orchid species and hybrids had different blooming seasons and patterns. You can also add other epiphytic plants like ferns, hoyas, dischidias to accompany the orchids . This can make your garden a more tropical appeal. If you had already chosen a tree , choose a location that is above adult eye level or in a spot where you can easily spot and enjoy the flowers . Attached the orchid to the trunk with plastic coated wire or plastic garden straw , making it sure that the orchid is properly secure and does not wobble in order to hold the plant temporarily while its roots are taking hold of the host tree . 

Once the orchid is established (This can take from six months to more than one year) then that is the time you can remove the wires. Be sure not to choke the tree trunk or branches as the tree will need some space to grow.

You can try to mist the orchids regularly, and you can fertilize the orchids once you can

see the roots grasp the host tree . Once fully established you can add slow release

fertilizers , and the orchid might need regular watering during the dry season . It is also

wise to grow these orchids into a large specimen type, since it can be dramatic when

these plants comes into blooms .

Terrestrial orchids can also be successfully cultivated in many gardens all over the country . Arundina bambusaefolia which is a plant with a cylindrical stem three to five feet in height , which resemble a small bamboos and has a number of narrow grass like leaves,short and few flowered . Plants of this species should be grown in a compost of rich humus loam with adequate drainage . Its Cattleya- like flowers blooms almost the entire year however the flower lasts only for two or three days. Other popular terrestrial orchids are Spathoglottis plicata which is grown either in pots or in beds all over the country . 

 Growing these wonderful orchids can add beauty and grace to one’s garden be it a small windowsill , an apartment or an extensive haciendas in the province .

(Oct 23,2009)