Online Orchid Course

This course has been designed for:

• Enthusiastic Amateurs
• Nurserymen & Nursery Sales Staff
• Gardeners and Horticulturists
• People wanting to become Commercial Orchid Growers

COURSE STRUCTURE

The course is divided into eight lessons as follows:

1. Introduction

2. Orchid Culture

3. Propagation

4. Cymbidiums and Dendrobiums

5. Cattleyas, Vandas and Other Commonly Grown Orchids

6. Native Orchids

7. Growing Orchids as Cut Flowers, Baskets, Epiphytes and in Greenhouses.

8. Special Assignment

LESSON AIMS

• Understand the system of plant classification and naming
• Gain an insight into the appropriate way to grow a range of different orchid species.
• Understand common methods of Orchid Propagation
• Understand the basics of the structure, taxonomy and culture of Cymbidiums and Dendrobiums
• Learn about some of the more commonly grown orchids apart from Dendrobiums and Cattleyas
• Learn about orchids native to your locality
• Understand a range of alternative ways in which to grow orchids
• Research two commercial orchid growing establishments

WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THIS COURSE

• Compile a resource file or organisations and information sources relevant to orchids.
• Obtain and orchid flower; draw and label this flower.
• Review 56 different orchid species in detail.
• Obtain soil from two different areas (two different types of soils). Using the tests in the Lesson notes, do the following, name each of these soils and test the drainage of each soil.
• Obtain (or make up) a potting mix which you consider appropriate for growing orchids.
• Visit a nursery or garden growing orchids. Notice how and where these plants are growing. Determine which plants are healthiest and assess the conditions in which they are growing.
• Obtain enough plant material to propagate four different orchids. Propagate these orchids vegetatively.
• Visit a nursery, or some other place which sells a wide range of different types of pots. Consider the properties of the pots you see for sale and their suitability for growing orchids in. Note down the prices of each.
• Investigate further into tissue culture processes specific to Orchids beyond the notes offered in the course.
• Determine which species of orchids are most commonly sold in your locality.
• Carry out research and look through any references you have and determine any orchid genera (not yet covered in this course), which are suited to growing in a tropical or sub-tropical climate.
• Visit a native plant nursery which sells a range of native orchids. List differentat orchid varieties which are being grown in your locality.
• Visit a florist shop. Notice what orchids are being sold; how they are presented for sale, how they are stored etc
• Evaluate the cultural practices observed (or investigated) in the different enterprises which you considered in your set task.

For more information on this course, please request your free course information pack.