The Influence Of Some Planting Media And The Intensity Of Fertilization On The Growth Of Orchids (oncidium Golden Shower)

Feb 27, 2025 by ADMIN 122 views

The Influence of Planting Media and Intensity of Fertilization on the Growth of Oncidium Golden Shower Orchids

Introduction

Oncidium golden shower orchid is one of the most popular and adaptable types of orchids, with promising prospects in the market. This study aimed to investigate the effect of planting media and intensity of fertilization on the growth of Oncidium golden shower orchids. The study was conducted in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, with a height of about 25 meters above sea level, during the period February to August 2009.

Methodology

The method used in this study was a random design group (RAK) with two factors, namely the type of planting media and fertilization intensity. The types of planting media tested include charcoal, ferns, coco peat, sawdust, husk briquettes, briquettes, and peat soils. Meanwhile, the intensity of fertilization is applied in three frequencies, namely every one day, every four days, and every seven days, with three replications for each treatment, so that the total pots tested reached 54 pots. The parameters observed in this study include plant height, tuber width, number of leaves, and leaf area.

Analysis of the Effect of Planting Media

Each type of planting media has different characteristics, which can affect the growth of orchid plants. For example, charcoal has a good drainage ability, so as to prevent puddles that can cause rotten roots. On the other hand, Coco Peat is known for its ability to maintain humidity, which is important for orchid growth, especially in the initial phase of growth. Meanwhile, peat soils have a fairly high nutritional content, supporting plant nutritional needs.

The use of different planting media can have a significant impact on the growth of orchid plants. For instance, charcoal can help to prevent root rot by allowing excess water to drain away from the roots. In contrast, Coco Peat can help to maintain humidity, which is essential for orchid growth. Additionally, peat soils can provide a rich source of nutrients, which can support plant growth.

The Intensity of Fertilization and its Impact

The intensity of fertilization is one of the crucial factors in the success of orchid cultivation. Fertilization that can cause the accumulation of salt in the planting media, which has a negative impact on plant growth. Conversely, fertilization that can rarely result in lack of nutrients needed for optimal growth. Therefore, finding the right balance in fertilizing frequencies is very important to increase orchid growth.

The intensity of fertilization can have a significant impact on the growth of orchid plants. Over-fertilization can lead to the accumulation of salt in the planting media, which can cause damage to the roots and reduce plant growth. On the other hand, under-fertilization can result in a lack of nutrients, which can also impact plant growth. Therefore, it is essential to find the right balance in fertilizing frequencies to achieve optimal growth.

The Interaction between Planting Media and Fertilization Intensity

The interaction between planting media and fertilization intensity can also have a significant impact on the growth of orchid plants. For instance, the use of charcoal with high fertilization intensity can lead to the accumulation of salt in the planting media, which can cause damage to the roots. In contrast, the use of Coco Peat with low fertilization intensity can help to maintain humidity and provide a rich source of nutrients, which can support plant growth.

Conclusion

This study provides an important insight into the influence of planting media and the intensity of fertilization on the growth of Oncidium golden shower orchids. By selecting the appropriate planting media and regulating the optimal fertilization frequency, farmers and orchid fans can maximize their cultivation results. Through the right approach, it is hoped that this orchid can not only flourish, but also gives satisfactory results in the market. The success of orchid cultivation is very dependent on a deep understanding of the needs of plants and appropriate treatment to achieve optimal growth.

Recommendations

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

Select the appropriate planting media based on the needs of the orchid plant.
Regulate the optimal fertilization frequency to avoid over-fertilization or under-fertilization.
Monitor the growth of the orchid plant regularly to ensure that it is receiving the necessary nutrients and care.
Conduct further research on the interaction between planting media and fertilization intensity to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of orchid plants.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a controlled environment, which may not reflect the conditions in a real-world setting.
The study only investigated the effect of planting media and fertilization intensity on the growth of Oncidium golden shower orchids, and did not consider other factors that may impact plant growth.
The study only used a limited number of planting media and fertilization intensities, which may not be representative of all possible combinations.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Investigate the effect of other factors on the growth of orchid plants, such as temperature, humidity, and light.
Conduct further research on the interaction between planting media and fertilization intensity to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of orchid plants.
Develop new and innovative methods for cultivating orchid plants, such as using hydroponics or aeroponics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides an important insight into the influence of planting media and the intensity of fertilization on the growth of Oncidium golden shower orchids. By selecting the appropriate planting media and regulating the optimal fertilization frequency, farmers and orchid fans can maximize their cultivation results. Through the right approach, it is hoped that this orchid can not only flourish, but also gives satisfactory results in the market. The success of orchid cultivation is very dependent on a deep understanding of the needs of plants and appropriate treatment to achieve optimal growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Influence of Planting Media and Intensity of Fertilization on the Growth of Oncidium Golden Shower Orchids

Q: What are the different types of planting media used in this study?

A: The types of planting media used in this study include charcoal, ferns, coco peat, sawdust, husk briquettes, briquettes, and peat soils.

Q: What are the characteristics of each type of planting media?

A: Each type of planting media has different characteristics, which can affect the growth of orchid plants. For example, charcoal has a good drainage ability, so as to prevent puddles that can cause rotten roots. On the other hand, Coco Peat is known for its ability to maintain humidity, which is important for orchid growth, especially in the initial phase of growth. Meanwhile, peat soils have a fairly high nutritional content, supporting plant nutritional needs.

Q: What is the importance of fertilization in orchid cultivation?

A: Fertilization is one of the crucial factors in the success of orchid cultivation. Fertilization that can cause the accumulation of salt in the planting media, which has a negative impact on plant growth. Conversely, fertilization that can rarely result in lack of nutrients needed for optimal growth. Therefore, finding the right balance in fertilizing frequencies is very important to increase orchid growth.

Q: How often should fertilization be applied to orchid plants?

A: The frequency of fertilization depends on the type of planting media and the needs of the orchid plant. In this study, fertilization was applied in three frequencies, namely every one day, every four days, and every seven days.

Q: What are the parameters observed in this study?

A: The parameters observed in this study include plant height, tuber width, number of leaves, and leaf area.

Q: What are the implications of this study for orchid cultivation?

A: This study provides an important insight into the influence of planting media and the intensity of fertilization on the growth of Oncidium golden shower orchids. By selecting the appropriate planting media and regulating the optimal fertilization frequency, farmers and orchid fans can maximize their cultivation results.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the study was conducted in a controlled environment, which may not reflect the conditions in a real-world setting. The study only investigated the effect of planting media and fertilization intensity on the growth of Oncidium golden shower orchids, and did not consider other factors that may impact plant growth. The study only used a limited number of planting media and fertilization intensities, which may not be representative of all possible combinations.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research should aim to investigate the effect of other factors on the growth of orchid plants, such as temperature, humidity, and light. Conduct further research on the interaction between planting media and fertilization intensity to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of orchid plants. Develop new and innovative methods for cultivating orchid plants, such as using hydroponics or aeroponics.

Q: What are the recommendations for orchid cultivation based on this study?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations can be made:

Select the appropriate planting media based on the needs of the orchid plant.
Regulate the optimal fertilization frequency to avoid over-fertilization or under-fertilization.
Monitor the growth of the orchid plant regularly to ensure that it is receiving the necessary nutrients and care.
Conduct further research on the interaction between planting media and fertilization intensity to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of orchid plants.