Orchids with sympodial growth have a specialized lateral growth pattern in which the terminal bud dies. The growth continues by development of new shoots sprouting from or next to the ones of previous year (such as in the genus Cattleya or Cymbidium).
The base of the stem of sympodial epiphytes, or in some species essentially the entire stem, may be thickened to form what is called a pseudobulb. These contain food reserves for drier periods. At their end appear one or two leaves, or sometimes four or more.
Some sympodial terrestrials, such as Orchis and Ophrys, have two pseudobulbs between the roots. One is used as a food reserve for wintery periods, and provides for the development of the other pseudobulb, from which visible growth develops.
In warm and humid climates, many terrestrial orchids do not need pseudobulbs.
The orchid family is such a diverse and interesting group of plants that it should not be a surprise when a few new vocabulary words are necessary to fully understand their growth and care.
Sympodial orchids have a horizontal stem called a rhizome that grows outward and spreads along the surface of the growing medium.
Flower spikes on sympodial orchids originate between the leaves at the top or from the base of a new pseudobulb.
Sympodial orchids, such as Cattleyas, form a horizontal stem called a rhizome that produces new shoots from buds.
Sympodial Orchids (those that grow horizontally) should have enough space between the youngest shoot and the rim of the pot to allow for two years of growth.
Sympodial Orchids (those that grow horizontally) can be divided by cutting the rhizome so that each division has three or more growths and one actively growing lead.
Feeds |
Contact