Spider orchid ( Arachnis flosaeris ) - a potential cut flower

Arachnis (Arachnis flosaeris) is an epiphytic, monopodial orchid commonly called as spider orchid or scorpion orchid. It is an outstanding cut flower with pretty long flower spikes and usually grown under protected condition. To make the production economical, a technology was developed to cultivate this orchid in pandal system in open. The low cost pandal type of support system was established with concrete poles and plastic wire. By this new method of cultivation, flowering was observed throughout the year with luxurious growth of the plant, whereas in conventional method of growing spider orchid under protected condition, flowering was observed once in a year during November to January. Flowers are produced once in 13-15 days interval from an axillary bud of a plant. Once in three years, 50 to 60 cm terminal cuttings of the stems can be done and once rooted the same may be planted near the mother plant in the same pole. When the new planted cuttings start bearing the old plants may be removed based on the vigour. By this way the Arachnis orchid production system can be maintained permanently for year round harvest of cut flowers.

Benefit:This technology can be utilized even by farmers with small holdings since spacing adopted between the poles is 30 cm x 45 cm. This crop is highly suitable for homestead gardening and performs well with minimum organic input in open with less managemental care.

Source : Contact person with Name, Designation e-mail and phone no: Dr. V. Baskaran, Principal Scientist Email:V.Baskaran@icar.gov.in Phone: 9933292110