Effects of Foliar Fertilizer Application on Growth of <I>Vanda</I> Orchid

Abstract

Vanda is a potential orchid for export whereas it is long vase-life and good color which fascinated to customers. Fertilizer is an important factor to stimulate the growth of Vanda for high quality production. This experiment aimed to study the effects of appropriated fertilizer application on the growth of Vanda Pat Delight. The experimental design was completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 20 replications per treatment, i.e. T1) use fertilizer grade 21-21-21 year round, T2) 13-27-27 year round, T3) 21-21-21 for 2 times then 13-27-27 for 3 times, T4) 21-21-21 for 4 times then 13-27-27 for 1 times and T5) no fertilizer use. The fertilizer concentration was 60 g/20 L of water. The application was done by spraying once a week with 100 ml of fertilizer per plant. The results showed that the fertilizer grade 21-21-21 for 4 times then 13-27-27 for 1 time (T4) was not significant difference on the number of leaf pairs and leaf greenness when compared with 21-21-21 year round (T1) which could increase plant height at 37.6 cm but had the smallest flowering percentage at 70 percent. In contrast to T4 which had 100 percent flowering and the highest on number of flowers per plant, the inflorescence length, flower diameter but was not significant with T1. However, it was significant difference with the control group. Therefore it should be concluded that fertilizer application by using 21-21-21 for 4 times then 13-27-27 for 1 time was optimum for promote plant growth and quality of flower.