Which Orchids Are Suitable For Aquaculture?

Orchids are epiphytes, preferring to grow on other plants rather than soil. Growing them in water is an advanced technique that requires experience with orchid care. Epiphytic orchids like the Phalaenopsis orchid and semi-aquatic orchids like the Paphiopedilum orchid are excellent choices for water culture. Aquaponics is an innovative and sustainable method of cultivating plants that integrates hydroponics and aquaculture.

Water culture is not recommended for beginners, as it requires experience with orchid care. Key steps during the transition, such as cleaning roots and pruning dead ones, can help maintain the growth of orchids in water. Most epiphytic orchids can be grown in water culture, with the most common being the moth orchid, the phalaenopsis. Most orchids are already semi hydroponic, surviving on water with dissolved nutrients.

Water culture orchids are easy to grow and may even thrive more than potted plants. Discover how to do it with this step-by-step guide. Spiranthes odorata, an aquatic plant from Florida, can bloom underwater. Dendrobium nobile’s dried stems are used for making herbal medicines, which enhance salivation and treat dry mouth and dry coughs.

In the subgenus Phalaenopsis, Phal. amabilis and Phal. aphrodite are mainly used for breeding white and large flowers of more than 10 cm in flower size. Overall, growing orchids in water culture requires experience with orchid care and knowledge of hydroponics and aquaculture.