Muscat: The Royal Gardens and Farms at the Royal Court Affairs have achieved successful propagation of both indigenous and imported orchid varieties, following years of sustained experimentation, developmental efforts, and ongoing research.
According to Oman News Agency, the initial cultivation of orchids began in 1982 at the nurseries of the Royal Gardens and Farms in Salalah, utilizing imported seedlings. This marked the beginning of subsequent phases dedicated to the propagation and production of orchids in a diverse array of colors, forms, and cultivars, conducted at the farms of Bir bint Ahmed and Qayrun Hayriti in Salalah.
The Governorate of Dhofar offers a climate particularly conducive to orchid propagation, with temperature and humidity levels that closely match the plant's natural requirements. Orchids thrive in environments where temperatures range between 18 and 32 degrees Celsius, with relative humidity maintained at 60 to 85 percent.
The Royal Gardens and Farms have focused on multiplying diverse orchid varieties, including indigenous strains collected from Tawi Atayr in the east and the Dhalkut Mountains in the west. This initiative is supported by a commitment to conserving, nurturing, and propagating this native variety, which is noted for its flower spike-reaching lengths of 1.5 to 2 meters and its relatively small blooms compared to hybrid cultivars. Additionally, a second indigenous variety has been cultivated, characterized by a shorter stature, larger flowers, and more vibrant coloration.
Eng. Ibrahim Ahmed Quttan, Director of the Technical Support Department at the Royal Gardens and Farms in Salalah, elaborated on other cultivated varieties, stating that multiple orchid genera have been successfully propagated, including Dendrobium, Vanda, Arachnis (Aranda), Oncidium, Cattleya, and Phalaenopsis. Among these, Dendrobium has shown the greatest adaptability to Dhofar's climatic conditions, followed by Oncidium.
He further explained that orchid propagation is conducted through several methodologies, including tissue culture, stem cuttings, offshoots, and lateral growths derived from the mother plant. The roots are cultivated in specialized growing media such as charcoal, coir (coconut husk fiber), and the bark of certain trees, which collectively contribute to maintaining root cleanliness and moisture levels while providing effective protection against fungal and insect infestations.
