Pre-harvest production.
A.4.1 Orchid planting materials shall be selected from reliable source. The planting materials shall meet the characteristics of the required varieties, complete, healthy, and free from diseases and insects. Record sources of planting materials. The orchid propagation method shall be applied appropriately to each type of orchid i.e. tissue culture, division, cutting, shoot separation, top cutting, and branch shoot separation.
A.4.2 Use clean growing media and suitable with varieties of orchids taking into consideration of growing media properties such as aerated and well drained, supporting roots and vegetation growing, durable, not quickly decomposed, free from toxins, readily available and conveniently used.
A.4.3 Water used in the production process should be obtained from source which is not exposed to any risk of contamination, the quality of water suitable for growing orchids e.g. with pH 5.2 to 8.5, Electroconductivity of less than 750 micromoh / cm.
A.4.4. Fertilizer should be applied thoroughly taking into consideration of growing media to stem, root and leaf with exception of flower. If it is too dry, water should be given 2 to 3 hours prior to fertilizing. Fertilizer should be applied on a sunny day and refrained from applying nitrogen fertilizer 2 to 3 days prior to cutting. The formula and rate of applying fertilizer should be as follows: