A tropical beauty - an orchid - is not in vain considered a symbol of love, charm and purity. The appearance of the flower is mesmerizing, as are its varieties and names. Each grower has an irresistible desire to get the most unusual orchid of all. Indoor varieties are striking in their extraordinary riot of colors and original flowering.
Phalaenopsis orchid description
One of the most interesting, popular and unusual orchids is phalaenopsis. Their genus has more than forty species, most of which are grown in botanical gardens, greenhouses and at home.
The roots of phalaenopsis, in individual species, reach eight millimeters in diameter. These are quite high indicators, because it is with the help of the roots that the orchid fixes on the surface and receives nutrients.
The growth of flowers throughout the year practically does not stop, and therefore the orchid is very popular among buyers. If you look at the flower from afar, it seems that it is a real butterfly. In addition to external attractiveness, orchids do not cause allergic reactions and fit perfectly into any interior.
Planting and plant care
Even such unusual orchids (photo below), like phalaenopsis, require constant care and proper planting. Orchids are mainly sold in small transparent containers. This makes it possible to consider the root system of the plant as best as possible. However, after the purchase, the orchid must be transplanted.
Since the flower does not grow in the ground, boiled and dried oak bark or pine bark, as well as charcoal, can be used as a substrate. Pebbles or pieces of bark are used as drainage.
You can place phalaenopsis on any window, most importantly, protect the flower from direct sunlight. An excess of light will negatively affect the growth of the orchid, and soon it can dry out. If the flower is too close to fruits that produce ethylene, then it will gradually fade and dry.
Watering and feeding
Watering for plants is of great importance, especially for such unusual orchids - phalaenopsis. It is better to water the flower twice a week. This is the optimal moisturizing mode. However, exact recommendations on this subject do not exist. Even if orchids are placed in different rooms, indicators such as temperature, humidity and lighting can differ significantly, therefore the irrigation system will vary.
Even if the top layer of the substrate has dried out a little, this does not mean that the orchid needs to be watered.
There is one invariable rule of moistening: the higher the illumination, the temperature and the larger the substrate, the more and more often you need to water. Better to underfill than to overfill. If the lower leaves of the orchid have fallen, then this indicates that there is insufficient moisture and watering is simply necessary.
In addition to watering, during the growing season you need to fertilize with special complex fertilizers.
Orchid transplant
Despite the fact that phalaenopsis is an unusual orchid, it, like the other varieties, requires a transplant. Substrate replacement is carried out once every two years, replanting the flower so that it does not cake, dries well and does not suffocate.
The first thing you should pay attention to is the roots. If they have grown greatly and the plant began to drop leaves, the flower needs to be transplanted.
After transplanting, phalaenopsis is better not to water for three days, it is necessary to wait until the damaged root system dries. And then gradually start watering or just spray the top leaves.
Some rules that will be needed during the cultivation
There are various tricks that help grow such unusual orchids just on your windowsill:
- As you know, many home flowers lean towards the light, an orchid is no exception. Therefore, once every two weeks it must be turned 180 degrees. During flowering, it is better to leave the plant alone.
- When the orchid begins to form buds, it's time to carefully tie it with a ribbon to a container attached, a special supply, a stick or a straw. This will help keep the plant upright. Two weeks later, after the flowers bloom and the pedicels harden, the orchid is turned.
- Prolonged flowering can be achieved only if the orchid is protected from direct sunlight, and there will be appropriate temperature, humidity and timely watering.
- Many amateur gardeners, in order to stimulate flowering, reduce watering and lower temperature indicators at night. However, experts believe that lowering the temperature is not necessary and does not significantly affect the formation of the duration of the flowering phase.
- Young plants during summer flowering can not normally grow foliage. Adult specimens, unlike young ones, sometimes bloom twice. After such activity, the plant will need rest.
- If you notice that the orchid slows down or does not form a peduncle at all, then this indicates that a new leaf sprouts along with the peduncle.
Remember these features of growing, growing and flowering orchids, because they will definitely come in handy for you as a hint in this difficult task - floriculture.
Basic facts about orchids: what should not be overlooked?
In order for the plant to bring only joy, you need to find out everything about it, a description of unusual orchids and basic facts that will help grow a real beauty:
- Translated from Greek, an orchid is a "moth" or "nocturnal butterfly." Looking at the shape of the flower, one can truly assume that this is a real butterfly.
- To illuminate orchids, double-ended fluorescent lamps or mercury fluorescent lamps are used. They are best suited for lighting.
- Roots on the surface often wrinkle and have a non-viable appearance. The reason lies in insufficient humidity, so do not worry, it does not threaten the growth and development of the flower.
Other equally interesting varieties of orchids
Bred hybrids with mottled and tiger patterns - orchids of unusual colors (photo below) are rightfully considered the most beautiful. And, despite all the similarities between themselves, they are all different.
The whole world knows such varieties as:
- Schiller phalaenopsis;
- Phalaenopsis Stuart;
- Phalaenopsis Parisha;
- Philadelphia;
- Blue orchid.
Also considered very popular:
- Phalaenopsis Luddemann. Dwarf plant, blooms long enough. Such a long flowering is due to the fact that all the flowers bloom in turn.
- Phalaenopsis Sander. A rare and unusual orchid that blooms very abundantly and is able to give life to fifty flowers at the same time.
Species and hybrid plants surprise with their elegant appearance. Each instance is special and unique in its own way. Incredibly beautiful flowers will decorate any collection. Orchids are a real find for every grower.