Currently, there are more than 70 species of phalaenopsis. And their hybrids do not count. Among them there are rare forms and more common. The first is the wild cat orchid. It is about her that will be discussed in our article.
Description of the wild cat orchid
The orchid family is quite numerous, it includes a large number of varieties. The most common among them are phalaenopsis. Very beautiful is the wild cat orchid. Under natural conditions, the plant grows on the humid Australian plains and in mountain forests in the Philippines. The name of the species translates as “butterfly”. It was given to plants by Carl Blum, who in the dark confused a flower with a butterfly.
The orchid (the beauty photo is given in the article) received the name “wild cat” because of the characteristic coloring, which resembles the hair of a wild cat (spotted red-yellow color). Sometimes this species is called the "white cat".
This is a fairly rare variety with dense wax flowers. Petals and sepals of the plant are white or yellow in color with cherry spots. The core is painted a little brighter and has stains. As a rule, the spots are so large that from afar it seems that the flower is dark purple. As you approach, such an optical effect disappears. This nuance attracts true connoisseurs of phalaenopsis. Orchid blooms twice a year. It gives a peduncle up to 60 centimeters long. The flowers of the plant are large, in diameter they can reach 10 centimeters. Their peculiarity is that they exude a pleasant aroma. The high wax content of the flower makes it very attractive in appearance.
The wild cat orchid has large, rounded, leathery and wide leaves with a slight sheen. On an adult plant, four to six leaves are present. Between them, in two rows, the roots of gray-green color grow, which are necessary for fixing the flower on the trees. In addition, the roots are actively involved in photosynthesis. The plant itself does not exceed 50 centimeters in height.
The difference between the "wild cat" from other varieties
Photo and description of the wild cat orchid allows you to appreciate the beauty of this variety. Its feature is that the flower compares favorably with other varieties of color. If you have acquired a non-flowering plant, then distinguishing it from other subspecies is quite difficult. Since the “wild cat” is a rare phalaenopsis, in order not to be deceived when buying, you must choose an orchid with at least one flower on it.
The unusual coloring of the culture is very much appreciated by specialists. Lilac orchids are quite rare. You will not find this type in the collections of beginner gardeners. The presence of plants on the windowsill is a real reason for pride.
Bloom
The flowering of the wild cat orchid (the photos used as illustrations illustrate how original this tropical guest is) lasts an average of three months. The plant does not have a pronounced period of rest. Under acceptable conditions, phalaenopsis can bloom in winter. Good care allows the plant to take a short break of no more than a month, after which new buds wake up and additional peduncles appear, which will soon please bloom.
You should beware if the plant has not bloomed during the year even once. This suggests that some conditions are not suitable for him. Flowers of the "wild cat" are collected in inflorescences. They delight for a long time with a pleasant aroma. As you know, not all orchids exude a smell. "Wild cat" in this regard is a pleasant exception.
After the appearance of buds on the peduncle, the latter must be fixed with the help of holders, so that in future the plant is in an upright position.
One of the subspecies of the wild cat orchid is Arctic Cat. Such phalaenopsis have some differences in color. Dark spots on the flowers are not so common. The rest of the plant does not have fundamental differences.
Care after flowering
How to care for an orchid? Phalaenopsis “wild cat” (photo is given in the article) needs the same care as other subspecies. After flowering, the plant should not be pruned. Only those peduncles that have completely dried out are removed. As a rule, pruning is carried out to the first sleeping bud, from which a new shoot can later appear. The slice is treated with any disinfectant. After a while, the buds begin to awaken and give rise to new lateral peduncles. Experts note that the flowers on the side branches are smaller than on the main ones. This is quite normal, so do not worry.
If you intend to transplant a culture, then this should be done after flowering. But this step should be caused by extreme necessity. Without urgent need, the plant should not be disturbed. Before the next flowering, the orchid can be placed in a cooler place, reducing watering. This will extend the lifetime of beautiful inflorescences. In addition, you can sometimes gently spray the peduncle with warm water. Sometimes orchids are stubborn and do not want to bloom. In this case, they need to be stimulated. You can try to increase the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures.
Landing and care
Orchid "wild cat" must be transplanted only in extreme cases. Culture does not like to be disturbed. A transplant should be carried out only in the following cases:
- In case of damage and decay of the roots. Dead areas are removed and sections are sprinkled with cinnamon powder or activated charcoal. The plant is transferred to a new pot with a clean substrate.
- With the loss of stability of the culture in the pot. After transplanting, orchids give time for adaptation. The plant is transplanted no more than once every two to three years. The pot is cut so as not to damage the roots. A drain is placed in a new container. Under the root neck, it is recommended to lay pieces of foam. Next, the bush is carefully lowered into the pot and the voids are filled with bark. You can add some charcoal.
Soil requirements
Orchid planting requires special soil. Experts recommend purchasing it in a store. The substrate usually consists of steamed pine bark, the sizes of the pieces of which differ from different manufacturers. Sometimes charcoal and sphagnum moss are added to the soil. If you wish, you can do it yourself. The presence of moss in a pot is a purely individual matter. Some gardeners practice its use, while others do not. In addition, coconut chips and fern root may be present in the substrate.
High-quality soil should have the following properties:
- Its structure must be dense to provide support to the plant.
- High air and water permeability.
- The ability to retain nutrients.
After acquiring an orchid, she needs to create the right conditions. The plant must adapt in your home. He needs to pick up a well-lit spot with diffused light. Healthy plants do not transplant. In the purchased pot, orchids can be grown for several years.
Temperature mode
What are the features of care? For the wild cat orchid, it is necessary to create the optimal temperature regime. In the daytime, the air temperature should be within +22 ... + 25 ° . At night, the temperature can be five to six degrees lower. But it is worth remembering that it is undesirable for an orchid to allow a temperature drop below +15 degrees.
Humidity should be 40-70%. The room in which the plant is located should be periodically ventilated, but at the same time, avoid the appearance of drafts. The orchid should be in a place where it will have enough sunlight. Direct sunlight is unacceptable. The period of illumination of phalaenopsis should not be less than 10-12 hours a day.
Watering
Proper watering is the basis of care. Phalaenopsis tolerates a lack of water better than its excess. Proper soil moisture is the main component of care. There are several methods for watering orchids. Most often, flower growers immerse the pot with the plant in a container of boiled water at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. After they take out the vessel and allow it to drain excess fluid. Subsequent soil moisture should be carried out only after the bark has completely dried. The optimal watering regime can only be worked out empirically. It is necessary to regularly monitor the condition of the roots. While they have a dark shade, and condensation is present on the walls of the pot, the plant should not be watered. Once the roots become light gray, you can moisten the soil.
Top dressing
Feeding is an essential element of care. Fertilizers are added to water for irrigation with every third procedure. To do this, use special compounds for orchids. Fertilizers are necessary for plants to grow and bloom, because they grow in the usual bark.
Some growers use sphagnum moss to preserve moisture in pots. They cover the roots from above. This simple method avoids frequent watering. Moss is an excellent helper in hot periods.
Sometimes it is added to the ground. In this case, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the roots, since moss retains moisture in the pot. And this can lead to excessive watering of plants and further decay of the root system. Many flower growers recommend using large bark for planting, which securely holds the orchid in a pot.
Diseases and Pests
Wild cat orchids are prone to diseases such as fusarium and gray rot. Fungicides are used to treat plants. Orchids are sometimes affected by spider mites and thrips. When these dangerous pests are detected, insecticides are used for processing.
Well-proven funds are "Borey" and "Masha." They help to cope with any pests. In the fight against ticks, Actelik works effectively, having a wide range of actions.
When processing with any drugs, the plant must be sprayed from all sides. The solution should be wet and the substrate. After the leaves have dried, the plant can be returned to its place. Subsequently, orchids are re-processed after 7-10 days. You can wash the plant and spray it no earlier than after a month, so as not to wash off the active substances from the surface.
Conclusion
"Wild cat" - one of the most beautiful varieties of phalaenopsis. Its cultivation at home is no different from other varieties. An unusual orchid can be acquired even by beginners. Proper care will allow you to get a magnificent bloom. Such a plant is the pride of any grower.