Currently, there are more than 70 species of phalaenopsis. And their hybrids cannot be counted at all. Among them there are rare forms and more common ones. 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 family of orchids is quite numerous, it includes a large number of varieties. The most common among them are phalaenopsis. The orchid "wild cat" is very beautiful. Under natural conditions, the plant will grow on the humid Australian plains and in the mountain forests in the Philippines. The name of the species is translated as "butterfly". It was given to plants by Karl Blum, who in the dark confused a flower with a butterfly.
The orchid (photo of the beauty is given in the article) received the name "wild cat" because of the characteristic color that resembles the fur of a wild cat (spotted red-yellow color). Sometimes this species is called the "white cat".
This is a rather rare variety with dense waxy flowers. The petals and sepals of the plant are white or yellow with cherry spots. The core is colored a little brighter and hasdivorces. As a rule, the spots are so large that from afar it seems that the flower is dark purple. As you get closer, this optical effect disappears. This nuance attracts true connoisseurs of phalaenopsis. The 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 lies in the fact that they exude a pleasant aroma. The high wax content of the flower makes it very attractive.
The wild cat orchid has large, rounded, leathery and wide leaves with a slight sheen. An adult plant has four to six leaves. Between them, gray-green roots grow in two rows, which are necessary to fix 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 "wild cat" and other varieties
The photo and description of the "wild cat" orchid allows you to appreciate the beauty of this variety. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the flower favorably differs from other varieties in color. If you purchased a non-flowering plant, then it is quite difficult to distinguish it from other subspecies. Since the "wild cat" is a rare phalaenopsis, in order not to be deceived when buying, you must choose an orchid that has at least one flower.
The unusual coloring of the culture is highly appreciated by experts. Lilac orchids are quite rare. You will not find this species in the collections of beginners.flower growers. The presence of a plant on the windowsill is a real pride.
Flowering
The flowering of the wild cat orchid (photos used as illustrations clearly demonstrate how original this tropical guest is) lasts an average of three months. The plant does not have a pronounced rest period. Under acceptable conditions, phalaenopsis can bloom in winter. Good care allows the plant to take a short break lasting no more than a month, after which new buds wake up and additional flower stalks appear, which will soon please with flowering.
You should be wary if the plant has not bloomed even once during the year. This suggests that some conditions do not suit him. The flowers of the "wild cat" are collected in inflorescences. They have a pleasant aroma for a long time. As you know, not all orchids exude a smell. Wild Cat is a welcome exception in this regard.
After the appearance of buds on the peduncle, the latter must be fixed with holders so that the plant is in a vertical position in the future.
One of the subspecies of the "wild cat" orchid - Arctic Cat. Such phalaenopsis have some differences in color. Dark spots on the flowers are not so common. Otherwise, the plant has no fundamental differences.
Post-flowering care
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. Remove only those flower stalks that have completely dried up. As a rule, pruning is carried out to the first dormant bud, from which new growth may subsequently appear. The cut is treated with any disinfectant. After a while, the buds will 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 don't worry.
If you intend to transplant the crop, 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 by reducing watering. This will extend the life 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 encouraged. You can try to increase the difference between day and night temperatures.
Planting and care
The "wild cat" orchid should be transplanted only in the most extreme cases. Culture does not like to be disturbed. Transplantation should be carried out only in the following cases:
- In case of damage and decay of the roots. The dead areas are removed, and the sections are sprinkled with cinnamon powder or activated charcoal. The plant is moved to a new pot with a clean substrate.
- When the crop becomes unstable in a pot. After transplantation, the orchid is giventime to adapt. The plant is transplanted no more than once every two to three years. The pot is cut in such a way as not to damage the roots. Drainage is placed in a new container. It is recommended to place pieces of polystyrene under the root collar. Next, the bush is carefully lowered into the pot and the voids are filled with bark. You can add some charcoal.
Ground requirements
Orchid planting requires special soil. Experts recommend buying it in the store. The substrate usually consists of steamed pine bark, the size of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. 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 flower growers practice its use, while others do not. In addition, coconut chips, fern root may be present in the substrate.
Quality soil should have the following properties:
- Its structure should be dense to support the plant.
- High air and water permeability.
- Ability to retain nutrients.
After acquiring an orchid, it needs to create the right conditions. The plant must adapt in your home. He needs to choose a well-lit place with diffused light. He althy plants are not transplanted. In the purchased pot, orchids can be grown for several years.
Temperature conditions
What arecare features? For the "wild cat" orchid, it is necessary to create an optimal temperature regime. In the daytime, the air temperature should be within + 22 … + 25 ° С. At night, temperatures can be five to six degrees lower. But it is worth remembering that it is undesirable for an orchid to allow the temperature to 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, drafts should not be allowed to appear. The orchid should be in a place where it will have enough sunlight. Direct sunlight is unacceptable. Phalaenopsis illumination period should not be less than 10-12 hours a day.
Irrigation
Proper watering is the foundation 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 that, the vessel is taken out and the excess liquid is allowed to drain. Subsequent moistening of the soil should be carried out only after the bark has completely dried. The optimal irrigation regime can only be worked out empirically. It is necessary to regularly monitor the condition of the roots. As long as they have a dark shade, and there is condensation on the walls of the pot, the plant should not be watered. As soon as the roots turn a light gray color, you can moisten the soil.
Feeding
Feeding is an essential element of care. Fertilizers are added to water for irrigation at every third procedure. To do this, use special formulations for orchids. Fertilizers are necessary for plants to develop and bloom, as they grow in ordinary bark.
Some growers use sphagnum moss to keep moisture in pots. They cover the top of the roots. This simple method allows you to avoid frequent watering. Moss is a great helper during hot periods.
Sometimes it is added to the ground. In this case, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the roots, since the moss retains moisture in the pot. And this can lead to excessive watering of plants and further rotting of the root system. Many flower growers recommend using large bark for planting, which securely holds the orchid in a pot.
Diseases and pests
Wildcat orchids are prone to diseases such as Fusarium and gray mold. Fungicides are used to treat plants. Sometimes orchids are affected by spider mites and thrips. When these dangerous pests are found, insecticides are used for treatment.
Borey and Masha have proven themselves well. They help to cope with any pests. In the fight against ticks, Aktelik, which has a wide spectrum of action, works effectively.
When processing with any preparations, the plant must be sprayed from all sides. The solution should also wet the substrate. After the leaves have dried, the plant can be returned to its place. In the future, orchids are re-processedafter 7-10 days. You can wash the plant and spray it no earlier than a month later, 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. Even beginners can purchase an unusual orchid for themselves. Proper care will allow you to get lush flowering. Such a plant is the pride of any grower.
