Tropical beauty - an orchid - is not in vain considered a symbol of love, charm and purity. The appearance of the flower is fascinating, as are its varieties and names. Every grower has an irresistible desire to get the most unusual orchid in existence. Indoor varieties amaze with their unusual riot of colors and original flowering.
Phalaenopsis Orchid description
One of the most interesting, popular and unusual orchids is the phalaenopsis. Their genus includes more than forty species, most of which are grown in botanical gardens, greenhouses and at home.
Phalaenopsis roots, in some species, reach eight millimeters in diameter. These are quite high figures, because it is with the help of the roots that the orchid is fixed on the surface and receives nutrients.
The growth of flowers throughout the year practically does not stop, and therefore the orchid is very popular with buyers. If you look at the flower from afar, it seems that this is a real butterfly. In addition to visual appeal, orchids do not cause allergic reactions and fit perfectly into any interior.
Planting and plant care
Even such unusual orchids (photo below) as phalaenopsis require constant care and proper planting. Most orchids are sold in small transparent containers. This makes it possible to see the root system of the plant as best as possible. However, after purchase, the orchid needs to be transplanted.
Since the flower does not grow in the ground, boiled and dried oak or pine bark, as well as charcoal, can be used as a substrate. Pebbles or pieces of bark are used as drainage.
Phalaenopsis can be placed on any window, the main thing is to protect the flower from direct sunlight. An excess of light will negatively affect the growth of the orchid, and it may soon dry out. If the flower is too close to ethylene-producing fruit, it will gradually wither and dry.
Water and fertilize
Irrigation 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 mode of hydration. However, there are no precise recommendations in this regard. Even if you put orchids in different rooms, indicators such as temperature, humidity and lighting can vary significantly, and therefore the irrigation system will vary.
Even if the top layer of the substrate is a little dry, then this is not at allmeans that the orchid needs to be watered.
There is one invariable rule of moisture: the higher the light, the temperature and the larger the substrate, the more and more often you need to water. Better underfill than overfill. If the lower leaves of the orchid withered, then this indicates that there is not enough 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 other varieties, requires a transplant. The substrate is replaced every two years, replanting the flower so that it does not cake, dry well and does not suffocate.
The first thing you should pay attention to is the roots. If they have grown strongly and the plant has begun to drop leaves, the flower needs to be transplanted.
After transplanting, it is better not to water the phalaenopsis for three days, you must wait until the damaged root system dries out. And then gradually start watering or just spray the top leaves.
Some rules you will need during cultivation
There are various tricks that help grow such unusual orchids just on your windowsill:
- As you know, many house flowers lean towards the light, the orchid is no exception. Therefore, every two weeks it must be turned 180 degrees. During the flowering period, the plant is best left alone.
- When the orchid startsto form buds, it's time to carefully tie it with a ribbon to the one attached to the container, special delivery, stick or tube. 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 only be achieved if the orchid is protected from direct sunlight, and there is also the appropriate temperature, humidity and timely watering.
- Many amateur flower growers, in order to stimulate flowering, reduce watering and lower temperatures at night. However, experts believe that a decrease in temperature is not necessary and does not have a significant impact on the formation of the duration of the flowering phase.
- Young plants during summer flowering cannot properly 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 of orchids, because they will definitely come in handy as a hint in this not easy business - floriculture.
Key facts about orchids: what not to overlook?
In order for a plant to bring only joy, you need to learn everything about it, a description of unusual orchids and basic facts that will help grow a real beauty:
- In Greek, orchid means "moth" or "moth". Looking at the shape of the flower, one can really assume that this is a real butterfly.
- Double-ended fluorescent lamps or fluorescent mercury lamps are used to illuminate orchids. They are the best for lighting.
- Roots that are on the surface often wrinkle and have an unviable appearance. The reason lies in insufficient humidity, so you should not worry, this does not threaten the growth and development of the flower.
Other equally interesting varieties of orchids
Derived hybrids with speckled and tiger patterns - orchids of unusual colors (photo below), are rightfully considered the most beautiful. And despite all the similarities between them, they are all different.
The whole world knows such varieties as:
- Schiller's Phalaenopsis;
- Stuart's Phalaenopsis;
- Phalaenopsis Parish;
- Philadelphia;
- Blue Orchid.
Also considered very popular:
- Phalaenopsis Luddemann. Dwarf plant, blooms for a long time. 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 profusely and is able to give life to fifty flowers at the same time.
Species and hybrid plants surprise with their graceful appearance. Each copy is special and unique in its own way. Incredibly beautiful flowers will decorate any collection. Orchids area real find for every grower.
