Useful Tips
In order for the purchased orchids to please with their flowering, you need to know and follow a few simple tips. For example, you need to purchase such rare flowers at special exhibitions or in stores. You should not buy an orchid with blue flowers without experience in growing phalaenopsis, as it will soon get sick and may even die.
Always remember that a dyed plant requires more careful and careful maintenance. Therefore, it is recommended to think about whether to buy a blue orchid. You don't need to paint it blue yourself. If you follow all these recommendations, then an indoor orchid garden will delight any amateur gardener with its varied flowering.
Pests and diseases
- The spider mite is the most frequent "pest" for the burgundy orchid, it multiplies very quickly and practically eats the plant. For any mites and other pests, flower growers recommend immediately spraying orchids with a special solution or soaking them with roots in an insecticide for 15 minutes and quarantining them (at least for a month).
- Various rot, especially in summer, affect the roots and leaves of a weakened orchid, the flower can rot, die. If you see root decay, you need to immediately save the flower: transplant it, carefully cut out all rotten roots with a knife. "Wounds" should be disinfected, sprinkled with cinnamon and oiled.
- Fungus in the bark, on the leaves. An urgent transplant is needed here. The infected substrate must be changed. The pot must be disinfected, as well as the windowsill or the place where the pots are.
Spray with phytosporin solution or any other antifungal agent. Dosage preparations should be very modest, since the medicine, if it is wrong, negatively affects the root system as a whole. To disinfect the roots, they can be treated with 3% hydrogen peroxide.
- Yellowing of leaves - the orchid is "overheated" in the sun. Move it to darker areas. Falling buds and leaves - little light. If it is autumn or winter, use additional lamps, increase daylight hours.
Attention! Beware of drafts. Do not place pots over heating coils.
External characteristics
The height of an adult specimen is a distinctive characteristic of the Midi type. These plants do not grow above 50 cm - the indicator takes into account the size of the peduncle during the period of active flowering.
Since Midi orchids are monopodial flowers, all the leaves are collected in a root rosette and there are 4-6 plants in the adult state. During the year, Midi grows 1-2 leaves from the upper point of growth, and the lower leaves gradually die off.
With the beginning of the flowering period, erect peduncles are formed from the axils of the leaves - depending on the variety, their number varies from 1 to 5 pieces. The maximum height of Midi stalks is 30 cm and is a characteristic of the type.
The shape of the flower, like all phalaenopsis, resembles a moth or butterfly. Two large side petals - petals, one modified lower - lip (labellum), and three identical sepals - sepals in different variations give birth to magnificent flowers. The diameter reaches a maximum of 6 cm.
Staining methods
Patented color
The Dutch nursery method is patented. They explain:
- A certain environment (temperature, dyes) with natural elements is created;
- White phalaenopsis are used. They are posted on this Wednesday. The creators claim it is safe for orchids;
- Flowers are colored not only blue;
- The price for them is solid. 2-3 times higher than others.
How it was bred by the Americans is unknown to us. Japanese copies have not yet been offered. Or maybe we don't know yet. And our dealers implement them.
White phalaenopsis are used for staining.
Peduncle injections
- Not everyone can purchase patented blue orchids. ;
- And if they ask just such, then it can be created on the spot. And on the Internet they will tell you what and how to paint;
- One of these methods is peduncle injection. In its lower part. It is not so dangerous for the whole plant. If it fades, other stalks will have lighter flowers.
By the way! Many are calm about this. I remember one phrase: “We do it all the time in our garden shop. So I have a good experience. People are grateful for the advice and tips. "
Root injection
The results of injections into the root of the plant can also be seen. This is definitely a one-time gift. Only who will like this cyanosis? And it is already more difficult to save such a plant.
Why is self-coloring dangerous?
The introduction of various dyes greatly weakens the plants. After all, there are also advisers to add dyes when watering. And they recommend special paints for flowers or food colors. And they can help you get them.
I don't really understand such florists. For what? Money - I will believe. But not love for flowers.
Ordinary ink is also used as dyes. And there are also solvents.
There may be wilting and dropping buds.
Attention! The plants may eventually die. And even the efforts taken to rescue may not give a positive result.
What are the colors?
At home
Not all orchid species existing in the world will take root in the house. Hybrid species feel best in the neighborhood of humans.
Orchids suitable for breeding in an apartment without creating special greenhouse conditions are divided according to their growth forms into two groups:
- Monopodial. They have only one point of growth. They are characterized by apical flowering. Growth is predominantly stem. That is, the height of the orchid increases, the growth of leaf shoots does not occur. The leaves of monopodial orchids are dense, a reserve of moisture is created in them, they are usually green in color, but there are also variegated. Flowers can be of any shade in the range of colors between white and pink, as well as light green, orange, lilac, yellow, and in recent years, black and blue.
- Sympodal. This type of indoor orchid has multiple growth points and blooms along the entire stem. This species usually stretches not upward, but horizontally, for example, like a loach, or vines. Leaves are narrow and thin, die off quickly. Flowers can be yellow, purple, pink, have shades in between these three colors, or mixed with white, as well as have double colors, spotted and gradient.
In nature
The variety of orchids in nature includes species that live underground (saprophytes), on trees (epiphytes) and in soil, the latter usually having a bulbous root and capable of growing in latitudes with temperate climates.
The natural colors of these plants can be anything, but they are not found in the wild:
- Blue and blue orchids.
- Absolutely purple, flowers with this color have yellow, white or orange blotches.
- Black, there are disputes about this, since there is a legendary version of the appearance of black orchids, according to which it was stolen by a botanist researcher from the mysterious tribes of South America who worshiped it. The legend has no proof. Some endemics are also known, the color of which is considered to be black.
Artificially bred plants
In terms of orchid breeding, breeders act intuitively rather than clearly and thoughtfully. But even those types of colors that are obtained by trial and error cause enthusiastic exclamations.
Among them are orchids:
- blue;
- purple;
- spotted color "harlequin";
- Brindle color;
- pure white, without a single shade or blotches;
- pearlescent.
More than half of the current "running" colors of orchids are bred, which in no way diminishes their beauty.
Types of orchids, their names and photos
In this section, you will find out what types of indoor flowers are, their description, pictures of plants of the orchid family.
With bulbs
Bulba, or rather pseudobulba (tuber, tuberidium), is a storehouse of nutrients. Thickening at the bottom of the stem, "outer bulb".
Plants with pseudobulbs belong to the sympodial type of development.
What are the orchids with pseudobulbs:
- lelia;
- oncidium;
- miltonia;
- odontoglossum;
- cattleya;
- dendrobium;
- orchid carrot.
You can read more about the Lelia orchid here.
Unpretentious
Indoor hybrids of Phalaenopsis grow and bloom well in living rooms and are well suited for novice florists. Most of the other species and varieties require a more individual approach.
Dendrobium, Cattleya, Oncidium, Wanda are also quite easy to grow, observing the conditions: it is 7 degrees warmer during the day than at night, do not flood in winter.
Cattleya (photo of flowers in pots).
Sympodial
Sympodial species grow in bushes, with several shoots from one rhizome:
- cattleya;
- cambria;
- oncidium;
- cymbidium.
The main root is located horizontally inside the soil, new shoots with pseudobulbs easily grow from it.
Orchids are divided into monopodial and sympodial types.
Smelling
The scent of orchids ranges from complete absence to strong, pleasant scent. The Vanilla flower is also used in the food industry.
Most odorous species:
- vanilla;
- lelia;
- miltonia;
- cellogin;
- cattleya;
- dendrobiums;
- phalaenopsis (many varieties);
- cymbidiums;
- cambria;
- zygopetalum;
- miltoniopsis;
- oncidium.
Rare
The family of orchids is so extensive and unusual, there is a hefty list of rare species. Here are the most beautiful and rarest of them:
Royal blue phalaenopsis. Botanists at the Japanese University Chiba University have created the Royal Blue variety based on the Phalaenopsis Aphrodite, placing the blue gene in it. While this miracle is not available to simple amateur flower growers. The basis of a unique new species is also a rarity - the Phalaenopsis Aphrodite orchid is very difficult to reproduce by seeds, therefore it is not grown on an industrial scale;
Royal blue phalaenopsis.
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orchid Egret, habenaria, or radiant broach;
-
Flying Duck Orchid (Caleana Major);
-
Odontoglossum.
Room
Varieties of indoor orchids include many varieties, since with skillful care, even the most exotic plant will feel good, and even a stable hybrid phalaenopsis can quickly die in an inexperienced and inattentive grower.
Types of indoor orchids:
- phalaenopsis and its varieties;
- dendrobium;
- wanda;
- brassia;
- miltonia;
- lelia;
- zygopetalum;
- cellogin;
- cymbidium;
- oncidium;
- odontoglossum and many other species.
For more information on what kind of indoor orchids are and a description of these plants, see our article below.
New
On the basis of natural species, every year new orchid hybrids are created for indoor cultivation with an extended flowering period and a reduced dormancy period, all kinds of shapes and colors.
New varieties are combined into groups according to the place of creation, for example, Taiwanese hybrids are distinguished.
By mixing the signs of different species, we got novelty-phalaenopsis, new buds on which grow from the apical bud right during flowering. You can see a picture of the novelty variation below.
A variety of phalaenopsis novelty flower.
Landing rules
Priming
In nature, the flower grows on trees, attaching itself to the bark. The substrate for a home beauty should be similar to natural conditions.
They take into the mixture: pieces of bark, coarse sand, humus, low-lying peat, perlite, charcoal, drainage from expanded clay or pebbles to the bottom (up to a third of the height of the container).
Sphagnum moss is laid on the surface.
Optimal capacity
Clay pots work well for the development of a red orchid. Transparent containers allow for better control of the condition of the plant.
Timing
The need to move a flower to a new soil arises no more than once every two years. The roots sticking out of the pot signal that it has become cramped. The correct time for this procedure is after flowering ends.
Orchids are transplanted every two years.
Diseases, pests and their treatment
When keeping, breeding orchids, one should not forget about pests and plant diseases. Such as:
- rot (black, brown, gray, fusarium);
- powdery mildew;
- antricosis;
- spider mite;
- scabbard, thrips.
The plant is affected by fungi, bacteria, parasites. If the plant has a viral lesion, then it should be eliminated, since it is not possible to cure it.
Scabbards, aphids, ticks and other parasites require careful treatment of the plant with preparations - fitoverm, and replacement of the substrate.
To destroy the scale insects, water procedures are carried out for the plant, the parasite is removed from all parts of the orchid, treated with Aktelik, Fitoverm. Processing is carried out once a week.
If root rot is found, then the substrate should be replaced immediately. It is necessary to wash and dry the container, clean the root system of rotten fragments, rinse with a solution of foundation or topsin 0.2 percent. After 10 days, repeat the treatment. It is necessary to plant in a clean, disinfected substrate. For prophylaxis, it is necessary to ensure a good supply of air to the roots, to maintain the optimum moisture content of the substrate.
In case of defeat by furazial rot, foundationol is used. They are treated 2-3 times a day for two weeks with a 0.2 percent solution.
Fungal diseases (anthracnose, powdery mildew, etc.) are dangerous for orchids. From the development of fungi, fungicidal substances are used. Fundazol, Topsin-M, Skor suppress fungal diseases of plants.
Myths about black orchid varieties
The most common myth about the appearance of the black orchid is associated with the name of a botanist who is believed to have stolen this flower from a South American aboriginal tribe, where it was considered a totem plant.
For this act, the scientist was subjected to severe torture, however, thanks to his suffering, the world became aware of the existence of this wonderful flower.
The more romantic story of the emergence of the black orchid is associated with the story of unhappy love. However, skeptics are in a different mood: they confidently claim that the black orchid was artificially bred by Californian scientists.
Care features
The condition of the plant is primarily affected by the correct ratio between watering and lighting.
For full natural light, windows that face the west side are suitable. This type of accommodation is perfect for both summer and winter.
The south side is also great for winter, but the north and east windows are not a good option. For a colored orchid, provide as natural light as possible.
The frequency of watering a flower directly depends on the lighting. The brighter the light, the more water the flower needs. Experts recommend watering the painted orchid once a week with sufficient light.
In sunny weather, the flower will need watering more than ever, in cloudy weather the orchid will no longer absorb moisture. Use a regular wooden stick to determine the dryness of the soil. The water pressure should be weak and diffused.
IMPORTANT! If after staining the root system remains healthy, then further care is no different from the previous one. If the buds have fallen off, remove the damaged arrow ..It is impossible to transplant the plant after painting, the next stress for the orchid can become destructive
In addition to transplanting, there are no other restrictions; the care requirements must be followed exactly the same as for an ordinary, healthy flower. However, you need to closely monitor the state of your pet and quickly respond to any changes
It is impossible to transplant the plant after painting, the next stress for the orchid can become disastrous. In addition to transplanting, there are no other restrictions; the care requirements must be followed exactly the same as for an ordinary, healthy flower. However, you need to closely monitor the state of your pet and quickly respond to any changes.
If the buds fall off after the purchase, the plant has not endured the resulting stress. In this case, measures should be taken to resuscitate the flower as soon as possible.
If after coloring the buds of an orchid fall off, it must be urgently reanimated.
Conclusion
When buying an orchid, be sure to find out what kind it is, so as not to ask yourself later the question: "How to find out what kind of orchid I have." Different plants need different conditions. Carefully study the requirements of the new green pet and try to fulfill them, then the orchid will surely thank you with lush growth and flowering.
Useful tips for choosing the type of pots:
- containers for growing indoor orchid species differ in a number of ways:
- the size. Pick up 2 cm more than before;
- transparency. Important for epiphytic orchids whose roots need light;
- material. Glass or transparent plastic are suitable for epiphytic, any for terrestrial;
- the form. Block or classic bowl to the taste of the owner.
