Tropical exotic in the house

Varietal variety with photo

There are about 70 varieties of red orchids. However, only a few of them are popular in Russia. The fact is that it is not always possible to achieve ideal growing conditions due to various circumstances. The types of culture for which it is easiest to find the optimal conditions for the orchid to bloom beautifully and abundantly are described below.

Peacock

Red Peacock is quite often grown by Russians at home. Flower features:

• very thin stem;
• the petals are bright and beautiful, have a rich yellow-red color;
• the buds outwardly resemble peacock feathers;
• leaves can be up to 40 cm long and 10 cm wide;
• the roots are large, seemingly dry.

This flower can be seen more often than others on windowsills. Highly recommended for beginners because crop maintenance is relatively easy. Long flowering. There were cases when the process lasted 8 months.

The Dragon

A very beautiful variety that has the following features:

• height about 60 cm;
• is a hybrid of piebald phalaenopsis;
• the buds are variegated, painted in a white-burgundy color;
• the plant has good adaptability to indoor conditions.

Important! This variety belongs to the phalaenopsis, although it has unusual inflorescences.

Jaguar

This variety is also called the Red Jaguar. Its distinctive features:

• monohybrid phalaenopsis giant, therefore, reaches a height of 120 cm;
• the buds are very large;
• red-yellow petals, variegated color;
• pinkish-white core.

Reference. This variety is extremely rare in domestic florists, as it is considered very whimsical. It responds to any external stimulus or deviation from the norm with diseases and wilting.

Other types

There are other types of red orchid. At the same time, its peculiarity is the buds from orange to burgundy. In this case, blotches of various shades are possible. If a gardener grows several varieties at once, then during flowering it is possible to get a new look. However, the selection process is quite complex.

Here are some popular red orchid varieties:

• Multiflora;
• Red Cat;
• Peloric;
• Red Buddha;
• Cattleya;
• Harlequin;
• Kimono.

These are the most famous varieties of the crop. You can buy them in specialized stores. It is much more profitable to buy a ready-made plant and transplant it into a suitable pot with the right soil. It will be easier than sprouting seeds on your own, since the process is very troublesome even for professionals.

The main features of flowering

For hybrids and varieties of yellow orchids, their own flowering characteristics are characteristic.

Period

The flowering frequency of different Orchid representatives is different and is largely determined by the care of the plant:

• Vandas bloom several times a year, regardless of the season;
• Cattleya - once or twice, mainly in winter;
• Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium - up to 2-3 times a year with a pronounced dormant period.

Duration

The duration of orchid flowering ranges from several weeks to several months, in many respects it depends on the variety and compliance with the rules of maintenance. So, the flowering of phalaenopsis can last about three months.

Is it possible to repeat?

Repeated flowering of an orchid is possible if the faded peduncle remains green.

To do this, it is cut off with a disinfected tool:

• Usually the arrow is shortened by two-thirds, the rest is necessary for the plant for the next flowering;
• Pruning is carried out over the dormant bud, 2–2.5 cm away from it, otherwise it may dry out.

Attention! Pruning over a dormant bud can delay the formation of a new peduncle, as the plant takes a lot of energy to maintain the old arrow.

The lateral flower arrow can form after a few months, and after a while, buds form on it and it will bloom.

Stimulation

After several months of dormancy, the plant is provided with optimal temperature conditions, lighting and care:

• Reduce as much as possible, and sometimes completely stop watering after flowering;
• They create conditions for daily temperature fluctuations from + 22-24 ℃ during the day to 16-18 ℃ at night;
• In the autumn, the daylight hours are extended to 12 hours with the help of artificial lighting.

Important! Stimulation of flowering is carried out against the background of a decrease in the amount of nitrogen in dressings and an increase in the content of potassium and phosphorus.

After the complete removal of the flower-bearing arrow, it may take several months until the plant forms a new peduncle.

Growing features

Care rules

The main feature of care is to approach natural conditions, orchids usually grow in the tropics.

When watering, make sure that there is no excess moisture, the top layer of the earth should have time to dry out, the water for irrigation should be at room temperature, settled, it is best to do this in the morning, it is important not to get into the leaf sinuses. Sometimes you can arrange a bath for the flower by immersing the plant in water completely airy for a while.

The plant needs a lot of bright diffused lighting all year round. It is very important that direct sunlight does not fall on the flower, the ideal side for keeping is west and southwest, the flowers darken on the north side

When the plant has enough light, rich, light green leaves can be seen.
The temperature for growing red orchids should be between 20 ° C and 27 ° C. If the plant is cold, the lower leaves wrinkle.
Frequent spraying will help increase the humidity in the air.

Moving for a flower is stressful, in normal mode, you can start watering a week after purchase, and replant only a month later.

Top dressing

The plant should be fertilized at certain periods of its life:

1. in spring, when the plant is preparing to bloom;
2. in summer, but only before the appearance of the first bud;
3. during flowering, root fertilizers are changed to foliar;
4. in winter, the orchid needs rest, feeding is suspended.

With a lack of nutrition, the plant becomes ill with chlorosis, photosynthesis is disrupted, the leaves turn yellow and fall off.

Which fertilizers are suitable:

• Universal complex for flowering, they need to be diluted in more water to reduce concentration.
• Liquid fertilizers are ideal and should also be diluted with more water.
• There are special fertilizers for foliar feeding of orchids, which are available in the form of sprays.

Transfer

It is recommended to replant the plant once every 2 years, after flowering, or earlier, if the plant has grown strongly, as evidenced by the tips of the roots that have appeared above the substrate and the fallen lower leaves.

Orchids have aerial roots, so a drained substrate containing bark, pebbles, peat, pieces of coal is suitable, such a substrate mimics natural conditions.

The transplant is carried out by the transshipment method. To keep moisture in the ground longer, you can put sphagnum moss on top. After transplanting for about a week, the plant should be shaded, watering should be reduced.

Reproduction

At home, the orchid is bred by vegetation. After flowering, "babies" appear. It is not worth separating them right away, you need to wait for the appearance of several leaves and aerial roots at least 5 mm long, and then you can plant them in a separate substrate.

If the processes do not appear, you should pay attention to the care, ensure the required temperature (during the day 27-28 ° C, at night 18-20 ° C) and a sufficient amount of lighting.If leaves appeared, but aerial roots did not appear, the shoot should be separated and placed in water or a specially prepared nutrient substrate.

Care features

It is worth taking a closer look at how to properly care for an orchid. It depends on how quickly the flower grows and whether it can bloom for a long time. If conditions are not optimal, the orchid does not produce peduncles at all.

Temperature control and lighting

Basic requirements for temperature conditions:

• in the afternoon the temperature is + 22 ... + 27 degrees;
• at night it should be about +18 degrees;
• there should be no drops of more than 5 degrees.

Important! The orchid is demanding on lighting. She needs quite a lot of sunlight, so it is customary to put the plant on the windowsill.

However, the light must be diffused. When exposed to direct sunlight, burns appear on the leaves. It is necessary to take these nuances into account when choosing a place for culture.

Watering and humidity

The plant prefers high humidity. The optimal value is 80–90%. To do this, you need to install a humidifier or place a container with water next to the crop. At the same time, phalaenopsis requires proper watering - if there are errors, it will die.

Fundamental rules:

1. Water without flowers once every 7-10 days.
2. If it's hot outside, watering is done every 2-4 days.
3. You can determine whether to water by looking at the topsoil: if it's dry, it should be moistened.
4. Spraying is required periodically, however, water should not get into the rosettes of the leaves, as this can cause the decay process.

Important! When moisture gets into the rosettes of the leaves, it must be removed with a cotton swab. Watering should be superficial

Stagnation of water in a pot is prohibited, as the roots begin to rot quickly. The liquid from the pallet must be poured out.

Top dressing

It is necessary to properly fertilize for the crop to feel good. Do this:

• during the period of active growth;
• during the appearance of buds;
• when flowering, so that it is more abundant.

Important! You should not fertilize the flower immediately after purchase, as it needs some time to adapt to new conditions. In this case, it is worth using aqueous solutions, not tablets.

It is recommended to apply top dressing every 20 days to keep the crop stronger.

Features of home care

Florists often wonder how to care for phalaenopsis at home? Despite the increased exactingness of this flower, caring for it is not difficult at all. If you adhere to the recommendations of flower growers, then the plant will delight with its extraordinary beauty all year round.

Temperature

The temperature regime for an orchid is very important. It is on him that flowering depends. If the plant stays in a room in winter where the temperature is about 25 ° C, then the orchid will not bloom.

The optimum temperature is considered not lower than 16 ° С and not higher than 18 ° С in winter, and in summer it should fluctuate in the aisles of 20-25 ° С.

Note! To stimulate flowering, you need to provide the plant with a difference between day and night temperatures of 3-5 °

Lighting

Phytolamp for orchids

The flower also needs additional lighting in the autumn-winter period. The duration of daylight hours at this time should be at least 12 hours.

Phalaenopsis is watered in one of two ways:

• using a watering can. So it is better to water the orchid when it blooms, because during this period it is advisable not to change the location of the plant, otherwise it will drop flowers;
• by immersion. This method is used when the orchid is not blooming. The plant pot is immersed for 1 or 2 minutes. into a container with water. When the air bubbles cease to stand out, the pot is pulled out. The water must completely drain, and only then the orchid is returned to its place.

Important! Do not allow the soil and roots to always be moist. Once a week, they must dry out, otherwise the substrate will begin to collapse, and the roots will rot

Water for irrigation is defended during the day.It should be no lower than room temperature, and preferably 4 ° higher. If there is a lot of lime in the water, it must be neutralized:

• water is poured into a plastic bottle and frozen. After that, the bottom of the bottle is cut off and the water is drained in parts;
• oxalic acid must be added to the water. For 1 liter, use acids at the tip of a knife. After that, the solution is allowed to stand for 2 or 4 days. When the settled salt is visible at the bottom, you can start watering.

Spraying

Note! When phalaenopsis blooms, it must be very carefully sprayed so that water does not fall on the petals. Otherwise, brown spots will appear on them, and the flowers will quickly fall off.

Humidity

In natural tropical conditions where orchids grow, air humidity reaches 90%, but in an apartment it will be enough to maintain it at 40-60%. This is especially important in winter, when the batteries dry the air up to 20%. To maintain the humidity at the proper level, you must use any of the following methods:

To maintain the humidity at the correct level, you must use any of the following methods:

• hang wet towels on the batteries;
• purchase a humidifier;
• put an aquarium with fish next to the flower;
• spray the plant regularly;
• install the pot in a pallet with expanded clay or moss.

Plants in a pallet

The basis of the substrate for the phalaenopsis orchid is the bark of small and medium fractions. If the air in the room is dry, then pieces of sphagnum moss should be added to the bark.

Basically, the bark of the middle fraction is laid out on the bottom, and closer to the surface it is poured with a fine one.

Important! Before planting an orchid, the bark must be soaked in water for a day. After that, it is drained and washed again in clean water, and then mixed with pieces of sphagnum moss and a flower is planted

Top dressing

Phalaenopsis does not have a clearly defined dormant period, but the rules of care for this plant in winter should be changed.

As already mentioned, the orchid needs to provide additional lighting so that the duration of daylight hours is at least 12 hours. The room must adhere to a temperature regime of at least 16 ° C. Watering is required in moderation, only after the soil has completely dried out.

Pruning

Cutting the peduncle after flowering is not worth it. The plant decides for itself whether it will still throw out the buds or not. If the peduncle is completely dry, then it can be cut off.

Reproduction methods

There are two ways of reproduction - seed and sprout.

The first method is ineffective, because it is very difficult to create a special environment for crops at home. The seeds are small, like dust, and it is difficult to take root if the technique of their germination is violated. It is usually practiced in a laboratory setting.

The second option is more effective and justified.

Flowers from 3 years old have babies (take those that grow in the upper part of the shoot, because the lower ones have a weak survival rate). They are separated together with the stem so that the bottom and top are 2-3 cm long.

The plant does not reproduce easily

The cut areas are sprinkled with charcoal. Then, for half an hour, they are dipped into one of the root growth stimulants.

• The sprouts are planted in a nutritious substrate of steamed crushed pine bark, charcoal and sphagnum moss. You can use 100 ml plastic cups with holes in the bottom as a planting container.
• Seedlings are irrigated from a spray bottle and placed in a warm and well-lit place.

For quick rooting, they can be covered with transparent film. As soon as they begin to form new buds, the shelter is removed.

After 3-4 roots appear, they are transplanted into a plastic or ceramic pot slightly larger than the size of the roots.

Description and distinctive features

Outwardly, they are certainly diverse and have significant differences. But the characteristics and structure have common features that differ little from those typical of orchids.

Flowers of bilateral symmetry, with a shape typical for all orchids - three petals, three sepals and a brightly colored lip, attracting pollinating insects with its coloring. In some varieties, the petals are brighter than sepals, and in some it is vice versa.

The roots are quite fragile, covered with a layer of velamen, which serves not only as protective properties, but also due to its spongy structure, consisting of dead tissue, to absorb and retain moisture and nutrients.

Some species, in addition to a small number of roots, have tubers that serve as a "storage base" for the plant in winter.

A special place for northern orchids is occupied by their root system, which has the function of forming mycorrhiza with symbiotic fungi. It is this connection that helps them synthesize and receive nutrients that they are not able to obtain on their own.

Therefore, transplanting a plant from the natural environment causes difficulties for flower growers, the plant simply dies in the very first year of life, losing contact with the mushrooms.

Symbiosis of mushrooms and orchids.

The beauty of some species is not much inferior to their tropical relatives, and their tubers have medicinal properties, which negatively affects the population of northern orchids.

Attention! Digging, plucking, using tubers poses a serious threat to their survival.

Yellow orchid

Varieties of phalaenopsis, bred by selection. They require long daylight hours, so the best dislocation of such orchids is east or west windows, with the possibility of diffused artificial lighting.

Breeding varieties, as a rule, are very unpretentious, and the main thing in their content is the once and for all established regime of light, humidity and feeding. Since most of the species of yellow orchids are epiphytes, they have enough support for neighboring flowers, in the vicinity of which they will take moisture and nutrients from the irrigation water with their aerial roots.

Therefore, you need to take care in advance:

• the presence of such neighboring plants or any support for them in the form of driftwood, wood structures without treatment or impregnation with chemicals;
• the presence of fertilizers in the water with which these phalaenopsis are sprayed.

Varieties and photos

The number of varieties of yellow phalaenopsis is up to 100 pieces. The length of the peduncle can be from a few cm to a meter in length. Now you will get acquainted with the most famous of them, and see the photo:

Dendrobium Lindley

A miniature herbaceous plant that reaches only 20cm in length. It is popular with lovers of low miniature plants. 15030 small yellow-orange buds are strewn on one peduncle.

Wild peach

The plant has dark pink buds with a lot of yellow blotches. This phalaenopsis variety smells very good.

Harlequin

The plant has yellow buds, on which purple spots can already be seen. Each flower on one peduncle is unique: you cannot find a flower with the same size, shape and number of spots. In this case, the spots become brighter at low temperatures, dim at high temperatures.

Catley

The plant is very popular because it is unpretentious. Terry buds have a bright yellow-pink color.

Cleopatra

Yellow phalaenopsis with blotches of medium size over the entire surface of the flower. The "tongue" of this flower is purple.

Dendrobium Anna Green

This plant on one peduncle collects buds of different colors: from green to light yellow. The "lip" of this plant is purple.

Diseases and pests

From time to time, various diseases can occur in red orchid varieties. Also, the plant is often attacked by pests. If we are talking about diseases, then the plant begins to lose leaves. But first, spots appear on them. The problem can only be solved by a transplant with a complete soil replacement.Usually it is in it that the problems lie, since a fungus appears inside the pot.

A list of some of the pests that appear on this plant:

• thin tick;
• aphid;
• whitefly.

To control pests, their eggs must be destroyed. This is a rather complicated process, since the plant is whimsical and can react negatively to spraying with industrial poisons. It is imperative to use the minimum dosage to check for side effects. If the flower has survived the trial use of the chemicals well, the recommended dosage can be tried.

Important! Pests can appear due to improper care or together with the soil. The latter is especially true if other plants are grown nearby.

Therefore, it is recommended to quarantine newcomers. They should be in a different place for some time, away from other plants. Then pest control will be local in nature within only one pot.

Thus, the red orchid is a beautiful plant that can often be seen in flower growers. It is easy to buy in specialized stores. However, it will bloom only under optimal conditions. The plant reacts quickly to changes in the external environment: the leaves begin to wither, the roots rot. Therefore, you need to especially carefully monitor the humidity and temperature conditions.

How to choose an orchid

You can find an orchid in flower shops at any time of the year. However, experienced gardeners warn against buying a heat-loving plant if the outside temperature does not exceed 0 ° C. During transportation, a tropical plant may freeze and die. In addition, it is not recommended to purchase a flowering plant: it spends a large amount of energy on flowering, while being greatly depleted. It is possible that a blooming red orchid that has stood in the shop window for a long time will die after the move.

When buying, it is important to pay attention to the condition of the plant's root system. The first thing to do is to check how tightly the plant "sits" in the pot. To do this, you need to gently grasp the base of the orchid stem and slightly move it.

If the flower is unstable, it can be assumed that it was recently transplanted. Such a plant is not worth acquiring - it has not yet taken root. The roots of the orchid should be firm and firm. The fact that the plant is healthy is indicated by the light green shade of the roots. Brown or dark gray roots indicate fungal diseases, excessive moisture, mechanical damage to the root system

To do this, you need to gently grasp the base of the orchid stem and move it slightly. If the flower is unstable, it can be assumed that it was recently transplanted. Such a plant is not worth acquiring - it has not yet taken root. The roots of the orchid should be firm and firm. The fact that the plant is healthy is indicated by the light green shade of the roots. Brown or dark gray roots indicate fungal diseases, excessive moisture, mechanical damage to the root system.

Leaves are also an indicator of the health of red orchids. In healthy plants, they are dense, elastic, green. You should not buy a copy of which there are spots, mechanical damage, dents on the leaves.

Planting and breeding rules

It is important to plant your orchid correctly. It depends on how well it will take root and grow.

Important. The culture should be transplanted no more than once every two years.

In exceptional cases, it is necessary to carry out this procedure more often. It is necessary to perform all operations especially carefully, since the plant does not like to be touched once again. It takes a long time to recover from stress.

Basic rules for planting culture:

1. Use a transparent pot. This is a mandatory requirement when growing an orchid.
2. Landing is carried out in a special soil. It is better to harvest it yourself.To do this, mix the bark with moss, adding low-lying peat and charcoal. It is imperative to provide a good drainage layer, because moisture stagnation is detrimental to the orchid.
3. You need to take the orchid out of the old pot and place it in a new one.
4. Sprinkle a little soil on top. It is best to purchase it in a specialized store.

Reference. It is forbidden to water the plant immediately. It must be placed in a semi-dark room for 2-3 days and watering should be limited. Only after acclimatization is the orchid returned to the windowsill.

The culture is propagated in the following ways:

• dividing the bush;
• root children;
• cuttings;
• children on a peduncle;
• seeds.

The easiest way is to use the methods of grafting and dividing the bush. It should be understood that the flower will take a long time to recover. Therefore, it is worth taking planting material between flowering periods.

Blue and blue orchid

Warning: blue and sky blue orchids do not exist in nature!

What can be seen at exhibitions is nothing more than a PR move by marketers who, in alliance with biochemists, have come up with a paint that does not injure plants, which is injected into a common peduncle. Another way of staining is by watering.

Sellers and breeders from Holland, where such orchids first appeared, assure that their coloring technology does not harm the flowers. However, there is no point in buying these copies - over time, the effect of the dye wears out and the flower petals fade. True, in 2013 a hybrid was bred under the name "Aphrodite", which, according to breeders, has a real blue color of the petals.

The naturalness of color can only be said in the case of white flowers that have blue and blue veins.

Varieties

After reviewing the description of popular types, you will select the most suitable variety for decorating your house or apartment.

Multiflora

One plant produces 3-8 green thin peduncles.

This variety attracts with the splendor and abundance of flowers - they are densely planted, small in size - 4-5 cm in diameter. The petals are yellowish, the lip is purple.

Leaves are dense, emerald, oval with a pointed tip, collected in a compact rosette.

Stuartiana Nobilis

This plant is difficult to confuse with other varieties - the inflorescences consist of yellow petals. Tiger lip - the main tone is yellow with small brown or red blotches.

Height is about 50 cm. During the flowering phase, 60-65 flowers open simultaneously, which create a beautiful and lush cap.

The peduncle is cylindrical, green, grows over time. The leaves are emerald, leathery, with a glossy surface.

Yellow mini orchid

Compact miniature variety - maximum height 20 cm.

Long bloom - about 6 months. The plant in turn releases new arrows with fresh bright yellow flowers, so during this period it looks colorful and spectacular.

Golden jaguar

The flowers are composed of long petals, pointed at the tip.

In most varieties, the yellow color scheme is complemented by pink, green, red and yellow shades in the form of specks, streaks or stripes.

Amadeus

Orchids have many varieties

Amadeus is an orchid with bright yellow flowers, with symmetrically spaced sepals and petals. They have the correct shape.

The size of the inflorescences is 7-8 cm. The petals are dense, at the base of a pink or lilac color.

The lip is yellowish, contains elements of burgundy or black-brown color.

Oncidium

Another popular species that has many hybrid forms with yellow flowers.

The main difference between Ontsidum is a long, thin peduncle; a large number of small yellow flowers (3-4 cm in diameter) bloom at the tip with shades of pink, red, green, lilac and white tones.

The color of the petals varies from pale yellow to intense lemon.

Autumn sun

A very beautiful orchid with yellow rounded petals covered with burgundy or red specks, closer to the base of the spot is larger.

Inflorescence with a dark pink or purple center. The size of the flowers is 5-6 cm.