Varieties
Breeders have managed to breed various types and varieties of flowers, intended for growth and development in the home environment. The range of colors is so diverse that sometimes the species of plants is amazing. There are white and cream, there are also burgundy and black orchids. The most popular of them is considered to be yellow phalaenopsis. It can be soft and pale, as well as bright and rich in contrast.
There are many names for orchids with yellow flowers. Among them, the most famous are Meraldy Breckenbridge, Yellow Butterflies, Solid Gold and a number of other names. In these varieties, the lower petal of the flower is painted in a white tone with a purple tint. Part of the perianth sometimes has a yellow background with red spots along the edges or is marked with specks.
Orchids with yellow flowers differ in the size of the trunk, peduncle and the buds themselves. Both large specimens and varieties of small plants have been bred. Phalaenopsis lives and blooms up to 7 years. There are many orchids and their hybrids grown by domestic breeders. Consider the most colorful varieties of this amazing plant.
The leading place in sales in flower shops is occupied by the orchid called "Yellow Pearl". Its flowers emit a very pleasant aroma, and the flowering period is quite long. It is a large-leaved plant, each leaf of which can reach a length of 18-20 centimeters. The orchid releases a long, up to 60-70 cm arrow, on which large bright yellow flowers with a pink core are concentrated.
Yellow orchids have a different aroma in saturation. There are types of very nice-smelling flowers that resemble the smell of lilies of the valley. These include, for example, Sogo David. Its aroma becomes intense in the morning and evening hours. On sale, it is not so common.
Equestris (Phalaenopsis equestris - rider)
Distinctive features and external characteristics
Phalaenopsis equestris differs from most orchids of its kind in a rather short stem and succulent leaves capable of accumulating moisture in themselves.
It belongs to miniature forms due to its compactness and small peduncles in height. The arrows of the peduncles, although not high, are very branched.
The roots are airy, flattened in most species, with a fairly thick layer of velamen. Due to the high presence of chlorophyll in their composition, some of the "Equetris" species have greenish roots.
The leaves of the plant can have an oval or oblong shape. Their length usually does not exceed 15 cm, and their width is about 6 cm.
The structure of the leaf is quite fleshy, with a thickness of about 2 mm. Color - dark green outside. The inner side of the leaf in some species may have a reddish tint.
There are usually several dark purple branching peduncles. The height of different species can vary from 12 to 30 cm.
Multiple flowers are rather small in size - 15-30 mm (rarely found up to 50 mm) in diameter and round in shape. Short stalks bear about 15 flowers.
History
The first description of it was dated in 1843 by Schauer. They were given the first name - Stauroglottis equestris. The original of these phalaenopsis was on the island of Luzon with Mr. Meijen.
The name has changed several times. So in 1848, in the collection of one of the Veitch employees, John Lindley described this species as Phalaenopsis rosea, and only in 1849 received its last name, which has survived to this day. Where this name came from is unknown.
Important! A large group of "Equestris", in addition to the breeding name, has a trade name.Therefore, confusion often occurs when buying a particular species .. Growing area - Philippines, Taiwan and Borneo
The habitat is the Philippines, Taiwan and Borneo.
Occurring colors
The color of the flowers varies greatly. Their colors range from white / white-pink to lilac flowers and shades. The lip is slightly darker than the base color and is "beardless".
The color of Equestris flowers can be from white to lilac.
Flowering: features, duration and state of dormancy
There are two distinct flowering peaks - in autumn and spring. But the successive opening of flowers and the gradual growth of the peduncle during this period, on which new buds appear, significantly increases the duration of flowering. And since there are several peduncles, this species can bloom for several months.
And although according to the sources, the peak of flowering occurs in the spring and autumn seasons, according to flower growers, it blooms in any season in optimal home conditions. Therefore, it also does not have a pronounced rest period.
Alba (Phalaenopsis equestris var alba)
Miniature plant with narrow leaves and small white flowers, about 2.8 cm. The yellow lip with splashes stands out on a white background.
Flowering is carpal and long lasting. There is an option with a pure white lip.
Phalaenopsis Equestris (photo of subspecies Alba).
This video introduces the Phalaenopsis Equestris Alba:
Blue (Phalaenopsis equestris var. Coerulea (syn. Blue Lip))
Up to 25 cm phalaenopsis with numerous flowers that have a lilac color with a blue tint.
Some growers boast of its flowering up to 10 months.
Equestris var. Coerulea (syn. Blue Lip).
Grasse (phalaenopsis equestris graz)
Some growers find it similar to Phalaenopsis Patricia Lillian. There is no mistake - it is. Graz is the trade name for the orchid.
Beautiful, small, rounded lilac flowers. The amount and duration of flowering is mesmerizing.
Graz, aka Phalaenopsis Patricia Lillian.
There are few more varieties of equestris, and it is not uncommon to come across species in which flowers are transformed into pelorics. From this they become even more unusual and attractive. Many pictures of equestrises can be found on the forum here.
Reproduction
How often are babies given?
- Children appear on peduncles. Healthy plants produce good babies;
- A leaf grows from the bud. And a little later, aerial roots;
- Only with their presence children are put away.
Important! They do not appear so readily and often. You can stimulate their appearance by cutting the peduncle
And apply cytokine paste to the kidney, which has been removed from the scales.
Phalaenopsis baby on a peduncle.
The ways
It is known that the vegetative way: by seeds, division, apical cuttings.
You yourself can propagate phalaenopsis:
- And they do this by separating new side shoots. If they have grown to 5-6 centimeters. They are called children;
- Can be transplanted directly into prepared containers (pots). Cut plastic bottles are often used. With numerous holes;
- You can place it in special greenhouses with wet sphagnum. If any.
Remember! Cut off with a disinfected tool (knife, scalpel, scissors).
Moss transplant - for phalaenopsis purchased in stores:
- You can do it right away;
- You can wait. Until it blooms;
- In doing so, provide proper care.
Temperature, lighting and feeding for the phalaenopsis orchid
Temperature. These plants from the hot, humid Asian tropics should be kept in a calm warmth. At night, the temperature should not drop below 15 ° C, since lower temperatures will cause weakening of growth and dropping of buds. Plants actually do better at higher night temperatures, such as 18 ° C
In winter, daytime temperatures for the phalaenopsis orchid should be 5 ° C higher than at night, but in summer they can rise higher with the usual precautions against overheating.
Light.In strong light, small, dense plants are formed that cannot thrive. In the summer, phalaenopsis should receive less light - 5,000-10,000 lux. In the fall, gradually increase the lighting for the phalaenopsis orchid to stimulate flowering and slightly condense the plants; in winter, the best option is 15,000-20,000 lux.
Top dressing. Phalaenopsis need fertilization. Fertilizer is applied to osmund every two to three weeks at a concentration of 1/2 teaspoon per 3.5-4 liters of water. More frequent feeding is needed in the bark. As with other plants in the bark, an exact fertilizer dosage system has not yet been developed. Set the required watering frequency and concentration of Phalaenopsis orchid feeding by carefully observing your pets.
Care rules
The creation of optimal living conditions is not the only requirement to be guided by when growing black phalaenopsis. Watering and feeding are also very important aspects, the regime of which must be carefully observed and controlled.
Watering
As a tropical plant, orchids prefer moist but not wet soil. Drying of the substrate in the pot should not be allowed, as this will lead to withering of the phalaenopsis and the fall of its flowers.
Watering is desirable with soft water at room temperature. Florists usually use rainwater or settled water. A regular drinking filter will help soften hard water. Watering plants with cold water or using water directly from the tap is strictly not allowed.
The fact that a black orchid needs watering can be determined by the condition of its roots. With a moisture deficit, the roots of the plant acquire a gray-green color.
The watering regime should be regular, however, it is important for the grower to avoid waterlogging the substrate. The fact that the plant is over-watered is evidenced by the following signs:
- yellowing of the leaves;
- wilting of the bush;
- decay and blackening of the roots.
Top dressing
Black phalaenopsis must be fed with special fertilizers designed specifically for this type of plant. Exotic animals should be fed during the period of their intensive development and growth. The recommended frequency of feeding is once every 2-3 weeks.
In the cold season, as well as in the resting phase, feeding should be reduced to 1 time per month. You can resume the usual feeding regime in the spring, when the plants begin to wake up from hibernation.
The conditions for the plant should be close to natural. Therefore, black phalaenopsis is considered a rather capricious flower. Only an experienced botanist can get the proper results when growing it.
- The soil. Since the plant grows in the tropics, the soil must also be loose, drainage.
- Temperature and lighting. You need to grow a flower at a temperature of 18-22 degrees. When growing on a window, keep the black orchid in direct sunlight. Attach diffusing film or newspaper to the window.
- Humidity. This figure should not exceed 40%. Overdried air will cause flowers to fall off. If you cannot provide this indicator of moisture, then put the pot in a bucket of water. With high air humidity, black orchids rot the roots, spots appear on the leaves. To reduce humidity, you should ventilate, ventilate the room.
- Watering. The soil should be moist, but not too much. The water should be kept in the sun, and preferably rainwater. In winter, watering is done once a week, in summer - three times. It should be remembered that watering plays an important role in growing black orchids. From excessive watering, the roots will begin to rot, and from a lack of it, the plant will wither. Although the plant reacts normally to drought for some time, it is better not to carry out such harsh experiments. When the orchid is in full bloom, reduce watering. Afterwards, excess moisture should drain from the drainage holes.
- Top dressing. Once every 2-3 weeks, the flower should be fed.And do this during the growth of the flower. When the plant is transplanted into another pot, then fertilize once every 2 years. Biologists say that due to excessive feeding, the black orchid can be exposed to various pests and diseases. Fertilizers can be purchased at specialized stores.
Features of care depend on the season. The plant's growth period falls on the end of February - you can start transplanting, and in the second half of March - reproduction by dividing the bush. In summer, flowers must be hidden from the sun's rays in the shade. And in the fall, with the decrease of the day, arrange artificial lighting for them. The duration of daylight hours for this flower is 12 hours.
It is necessary to monitor the appearance of the plant. Shriveled leaves indicate a lack of water, yellowed leaves and rotten roots or the bottom of the stem are a sign of waterlogging.
Reproduction of a black orchid
- Division of the bush - cut the rhizomes, plant pseudo-bulbs in pots;
- Cuttings - the shoot is cut to half height and planted in a separate pot;
- Seeds are the most time consuming method that an ordinary gardener cannot do. It is used mainly by breeders.
- Side shoots - side shoots are sprayed, due to which roots appear.
Pot selection
You can pick up both a ceramic light pot and a transparent plastic container, in which it is convenient to monitor the condition of the roots, soil moisture. It is imperative to make holes in it for ventilation and drainage of unnecessary water.
Transfer
