Ludisia precious orchid home care

Home care

Watering

Ludisia cannot be called a fluffy water, but she loves abundant watering. The substrate in which the orchid grows must constantly be in a slightly damp state. Drying out of the soil mixture should be avoided, as well as waterlogging. Only light drying of the top layer is allowed. Ludisia is watered in the traditional way without moisture getting into the leaf axils. But the best method for the plant will be the method of immersion (not completely, but only 1/3 of the pot) in water for 15–20 minutes.

The soil moisture regime directly depends on the ambient temperature - the higher it is, the more often watering is performed. Use only boiled, thawed or rainwater, its temperature should be slightly higher than room temperature. Some growers sometimes use liquid from an aquarium to water Ludisia.

Fertilizer

It is necessary to feed the flower during the period of growth and flowering and exclusively with fertilizers intended for Orchids. The dosage is chosen in accordance with the instructions on the package or slightly less than the one recommended on the label. In order not to burn the roots, fertilizing is applied simultaneously with watering or after immersing the plant in water.

The frequency of fertilization in the spring-summer period is once every 3 weeks. Autumn-winter feeding is carried out once every 5 weeks. It is most effective to fertilize Ludisia more often, but in smaller doses. For example, the rate of one feeding is divided into 3 parts and is applied once a week, and not once in 21 days with the whole portion. This will help the plant absorb all the nutrients better, which will make the orchid look even more attractive.

Flowering period

The peduncle usually appears in late autumn or early winter. With proper care, flowering lasts more than a month. At this time, the orchid is best kept at a temperature of 18 ° C.

If an adult Ludisia does not bloom for a long time, she needs to be pushed a little towards this - to arrange drops in day and night temperatures. If the plant is in normal temperature during the day, then send Ludisia to a cool (16-18 ° C) room at night. At this time, slightly reduce watering, but do not overdry the substrate. Expect guaranteed results in 2-3 weeks.

Dormant period

Ludisia does not have a pronounced rest as such, because its flowering occurs exactly at the time when many plants are resting. Therefore, it is not necessary to specially arrange such a period for the plant. Perhaps the orchid itself will decide that after flowering you need to rest a little, and will give a signal in the form of a stop in growth. If this happens, slightly reduce watering and fertilization frequency.

Ludisia grown in florariums does not know the dormant period

Ludisia care at home

Growing ludisia orchids

Ludisia is a shade-loving plant, but it can withstand several hours of morning or evening sun. The plant feels good even on the northern windows, but in winter the orchid will need additional lighting, since the length of daylight hours required for ludisia is 12-14 hours. From an excess of light, ludisia lowers its leaves and loses its decorative effect, and from a lack it painfully stretches out.

The optimal temperature for a tropical guest is from 20 to 23 ºC, but a nighttime cooling of 17-19 ºC will benefit her, and in order to stimulate timely flowering, from May to September, a pot with a flower is placed on a balcony or terrace at night. However, care must be taken that the orchid does not stand in a draft.

Ludisia bloom can begin in October-November, in spring (early March) or in December. After active growth and flowering, a dormant period begins, during which the plant should be at a temperature of 17-18 ºC.

Ludisia substrate

They contain a precious orchid in a small transparent pot with large drainage holes, the bottom of which is lined with brick chips or vermiculite, and on top of the drain is placed a substrate for orchids from a flower shop or mixed soil for ludisia with their own hands, consisting of 4 parts of chopped pine bark with the addition of needles, 4 parts of sphagnum, cut into pieces, 1 part of charcoal, 1 part of peat and 1 part of leafy earth.

Watering ludisia

Ludisia at home requires regular watering throughout the year, that is, between waterings, the substrate in its pot must be allowed to dry out, but not completely dry out. Excessive watering should also not be allowed, so that the water does not stagnate in the roots or soil. Excess water from the pan must be drained. For humidification, use settled, filtered or melt water at room temperature or a couple of degrees warmer.

The air humidity around Ludisia should be increased, and to achieve this, you can use the following techniques:

• keep a pot with a plant near aquariums or fountains;
• place the orchid pot on a pallet with wet pebbles;
• use an electric humidifier to humidify the air;
• spray the orchid with soft, settled water (this does not apply to varieties with velvety leaves);
• wash ludisia during the period of active growth under a shower with water at a temperature of 35 ºC, after which the plant should dry completely and only then can it be returned to its permanent place. This procedure replaces the usual tropical rainfall for the orchid.

Fertilizing ludisia

The cultivation of ludisia involves the introduction of dressings into the substrate during the period of active growth, especially during flowering. The frequency of feeding is every third watering, in which such an amount of special fertilizer for orchids is added to the water so that the concentration of the solution is two times weaker than indicated in the fertilizer instructions. During the rest period, ludisia is not fed.

Ludisia transplant

There is often no need to transplant ludisia. This is done only when the pot becomes small for the plant. The best time for transplanting an orchid is spring, the most suitable dish is a low wide transparent pot, and you already know what the composition of the soil for ludisia should be. Drainage material is placed on the bottom of the pot, then large pieces of bark are placed, then pieces of medium fraction, and then small ones. The surface of the substrate and the roots of the orchid can be overlaid with fresh sphagnum.

Landing rules

For planting orchids, experts recommend staying on light, well-permeable and air-saturated soils. A prerequisite is the deoxidation of substrates with ash or lime, this rule is due to the fact that ludisia does not like acid very much.

The periods between transplants are 2 years, the main landmark by which it is possible to determine whether it is time to transplant is the number of roots in the pot, if the flowers become crowded, then it begins to get out of the pot.

Orchid mixtures consist of peat, pieces of pine bark, humus, moss, pine needles, wood charcoal and pieces of small foam plastic may also be present in the mixtures.

The best option for planting is a wide and low pot. A drainage layer is placed on the bottom, the size of which should be at least 3 cm, but if you have a tall pot, then the drainage layer should fill about half of the total volume.

When replanting our flower, the soil in the new pot is moistened and the surface is covered with a small layer of moss, this is necessary in order to maintain the required level of soil moisture.

How ludisia reproduces

Ludisia can multiply by a vegetative option:

Propagation by cuttings - in order for the orchid to take root accurately, you need to choose a stalk with three nodes, the workpiece goes through the cutting procedure, then it is sprinkled with charcoal from wood.This is followed by the stage of placing this cutting in wet moss, but if you do not have it, then you can place the cutting in a glass of water, while adding activated carbon in advance. Over time, roots will begin to appear at the cutting, and it is during this period that it must be planted in a separate pot.
Reproduction by apical stem segments

In this type of propagation, the top of the multi-knotted stems are cut and placed in the water until the roots appear.
Dividing the bush, for transplantation and reproduction, the bush is divided into several parts, pay attention, with this method you need to be very careful about the root system, it is easy to injure it and then all the work will go down the drain. The main condition for such a division is the presence of at least 3 stems on each separated part.

Experts recommend that in order for the roots to grow and get stronger faster, place the orchid in a small greenhouse.

Orchid transplant rules

The "precious" orchid, like other species, must be transplanted. This procedure is carried out every two years. The root system of the flower during this time is developing quite strongly, so the orchid is transplanted into a more spacious pot.

Drainage is done in it for planting. In this capacity, you can use expanded clay or chipped red brick. Before replanting the orchid into a new pot, the soil is soaked in it for a couple of hours, and then covered with moss.

The soil mixture can be composed independently from:

• 4 hours of humus
• 4 tsp peat
• 4 tsp pine needles
• 4 tsp moss
• 1 tsp birch coal

If it is not possible to mix the soil yourself, you can find it ready-made in a specialized store.

When transplanting, the orchid is carefully removed from the pot along with a previously soaked lump of earth and determined in a new container, carefully filling all the voids with fresh soil. After transplanting, the flower is watered abundantly and placed for the first week in the shade away from drafts.

Growing conditions

Growing orchids at home is possible only if appropriate conditions are created. Failure to comply with at least one of them will lead to a lack of flowering, and possibly even to the complete death of the plant.

Lighting

Orchids are tropical plants and therefore require high levels of light. But since they are naturally located in the lower tier of the tropical forest, the light for them should be diffused. On average, for full development, they need a day of light lasting at least 16 hours. Therefore, in winter, it is advisable for them to organize illumination from special phytolamps.

Temperature

The optimum temperature for growing orchids is 22-27 ° C during the day and 18-22 ° C at night. It is not recommended to lower the temperature below + 18 °. Orchids are able to withstand minor deviations from the above temperature regime, but it is better not to abuse this. Such conditions for the plant will be stressful, so it can get sick.

Selection of soil and pot

In nature, orchids are epiphytic plants. This means that they do not need a conventional potting mix for full growth and development. For normal life, a special substrate is enough for them, consisting of pieces of bark and moss. Experienced growers prefer to compose it themselves, but this requires certain skills. Therefore, it is easier for novice orchivores to purchase a ready-made version.

The main purpose of an orchid pot is to keep the plant upright and retain moisture. Therefore, any container of suitable volume can be used as it. The main thing is that it has a large number of holes for air access and drainage of excess water during irrigation. And also the pot should be transparent. This is due to the fact that the process of photosynthesis takes place in the roots of orchids, and light is needed for it.

Reproduction and transplantation of ludisia

At home, the plant does not need periodic replanting. The orchid is transferred to another pot if the previous one turns out to be small.

At the same time, ludisia is provided with fresh fertile soil and the reproduction procedure is used:

• dividing an adult specimen;
• parts of the stem;
• apical cuttings.

The transplant of ludisia and the receipt of planting material are performed during the period of active growth, more often from March to June. At this time, the plant will be able to quickly recover, gain a foothold in the substrate and give a healthy growth.

The easiest way to propagate a beautiful plant is with apical cuttings or cuttings with 2-3 nodes, dormant growth points and healthy aerial roots. The place of the cut on such a seedling is sprinkled with crushed coal, slightly dried. Then the seedling is rooted using sphagnum or in water with activated carbon.

For propagation of Ludisia orchids using stem cuttings, they are cut from a strong adult plant. Moreover, each part must have at least 3-4 internodes. The leaves are carefully removed, the places of the cuts are sprinkled with charcoal powder, and the cuttings are horizontally pressed into wet moss.

Description

The precious orchid is an evergreen plant that belongs to the Orchid family. Due to the peculiarities of its structure, it prefers to grow in a forest zone or crawl along the walls of caves, clinging to moss.

The special structure of the rhizome helps to attach to the support of the orchid; the flower feeds on it.

Interesting! In its natural habitat, it is difficult to mistake a plant for an ornamental orchid. Its leaves quickly become covered with foreign bloom and lose their color saturation.

In an apartment, Ludisia looks brightest in the florarium, where a suitable microclimate is created for it.

Botanical characteristics

Ludisia (photo) spread throughout the world from Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

The main trunk of the plant grows up to 15 cm, and due to the large number of lateral processes, a rather wide bush with creeping shoots is formed. Rosettes of ovoid leaves with sharp tips are formed on them.

The color of the leaves seemed to come out from under the artist's brush. Their main color varies in emerald-green tones, there are also deep black areas.

The smooth or velvet surface is decorated with contrasting stripes ranging from pink to white. The underside of the leaves is purple.

After formation, the leaf plate retains its original appearance for only 7 years, then begins to die off from the base of the shoot and leaves a ring-shaped scar.

The ludisia orchid blooms modestly compared to other members of the family. A peduncle about 15 cm long appears at the top of the shoot, and small white buds bloom at its top in the form of a brush.

Tubular flowers with several petals look especially charming when they bloom together in a lush carpet.

Conditions for growing at home

Ludisia orchid belongs to unpretentious indoor plants, so it does not need specific growing conditions. But in order for the leaves of the plant to retain their beauty and brilliant pattern, and the flowering occurs regularly, it is necessary to provide the ludisia with the correct lighting, the right level of humidity and the right air temperature.

Did you know? Vanilla, a well-known spice in cooking, is extracted from the fruit of the Vanilla orchid.

Lighting

The ludisia orchid loves shade, but also needs a little diffused sunlight. You can put it on a windowsill, which is under the indirect rays of the sun in the morning and in the evening. The plant needs sunlight for beautiful and regular flowering.

The duration of daylight hours for Ludisia all year round should be about 12-14 hours. In winter, you need to compensate for the lack of natural light for the flower and place it under a phytolamp. With an insufficient amount of light, the leaves of ludisia stretch out, and with an excess of sun they begin to turn yellow.

Airing

To eliminate the dryness of the air in the room with the orchid, it is recommended to do a little ventilation. At the same time, you should not leave ludisia in a draft, as this can lead to a deterioration in its appearance. In winter, during airing, the plant can be taken out to another room in order to avoid too much temperature difference.

Temperature regime

Ludisia likes moderate warmth. The optimum temperature for growing a plant is + 20 ... + 23 ° C. In summer, the orchid can grow normally at a temperature of +29 ° C, but only if it is frequently watered and sprayed with water. At night, you can leave the flower even at a temperature of +17 ° C. In summer, the plant can be kept on the balcony.

Important! A slight decrease in temperature at night is beneficial for the ludisia and stimulates its lush flowering. But the difference between day and night temperatures should be no more than 5–10 ° С.

Air humidity

The natural environment in which ludisia grows is characterized by a high level of humidity. Therefore, at home, the air in a room with a flower should also be humidified. The ideal humidity for this plant is about 70%.

You can achieve such an indicator using simple actions:

• place a flower near an indoor fountain, an aquarium, or put it on a tray with wet pebbles;
• use automatic humidifiers;
• spray water near the plant or directly onto its leaves.

Examples of propagation of ludisia by cuttings

At home, propagation of ludisia by cuttings is a common practice. To do this, choose segments that have at least three shoots.

On the stems of the orchid, under the leaves, slight tubercles can be identified. From them, new shoots appear in an adult plant. To get a stalk, it is necessary to cut off the top of the stalk a few millimeters below such a tubercle. The resulting material is placed in water and the roots are expected to appear. They usually begin to break through in 10-14 days. After that, the cuttings are planted in the soil as an independent plant.

For germination, cuttings are placed in a glass of water or placed on wet moss

Important! Not only the tops of the stems with three shoots can act as cuttings. In principle, if the stem is long, then it can be cut into several parts.

The main thing is that each of them has at least two tubercles - axillary buds.

It is not necessary to put cuttings in a glass of water for root formation. They can be spread on damp moss or coconut fiber. Then the container is closed to create a greenhouse environment. The condition of the cuttings is constantly monitored, the base is regularly ventilated and moistened.

Thus, the ludisia orchid is quite a good option for growing at home. The main thing is to monitor watering and temperature, and when the time comes, get cuttings in order to propagate the varieties you like and, possibly, enrich yourself at the expense of them by selling to other growers.

Varieties

There are several varieties of Ludisia artificially bred by breeders, each of which is highly decorative. Let's consider their brief description.

1. Ludisia Dawson. It can grow up to 30 cm in height and has large leaves covered with pink longitudinal stripes. The color of the leaves is very dark, greenish-black with a burgundy tint.
2. Ludisia Odina. The outer surface of the leaves of the plant is greenish-black in color. In addition to longitudinal silvery stripes on the leaves, the flower also has transverse stripes along the central silvery vein.
3. Ludisia Alba. The flower has light green leaves, which are densely covered with small white strokes. They extend from the long stripes that run along the leaf.
4. Ludisia Otletae. It has dark, greenish-black leaves with long, longitudinal stripes of red or orange.
5. Ludisia Tanlaniana.The leaves of the flower are wide, have a light color and are covered with an intricate pattern of longitudinal and transverse golden stripes.
6. Ludisia Velvet. Its green leaves have a double-sided velvety surface with contrasting longitudinal red stripes.

Conditions of detention

For a culture to grow and develop normally, it should be provided with adequate care. It should be comprehensive.

Illumination

Ludisia develops well in the shade. Diffused lighting is also suitable for her. The most beneficial option is sunlight in the morning and evening. Daylight hours should be 12-14 hours. Under artificial lighting, intensive development of the orchid is observed. But if there is too much light, the foliage becomes less attractive and sinks. If there is a lack of illumination, it stretches upward.

Air humidity

It is recommended to constantly spray the leaves of the orchid. This should be done with settled water. If the plant is at the stage of active growth, it should be bathed in a warm shower. In this case, the water temperature should be +35 degrees. After bathing, wipe the foliage and only then bring the plant into the room.

Temperature

The optimal temperature regime during the day is + 20-22 degrees. At night, this parameter should not be less than +18 degrees. To achieve the normal development of the orchid, the temperature difference should be at least 2-4 degrees.

Soil and capacity

An orchid needs a wide container. It doesn't have to be very high. It is recommended to place a drainage layer on the bottom. For this purpose, foam or expanded clay is suitable. In order to choose the optimal composition of the soil for the orchid, it is permissible to do it yourself. To do this, it is recommended to mix in equal parts leafy soil, charcoal, crushed fern rhizomes, peat. It is also worth introducing small fragments of pine bark into the composition.

The largest fragments of the substrate should lie at the bottom; smaller fractions should be placed on the surface. This will help to avoid stagnant water in the pot. Cover the upper part of the substrate with sphagnum. This will help prevent the layer from drying out quickly.

Top dressing

It is recommended to feed Ludisia exclusively during active development and flowering. This should be done from spring to autumn. For this purpose, it is recommended to use a universal fertilizer that is suitable for orchids.

Dormant period

In winter, it is worth watering the plant with melt water.

An increase in the duration of daylight hours is also important. This is done using artificial lighting.

During the wintering period, the soil should be covered with a thick layer of dry foliage and needles. Maintaining a constant air temperature is also important.

Bloom

The orchid begins to bloom in late autumn. At the same time, flowering continues throughout the winter. During this period, the culture needs especially high-quality care. It is recommended to maintain a stable temperature. This parameter should not be more than +18 degrees.

Maintaining an optimal temperature affects the setting of flower buds in summer. During flowering, special care is not required. However, after the end of this period, it is recommended to remove the peduncles.

It is important to avoid over-watering. You should also avoid getting moisture on the flowers.

Seasonal care features

In order for the plant to grow normally, develop and please with abundant and long flowering, it is worth providing it with high-quality care. This is recommended depending on the seasonal factor.

Spring

Ludisia is able to withstand increased dryness of the air. However, to maintain the decorative properties of the crop, it is required to provide high humidity. This figure should be 70%. In the absence of special moisture, it is permissible to overlay the pot with wet moss or put the plant on a pallet with wet filler.The orchid will feel great near your home fountain.

Summer

During active development, culture needs a warm soul. In this case, the water temperature should be no more than +35 degrees. After completing the procedure, it is recommended to blot the foliage with a napkin and dry it

Particular attention should be paid to varieties that have velvety leaves. Water may cause white streaks on them.

It is allowed to spray the culture only with boiled water. It is also permissible to use distilled, thawed, rainwater.

Autumn

With the arrival of autumn, the duration of daylight hours decreases. In such a situation, the plant needs additional lighting. For this it is worth using phytolamps. Ordinary daylight fixtures will also work.

Winter

In winter, the orchid should be kept at a temperature of at least +18 degrees. The critical limit is considered to be +14 degrees. A lower mark can provoke the death of the plant.

Description of the precious orchid

Origin and appearance

Among the vast and varied world of beautiful orchids, there is a group that deserves special attention - precious orchids. How did they deserve such a significant epithet? Maybe they have flowers of extraordinary beauty? Not at all. All the splendor of plants in their unique leaves, for which they are so prized.

Precious Ludisia is called for the beauty of its leaves

The precious orchid Ludisia, belonging to the Orchid family, is a genus of evergreen land plants. Moreover, it is limited to only one species - Ludisia two-color.

The Ludisia orchid is a miniature herbaceous plant, the height of which rarely exceeds 15 cm. But the low growth is more than compensated for by the lateral shoots spreading in different directions. The thick and juicy creeping stem bears leaves collected in rosettes, which are ovoid or oval in shape with a pointed tip.

The succulent stem of Ludisia grows with lateral processes

Leaves are a masterpiece that the most outstanding artist, nature, has worked on. The color palette of the leaf blade varies from emerald green to black. The surface of the leaf, smooth and sparkling or velvety, is decorated with a contrasting pattern in the form of silvery stripes or strokes. The reverse side is colored magenta. The leaves are able to maintain their decorative appearance for 7 years, after which they die off, leaving a trace in the form of a ring on the stem.

The flowering of Ludisia cannot be called very beautiful, but there is a certain charm in it. A long peduncle, crowning the shoot, is dotted with 20-30 small white (sometimes cream) flowers that look like pearls from afar. If the flower stalks appear together, and not one by one, then this spectacle can really be admired.

Amicable flowering of Ludisia can cause a pleasant surprise

The homeland of Ludisia is Indonesia and Southeast Asia. The orchid prefers to grow on the ground, sitting on a forest floor under the canopy of a tropical forest, or cling to the moss that covers the walls of caves. The rhizome, through which Ludisia feeds, helps to adhere to vertical and horizontal surfaces.

In indoor floriculture, the Ludisia orchid is not very common. Therefore, it is not surprising that the plant is considered very moody and problematic to grow. But this is far from the case. Ludisia is the most unpretentious of all precious orchids. Moreover, there are various zoned varieties that are able to adapt to the conditions of detention. But this does not mean at all that the care of an orchid can be taken carelessly.

Precious Ludisia is not so capricious

Varieties (varieties)

Photo gallery: What are the Ludisias?

Ludisia Odina - a variety with leaves of a deep dark green color

Ludisia Alba has many small veins on the leaves

Ludisia Davsoniana is distinguished by pink veins

The bright shade of the veins is also characteristic of Ludisia Red Velvet

Ludisia Green Corduroy has some contrasting veins

Ludisia Emerald Velvet - a flower with leaves of rich green color

Ludisia Leaves Silvery Corduroy looks very luxurious

How to care at home

The Orchid family consists of a huge list of varieties and species. Most of them are whimsical, requiring special conditions for growing and reproduction. Ludisia is an unpretentious plant, so caring for it is simple. But, despite this, there are cases of sudden death of a flower. To prevent trouble, you need to find out what kind of home care ludisia requires.

Temperature

The key condition for the comfortable development of a plant is compliance with the temperature regime. Ludisia is capable of developing at temperatures from 10 ° C to 37 ° C. But it is advisable not to bring to such differences at home. The best option is from 20 ° C to 29 ° C. At the same time, the indicators should be several degrees lower at night than during the day. This is a prerequisite for the development of a flower, the formation of flower buds. During the cold season, the temperature should be approximately 18 ° C. If all conditions are met, the flowering of the orchid will be abundant and long-lasting.

Air humidity

Ludisia feels comfortable at high humidity levels. Optimal 70%

It is important to properly maintain the desired regime in the house. It is strictly forbidden to spray the plant

Drops on the surface of leaves and flowers leave unpresentable marks after the water evaporates. It is impossible to get rid of them.

To properly maintain the humidity level, it is better to place a container with water in the immediate vicinity of the flowers. The presence of wet expanded clay in the pallet with the plant helps a lot.

Important! In no case should the orchid be placed near heating batteries. This has a detrimental effect on the flower: the tips of the leaves begin to dry out, the petals of the inflorescences crumble during flowering

In addition to maintaining the correct humidity level, watering plays a special role in the care of ludisia. Drying out of the soil should not be allowed. It should be constantly damp. But overdoing it with water is also not worth it. The stagnant liquid in the orchid pot leads to root rot.

Pay due attention to the water that is watered on the orchid. Its temperature should correspond to room temperature

Watering is carried out in an original way: the pot with the substrate is completely immersed in a container of water for a few minutes, and then removed and installed in the place familiar to the plant.

The surface of the soil must be covered with moss, which must be constantly moistened

Correct lighting

Ludisia orchid belongs to shade-loving plants. It should be placed in places with dim lighting. Usually these are windows facing west and north. Often this type of orchid is placed in the back of the room. In these cases, illumination is provided by means of phytolamps. With this trick, the required duration of daylight hours is achieved, that is, 12-14 hours

This is especially important in the winter.

Top dressing

From time to time it is necessary to fertilize the plant:

• during intensive growth - 2 times a month;
• in the usual period - fertilize orchids is applied once a month.

Fertilizer is purchased at a specialized flower shop.

Priming

Loose soil with neutral acidity is suitable for orchids. The substrate should be perfectly permeable to moisture and air. Several types of soil have such characteristics that can be used for planting ludisia:

• pine bark, cut into fine pieces, combined with semi-decayed foliage and peat. The proportions are 1: 1: 2;
• shredded fern roots, coarse sand, peat and sphagnum. These components must be taken in the same quantity;
• pine needles, peat, sphagnum, sheet soil, birch charcoal, polystyrene. This set is formed in a ratio of 4: 4: 4: 4: 1: 1, respectively.

For your information! Planting containers should be low and wide. The first layer is always drainage. In its quality, foam or expanded clay is used. Then soil for ludisia is poured, and moss is laid on the surface. Its condition must be monitored, constantly moisturized.