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Europeans became acquainted with magnificent orchids more than three hundred years ago. The first specimens of these tropical plants, which arrived from the American continent to Holland, amazed even experienced flower growers with their exquisite appearance and duration of flowering .
But in those distant times, exotic beauties could only grow in royal greenhouses. Nowadays, blooming orchids can be seen not only on the windowsills of ordinary apartments.
They fit harmoniously into the interiors of offices and educational institutions, decorate hospitals and libraries, plant greenery in the halls of enterprises and even personal gardens . The successes of flower growers in the study of orchids and the efforts of breeders allowed tropical guests to firmly establish themselves in the homes and hearts of people of the 19th century.
- General information about the Phalaenopsis orchid
- Popular varieties in home culture Phalaenopsis mix
- Phalaenopsis blue
- Phalaenopsis Philadelphia
- Phalaenopsis Stewart
- Phalaenopsis Magic Art
- Dendrobium Phalaenopsis
- Phalaenopsis mini
- Placement and lighting
- Transfer rules
- Conditions required for Phalaenopsis to bloom
- Sticky spots on leaves
General information about the Phalaenopsis orchid
Appearing in Europe half a century later (1752) than the first orchids, the Phalaenopsis orchid, a representative of the southeastern regions of Asia, also captivated flower growers with its regal appearance , elegant and long-lasting flowering, and most importantly, its unpretentiousness in home culture.
The Phalaenopsis genus includes a fairly large number of species (according to various sources - from 70 to 77), but they are all characterized by a number of similar features:
- Representatives of the genus are monopodial plants, that is, they develop strictly upward due to the apical growth point. They have one strongly shortened stem and a dense rosette of evergreen voluminous and fleshy leaves of a juicy color .
- A distinctive feature of all species is large flowers, collected in rich racemose inflorescences on high peduncles.
- Flowering duration ranges from 3 weeks to 5 months. In many species, repeated flowering is possible on the same peduncle.
- Roots with a thick layer of velamen in most species participate in the process of photosynthesis due to the chlorophyll they contain. Therefore, transparent flowerpots are desirable for Phalaenopsis.
- Almost all species do not have a rest period; they need constant warm conditions . But for successful flowering, a temperature difference (3-5°C) during the day is required.
On a note! Any Phalaenopsis is an ideal choice for beginning gardeners, as it is unpretentious in care and can adapt to the conditions of a particular room.
Are there sub-varieties?
This hybrid is widely used in home floriculture; subcultivars of this variety can be found in botanical gardens and greenhouses. The most common varieties can be considered: Mini Mark “Island”, “Holm”.
Miniature flowers do not have a pronounced aroma. Mini Mark “Maria Teresa” has an exquisite floral light aroma . The flower is especially fragrant when exposed to sunlight. Mini Mark with peloric flowers are distinguished by the decorative irregularity of the petals themselves. A peculiarity is that the buds are yellow at the beginning of ripening, then become white.
Popular varieties in home culture
Among the numerous varieties of Phalaenopsis, any gardener will be able to select specimens to suit their taste or based on the needs of the collection.
Interesting! The corollas of Phalaenopsis are similar in appearance to butterflies, which gives the name to the whole genus (moth-like). The color palette of flowers includes all rainbow shades, which further increases the resemblance to delicate insects.
For beginners and amateurs, we can recommend the most common varieties in home cultivation, photos of which will help you make a choice.
Phalaenopsis mix
A hybrid specially adapted for indoor culture. Requires minimal care . A large plant (height with peduncle reaches 0.7 m) with large butterfly flowers of all shades of the rainbow.
The leaves are standard for the genus - large, leathery, oval-round in outline . It blooms multiple times in one year with long periods of corolla retention.
Phalaenopsis blue
There are no consistently blue varieties in nature. Several hybrid forms and natural varieties are known with delicate and subtle tones of blue and lilac (sometimes on a white background).
All bright blue specimens sold are tinted with natural dyes using a special technology. The second flowering of such forms is usually white or pale blue , but not all sellers honestly warn about this.
Other characteristics depend on the variety chosen for tinting.
Phalaenopsis Philadelphia
A distinctive feature is large, oval-elongated leaves with a marble pattern, covered with a glossy coating. The inflorescences are of medium height and branch well . It blooms gently with lilac butterflies.
Phalaenopsis Stewart
It is distinguished by narrow, long leaves with light patterns, as well as silvery roots. Multi-flowered inflorescences - sometimes about 60 buds at a time on high peduncles (up to 80 cm) bear small white fragrant corollas.
Blooms during warm periods. Duration – no more than 30 days.
Phalaenopsis Magic Art
Not a very large orchid (about 60 cm) with oval dark green leaves . It is distinguished by brightly colored corollas: crimson droplets are scattered across the white petals, complemented by streaks of the same color.
The middle is red with crimson and yellow tints . Blooms twice a year.
Unusual Phalaenopsis are very popular in culture:
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis
Belongs to the genus Dendrobium, it received its name for the resemblance of the corollas to butterfly orchid flowers.
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis has a sympodial type of growth , that is, it can grow in width due to the formation of new shoots on the rhizome. The leaves are long and narrow. The inflorescences are formed from pseudobulbs, the flowers are white to purple in color.
Phalaenopsis mini
The Phalaenopsis mini orchid differs from other species only in its insignificant peduncle height (no more than 20 cm). It has large thick leaves of green (less often spotted) color .
Blooms both in summer and winter months. Flowers are butterflies of various shades.
Growing in nature
What we see on the shelves in flower shops and centers are artificially bred hybrids , the ancestors of which grow in areas of Southeast Asia in tropical forests saturated with high humidity. These are mainly South China and Indonesia.
This type of orchid received its name in the first quarter of the 19th century from the director of the Leiden Botanical Garden, Karl Blume, who, while on the Malay Archipelago, confused the snow-white phalaenopsis with a flock of white moths.
This is where the name of this amazing flower comes from - the butterfly flower.
Moisture-saturated, dark places with a constant temperature of about 19-27 ° C, which practically does not change seasonally, with nearby swamps, rivers, and streams are the most preferred place for phalaenopsis to grow in the wild.
Tenacious aerial roots entwine the branches and trunks of trees growing in this area. It is these roots that serve the plant as a source of moisture , which they absorb during periods of rain, frequent fog and high air humidity.
Also, the main food is plant residues formed after rotting in the bark of a tree.
Important! Phalaenopsis is an epiphytic plant - it grows on trees, stumps, snags and various ledges.
An orchid is not a parasite, i.e. does not harm the tree. The trunk and branches serve only as a support, making it possible, clinging to the roots, to rise towards the light in the darkened tropical forest.
How to choose Phalaenopsis in the store
In order for the orchid to quickly adapt to its new apartment conditions and feel comfortable, when purchasing a plant you should take into account some nuances:
- It is possible to determine the color of a future pet only in a blooming state. In addition, blossoming buds without disturbing the richness of color , firmly sitting on the peduncle, will show a healthy plant. – Buy an orchid during flowering.
- A sick plant will be revealed by its root system: if the roots are sluggish, with spots of rot, and the orchid sways in the pot when touched, then you should not buy it (the flower is weakened). – When purchasing, check the health of the roots.
- A healthy orchid certainly has powerful, fleshy leaves . They should not have cracks, scratches or dry areas. Most varieties have dark greens. – When buying an orchid, pay attention to the leaves.
Rhynhostilis gigantea
Giant rhynchostylis (Rhynchostylis gigantea) is the best of the orchids with “Christmas” spicy aromas, the complex trails of which you want to unravel endlessly, barely catching the light undertones of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, mixed with a sweet honey cloying.
Giant Rhynchostylis (Rhynchostylis gigantea). © Maja Dumat
This is a very large orchid with narrow but fleshy leaves, up to 40 cm in length, growing in two rows, hanging fancifully with age, with an increasingly woody and tall stem and short peduncles. Dense cylindrical panicles of several dozen flowers seem strikingly massive.
Despite the fact that the flowers do not exceed 2.5 cm in diameter, they are very beautiful - with a spur, petals and sepals narrowed at the base, giving the flower airiness, and a three-lobed lip. White or purple, the flowers are clearly visible and seem very delicate.
Caring for an indoor orchid
Orchids of the genus Phalaenopsis have the ability to quite easily adapt to the conditions in which they have to grow. For this reason, they are rightfully considered the most unpretentious and easy to keep exotic beauties.
Even a beginner in the art of floriculture can take care of a butterfly orchid at home
Important! The orchid is a representative of the tropical flora. This means that she has a slightly different approach to environmental factors: she loves a lot of light, moisture and warmth. Proper care after purchasing a Phalaenopsis orchid is aimed at creating for it a life close to its natural habitat.
Placement and lighting
The ideal location for butterfly orchids is on south-facing window sills. With this option, the plant will receive enough sunlight even in the cold months . But in summer, a shading system should be provided from direct rays of the sun to protect the flower from burns.
Location on the windows of the eastern and western sides of the rooms is also acceptable when keeping orchids. In this case, the light will be diffused, and its quantity will be sufficient for normal life activity, including long-term flowering.
If the plant is forced to be located on the northern window of the room, then in order to maintain the proper level of illumination it is necessary to provide additional illumination with daylight spectrum lamps, especially in the winter months. Otherwise, the plant will not have enough strength to form buds (they will be spent on leaf growth), and immunity may decrease. And this threatens health.
For any arrangement, it is recommended to periodically rotate the Phalaenopsis pot to create a harmonious outline.
Temperature
The butterfly orchid is quite thermophilic: the optimal temperature range is +18 +24°C. Under such conditions, the plant will experience sufficient growth of green mass and lush flowering for several weeks (and even months).
A short-term decrease in temperature to +14 +16°C is acceptable, but prolonged cooling is fraught with a slowdown in life cycles.
Keeping a flower for a long time in hot conditions (above + 28°C) can provoke rapid leaf growth with a simultaneous deterioration in the quality and duration of flowering .
Almost all types of Phalaenopsis bloom several times a year; they do not have a pronounced dormant period. Therefore, to ensure stable flowering, the plant requires a daily temperature change of approximately 5°C. In cold weather, such conditions develop naturally on the windowsill. In summer, it is advisable to open the window at night.
Advice! When trying to create a daily temperature difference for an orchid, it is necessary to monitor the movements of air masses. Phalaenopsis reacts negatively to drafts!
Humidity and watering
The well-being of a flower largely depends on the air humidity in the room and proper watering.
The butterfly orchid has a twofold attitude towards humidity. The ideal for her is values ranging from 60 to 80%, but the tropical beauty can easily adapt to significantly lower numbers (that is, to the usual air humidity of city apartments). The main thing is not to allow the threshold to drop below 40%.
If necessary, air humidity can be changed using humidifiers, spraying or trays of pebbles and water.
Important! Increasing humidity can combat elevated temperatures, but it requires more frequent ventilation.
Having decided to purchase Phalaenopsis, you should think about the watering schedule in advance, taking into account different periods of the growing season and how to prevent the soil from overflowing or drying out .
This video explains how to care for phalaenopsis orchids at home.
The orchid should be watered regularly, but sparingly throughout the year.
Each subsequent watering depends on weather conditions and is carried out after the soil has dried out a little : the orchid tolerates minor drought more easily than heavy moisture.
Attention! You can determine the time of watering by the color of the roots: the green color indicates that the roots are full of moisture, the drying of the soil will be marked by the silver-gray tonality of the root system.
All procedures with water (watering, spraying) are carried out in the first half of the day so that the plant does not cool down at night. Watering is allowed only by immersion method.
Soil and fertilizers
Since Phalaenopsis roots are involved in the process of photosynthesis, they require a loose and breathable substrate. It would be ideal to use bark harvested from the forest and boiled to remove pests and resin.
It is allowed to keep the plant without a substrate - the roots must be fixed on a special block or simply in a wooden basket.
Butterfly orchids do not require the use of fertilizers, since they independently obtain all the elements from the environment.
Names of species and varieties of white phalaenopsis and their photos
Royal
The Royal White Phalaenopsis Orchid is a species with very large flowers . Some specimens reach a diameter of 15 cm.
In principle, care differs little from classical care, but there are still nuances when growing. A more strict attitude towards temperature conditions (22-24 ° C). In autumn, it is better to place it in a room with a temperature of 14 ° for a couple of months, which will stimulate it for the next flowering.
Royal white phalaenopsis.
The pot must be transparent to ensure sufficient light supply to the roots and increase their photosynthesis. Be more responsible when it comes to watering, trying not to over-water or dry out the flower.
Royal Phalaenopsis requires higher indoor humidity . 70-80% would be optimal. Fertilizing also requires a slight increase in dosage. But the main thing here is not to overdo it.
Multiflora
The name Multiflora refers to a small orchid with a large number of buds. Although this name is given for commercial purposes, since such a name does not exist in the scientific literature.
It is distinguished by reduced watering, fertilizing, mainly liquid fertilizers special for orchids. Not so different from classic care, but requires more attention from the owner.
Multiflora variant with white flowers.
Wanda
A distinctive feature of Vanda is its caramel aroma and long flowering. The characteristic differences and features are considered to be a fairly dense stem structure and thick, hanging aerial roots.
Orchid Vanda Tanjanee White.
Peduncles grow from the axils of the leaves. Some aerial roots can grow up to 2 m. In addition, the plant is capable of producing up to 4 flower stalks with 15 flowers on each.
The content is practically no different from the usual for orchids. For a more stable position with such a number of peduncles and large roots, it is better to keep it in a glass pot with drainage holes.
Mini and midi
Mini is a small plant with small leaves, a small number of flowers and peduncles.
White mini phalaenopsis.
Midi - average between mini and standard orchid.
If the mini leaf is up to 9 cm , then the midi is about 15-16 cm , while the standard one is about 20 cm. And, of course, the flowers also differ in size.
Phalaenopsis midi (interior photo).
Butterfly
White butterfly is not a name. This is the common name for white phalaenopsis, whose flowers resemble species of moths or butterflies. Therefore, another concept of a white orchid is the White Butterfly.
White phalaenopsis butterfly.
White Heron
The white heron is called the Habenaria radiata . Its pearly white flower resembles a flying bird. It received this name in Japan, where it is in special demand.
Advice! When growing this type of orchid, you should thoroughly familiarize yourself with the conditions and care for growing it at home.
This type of orchid is quite capricious to care for. Does not tolerate drying out of roots and has a negative attitude towards insufficient lighting. Requires a completely different approach when growing.
White heron.
Orchid transplant
Orchids do not like interference in their life processes, so transplants should be done as rarely as possible: in case of damage to the bark (flooding or caking) , to increase the volume of the pot, or due to the appearance of pests. Ideally, one transplant every 3 years.
Transfer rules
The transplant procedure should be thought out in advance step by step:
- Remove the orchid from the pot by cutting the container;
- Rinse the root system;
- Remove damaged and diseased roots, yellow and old leaves, treating all cuts with charcoal;
- Dry the roots, place in a new pot and sprinkle with bark;
- After transplantation, do not water for about a week, keep in a warm and bright place;
- Next, treat the bark every morning with a solution of succinic acid to increase immunity and accelerate growth.
This video shows how to re-salt an orchid after purchase.
Potty requirements
Phalaenopsis, due to the characteristics of the root system - the presence of chlorophyll and participation in photosynthesis - love transparent plastic pots , but you can also use blocks or baskets (when growing a flower without soil). Read more about orchid pots.
Orchid blossom
The most important moment in the life cycle of an orchid, which all Phalaenopsis owners look forward to, is the flowering period.
In Phalaenopsis it occurs at different times , with different frequency and duration (depending on the species). But it's always a great spectacle.
Conditions required for Phalaenopsis to bloom
To form flower buds, an orchid requires very little - only careful adherence to all rules and maintenance regimes :
- It is necessary to maintain constant lighting levels throughout the year whenever possible;
- Use lighting in winter;
- Try to create a daily temperature difference.
Even in the absence of any point, the Phalaenopsis orchid will try to bloom at least once a year , because it is not without reason that it is the most unpretentious beauty.
Why doesn't it bloom?
Mistakes made when caring for Phalaenopsis contain the answer to the question: the orchid does not bloom, what should I do? Possible reasons include:
- Lack of lighting;
- Root rotting due to overwatering;
- Lack of daily changes or extreme heat ;
- Stress after transplant;
- Bacterial diseases;
- Excessive fertilizing with nitrogen.
If the last flowering took place more than a year ago , and the plant is not trying to form a peduncle, then all care regimens should be adjusted.
Phalaenopsis has faded, what to do next?
The following tips will help you decide how to care for a faded orchid:
- Do not remove the green peduncle - possible re-blooming or the formation of a baby Phalaenopsis orchid on a peduncle;
- Trim only completely dried arrows at the root;
- Cut the peduncle back to the first living meristem (dormant bud) in hopes of repeat flowering.
But if the plant is weakened, then after the flowers fade, it is advisable to immediately cut off the arrow to give the orchid time to recover.
What to do with phalaenopsis immediately after purchase
When you bring a new phalaenopsis orchid home from the store, immediately provide it with proper care at home.
- First of all, it is necessary to replant the phalaenopsis, since inside the pot the manufacturer often places a kind of “cushion” of compressed moss, foam rubber or peat. This significantly waterlogs the neck from below and causes rotting of the roots inside the pot.
- Also, when caring for a flower at home, you need to immediately decide on the location: phalaenopsis do not like moving. For them, new conditions are already serious stress. Place the transplanted plant in a well-lit, warm place and do not rotate the pot unless absolutely necessary. Try to remember how you placed the flower so that after watering you can place it the same way.
- By providing proper care, you can reduce stress to the plant. The drugs Epin and Zircon also have an anti-stress effect.
- Don't rush with watering. The first time you need to do this using a spill, carefully, along the edge of the pot. Any remaining water from the pots must be drained immediately.
- Feeding should begin after a month.
- If you have several orchids, then the new plant should be kept in quarantine. This is due to the fact that phalaenopsis may be infected with an infection or there may be various parasites in the pot. During the first month it is necessary to observe the plant, and only then add it to the rest of the collection.
Reproduction of phalaenopsis
To obtain new orchids of the Phalaenopsis genus, flower growers have two options: sexual reproduction (by seeds) and vegetative reproduction (by children). The seed method is too complicated and not always successful. It is used by experienced breeders to develop new varieties.
The simplest thing is to get a baby from your orchid. Sometimes vegetative propagation occurs without human intervention. The baby is formed from meristems on the arrow left after flowering or in the axils at the base of the leaves. In some cases, gardeners resort to stimulating the orchid to form layering using growth stimulants.
Occasionally, the children that appear do not want to produce roots . This happens due to mistakes in caring for the mother orchid. Experienced gardeners will tell you how to grow roots in this case:
- Separate the baby with a piece of peduncle, secure it on the foam so that the end of the stem is above the small hole, but does not touch the water in which the impromptu boat will float.
- Place the baby on sphagnum moss in a mini greenhouse .
- Try to get roots without separating the baby from the mother plant, wrapping it in moss and wetting the resulting cocoon.
Cymbidium swordifolia
Cymbidium ensifolium is the honeyiest of all orchids and the most popular of the cymbidiums. This is a very graceful orchid of the sympodial type with poorly developed centimeter-long pseudobulbs, completely covered with leaf sheaths, and long roots. Narrow lanceolate leaves from 30 cm to 1 m in length seem stunningly straight and strict, not only due to their folded structure, but also to their very dark color.
Cymbidium ensifolium. © 阿橋HQ
Vertical inflorescences are usually somewhat shorter than the leaves. They bear up to 9 flowers that last for several weeks. With a diameter of 3 to 5 cm, they flaunt beige-yellowish sepals and petals with longitudinal, reddish veins, and sometimes spots, and a greenish lip covered with patterns.
Phalaenopsis diseases
Diseases can be caused by errors in care, fungi or bacteria.
Sticky spots on leaves
If the plant suffers from uncomfortable conditions, sticky drops may appear on the leaves of the Phalaenopsis orchid. These glue-like droplets give a signal to revise your care regimen.
But sometimes the drops appear as protection against pests or as a means of attracting pollinators . In these cases, there is no need to worry.
Decreased leaf turgor
If the question arises: how to restore leaf turgor in a Phalaenopsis orchid, you should care for the plant based on the reasons that caused this problem .
Loss of turgor is also caused by improper care: compacted soil, overheating of the underground part, uncontrolled watering. The cause should be found out and care adjusted .
Hives
Phalaenopsis disease is characterized by small spots (up to 3 cm) on leaf blades.
The reason lies in the cold and too humid air of the room without sufficient ventilation. To combat urticaria, it is enough to change the conditions of care.
Fusarium
A disease that is dangerous for an orchid is caused by fungi that have entered the roots and base of the stem through the soil. Causes rotting of the underground parts of the plant, which gradually spreads to the above-ground parts.
Carefully! Fusarium can only be treated before rot appears, so when pinkish-white dust particles are first detected, the orchid is quarantined and treated with fungicides.
When plants rot, they must be destroyed to prevent mass infection.
Botrytis
A fungal disease characterized by brownish and black speckles on buds and flowers. It occurs due to moisture getting on the petals and in the axils of the leaves.
Botrytis disrupts the decorative effect and, without treatment, can lead to the death of the orchid. To cure, the affected parts should be removed and treated with a fungicide .
Please also pay attention to the beneficial effect of succinic acid on orchids both for diseases and for prevention.
Phalaenopsis pests
Of the parasites that affect Phalaenopsis, the most dangerous are thrips , spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs and slugs. Measures to combat them include preventive examinations and treatment with insecticides when infected.
Love your Phalaenopsis orchid, take care of it, and the orchid will respond with magnificent blooms .
This video talks about mistakes in caring for the Phalaenopsis orchid and how to grow a healthy plant.
Cycnoches pentadactylon
Cychnoches pentadactylon surprises anyone with its chocolate and amazingly delicious aroma, which is characterized by soft vanilla overtones. This is a very rare orchid, the flowers of which can’t help but evoke associations with miniature dragons. And it is even more surprising that in culture, cyknotes are surprisingly unpretentious and are more similar to phalaenopsis than to rare species.
Cychnoches pentadactylon. © Gena Jogolev
The bizarre, fleshy, round-spindle-shaped pseudobulbs of this sympodial orchid surprise with their numerous internodes and produce tightly hugging the stem, thin, oval-lanceolate leaves with a pointed tip, from the axils of which grows a short peduncle with 30 or slightly less elegant flowers with a diameter of up to 10 cm Oval, with a narrowed base, petals and sepals turned back, and a thin lip fancifully arched create a shape that truly resembles a tailed dragon in flight.
