Description
- Latin name:
- Phalaenopsis.
- Family:
- Orchidaceae.
- Homeland:
- continental tropical Asia.
Currently, the subgenus Polychilos includes 5 epiphytic or lithophytic species with relatively small flowers that develop gradually from bottom to top on the peduncle. On a short shoot, from three to ten leaves alternately develop, located in two opposite rows. Aerial roots are rounded in cross-section, greenish-white. Like other epiphytic orchids, the roots are capable of photosynthesis, and sometimes young plants develop from meristematic root foci. Phalaenopsis from the Polychilos section are interesting for their rapid reproduction in culture with the help of babies that spontaneously form from the lower buds of peduncles. Phalaenopsis cornucervi (Phalaenopsis cornucervi) has a flattened branching peduncle with comb-like bract scales covering the places of flower bud formation, which is very similar to branching deer antlers. Its flowers are rather modest, greenish-yellow, glossy, with small freckled specks and a white lip.
Phalaenopsis Lueddemann (P. lueddemanniana) is a small plant with two rows of green leaves and a creeping peduncle bearing 5-7 or more flowers at the top. Each flower is about 2 cm in diameter, its overall tone is yellow-purple-brown with a bright crimson lip. Both the petals and sepals have a pattern in front of them in the form of alternating chestnut-brown and narrower pale -yellow stripes, while their edges remain light, sometimes greenish, and closer to the middle of the flower, its color changes from yellow-brown to purple-pink. Three-lobed lip in its central part it has two white claw-like outgrowths with bright yellow spots, a bumpy callus at the base and a median oblong keel bifurcated at the end. Flowering plants of this species can be found in temperate greenhouses throughout the year, but most often the species blooms between March and July.
Phalaenopsis beautiful (P. pulchra) is interesting with bright crimson flowers.
Phalaenopsis belle (P. bellina) has an expressive flower.
Cultivation
Pot culture is preferred, although in conditions of guaranteed daily moisture and high relative humidity, phalaenopsis can also be kept in a block culture with roots partially covered with a substrate.
Care
Remove dry leaves and wilting flowers.
Watering
Prefers high relative humidity and even abundant watering throughout the year. Plants kept in winter without artificial lighting should be watered less often in the darkest part of the year, but it is not recommended to dry them. In winter, during a short period of rest, you need to reduce top dressing with liquid mineral fertilizer.
Transplanting
When planting in a pot, the apical meristem of the shoot, hidden inside the last leaf, should be directed vertically upwards. When planting in a block, the plant should be placed so that the rosette of leaves looks out. Frequent transplanting is contraindicated, plants do not need it until the substrate begins to actively decompose. The best time for transplanting is April-May, when the plants begin to form new roots.
Reproduction
Propagate by dividing the bush, cutting it across so that both halves have their own roots. Sometimes in flowering plants, dormant buds of peduncles develop into «babies». They are planted after the formation of their own root system.
Location
Requires moderate illumination (6500-11000 lux). In winter, in the dark season, it needs additional lighting.
Temperature
Diseases and pests
Plants are not very susceptible to diseases and rarely suffer from pests. In unfavorable conditions (with a strong drop in temperature or waterlogging), the apical meristem of the shoot may rot, and the lower leaves may also turn yellow and fall off.
Acquisition
Flowering phalaenopsis and their hybrids can be purchased in flower shops or from amateur gardeners. Plants should have well-developed shoots with fleshy healthy leaves and roots, preferably with a developing young leaf at the end of the shoot. With the help of seeds, they do not reproduce under normal conditions.
Care summary
| Cultivation | medium difficulty |
| Watering | as the substrate dries out |
| Transplanting | in spring or as needed |
| Appearance maintenance | remove dry leaves and flowers |
| Location | moderately lit, indirect sun |
| Temperature | minimum 12-16 °C |
| Flowering time | winter, spring, autumn depending on the species |
| Height | 20-40 cm |
Literature
- Phalaenopsis // Great Soviet Encyclopedia. — M.: Soviet Encyclopedia, 1969-1978. — 630000 copies.
- Ilyina E. Ya., Sterligova E. I. Indoor plants and their use in the interior. — Sverdlovsk: Ural University, 1991 — 208 s — 130000 copies. — ISBN 9785752502118
- Turdiev S. Yu., Vecherko L. I. Flowers in our life. — Alma-Ata: Kainar, 1986. — 217 s — 50000 copies.
- Chub V. V., Lezina K. D. Complete encyclopedia of indoor plants. — M.: Eksmo, 2003. — 416 s — 7000 copies. — ISBN 9785040060771.
- Phalaenopsis // Indoor and garden plants. — M.: Premiere, 2005. — 1274 s — 300,000 copies. — ISSN 1729-1828.
- Golovkin B. N. What do plant names say. — M.: Kolos, 1992. — 192 s — 70000 copies. — ISBN 9785100025054.
- Golovkin B. N. 1000 amazing facts from the life of plants. — M.: AST; Astrel, 2001. — 224 s — 10000 copies. — ISBN 9785170105342, ISBN 9785271030529.