From ancient times, the orchid was considered a greenhouse, exotic miracle, since only a few could have such treasure in their home. Now the orchid is the simplest and most common indoor type of plant. On the shelves began to appear hybrids with different properties. Today, there are about 35 thousand species, and this is not much less than about 10 percent of all plants on Earth. Orchids differ in shape and lifestyle. There are in the form of a bush and grassy plants, lianas, as well as lithophytes and epiphytes.
What it is?
Orchids Mix - this is one of the largest families, whose representatives are on all continents, including almost all climatic zones, with the exception of Antarctica.
Description and appearance
Orchid Mix is simply amazing appearance. From white to deep purple. Orchid can be decorated with stains and buds.. The smallest flower reaches two centimeters, and the largest - up to fifteen centimeters, but this is quite rare.
Plant photo
Here you can see the photo of Orchid Mix:
What is the difference from other species?
The main difference between orchids and other plants is the structure of flowers.. The cups and petals are alternately arranged in the circle of the center of the flower. The petal in the middle looks like a lip and is called Labellum. The bottom is almost always reduced or increased.
Variety review
It should be recalled that Orchid Mix has many colors that are similar in terms of conditions and care. The difference lies in the size of the leaves, flower stalks and flowers. More powerful requires high humidity and extra power.
Cumbria
Pretty elegant flower. Flowers are colored yellow and red, bordered with white and pink. The flower sprouts quite a long time. May contain from 5 to 20 flowers that bloom from one to two months. With age, the number of flowers increases significantly.
Miltonia Hybrid
Negative about the heat. Glossy leaves are lanceolate in a light green color. Pseudobulbs are small in size, but they are strong enough. Pedicels are considered long, holding on from 2 to 7 colors, the number of which may increase with age. The color of large, pansy-like flowers is varied in iridescent colors.
Brunch
A beautifully blooming hybrid orchid with a colorful assortment of flowers. It is recommended to use abundant watering once a month and spray it almost daily on a sheet if the humidity is less than 45%.
Royal
The stunning beauty of phalaenopsis. Long pedicels with huge flowers for orchids, various flowers. Flowers from royal phalaenopsis can reach up to 14 cm in diameter with a 1 m stalkwhich can carry up to 15 colors at a time.
Multiflora
Hybrid distinguishes the duration of flowering and color saturation of flower petals. Also known is the number of peduncles that can appear from the leaf axils from 1 to 4, with a copious amount of flowers. On four peduncles their number can reach up to 70 pieces. Flowering occurs 2 times a year, mainly in spring and autumn.
Concord
Pretty unpretentious hybrid. He prefers a warm and bright place without direct sunlight. Usually produces two flower stalks with elegant, diverse colors.
Grandiflora
She is differs from other hybrid species in large flowers, whose diameter reaches 15 cm. He prefers high humidity and does not tolerate stuffiness. It is best to keep in a transparent pot on a pallet with wet pebbles or expanded clay.
Bloom
When and how does it happen
It blooms throughout the year, a lot and beautiful. Pleases with large flowers. For the development of orchids, it must be placed in a place where there is a shadow. With good care, the plant will bloom for a long time and will delight those around you with its beauty.
Care before and after
Before the blooming of the Sogo orchid, you need to comply with the temperature regime - 22-25 ° C during the day and a slight drop to 18-20 ° C at night. Care should continue after flowering.. Plant care after flowering is almost the same as before flowering. Blends need moisture and should be sprayed. After the plant has finished flowering, it also needs to be fed, but to reduce the amount of fertilizer.
What if it does not bloom?
It happens that it remains green, so that the plant may bloom, you need to cut off the slingshot to the top of the first bud or completely cut the stem of the flower and place it in a container with water.
Care instructions
- Choosing a place.
Best for an orchid is a suitable window sill, the windows of which go either west or east, because there will be an optimum amount of light for the plant.
- Soil preparation and pot.
In apartments, sometimes in winter and autumn, humidity can be high. In order not to damage the plant, you need to put moss. The smallest part of the bark is considered the main component of the substrate for a mixture of orchids.
If the soil is dry, it is well permeable. Then, when the bark is in the water for 48 hours, it must be removed and rinsed well under a tap or shower.
- Temperature.
Orchid Mix should be placed in a place where it will be protected from various drafts. The optimum temperature for normal growth and development, as well as good flowering at least twice a year will be from 22 to 25 degrees Celsius. In order for the flower buds to form on the plant, a difference of 5-6 degrees Celsius is required between day and night. - Humidity.
The optimum moisture content for an orchid mix will be 70% moisture. If the humidity drops to 40-50 percent, then it should be sprayed.
- Lighting.
The main component in the cultivation of this plant will be lighting. Light is very important for a mixture of orchids, but an overabundance of sunlight causes burns on the leaves. If the plant is located on the southern window-sills, then it is necessary to resort to artificial shading, for this you can use curtains. The orchid should be at least 12 hours a day in the sun.
In order for the plant to develop and develop normally, it is necessary to shade the plant from all sides of the sun. The distance must be at least a meter.
It is best to keep the orchid in a transparent pot, because not only the leaves, but also the roots are involved in photosynthesis. - Watering.
Dryness of the substrate can be determined by picking up a piece of bark. Do not get carried away with excessive watering. Roots need air. Too frequent watering can kill your orchid. When watering base should be completely wet. The best way is to put your orchid in a bowl of water for 20 minutes.
At the same time, the pot should not be filled with it. At the bottom of the pot should be a hole through which the bark absorbs a sufficient amount of water. Phalaenopsis is a tropical plant, so you should see the water temperature. Should not be too cold. In the summer, water twice a week, and in the winter - once every two weeks.
Recommendations for all are characteristic, but every gardener should make a watering schedule. Watering is necessary after the substrate dries. Determine its dryness can be on the bark of the pot.
- Top dressing.
Do not overfeed the plant, as this can cause burns on the roots. It is important to use fertilizers labeled "for orchids".
- Transfer.
No need to replant Orchid Mix too often. This will be enough once a year. If you transplant during flowering, the plant may even refuse to bloom. A pot in a mixture of orchids should be larger than the previous one, with small holes and transparent. Before transplanting, you need to examine the roots and cut rotten ones, as well as check the absence of parasites and diseases.
Orchid Mix should be placed in a place where it will be protected from various drafts. The optimum temperature for normal growth and development, as well as good flowering at least twice a year will be from 22 to 25 degrees Celsius. In order for the flower buds to form on the plant, a difference of 5-6 degrees Celsius is required between day and night.Breeding
You can choose different breeding methods for Orchid Mix depending on convenience. There is a simple breeding method.
For this you need:
- Take out an adult plant from a pot.
- Cut off the rhizome from the walls, as well as earthen coma. When dividing the rhizomes should be three developed false bulbs.
- Then the roots of the plant should be sprinkled with charcoal.
- Replant them in separate pots and continue with normal care.
Diseases and pests
Diseases and pests include:
- Thrips. The appearance of silver and blue impregnation is a sign of thrips. Appear due to high temperature.
In the fight against thrips help high-quality treatment with insecticides.
- Spider mite. If a small cobweb appears in the lower part of the leaf, and yellow spots begin to appear on the upper parts of the leaves. The cause of the appearance is dry air. Soap and alkaline sink will help in the fight against them.
- Aphid. These are tiny dark plants. They settle throughout the plant. The main reason is high temperature and low humidity. A milky-water solution (1: 1) and a light insecticide will help in the fight against them.
- Shchitovka. Small lice form the growths on the leaves, under which they live. Appear at elevated temperatures. A milky-water solution (1: 1) and a light insecticide will help in the fight against them.
Prevention of various problems
For the plant again did not harm the disease and pests, you must observe proper care for it. This variety of orchids is gaining popularity in our time. The plant is an excellent option for beginnerswhich just started to organize their indoor garden, as the Orchid Mix is simple enough to take care.
The main thing is to follow all the rules of caring for it, and then the orchid will please others with its beauty about three times a year.
The group of hybrid orchid mixes Mix is one of the most popular among all home growers. Despite the fact that it is considered adapted to the internal conditions of cultivation and does not require special conditions and care, it still requires some attention and care.
