Indoor plants are always popular, and especially flowering ones. They perfectly complement any interior and for a long time delight the eye with their flowering. Today we will talk about the most beautiful orchids in the world, their appearance and features of growing.
General characteristics of orchids
Orchid is a herbaceous plant native to Australia. In natural conditions, it lives in a humid environment and has about 70 species, most of which are considered to be epiphytes, which grow on other representatives of the flora, using them as a support. A plant with wide leaves, about 4-6 pieces, and a shortened stem. It grows only up and can reach sizes from a few centimeters to 35 meters, depending on the species.
From the deciduous sinuses, the plant produces peduncles and aerial roots. Flowers can be arranged both singly and with tassels; they look like a butterfly. Pollinated by insects, and also bear fruit through a box filled with small seeds. Orchid is a long-liver and grows in greenhouse conditions for about 70 years.The most beautiful orchids
Below is a description of the most popular varieties of orchids, as well as the main points for caring for them.
Wanda
Wanda has a pronounced stem, which is completely covered with leaves. Aerial roots are highly developed, painted in gray-green color. Peduncles are produced from the deciduous sinuses, on which from 2 to 15 fairly large flowers are formed, with a diameter of 8 to 15 cm. The inflorescences grow and acquire a saturated color on the 2nd – 3rd day after the buds have opened. Flowering time - up to 3 months. The flowers are painted in lilac, blue, pink and white, and can also be variegated. The plant is photophilous, but is afraid of direct sunlight, which can burn foliage.
The optimal daylight hours are 12 hours. It is this parameter that affects the regularity and duration of flowering, so this orchid is additionally illuminated with fluorescent lamps. The temperature must be kept at +18 ... + 30 ° С. At high rates, increase air humidity, and also ventilate the room. This orchid is watered in the warm season every day, with a decrease in temperature - every 2 days. Fertilize the flower every month during watering, for this they use special products for the orchid family.
Did you know? A spice such as vanilla is extracted from orchids. What we call a vanilla pod is actually a box containing orchid seeds.
Cattleya
The flower got its name in honor of the botanist William Cattleya. The plant is distinguished by fragrant flowering, as well as carved petals. It consists of a pair of pseudobulbs, on which 1-2 leaves grow. The stalk is quite thick and dense, serves as a kind of reservoir for moisture. The flower grows in width by the appearance of young shoots at the base of old processes. On the peduncle there can be either one flower or a brush of buds. The flowers are large, consist of three petals and the same number of sepals, live 20-30 days.
The total duration of flowering varies from 1 to 3 months. Cattleya prefers bright diffused light. This species is watered once a week; for this, the rhizome is lowered into a container of water for 1-2 hours. In summer, it is recommended to spray the flower. Fertilizers are applied during the period of growth and the formation of pseudobulbs. In the first case, nitrogen-containing substances are used, in the second - phosphoric and potassium substances.
Important! During the dormant and flowering period, no fertilizer is allowed.
Dendrobium
The epiphyte comes from Asia, and its literal translation means "living on a tree." The color of the flowers is the most diverse: white, red, purple, and not always monophonic, may include 2-3 shades. A distinctive feature of the species is considered the contrasting shade of the “lips,” that is, the inner petals. This species is the second most popular among home flower growing after phalaenopsis. The species diversity of the dendrobium has about 1,500 representatives, which vary in shape, color and shape of the brush.
Leaves are elongated lanceolate. The roots are dense, covered with a waxy coating. Pseudobulbs are presented in the form of a trunk divided by isthmuses on which leaves grow. In the sinuses, meristems are formed, later changing to peduncles.
In nature, the dendrobium grows in conditions of a contrasting temperature regime: during the day - from + 30 ° C, at night - +10 ... + 16 ° C. Growing an orchid at home, it is important to provide a difference of 5 degrees between day and night indicators. Humidity should be kept at 60–80%. Lighting fits southwest. Water the flower so that between the procedures the substrate dries out a little. During growth, fertilizers must be applied once every 3 weeks.
Did you know? Orchids have bilateral symmetry, that is, if you draw a straight line in the middle of the flower, then both of its halves will mirror each other.
Phalaenopsis
Phalaenopsis is one of the representatives of classical orchids, the most popular and unpretentious species. Has long, from 20 to 40 cm, curved leaves. They are colored green above and purple below. They grow quite slowly, throwing no more than two leaves per year. Peduncles are most often formed in the lower part. They are long and curved at the end. Flowers come in a wide variety of colors and look like a butterfly. The flowering period lasts from 2 to 6 months.
The most favorable temperature for growing is considered to be within +22 ... + 25 ° С. Reduced by 5 degrees, the indicator at night favorably affects the growth and flowering of the plant. The lower threshold for humidity is 40%. With a lack of moisture, a weekly spraying of the plant is recommended. Watering should be regular and moderate throughout the year.
Important! When spraying orchids, it is necessary to avoid getting water in the deciduous sinuses, as this can provoke the process of decay.
To do this, use settled water at room temperature. Top dressing is poured only into a wet substrate every 10-12 days. The flower is located on the eastern or northeastern windowsill. The pot is rotated 60 ° every 3 weeks, which allows the plant to grow evenly and not bend, but during the formation of buds it is contraindicated to disturb the phalaenopsis. The transplant is done once a year, after the orchid has completely faded.
Brassia
A perennial plant native to tropical America, having about 30 varieties. It differs from other relatives in the form of a flower, which is why it is called a "spider orchid." The flowers are painted in different shades of yellow with convex brown dots. Sepals up to 15 cm long, have an elongated shape. Blossoms in inflorescences of 6-8 buds. Pseudobulbs are single-membered and hide under leaves, which have a belt-like-lanceolate shape. The flowers are fragrant and smell like vanilla.
Brassia is unpretentious in leaving, and its flowering lasts a whole year. A flower loves diffused bright light. The duration of lighting should not be less than 10 hours. The optimum temperature is +23 ... + 25 ° С. For full development, it is necessary to provide high humidity, as well as to spray often. During the heating season, move the flower away from the batteries.
Important! It is necessary to regularly check the flower for the formation of peduncles, and then stop watering for 7 days. Thanks to this, the shoots will develop further and will not grow into pseudobulbs.
For the purpose of irrigation, the pot is lowered for 20-30 minutes in a container with water, after which the excess is allowed to drain. Brassia does not need regular transplants; they do this only when necessary. For example, when the pot became small. In this case, the plant is planted deeper, so that there is enough space on top for young shoots. Top dressing is performed in the spring-summer period 1 time per month.
Coelogin
They attribute the orchid to sympodially growing plants, i.e. to those that develop by the formation of new shoots. Pseudobulbs are oval in shape, stems rounded and hollow. The flowers are fragrant, up to 10 cm in diameter, varied color: white, light green, cream, yellow. It is the appearance that distinguishes coelogin from relatives. The bud consists of 5 narrow petals, but the so-called lip is quite wide. The view all year round needs intensive lighting, at least 12-14 hours a day. In summer, the temperature is maintained at +20 ... + 25 ° С, in winter cooler conditions are suitable, but not lower than + 10 ° С.
Watering is done by immersion, for this use filtered or boiled water at room temperature, since the plant does not tolerate salinization of the soil. Tselogin needs high humidity, so it is recommended to spray the flower several times a day. This is best done in the morning and evening. Transplanted orchid in extreme cases, like the previous view. Before planting, any weighting agent is laid to the bottom to prevent further overturning of the pot.
Did you know? Most of all orchids growing in natural conditions can be found in Alaska.
Cymbidium
Pseudobulbs of this type of oval shape, from 1 to 15 cm high, are located densely to each other. Peduncles are located on the base, they can be either direct growing or hanging. Flowers with a diameter of about 13 cm, the color of the petals is diverse. The flowering period lasts about 10 weeks. The sheets are narrow and long, at the ends they can be either rounded or sharp. Under the right growing conditions, the leaves live up to 3 years, after which they are replaced by young ones. Cymbidium unpretentious representative of orchids. He loves light, but direct sunlight should be avoided.
In winter, it is advisable to establish sources of additional lighting. It is important to regularly ventilate the room in which the flower is located, however, to protect it from drafts. The view prefers cool and temperature conditions at the level of +16 ... + 20 ° С. As for watering, from spring to autumn, the substrate is kept moist. After watering, the excess water accumulated in the pan is drained. In winter, the procedure is carried out less frequently, but still they do not allow the drying up of an earthen coma, which is usually indicated by shriveled pseudobulbs.
Important! Excess moisture in the substrate leads to rotting of the rhizome and the formation of black spots at the base of the leaves.
The optimal humidity is considered to be 50-60%. To maintain this indicator, the pot is placed on wet pebbles. It is better to refuse spraying. Fertilize with liquid components 2 times a month. This orchid does not tolerate a transplant, so the topsoil is removed annually and a layer of fresh substrate is added.
Calantha
Kalantha consists of closely spaced shoots. Pseudobulbs are narrow, ovoid. The leaves are large, about 20–40 cm long, up to 10 cm wide. The surface is leathery, painted in a deep green color. Flowers are located on a straight, slightly curved towards the end of the peduncle, which is slightly covered with down. Buds are formed by brush, where from 5 to 40 fragrant flowers blooms. Basically, they are painted in pink, white and yellow. The diameter of the flower varies between 5-7.5 cm.
For cultivation, eastern and western windowsills are suitable. Unlike the aforementioned relatives, calendula does not like bright lighting and in natural conditions grows under trees. Feels good at a temperature of + 18 ° C. In the warm season, it is necessary to spray the plant and wipe the foliage with a damp sponge. For this, it is better to use boiled water. Water the flower abundantly until the buds appear, after which the procedure is carried out less often, so that the substrate remains slightly moist.
Miltoniopsis
The Miltoniopsis pseudobulbs are small and closely pressed together. The leaves are lanceolate, have a rich green color and a glossy surface. Flower stalks are long and hold about 2-7 buds. The appearance differs by the small size of the "lip", which is often decorated with various ornaments. Petals of white, pink, red and purple flowers. The flower lives up to 2 months, but in a cut form it instantly withers. The basis for proper cultivation is well-drained, moisture-retaining soil.
The transplant is carried out annually in the cold season. Place the pot with the plant in a well-lit place with a daylight duration of 10 to 15 hours. The temperature regime in summer should be at the level of +20 ... + 22 ° С, in winter - within +17 ... + 20 ° С. At night, the temperature is lowered by 3-4 degrees. The optimum humidity is 70%. In dry air, you should not spray the plant; it is best to periodically wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.
Important! For transplanting, pots with a depth of 10 are suitable–13 cm. In such containers, the risk of waterlogging of the substrate and, as a result, rotting of the roots is reduced.
Watering should be plentiful by immersing the pot in water. From April to the end of flowering, the plant is fed twice a month. After flowering, new pseudobulbs begin to grow, and when they reach the size of the old ones, a period of rest begins in the flower. At this time, watering is reduced, and miltoniopsis is transferred to a cool place with a temperature regime of about +15 ... + 17 ° C.
Lelia
The view is very similar to the Cattleya orchid, but differs in smaller and brighter colors. There are dwarf and large representatives of this species. The shape of pseudobulbs depends on their size: in small ones - oval, in large - spindle-shaped. The leaves are dark green, lanceolate, their surface is leathery. At the base of the leaf, a peduncle with one or more buds is formed. The color of the flowers is diverse. They are fragrant, but smell only in the daytime.
Lighting this flower needs a bright and diffuse, quite long. The temperature should be moderate, within + 22 ° С for the summer period and up to + 15 ° С - in the winter. The difference between day and night indicators should be at least 6 degrees. Humidity is maintained in the range of 60–70%. Watering is plentiful, in winter the multiplicity decreases. It is important that the soil has time to dry. Top dressing is carried out during the period of active growth.
Zygopetallum
It features an unusual flower structure, the petals of which fuse at the base. They are quite large and fragrant. Shoots grow up to 50 cm long, the growth of the zygopetallum is directed upwards. The rhizome is thick and dense, has a white color. Pseudobulbs are oval, with a glossy surface. The leaves are wide and long, slightly pointed at the end, have longitudinal veins. The buds are sparse brushes, can be white, green and purple. The tips of the petals are pointed.
Important! When the substrate dries, the orchid will die, because this species does not have a protective layer of roots that retains moisture.
It is best to place a flower pot on the northern or eastern windowsill, creating conditions of partial shade or diffused light. If the leaves begin to turn yellow, you should rearrange the orchid in a more illuminated place. The temperature is maintained within +15 ... + 25 ° C. In hot weather it is necessary to spray the plant. Zygopetallum needs active watering, without drying out an earthen coma. Fertilizers are applied only during the flowering period. The plant is transplanted only if necessary.
Oncidium
It is a perennial herb that lives in the tropical zones of America. Above the root system are oblong pseudobulbs of bright green color. The plant itself reaches a height of 10 to 40 cm. Each pseudobulb produces 3-4 leaves. The latter, in turn, are belt-shaped with a rounded end. Oncidium blooms at any time of the year. Peduncle long and branching. Yellow, brown and red flowers.The shape of the “lips” resembles a guitar, on which a growth with pubescence is located.
Did you know? Of all the cut flowers placed in a vase of water, orchids will last longer than anyone.
The diameter of the flower varies from 1 to 12 cm. Oncidium is demanding on the conditions of detention, so you must carefully monitor the microclimate in which it grows. Do not forget about the dormant period that occurs after flowering and lasts about 2 months. During this time, the flower regains its strength and prepares for the growth phase.
During this period, it is necessary to reduce watering to once every 20–25 days and reduce the temperature by 3-5 degrees. Contain a flower in a brightly lit place under temperature conditions +20 ... + 25 ° С. Maintain a high rate of air humidity and regularly spray the green part. At temperatures below + 18 ° C, the procedure must be stopped. In spring and summer, fertilizers must be applied at intervals of 1 time in 20 days.
Shomburgkiya
The pseudobulbs of Shomburg are large and in their shape resemble a bunch of bananas. Of these, 2-3 glossy leaves grow slightly folded along the longitudinal vein. Peduncles are located both below the foliage, and rise above it. Branched shoots and unusual flowers with corrugated petals. Color white, orange, yellow, pink, lilac, burgundy. The diameter of the flower is about 3–10 cm. These flowers are grown at a day temperature of +18 ... + 25 ° С, night temperature should be 4–5 degrees lower.
During dormancy, the indicator is maintained at + 15 ° C. The key to abundant flowering is bright and diffuse lighting. Top dressing is carried out in the period from April to November, for this the concentration of fertilizer indicated on the package is halved so as not to burn the root system. Shomburgkiya loves high humidity. As for watering, in spring and summer the substrate is kept wet, excess water must be drained from the pan.
In autumn, the irrigation frequency is reduced, in winter the procedure can be replaced by spraying. A flower is transplanted once every 2-3 years. This is best done at the beginning of the growth phase or after flowering. The orchid family is striking in its diversity. Today, up to 30 thousand species of these beautiful flowers are known. The article describes the most popular and attractive representatives of this family, which are massively grown at home.
