Archidea Phalaenopsis. Home phalaenopsis orchid or how to care for the phalaenopsis orchid at home

The Phalaenopsis orchid is an epiphyte whose natural habitat is the humid forests of Southeast Asia and Australia. It grows on the trunks of tropical trees or on moss-covered rocks.

General information

This flower was discovered by a German botanist who admired the beauty of the island of Moluccas. He saw through binoculars a cluster of bright butterflies, which later turned out to be the orchids of the same name. Since initially, Karl Blum mistook exotic inflorescences for variegated insects, he called them phalaenopsis, which means “like a moth” in Russian.

This flower has many species and about 70 varieties. Plant hybrids cannot be counted at all. Orchids can have a standard height of up to one meter, and be miniature, reaching a height of up to 30 centimeters. They bloom three times a year, for three months. The color of the flowers can be varied, it all depends on the variety.

If a florist wants to grow this luxurious plant, he will need to make a little effort, as a result of which he will be rewarded with bright, delicate and sophisticated flowers, similar to fluttering butterflies, allowing him to observe their beauty several times a year.

Phalaenopsis species and varieties with photos and names

- the homeland of the plant is Southeast Asia and China. The plant grows up to 20 centimeters. It has a flexible green peduncle and large, leathery, oval dark green or marble leaves. The inflorescences are medium, similar to a butterfly, white, pale pink and purple with stains. Flowering time occurs in early summer or winter and lasts for several months.

- this variety was bred in the early 80s by Rex Smith. The plant reaches a height of 70 centimeters. It has large, wide, glossy leaf plates of a light green hue with wavy edges. The peduncle of an orchid reaches 50 centimeters and from 3 to 5 large star-shaped inflorescences of a pink-beige shade with small brown specks appear on it. The plant blooms twice a year for several months and has a delicate, pleasant aroma.

- is a monopodial orchid with fleshy dark green leaf plates of a marble shade forming a rosette. The stem of the plant is shortened and covered with leaves. In height, the orchid can reach up to 50 centimeters. Peduncle drooping, branching with a large number of small pink inflorescences. The plant blooms in the time interval from February to May, about a month.

It is a perennial crop with a life span of up to 7 years. The plant reaches a height of 70 centimeters. The peduncle reaches 30 centimeters. The leaf plates are leathery, oval, large, dark green, growing from a basal rosette. The inflorescences of the plant are large, of various shades. They can be either white with a yellow center, or red or purple, resembling a butterfly in appearance. The culture blooms three times a year, the flowering duration can be up to 3 months.

- the plant grows up to 1 meter in height and has a 60 centimeter peduncle. The leaves are large, oval dark green. Inflorescences are large, lemon-pink with an orange-purple center. The culture blooms twice a year for eight weeks.

- the orchid reaches a height of up to 70 centimeters. The peduncle is elastic, green, high. Leaves are leathery, dark green, glossy, oval in shape. The flowers are snow-white with a yellowish center. The flowering time of the plant occurs in spring or winter and lasts for several months.

- the homeland of the orchid is Australia and the Philippines. This species is very rare. The inflorescences are medium with an unusual color in the form of purple spots on a lemon background. Peduncles reach up to 80 centimeters and emit 2-4 inflorescences. The leaf plates are large, fleshy, oval, dark green in color. The flower blooms twice a year for 10 weeks.

The plant can reach a height of 30 to 70 centimeters, depending on the variety. Inflorescences can be large or medium, blooming in 4-6 pieces on one peduncle. They have an external resemblance to butterflies, and they acquired the blue tint of the petals due to hybridization or staining. The leaf plates are medium, leathery, dark green. Phalaenopsis blooms twice a year for about two to three months.

- the plant reaches a height of 70 centimeters. Leaves are leathery, glossy, medium, oval, dark green. On the peduncle there are 4-6 large inflorescences of a creamy pink shade with purple patterns. Flowering time occurs in spring or winter and lasts for several months.

- plant height reaches 50 centimeters. The leaf plates are medium, green, leathery, growing in the form of a rosette of 4-6 pieces. The inflorescences are large, of different colors. They can be white, lilac, yellow, golden, coral and multicolored. The plant blooms twice a year, for several months.

- this variety is distinguished by its large flowers with very interesting colors. In addition, it blooms the longest of all orchids. The plant grows up to 60 centimeters, and the length of the peduncle is 40 centimeters. The leaves are fleshy, leathery and green in color. Inflorescences are white with purple specks on the petals and a purple center. The culture blooms every six months for eight weeks.

It is a hybrid variety with a taut, erect, branching peduncle. The plant is native to the Philippines. Its leaf plates are large, oblong, of a marble shade with glossiness. The plant has practically no stem, and the length of the peduncle reaches 60 centimeters. Inflorescences are medium-sized whitish-lilac with dark specks and a yellowish center. The culture blooms in winter and summer for several months.

- This orchid variety is distinguished by its frequent and abundant flowering. Luxurious purple inflorescences, which have a lemon tint on the back, appear up to five times a year and it turns out that Phalaenopsis blooms almost constantly. The flower stalks of the plant are short, they bloom in a pair of medium inflorescences, similar to exotic butterflies. Leaves are dark green, leathery, glossy, forming a rosette. The dormant period for this type of orchid is only two months.

- in nature, these orchids grow in Taiwan, Australia, Madagascar and the Philippines. The inflorescences have an unusual shape and a variety of shades. Flowers can be pink, white, purple, orange, streaked, streaked and speckled. Plant height reaches 80 centimeters. The peduncle will grow up to 70 centimeters. Leaf plates of a deep green hue, medium in size, oval in shape. The orchid blooms twice a year for two months.

- is a monopodial orchid with a shortened stem. The inclined peduncle of the plant reaches a length of 80 centimeters. The leaf plates are medium, green, with an elongated elliptical shape. Inflorescences are racemose, multi-flowered. The flowers are fragrant, white with a reddish or yellow center. Flowering time falls from November to February and lasts for three months.

Orchids are native to the Philippines. The stem of the plant is short, almost completely hidden behind the leaf blades. The leaves are long, elliptical, marbled in color. The peduncle is drooping. Its length is 70 centimeters. Inflorescences are small, white with a yellow center covered with brown specks. The flowers have a pleasant aroma. The culture may bloom from December to March. Flowering lasts up to one month.

- grows in the wild in Australia and Southeast Asia. Has medium inflorescences yellow tint with a reddish center with a pleasant, delicate aroma. The leaf plates are wide, rigid, glossy dark green. The peduncle reaches a length of 60 centimeters. The plant blooms twice a year for three months.

- a distinctive feature of this variety is the presence of one large inflorescence. The leaf plates are dark green, large, leathery elliptical in shape. The peduncle reaches a length of 35 centimeters. The flower is very large and unique. It has a snow-white hue, a yellow centerpiece and a light aroma. However, there are other colors as well. The plant blooms twice a year for two months.

- the height of the orchid reaches 70 centimeters. It has large elliptical green leaves. Long peduncle, on which there are 2-4 inflorescences of a white shade with crimson specks and stains. The culture blooms twice a year for two months.

The height of the orchid reaches 60 centimeters. The peduncle grows up to 40 centimeters. Inflorescences are medium, white with crimson dots and streaks, as well as with a crimson-red center. Leaves are dark green, medium elliptical, glossy, leathery. The orchid blooms twice a year for several months.

- leaf plates are glossy, fleshy and dark green. The peduncle is straight, reaching a height of 65 centimeters. The inflorescences resemble yellow moths with burgundy specks. The plant blooms every six months for 3-4 months.

- the plant is distinguished by a dark color unusual for orchids. The inflorescences have a dark burgundy, almost black shade and a white center. They are located on a drooping peduncle, reaching a length of 60 centimeters and have a light, pleasant aroma. The leaf plates are dark green, glossy, elliptical. The color of the culture is twice a year for three months.

- leaf plates are oval, with a blunt end. They have a dark green hue and a smooth, leathery texture. The peduncle is straight, reaching up to 50 centimeters in length. On it, 2-4 inflorescences of a white shade with purple veins and a purple center are formed. The plant blooms twice a year for 4-5 months.

Phalaenopsis orchid home care

In order for the orchid to grow normally, develop and often delight with its exotic flowers, an ideal microclimate should be created for it and then there will be no problems with the plant. It should also be noted that proper care behind the crop avoids the development of diseases and attacks of pests.

Phalaenopsis is a fairly light-loving plant, so the lighting for it should be soft and diffused. It is best if the orchid is located in the west or east window. To prevent burns from direct sunlight on the plant, windows can be shaded with blinds or loose curtains. In order for the culture to grow symmetrically and not to follow the sun, from time to time it needs to be rotated around its axis.

To provide optimal conditions for growth and development, as well as for abundant flowering, the plant needs to provide a temperature regime from 18 to 25. Although the orchid is able to withstand heat and cold for a short time, it is not recommended to take risks, as this can lead to the death of the flower.

Due to the fact that in the wild, the plant grows in tropical rainforests, it should be provided with increased air humidity. It must be at least 80%. If the grower does not have the opportunity to provide her with the necessary microclimate, the culture can be grown in a special terrarium. But usually, a humidifier will fully satisfy all the needs of an orchid.

The dendrobium orchid is also a member of the Orchid family. It is grown when nursing at home without much hassle, only if you follow the rules of agricultural technology. All the necessary recommendations can be found in this article.

Watering Phalaenopsis orchids

The frequency of watering the plant will depend on the temperature regime in which the flower is contained, the composition of the ground mixture, the phase of development of the orchid and the season. If the grower noticed that the pot with the culture has become light, and condensation does not settle on its transparent walls, then it is time for watering.

To moisten the soil, the orchid pot must be placed in a bowl of water so that the substrate is saturated with moisture through the drainage holes. Water for irrigation must be boiled. In the heat to maintain needed by the plant humidity, a humidifier should be placed next to it.

Once a month, orchid leaves can be washed under a warm shower, but to avoid decay, they must be wiped dry after the procedure.

Phalaenopsis orchid soil

To grow an orchid at home, you should choose the right substrate with high acidity for it. If the grower has acquired the terrestrial form of a plant, then the soil for it should include high moor peat with an acidity of 4, heather soil with an acidity of 5.5, coniferous sawdust, sand and a mixture of vermiculite and moss to make the mixture friable. The resulting substrate should ultimately have an acidity of 5-6 units.

For epiphytic orchids, shredded coniferous bark can be used. If you don't want to mess around with preparing soil for the plant yourself, you can buy it at a flower shop.

Phalaenopsis pot

For phalaenopsis, it is necessary to select a medium-sized transparent pot or a glass container with drainage holes at the bottom and sides. The transparency of the pot allows you to monitor the development of the root system and the state of the substrate.

The capacity is needed by the orchid as a support, for this reason it must correspond to the size of the roots. If the pot is small, the root system after a while will begin to crawl out of it and be injured, and water will accumulate in the large pot, which will lead to constant moisture in the soil mixture, which is fraught with rotting roots.

Phalaenopsis orchid transplant at home step by step

The orchid should be repotted every three years. More often than not, this should not be done, as it can cause serious damage to the culture. When carrying out this procedure, it is extremely important to follow it step by step.

First you need to get the plant out of the container. To avoid damaging the roots, it is best to cut open the old pot. When the orchid is removed, you need to rinse the root system, cut off the spoiled or dry parts, and also clean it of old soil. Places of cuts must be treated with charcoal. In addition to spoiled roots, yellow leaf plates and dry flower stalks should be removed.

After bringing the orchid to its proper form, it must be placed in a large container and left to dry overnight. In the morning, it should be moved to a new pot, filling the empty spaces with substrate. After that, the plant must be watered and continued to care for it as usual.

Fertilizers for Phalaenopsis orchids

In order for the culture to grow and bloom well, it is important to choose the right fertilizer. Since the orchid receives all the necessary substances using the root system, the plant nutrition must be water-soluble and applied together with water for irrigation. It is best to use Kemira-Lux fertilizers, but at the same time reduce the dose by half.

If the plant has sparse foliage, it should be fed with nitrogenous fertilizers. But here it is important not to overdo it, otherwise all the forces of culture will be thrown into the pasture of leaves, but not flowers.

For the appearance of a peduncle, if it is absent for a long time, you can make a top dressing containing potassium and phosphorus, fertilizing the plant with it once a month until the flowers appear.

It should also be borne in mind that dressings are also outside the root. They come in pill form and are placed in the plant pot, where they dissolve over time. The best option such fertilizers are top dressing "Doctor Foley - Orchid".

During the dormant period, the orchid is not fertilized, allowing it to rest and gain strength before the next growing season.

Phalaenopsis orchid bloom

The first flowers of the plant appear no earlier than three years. Young orchids accumulate strength, and only after reaching a certain age do they begin to bloom. To determine the age of a plant, you can count the number of shoots.

An adult culture will have from 5 pieces, and a young one from 3. If the plant is young and begins to throw out a peduncle, this is bad, since flowering will take away all its strength and it will die. To prevent the orchid from dying, it is better to cut the peduncle.

The flowering time of a crop will depend on the variety. Some phalaenopsis species bloom in winter and others in spring. Some delight with their flowers for two months, while the latter maintain their decorative effect for up to six months. The inflorescences are usually similar to butterflies, whose size and color can be completely different. The most common shades are white and purple.

After the plant fades, the peduncle cannot be cut off, since it will still give buds, which will subsequently turn into beautiful flowers. If the peduncle appeared in late autumn - early winter, then for the orchid to bloom, it should be highlighted with a phytolamp, otherwise, due to the short daylight hours, it simply will not bloom.

Phalaenopsis orchid pruning

So that the orchid does not suffer from pruning, it should be carried out according to the rules. The peduncle can be removed only if it has turned yellow and dried up; in other cases, you cannot touch it, since new buds will still appear on it.

If it has wilted only partially, only the faded part should be cut off, and the one where the buds are located should be left.

The dormant period in phalaenopsis orchids

After the plant fades, there is a dormant period. When the flowers have disappeared, the pot must be removed in cool place and cut watering by three times. It is also forbidden to feed a plant at rest. If during "sleep" the peduncle dries up, it will be necessary to remove it.

In some varieties of phalaenopsis, the peduncles remain green. In this case, they are left as they are, trimmed to the first kidney, or removed completely.

A dormant period is necessary for the culture to gain strength before the new vegetative period and begin to bloom, delighting the grower, with bright and beautiful butterfly inflorescences.

Reproduction of phalaenopsis by children

This method is the simplest and most common. It is carried out in the first half of the year, 30 days after the flowering of the plant.

At this time, children appear on the peduncle or at the base of the outlet, which over time develop their root system, after which they can be separated and transplanted into other containers.

Deku can be immediately moved into the ground or held in water, and later planted in a permanent place of growth.

Reproduction of phalaenopsis peduncle

Cuttings (propagation by a peduncle). This method is also used for home breeding... To use this method, it is necessary to cut off the faded peduncle and divide it into several parts.

The resulting cuttings should have a dormant bud in the center. Before germinating the cuttings, the cuts should be treated with crushed coal.

For germination planting material, cuttings should be planted in moistened moss and maintain the temperature around + 25 degrees for early rooting. Once the young plants have taken root, they can be transplanted into a permanent growth site.

Phalaenopsis reproduction by rosette division

Before proceeding with reproduction, it is necessary to prepare a substrate from sphagnum and bark. It must be dry so that mold does not develop in the soil.

Then you need to take an orchid, cut off the top with several leaf plates and roots, placing it in a pot with the prepared mixture. The place of the cuts must be immediately treated with ash, and the secateurs, with which the trimming was carried out, must first be wiped with alcohol.

Phalaenopsis orchid from seeds at home

This is the most difficult breeding method and hardly ever used. Outwardly, orchid seeds resemble dust, they are devoid of smell and nutrients. They are germinated only under sterile conditions in a very nutritious substrate, which is made from agar-agar. You can buy it at a flower shop.

After the seeds are sown, the sprouts will have to wait for a whole year. In addition, the likelihood of their occurrence is too small. The seed method is suitable exclusively for laboratory conditions in which orchids are grown on an industrial scale. At home, it is almost impossible to grow an orchid from seeds.

If the florist nevertheless decided to propagate the culture, it is best to use the method with cuttings of the peduncle or reproduction with the help of children.

Diseases and pests

Orchids can suffer from ailments of both infectious and non-infectious etiology. All of them arise due to improper crop care.

Most often, the plant affects fungal disease fusarium, which destroys first the roots, and then the whole flower ... It occurs due to improper watering, or rather, due to waterlogging of the substrate. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to save the orchid from this disease; therefore, it will have to be thrown away. Other types of rot, which phalaenopsis can get sick with, are treated by treatment with Topsin-M at intervals of 14 days.

Plants and hives are ill, which Leaves can be damaged and stained ... A disease occurs due to the low temperature of the content and high humidity of the air, by eliminating these causes, the plant can be cured.

Hit Phalaenopsis, maybe botrytis disease, leading to spotting and wilting of petals ... It occurs due to the high humidity of the air and the lack of its circulation in the room. To eliminate the disease, the conditions of detention should be improved and the plant should be treated with bactericidal preparations.

From insects, the plant can be threatened scale insects, aphids and spider mites , you can eliminate these pests, which mainly affect leaf plates, by treating the orchid with Actellic according to the instructions on the package.

Problems in growing Phalaenopsis orchids

Although it is quite simple to grow this culture, flower growers sometimes have to face the following problems:

• Yellowing of leaves - occurs as a result of a lack of moisture or damage spider mite... Having established watering, and destroying dangerous pest, you can get rid of the problem.
• Withering leaf blades - the leaves begin to wither due to insufficient watering. When the plant receives enough moisture, the leaf plates will stop withering.
• Leaf cracking - leaf plates begin to crack due to an excess of fertilizers and moisture, as well as due to unsuitable temperature conditions. After eliminating these causes, the leaves will return to normal and stop cracking.
• Redness of leaf plates - most often this problem is caused by an excess of the sun. To eliminate reddening of the leaves, the orchid should be moved away from direct sunlight.
• Falling leaves - the orchid can shed its leaves due to lack of sunlight, moisture or low temperatures. After eliminating these errors in care, the problem will disappear.
• Whitening and blackening of leaves - these problems are caused by fungal rot. To eliminate them, you will have to transplant the orchid, after cutting off the damaged roots and treating them with an antifungal drug.

Peduncle and flowering problems

• Lack of flowering - an excess of nitrogenous fertilizing, a lack of light, a short dormant period - these factors cause the phalaenopsis to not bloom. After eliminating them, the plant will certainly delight the grower with luxurious inflorescences.
• Withering and dropping of inflorescences - the inflorescences begin to wither and fall off when the temperature conditions are unsuitable for the plant, low humidity, improper watering or decay of the roots. Only by eliminating the above problems, you can avoid wilting of young buds and their falling off.
• Yellowing of the stem - most often this symptom occurs due to improper watering or is a natural aging process of the plant. In the first case, it is enough to set up watering, in the second, nothing can be done, since orchids live for a certain number of years, after which they simply die.
• Drying of roots - most often the root system dries out due to lack of moisture. Having established the correct watering, the roots will be able to return to their normal state.
• Growing leaf mass in the absence of flowering - this leads to an excess of nitrogen in the substrate, as a result of overfeeding the orchid. To make the plant bloom, you need to stop applying nitrogenous fertilizing and wait until the fertilizers applied stop working.

Conclusion

Despite all the problems described above, it is very easy to care for phalaenopsis.

If the grower sticks to everyone necessary rules their content, the flowers will delight him with bright moth inflorescences for more than one year, and diseases and pests will bypass them.

If you want to give someone a particularly pleasant gift, instead of a traditional bouquet, get a pot with a blooming Phalaenopsis orchid from a flower shop. This wonderful orchid symbolizes grace, sophistication and love. We are confident that with its beauty and sophistication of aroma, it will become the best gift and decoration. festive interior... In this article, we will introduce you to the natural species of the Phalaenopsis orchid and its most popular hybrid varieties.

The most widespread and popular varieties of orchids, adapted for home cultivation... They are unpretentious, they feel great in modern apartments, coquettishly peeping at passers-by from the windows of residential buildings.

Phalaenopsis (lat.Phalaenopsis) is a monopodial (stemless, slowly growing in height), orchid from the Orchid family. Refers to the genus of herbaceous epiphytic plants. Includes over 70 varieties. In the wild, they grow in the tropical forests of Australia and Indonesia, and are found in the mountains and humid plains of Southeast Asia.

It is believed that the first Phalaenopsis orchid was found in the Moluccas by the German traveler and naturalist Rumph. Some time later, in 1752, in the same place, on a small island off the Ternate island in Eastern Indonesia, the Swedish pastor Osbek discovered unknown flowers of extraordinary beauty. He picked the flower and sent it to Karl Linnaeus. A well-known physician and naturalist at that time, Linnaeus, described the found specimen in his work "Classification of flora and fauna" under the title "Adorable Epidendrum." Translated from the ancient Greek Epidendrum is tree-dwelling.

The story continued almost seven decades later. In 1825, Karl Blume, director of the Leiden botanical garden, discovered another beautiful flower on one of the coasts of an island in the Malay archipelago. Examining the local tropical vegetation at dusk through field glasses, he drew attention to a flock of light large butterflies sitting on tree branches. As he got closer, he realized that he was wrong. These were not butterflies, but flowers of an unknown orchid. This is how this flower got its name.

Phalaenopsis, translated from Greek, consists of two words: Phalania ("moth") and Opsis ("similarity). Under this name today both natural species and numerous hybrid varieties of Phalaenopsis are united. There are other names among the people. In India, phalaenopsis is called the Moon Flower, in Europe - Butterfly Orchid, we often just Orchid.

Description of the plant

In nature, Phalaenopsis grow in the form of epiphytic herbaceous bushes with large fleshy leaves at the base, turning into thick strong aerial rhizomes, which are covered with a waxy layer and contain chlorophyll. When the roots are saturated with moisture, they turn green.

It is the roots that provide Phalaenopsis with moisture and nutrients necessary for normal growth. The leaves of the plant are very dense and leathery. They have an oblong-oval shape and are located opposite in rosettes. Usually, twice a year, in spring and autumn, from one to four peduncles appear from the axils of the leaves. Depending on the type of this orchid, the peduncles are long or short, straight, curved, branching or hanging. From 5 to 60 flowers or more are formed on them. Flower sizes for each variety are also different, from 2 to 15 cm in diameter. In shape, the flower most often resembles a moth or butterfly, but flowers are star-shaped or almost round. The natural color of the petals of the Phalaenopsis orchid is white.

For a long time, breeders, crossing different types and varieties of orchids, received new hybrids that differed in their appearance, color of petals and duration of flowering. Plants with white or pure pink large flowers on tall, strong peduncles were considered the most valuable. At the same time, the standard image of Phalaenopsis arose with traditional porcelain-white, pale pink or light purple flowers. average size... Over time, varieties were bred with larger, up to 15 cm in diameter, flowers. But the natural grace inherent in this orchid has been somewhat lost.

As a result of further crosses, breeders received varieties with the most incredible shades of petals: crimson, peach, golden, yellow-green. In addition to them, specimens with spotted and striped petals appeared. In the 70s of the last century, French breeders received a new type of color for the petals of this orchid, which was named "French speck". In hybrids of this type, the petals are colored in light tones of white or pink and are dotted with many small specks of a darker tone. In some modern Phalaenopsis varieties, the pattern on the flower petals resembles the pattern on the wings of dragonflies and butterflies.

Flowers differ in both the size of the leaves and the length of the peduncle. Many growers have become more willing to grow more compact, miniature specimens of this orchid, which prompted breeders to work in this direction. There were charming mini and micro Phalaenopsis with a large number of flowers of various colors, as well as multiflora hybrids.

Read about caring for Phalaenopsis in, and below we will introduce you to the most popular and unusually beautiful hybrid varieties of Phalaenopsis, and you can choose a flower to your liking.

Types and varieties of Phalaenopsis

Pleasant or Amabilis

Phalaenopsis Pleasant or Amabilis (Phalaenopsis Amabilis)

Phalaenopsis Amabilis has four to eight fleshy oblong dark green leaves from 35 to 50 cm in length and up to 12 cm in width. Vaginal leaves are arranged in two rows. Inflorescences are formed on flexible, slightly curved peduncles of decent length (up to one and a half meters). If the peduncle is cut just below the first flower, then a replacement peduncle will form. Its flowers are white, large, up to 10 cm in diameter. This orchid is the progenitor of numerous hybrid varieties, as it is considered the most suitable species for crossing. The flower lip can be in various shades of white, pink or yellowish color. On the peduncle, up to 20 flowers are formed at the same time, but they open one by one. The aroma of flowers is pleasant, delicate. Flowering lasts up to four months, from October to March, when flowering is at its peak.

Schiller (Schilleriana)

Phalaenopsis Shilleriana

In Schiller's phalaenopsis, the reverse side of the leaves has a reddish-brown tint, and the upper surface is painted with alternating dark green and silver-gray spots, merging into irregular transverse stripes. In the Philippines, the homeland of this flower, it is called "Tiger". The roots of this variety are not roundish, like those of other Phalaenopsis varieties, but flat, silvery-green in color. The peduncle is red-brown in color and has many twigs. The flowers are slightly smaller, up to 7 cm in diameter, but there are much more of them on tall, up to one and a half meters in length, peduncles.

During flowering, depending on the age of the flower, up to 200 or more lilac or pale pink flowers up to 9 cm in diameter can bloom on it. Flowering is not only abundant and aromatic, but also long lasting. Moreover, with a comfortable content, this orchid is capable of blooming from May to February, almost continuously. Flowering peaks during the winter months. Over time, in conditions of high temperature and humidity, the flower massively appears instead of flowers, the so-called babies. The flower takes on a very spectacular cascading appearance. Its decorative value is very high among flower growers. Loves diffused light.

Stuart (Stuartiana)

Phalaenopsis Stuartiana

This orchid variety is named after breeder Stuart. A distinctive feature is the variegation of its leaves and the color of the roots - they are silvery. The branchy peduncle reaches 80 cm in length, is curved in different directions and covered with numerous buds, up to 60 pieces at a time. The flowers do not exceed 7 cm in diameter. The petals are white with reddish spots at the base. In the center of the flower there is an amber lip, smoothly turning from golden to purple. Bloom from January to March. After flowering, he likes to rest, not for long.

Sandera

The variety is named after the botanist G. Sander. It is considered the rarest, most beautiful and expensive Phalaenopsis species. It has high, up to 80 cm, drooping peduncles with many, up to 50 pcs., Flowers up to 8 cm in diameter. The petals can be of different colors. Its leaves are beautiful too. There are up to 6 of them on a plant. They are hard, dark green, with small light specks. Flowering peaks in spring and summer. With a comfortable content (T-ra in the daytime 29-34 gr., At night 21-23 gr., Humidity 75-80%) can bloom all year round.

Giant (Gigantea)

Phalaenopsis Gigantea

Phalaenopsis Giant is distinguished by the impressive size of the leaf plates. Their length reaches a meter. The length of the peduncle can be up to 40 cm. About 30 medium-sized flowers are formed on it, up to 7 cm in diameter. The flowers exude a sweet citrus scent. The color of the petals is different: from milky cream to yellow-green with dark brown strokes and specks. This orchid variety is very malleable, and breeders often use it for crossing and breeding new hybrids.

Deerhorn (Cornu-Cervi)

Phalaenopsis Fawn (Phalaenopsis Cornu-Cervi)

Phalaenopsis Deerhorn got its name for appearance perennial peduncle, resembling deer antlers in structure. Its tip is flattened, and crest-like outgrowths are formed in the places where flower buds are formed. Leaves are light green, fleshy, obtuse. There are up to 6 of them. Arranged alternately. Their length is up to 20 cm, width is about 5 cm. The length of the peduncle is different - from 10 to 40 cm. The older the orchid, the longer the peduncle. Depending on this, the number of flowers is also different, but no more than 15 pieces at a time. The flowers are small, about 5 cm in diameter, golden red with brown spots. It blooms at any time of the year.

Hieroglyphic (Hieroglyphica)

Phalaenopsis Hieroglyphica (Phalaenopsis Hieroglyphica)

Orchid Phalaenopsis Hieroglyphica has leaves and peduncles of the same green color and size - about 30 cm. Leaves are green, shiny, 30 cm long and 9 cm wide. There are from two to eight of them on a plant. The peduncle is 30 cm high, sometimes branches. Each branch produces from three to 6 flowers. Healthy peduncles are able to bloom again. Flowers, 3 - 4 on each peduncle, open almost simultaneously, bloom for about a month. White waxy petals have numerous lemon-yellow dots or strokes similar to hieroglyphs. The flowers have a pleasant aroma.

Ambon (Amboinensis)

Phalaenopsis amboinensis

Phalaenopsis Ambon has 3 to 5 elliptical or oblong leaves up to 25 cm in length. The peduncle is curved, up to 25 cm in length. Able to annually release a new peduncle, old peduncles lengthen every year, sometimes they branch out. Each peduncle has several flowers, but they bloom one at a time, maximum two at a time. Since the peduncles remain on the bush for several years, more and more bloom on the plant every year. more flowers... Flowering is constant, with its peak in the summer months. The color of the petals is variegated: on a cream, lemon-yellow or orange-yellow background, transverse stripes of a reddish-brick color are drawn.

Pink (Rosea)

Phalaenopsis Rosea

It is a miniature orchid species. It has small, up to 3 cm in diameter, white or pink flowers. The peduncle of Phalaenopsis Pink reaches a maximum of 30 cm in height. Forms about 15 flowers. The dark green leaves have a reddish tint on the inside. They are about 15 cm long.

Parishii

Phalaenopsis Parishii

This adorable milky white Phalaenops orchid is a miniature species. Its stem is short and always covered with leaves. The root system is well developed. With comfortable maintenance, it releases several peduncles at once no higher than 15 cm in height. The dark green leaves are slightly longer - up to 18 cm. Up to ten milky-white flowers are formed on the peduncle at the same time. Their aroma is pleasant, has a fruity-candy smell. The structure of the flower is interesting in that it consists of a very wide lip, the middle part of which is colored purple or lilac. The flowers of this variety are the smallest, about 2 cm, but fragrant and long-lived.

Horse (Equestris)

Phalaenopsis Equestris

Phalaenopsis Horse belongs to miniature species. It has a very short stem and succulent, paired dark green on top and reddish on the inside of the leaves. The length of the leaf does not exceed 15 cm in length and 7 - 8 cm in width. With a comfortable content, it can bloom almost all year round. The peak of flowering falls in spring and autumn. A gracefully curved peduncle of dark purple color can be no higher than 30 cm. From 10 to 15 flowers are formed on it. As it grows, new buds alternately appear at the tip of it. Old flowers gradually fall off. Flowers are pale pink or purple and are two to three centimeters in diameter. Flowering lasts several months. The old peduncle should only be cut off if it begins to dry out on its own.

Luddemanniana

Phalaenopsis Lueddemanniana

The variety is named after the French breeder and orchid lover F. Lüdemann. Refers to miniature orchid species. Light green or lettuce elliptical leaves are 10 to 20 cm long and 12 cm wide. Peduncle of the same length or slightly higher forms 5 to 7 buds. Corollas are fragrant, with a dense texture. Flowers bloom alternately and have a diameter of 3 to 7 cm.The petals are small, dense, with a waxy appearance. Moreover, they are smaller than sepals. Their color is remarkable: on a white background there are intermittent purple, violet-pink or chestnut stripes, and a three-lane small lip has a bright amethyst center. It blooms in spring and early summer. Adult specimens bloom all year round. The aroma of flowers is pleasant. Indoor growing requires up to 80% humidity and high temperature.

Mini Mark “Maria Teresa”

Phalaenopsis Mini Mark “Maria Teresa”

This variety is considered a mini-Phalaenopsis masterpiece. The neat rosette consists of green leaves, 10-15 cm long. The flowers are small, up to 4 cm in diameter, white, with a light yellow, orange or pink speck with an orange-brown lip. Flowering lasts up to three months.

Amsterdam Jordan

Phalaenopsis Amsterdam Jordan

A rare variety with bright pink flower petals with a dark speck. The lip is colored cherry. Basal rosette is formed from two-row growing fleshy leaves of rich green color. The variety was bred in the last century and is still popular.

Taiwanese hybrids

Taiwan has become a modern center for breeding and commercial cultivation of numerous hybrid varieties. It was here that the extraordinary beauty varieties "harlequins" were bred with bright spotted patterns on the petals in the form of ripples from dashes or dots, merging blots, tiger or leopard color. Their flowers are similar to the works of art of oriental calligraphers.

Phalaenopsis Arlekin

Also, Taiwanese breeders can boast of the so-called hybrid varieties of Novelti-phalaenopsis. They are distinguished by a special compactness of the rosette, numerous growing peduncles raised above the leaves. The flowers have a regular star-shaped shape, a complex color with all kinds of patterns and patterns. The flower petals have a lustrous varnish texture. Novelty-Phalaenopsis includes the following hybrids: Phalaenopsis Misty Pride “CR”, Phalaenopsis l-Hsin Spot Eagle “Montclair”, Phalaenopsis Prefection In “Chen”, Phalaenopsis Nobby’s Pacific Sunset “Red Pearl”, Phalaenopsis Brother Pirate King “Sapphire Dragon”.

One of the varieties of Novelka-Phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis variegated

The huge number of varieties and species of orchids suggests the same variety in the shape, size and color of Phalaenopsis leaf plates. Typically, standard hybrids have large, green, matte leaves. But more and more often there are not only silvery, light green and dark purple, shiny like silk, or waxy matte leaves, but also variegated.

Moreover, sometimes it is a natural color, and in other cases, variegated leaves appear as a result of mutation, when chlorophyll is absent in some areas of the leaf plate. For example, on green leaves of Phalaenopsis, there is a wide yellow stripe in the center, or a light border runs along the edge of its leaves. Such variegated leaves are found in some clones of Phalaenopsis amabilis, Phalaenopsis aphrodite, as well as Phalaenopsis Matou Freed "M", miniature Doritaenopsis Sogo Yenlin "Variegated Leaves", Phalaenopsis Sogo Vivien "Variegated".

One of the variegated Phalaenopsis - Phalaenopsis Philippinensis

True variegated Phalaenopsis hybrids:

Phalaenopsis philippinensis (Phalaenopsis philippinensis), Phalaenopsis schilleriana (Phalaenopsis schilleriana). They transfer the mottled pattern on the leaves to their primary hybrids, which adds to their attractiveness. Two small natural species Phalaenopsis lindenii (Phalaenopsis lindeni) and Phalaenopsis celebensis (Phalaenopsis celebensis) have variegated leaves. If you decide to collect Phalaenopsis with variegated leaves, you can get an excellent pictorial collection.

Phalaenopsis with a special scent

Palaenopsis Bellina

The aroma of the flower is sometimes decisive in the choice of the Phalaenopsis orchid variety. It complements and reveals the overall picture of any flowering plant. Owners of such natural Phalaenopsis species as Phalaenopsis amabilis, Palaenopsis bellina, Phalaenopsis mariae, Phalaenopsis venosa enjoy fragrant flowering. It is these plants that nature has endowed with a wonderful aroma. Only thanks to them, breeders have the opportunity to obtain hybrids with fragrant flowers of unforgettable beauty.

Intergeneric hybrids

It will be correct if we tell in this article about intergeneric hybrids between Phalaenopsis and other related orchid genera, such as Doritis (Doritis), Renanthera (Renantera), Ascocentrum (Ascocentrum), Rhynchostylis (Rynchostilis), Paraphalaenopsis (Paraphalaenopathy) ). Each intergeneric hybrid has its own name. Some of them are: Doritaenopsis l-Hsin "Spot Eagle", Doritaenopsis Taiwan "Red Cat", Doritaenopsis Purple Gem, Doritaenopsis Tzu Chiang Sapphire.

Doritaenopsis Liu's Sakura 'KF # 2'

So, before the latest changes in the taxonomy of orchids, Phalaenopsis pulcherrima was called Doritis pulcherrima, and all hybrids between it and representatives of the genus Phalaenopsis were given the name Doritaenopsis (Doritenopsis). Thus, many hybrid phalaenopsis known to domestic orchid lovers are - doritenopsis... Doritaenopsis Liu's Sakura ‘KF # 2’ caused a special stir. It is a compact plant with dark, dense leaves and a slight purple hue. Its petals are of a delicate pearlescent pink shade of a very interesting shape, which makes the inflorescence surprisingly exquisite.

Blue hybrids

Such specimens appeared in culture recently, after the discovery in nature of the blue forms of Phalaenopsis violacea coerulea, Phalaenopsis equestris cyanochilus and Doritis pulcherrima coerulea. Blue coloration is not typical for orchids. Getting a Phalaenopsis orchid with pale blue flowers has always been a dream of breeders. When they found natural blue Phalaenopsis, with small flowers, there was no limit to joy.

Doritaenopsis Siam Treasure "Blue" obtained by crossing Phalaenopsis Pleasant and Doritis the Most Beautiful

Breeding work has not greatly improved the appearance of blue Phalaenopsis: their peduncles form almost white flowers with a slight gray-blue tint or purple or pink-blue flowers of medium size. The following varieties of blue hybrids have become available to domestic collectors: Doritaenopsis Siam Treasure “Blue”, Doritaenopsis Kenneth Schubert “Blue Angel”, Doritaenopsis Purple Martin “KS”, Doritaenopsis Peter “Blue Sky”.

Phalaenopsis Blue

Please note that in nature there are no orchids with such color of petals. As a result of crossing, it was possible to obtain varieties with blue shades of petals (see above). If you are offered to buy a Phalaenopsis orchid with bright blue flowers, then most likely this is not the work of breeders, but of sellers. An injection of blue paint was made either at the peduncle or at the growth point. In the first case, at home, after flowering, through a long treatment, you may be able to save the flower, but blue flowers you will not wait from him anyway. But in the second case, Phalaenopsis simply will not live to see the next flowering.

Phalaenopsis pelorica

Sometimes, as a result of plant mutation, not only the leaves, but also the flowers are affected. They do not have the correct structure of the corolla, as a result of which abnormal, almost actinomorphic "butterflies" are formed. For example, in some flowers, petals or sepals have the shape and color of the lips. Others have a lip that looks like petals. Such specimens are called pelorics. They look very unusual. In nature, Phalaenopsis pelorics appear as a result of the influence of certain environmental factors. A similar phenomenon is characteristic of varieties such as Phalaenopsis Stuartiana, Phalaenopsis pulcherrima or Phalaenopsis Schillehana.

In floriculture, in general, unusual deviations from the shape are of great interest. Likewise, pelorics are popular among Phalaenopsis. An example is the following hybrids: Phalaenopsis Bubble Gum "Shwartz", Phalaenopsis Terradyne "Muligan", Phalaenopsis World Class "Big Foot".

Phalaenopsis Bubble Gum "Shwartz"

We draw your attention to the fact that Phalaenopsis pelorics obtained by cloning are on sale. And this means that with the next flowering, in such plants, peloria can appear in a completely different form. Many lovers of not only orchids, but also other exotic species began to search and collect such "miracles".

In addition to the Phalaenopsis varieties described above, the following hybrids are popular in Russia:

Phalaenopsis Legato has flowers painted in amazing colors of gold, pink, lilac shades with a pearl overflow

Phalaenopsis Cleopatra (Phalaenopsis Cleopatra) blooms for a long time with mother-of-pearl yellow flowers with lilac and pink specks

Phalaenopsis Singolo has one flower on the peduncle - this is its uniqueness

Phalaenopsis Sakura (Phalaenopsis Sakura) - one of the most airy and delicate varieties of feminine orchids with white flowers, iridescent lilac shades

Conclusion

We tried to introduce you to as many natural species of Phalaenopsis orchids and the most popular varieties of hybrid breeding of this flower in Russia and around the world. The choice is yours. We assure you that all these wonderful flowers are very unpretentious in home maintenance and will become the main decoration of your interior for many years.

It so happened that a wonderful orchid - a butterfly - settled on your windowsill. Let's now try to figure out what kind of plant it is and how exactly you need to care for it.

First, a little background :))

Orchid is a butterfly, or right Phalaenopsis (lat.Phalaenopsis) is an epiphytic plant of the numerous Orchidaceae family, the main habitat of which is the humid lowland and mountain forests of Southeast Asia, northeastern Australia and the Philippines.

From Wikipedia: The first representative of this genus was found on the island of Ambon (Moluccas) by the German traveler and naturalist Georg Rumph (1627-1702)

In 1752. Swedish pastor Peter Osbek found 1 more plant on a small island next to Ternate Island and sent the herbarium to Karl Linnaeus, who described it in his famous work "Plant Species" under the name Epidendrum amabilis. The word "epidendrum" in translation from ancient Greek means "living on a tree."

In 1815. Karl Blume, director of the Leiden Botanical Garden, found another plant on a small island in the Malay Archipelago. Scanning the jungle at dusk with field glasses, he mistook the orchids for white moths. In memory of his mistake, Blume named the genus Phalaenopsis, which means "like a moth" (Greek "phalania" - a moth, "opsis" - similarity).

Now short biological description, also from Wikipedia:

It is an extensive genus of the Vendian tribe, with about 40 species. All representatives of the genus are monopodial plants with a strongly shortened stem and wide leathery leaves. The plant grows in only one direction - up. From the axils between the leaves, the plant releases aerial roots and peduncles. An adult plant usually has 4-6 leaves. The leaves are evergreen, 5 - 30 cm long. Some species have a beautiful marmor pattern on the leaves. Peduncles are axillary, long, often branching, in many species with a large number of fairly large flowers. The flower is shaped like a butterfly. The roots are airy, with a thick layer of velamen, sometimes flattened, in some species greenish due to the presence of chlorophyll in them.

Anyone interested in a more detailed "scientific" part - welcome to Wikipedia, but for us, ordinary amateurs, I think this basic knowledge will be enough to figure out what this butterfly orchid is, how it grows and what we should do with it next: ))

Since most likely this miracle came to your windowsill from an ordinary flower shop - we can safely say that you are now the proud owner of an ordinary, hybrid phalaenopsis orchid, which is already partially adapted for growing at home. And maybe it can be sooo different: with flowers of any shape and color (from white to dark purple, dotted or striped, with or without spots), the sizes of flowers also vary from 2x to 13 cm in diameter. The peduncle can be branched or not, and the number of flowers from this can vary from 3 to 40 pieces. Flowers can have a scent, but not always pleasant :)), or they can be without it.

Care all hybrid phalaenopsis amy is the same, and does not depend at all on their exact name, which can sometimes be indicated by the manufacturer, and very often different manufacturers may have completely different names for the same hybrid, well, or may not indicate it at all)

So let's choose on which windowsill US put our phalaenopsis.

Since phalaenopsis is a tropical plant, in nature it most likely "hangs" on a tree trunk in the shade of its foliage, and the crown of the tree actively and reliably protects it from direct sunlight. This means that our phalaenopsis grows in light coolness under the scattered sun, plus a constant air humidity of about 80 "/, thanks to frequent precipitation, and the temperature is about 23-24 * in the shade of trees.
Based on this, it would be better to choose a northeastern, western or northern window sill for our Phalaenopsis. And on the southern one, you will definitely need to shade the plant, well, or keep it at some distance from the window. Since direct sunlight on the plant, its leaves can get severe burns.

Temperatures of the Phalaenopsis orchid.

Most of the phalaenopsis can be kept in room conditions with a relative humidity of 40-50% and at a temperature of 18-25 degrees, with a decrease of 2 to 3 degrees at night. With high humidity and insufficient ventilation, rotting of the roots and the appearance of spots on the leaves are possible. For successful flowering, a difference between day and night temperatures up to 10 * is desirable. Temperatures below 12 * and above 35 * are critical for phalaenopsis. An orchid can shed flowers, and its leaves lose their turgor.

Watering the Phalaenopsis orchid.

Indoors, phalaenopsis are most often grown in transparent plastic pots or on blocks. This helps to control the condition of the root system and the moisture level of the substrate. You can water the plant only after the substrate has completely dried out and prevent prolonged overdrying. The need for watering can be determined by the state of the root system of the plant, in a dry state the roots become light, and saturated with moisture, they have a bright green color.

If your orchid is planted in an opaque or clay pot (which is not particularly recommended, since the roots grow strongly to the pot and are injured during transplantation), then the state of the substrate can be determined with a wooden stick or just with your finger, since the substrate dries out unevenly, in the middle of the pot much longer than top or edges. Gently insert a wooden stick into the pot and after a while remove it, if it is wet - watering should be postponed for a couple of days. In the case of a finger, everything is easier :))) just rake the substrate deeper and see if it is wet or not. Also, over time, the moisture content of the substrate can be determined simply by the weight of the pot: if it is light, then it is dry.

Orchids are usually watered either by immersion in a container with water, or on a substrate. Sometimes the orchid needs watering under the shower or tap, this procedure helps to cleanse the orchid. Only after such bathing, the orchid should dry well, and it is even better to wipe the leaves dry, because with excessive watering, moisture can stagnate between the leaves, which, especially at low temperatures, leads to the appearance of spots on the leaves, decay of the roots and even the growth point.

Since phalaenopsis is an epiphytic plant, in nature the roots provide it with all the necessary mineral and organic substances, and also moisture that accumulates on trees in the forks of branches. Therefore, the roots of these plants need constant air circulation, and excess moisture in the pot leads to their rapid decay.

In the event of death of the roots, the leaves of the plant lose their turgor and the plant will recover for a very long time and is problematic. And in the case of decay of the growth point, one can only hope for the development of the baby, since the plant itself will no longer grow.

Fertilizing Phalaenopsis Orchid

In indoor conditions, orchids need to be fertilized on average once every one to two weeks, or after each watering during the growth period. Use a complex fertilizer marked "For orchids", in no case exceeding the dosage indicated in the instructions.

Also, if you have root problems, you can sometimes fertilize orchids with foliar feeding. To do this, we dilute the fertilizer several times weaker than indicated in the instructions and spray the plant, just do not overdo it, keeping in mind the possible stagnation of moisture and their consequences.

Caring for the roots and leaves of the plant

As it grows, the plant constantly releases new roots. If they are above the substrate - do not try to shove them into the pot, these are the so-called "aerial" roots. Although the difference between the roots in the pot and the so-called air roots is small, it is only in the thickness of the velamen on them.

By the way, very often the presence of long roots climbing into neighboring pots or simply along the windowsill is considered an indicator of the "satisfaction" of a plant with caring for it and conditions, but this is not entirely true. If the substrate contains a sufficient amount of the reserves necessary for the plant, it will never waste energy on growing unnecessary roots, only if it is necessary to look for new accumulations of useful substances, since this is inherent in it by nature.

If part of the roots dies off and has a dry and brown part, it must be carefully removed to a healthy green part. The dying off of old roots is an absolutely normal process, provided that new ones grow. Problems with the roots of the plant can be seen from the state of the orchid leaves - they sag down, lose turgor and become flabby.

The leaves of the plant must be kept clean, because on their inner part there are stomata through which the orchid "breathes" and exchanges gas with the environment. When the lower leaves die off, the trunk is bare, then you can divide the plant and transplant the upper part of the plant with healthy roots and leaves as a separate plant, and leave the lower part as it is and wait for the appearance of root children. The plant (mostly) tolerates this procedure calmly and continues its further growth. All sections must be disinfected without fail.

Orchid substrate.

When growing the Phalaenopsis orchid at home, in the absence of the possibility of growing on a tree trunk with all the necessary nutrients in the crevices of the bark (except for block crops, and then only partially), it is customary to keep Phalaenopsis in a transparent plastic pot. Plastic does not allow the roots to be injured on it during transplantation, plus the roots in the substrate, due to the transparency of the pot, are actively involved in the process of photosynthesis.

The main substrate component for the Phalaenopsis orchid is the bark of a small and medium fraction, with a small addition of moss - sphagnum. At the bottom of the pot, drainage is usually visited. It can be expanded clay or bark of a coarse fraction, and in the middle and on top of a fine fraction. The orchid braids pieces of bark with roots and is fixed in the substrate. With each watering, the bark gets soaked, gains moisture a little and then gradually gives it to the roots of the orchid.

When buying a substrate for an orchid, you need to pay attention to the acidity level of the substrate, it should be in the range of 5.5 - 6.5 PH. Don't be afraid to buy a peat-added substrate as it slows down the rise in substrate pH from regular watering. tap water... This is a useful supplement. The optimal composition of the substrate will be about 60% of the bark, 20% of sphagnum or peat moss, 15% of foam and 5% of charcoal.

Also, when choosing a substrate, you need to take into account the conditions of your orchid. When and how much the sun will look into your window, how often you are going to water your plant. Since all problems in the life of an orchid :) arise from untimely watering and overheating, then for darker windows it is more advisable to take more airy mixtures, which will help protect the plant from moisture stagnation and, as a result, decay of orchid roots.

Orchid transplant.

It is necessary to transplant the orchid every 2 to 3 years, since the substrate has time to give the plant all its nutrients and is decently salted from fertilizers.

Here we have covered the main points of successful maintenance of your butterfly orchid.

Health to your flowers and lush bloom !!!

If the title "Miss Popular" was played among orchids, it would certainly have been won by a beauty named Phalaenopsis. This is what she most often decorates at home. The reason is obvious: this plant combines refined beauty and unpretentiousness, delighting with abundant and long flowering in exchange for easy care.

Brief information and photos

Phalaenopsis orchid is an ancient plant. She is already 130 million years old. Oceania is considered to be the birthplace of the flower. According to local legend, phalaenopsis are fragments of a rainbow that fell from heaven to earth, where they were caught by trees.

But the name of the flower - Phalaenopsis came to us from the Greek language and is translated as "the appearance of a butterfly." The Greeks gave this plant another name - the slipper of Afodita. Its flower really resembles a small shoe. Well, who should wear such refined and sophisticated shoes, no matter how much the goddess of love and beauty.

Phalaenopsis feel good on our windowsills

Known phalaenopsis from ancient times and in the east. In China and Japan, these orchids were also valued for their medicinal properties. They received a strong pain reliever. However, drugs from phalaenopsis were used to treat several dozen diseases, from rheumatism to infertility. And as scientists of the 21st century proved, they did it for a reason. Phalaenopsis root contains a substance that can activate the production of a "longevity gene" - a cytokine. Thanks to him, orchid flowers can not fade for up to eight months.

Plant care

Choice of substrate

In nature, phalaenopsis grow on trees. But at home, this is impossible. However, you should choose a planting substrate that resembles the plant's natural environment.

You can make it yourself from pine bark, charcoal, perlite and sphagnum moss. Although it is much easier to get ready-made in a specialty store. The substrate is selected based on the humidity in the room where the phalaenopsis grows. The higher it is, the less moss is required. You can adjust its amount yourself, sorting out and removing the components with your hands before planting the flower. For areas with extremely dry air, formulate a substrate containing 30% moss.

It is recommended to put a layer of drainage at the bottom of the pot, which will absorb excess moisture and prevent root rot. For these purposes, expanded clay is suitable, which is sold in flower shops... However, some growers are sure that he will gain harmful substances and is capable of harming plants. It is more useful to use river sand or pebbles, pre-washed and heat-treated ...

Pot selection

When choosing a pot for a phalaenopsis orchid, remember that the roots of this plant in nature are not buried in the ground; they are used to freedom, air and light. Therefore, it is bad to hide them in dark pots that do not allow a single ray of the sun to pass through. The plant will not die, but it will feel worse.

Phalaenopsis thrive best in transparent pots with large drainage holes.

To provide air for the roots of the plant, large-diameter drainage holes are made in the pots. Sometimes not only at the bottom, but also on the walls of the vessel. However, in this case, you need to carefully monitor watering: in "leaky" pots, the substrate will dry out much faster.

If the pot that exposes the roots does not seem aesthetically pleasing, place it in an opaque planter so that a distance of 1.5 - 2 cm remains between the walls of the two containers.Then a small amount of light will still flow to the roots, and the process of photosynthesis will not be disturbed.

It is important to choose the right pot size. In too spacious, phalaenopsis roots will begin to develop strongly to the detriment of the growth of leaves and flowers. This plant generally has the following principle: until the pot is completely clogged with roots, do not start flowering. Therefore, it is better to plant the plant so that it feels like the capacity is "a little too small" for it. In this case, it is unacceptable that the roots grow through the drainage hole. This is an indicator that it is time to transplant the plant.

Watering

When watering phalaenopsis, the main thing is not to overdo it: due to excess moisture, the roots will rot and the plant will die. Watering the orchid is necessary only when the substrate is completely dry. It is not difficult to determine this: fold upper layer pine sawdust and use your finger to determine the condition of the soil at a depth. If it is wet, it is better to postpone watering.

However, it is not recommended to prolong the period of "dryness" either, otherwise the tips of the leaves of the plant will dry out.

Watering phalaenopsis is better by immersion. That is, put the flower in a large container of water. As soon as the top layer of the substrate is moistened, the plant is removed.

It is better to use soft water for watering. Ideally, in the summer - rain, and in the winter - thawed. However, you can do with ordinary tap water, which is still better to boil or filter.

Important! If moisture gets on the leaves of the plant, and even more so in the sinuses, it should be immediately removed with a soft cloth or napkin. Otherwise, the orchid can rot.

Required air humidity

Phalaenopsis, like any other immigrants from the subtropics, love high humidity air. If it is insufficient, the plant will shed flowers, and its leaves will lose their elasticity. It is possible to determine whether an orchid has enough moisture in the air by the state of its aerial roots. If they become grayish and “lethargic” soon after watering, take action!

There are several ways to increase indoor humidity. Place containers of water next to the flower or place wet towels on the battery. Horoo will react to phalaenopsis and spraying. Spray water carefully, using long distance and make sure that no drops collect on the plant itself.

Temperature regime

The optimum temperature for phalaenopsis is 15-25 degrees Celsius. At first glance, it is not so difficult to maintain it, usually this is what prevails in homes. But, when choosing a place for a flower, pay attention to the presence of nearby heating appliances, batteries. They can provide an additional 1-2 degrees of heat. This will not destroy the plant, but it will no longer bloom so willingly.

Phalaenopsis suffers hypothermia much more painful. At temperatures below 12 degrees, he has no chance of surviving. Therefore, if the plant is on the windowsill, make sure that it does not blow from the window.

The flower will begin to show signs of dissatisfaction with the "weather in the house" if the air temperature drops below 15 degrees. At the same time, Phalaenopsis can throw off the peduncle or buds, its leaves will lose their elasticity, and the root system may also die.

Phalaenopsis will be very grateful if you can create a difference for him between day and night temperatures. Ideally, it should be 5 degrees colder at night. Although the plant can be content with smaller differences.

Lighting

Phalaenopsis loves good lighting, but does not tolerate direct sunlight. They cause burns on the stem and leaves. They look like dark spots and signal that the plant urgently needs to start shading. For example, it is easy to cover a window with a curtain.

These orchids feel best on the east or southeast windows.

The optimal daylight hours for phalaenopsis are 12 hours, and all year round. Therefore, with the onset of autumn, many orchid lovers use additional devices - fluorescent lamps with white glow. Otherwise, the flower can go into hibernation, that is, it simply stops growing and blooming.

Important! You should not often rearrange the phalaenopsis from place to place. For this plant, "moving" is a great stress. It can stop growing and blooming.

Phalaenopsis leaves determine the quality of care

Whether phalaenopsis is satisfied with caring for it is determined by the leaves.

1. If the leaves turn pale, spots and plaque have appeared on them, then there is too much light for the plant.
2. If the leaves darken and stretch out, then the orchid has little light.
3. If the leaves lose their brightness, it means that the plant is "starving", you need to apply fertilizer.
4. If the tips of the leaves turn black, it means that the flower is freezing or receives too much liquid.
5. If the leaves wither, it means that there is not enough water for him or pests have started in the pot.

Transfer

Phalaenopsis are transplanted every two years. The best time- immediately after flowering. This procedure is not complicated and consists of several stages:

1. Remove the plant from the pot. To do this easily, carefully remember the container with your hands. This will reduce the risk of root damage. You can carefully cut the pot with a knife.
2. Untangle the roots and carefully remove the old substrate. This is not easy to do: in a healthy plant, they are thick and strongly intertwined. At the same time, assess the condition of the roots. Remove areas that begin to dry out or rot. This should be done with a sharp knife or blade, previously treated with an alcohol solution. Treat the cut sites with activated charcoal or an alcohol-free antiseptic.
3. Remove old leaves and peduncles. Disinfect the sections.
4. Dry the plant by wiping off excess moisture with a soft cloth and leave for at least two hours.
5. Place the drainage on the bottom of the chosen pot, place the flower exactly in the middle and carefully cover it with the substrate. It is not necessary to bury the plant deeply, the upper roots are only lightly sprinkled with bark.

Reproduction methods

Peduncle

The best time is the beginning of spring. If during this period the phalaenopsis released a new peduncle, then, without waiting for the buds to appear, cut the shoot to the first bud. Then place the plant in a well-lit window. The orchid can react to the cutting of the peduncle with the appearance of a brown bloom. be afraid! After a week or two, it will disappear on its own. And after three months, a new plant will appear on the trimmed peduncle.

By cuttings

To do this, carefully remove the orchid from the pot, untangle the roots and use a sharp, disinfected blade to separate the plant neatly between the tubers. Then sprinkle the slices with crushed charcoal and let dry for several hours, then plant in pots.

This video shows how best to propagate phalaenopsis by cuttings:

Children

They appear on mature healthy plants between the peduncles. Separate only those shoots that have already formed their own air roots. They can be immediately planted in a separate pot. It happens that the shoots of phalaenopsis begin to bloom while still remaining on the mother plant. In this case, wait until the end of flowering and only then send the young plant to your own "house".

How to get a baby orchid is shown in this video:

Species diversity

The phalaenopsis orchid genus has more than 70 species. They differ in size and color of flowers and leaves. The conditions of detention of all types are the same.

Phalaenopsis amabilis

In size, this type of phalaenopsis is middling. Its dark green leaves reach 50 cm in length, the diameter of the flowers is 10 cm. It can bloom twice a year, invariably white flowers with a yellow or purple lip. At the same time, 15 to 100 flowers bloom on the peduncle. They open up consistently and stay on the plant for several months.

Phalaenopsis chilleriana

This view is similar to the previous one. The main difference is the color of the leaves: they are reddish below, and gray above with dark green spots. The flowering of Schiller's phalaenopsis is legendary. And not from scratch: he is really able to dissolve flowers several times a year, releasing several peduncles at the same time, up to 150 buds can fit on a flower at the same time.

Phalaenopsis Stuartiana

It differs from other species in its peduncle, which can branch out in it, as well as in the fancy color of flowers. Their petals are white, with small spots at the base, and the lip is "elegant", golden yellow in color with bright purple spots. Stuart's phalaenopsis prefers to bloom in autumn and spring.

Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana

This species is compact in size. Light green leaves grow no more than 25 cm long. The flowers are also medium-sized, up to 7 cm in diameter. They are painted in all sorts of shades of pink and purple. On the peduncle there are usually no more than 7. But the adult healthy Phalaenopsis of Luddeman can bloom almost all year round. Its buds exude a delicate aroma.

Phalaenopsis giant (Phalaenopsis gigantea)

This species got its name for a reason. The dimensions are really impressive: the leaves can grow up to 1 meter in length. Peduncle - up to 40 cm. It can accommodate up to 10 buds. On an adult healthy plant, several peduncles usually appear at once, so that up to hundreds of flowers can bloom on the plant at the same time.

On this with views - everything. Moving on to the flowering of the plant.

Bloom

Flowers are the main advantage of an orchid. Phalaenopsis is able to bloom often, abundantly and very beautifully.

The long-awaited appearance of the peduncle

The fact that the phalaenopsis is ready to bloom is indicated by the peduncle that has appeared between the axils of the leaves. The rate of its growth depends on the lighting: the more light there is, the faster it will form. The plant does not need additional care during this period, leave the temperature and watering the same.

The topic of the article will be caring for the phalaenopsis orchid at home. The orchid flowers are extremely graceful, characterized by an unusual shape and an extensive color variety.

Novice growers would gladly grow phalaenopsis at home, but they are hindered by the prospect of difficult care, so they prefer cacti and other unpretentious plants.

I have good news... Among orchids, there are species that are not very capricious in terms of home care and even a novice florist is able to cope with their content. Among them is the phalaenopsis orchid, characterized by long flowering and beautiful flowers.

Breeders have bred many types of phalaenopsis, which we will consider later. All of them are unpretentious in care and are suitable for novice florists. Some orchid species have a pleasant scent. Up to 40 flowers with a diameter of 3-15 centimeters are concentrated on one peduncle. The number and size of flowers depends on the branching and well-being of the home orchid.

Blooming orchids have bright flowers, the range of shades of which is wide. There are patterns, dots and spots on the petals, which serve as an additional decoration. The leaves are characterized by variety in terms of width, length and decoration in the form of spots and streaks.

Home care secrets

• Lighting and location ... Phalaenopsis orchid is a light-loving plant. Keep the pot with the plant on the windowsill. The northwest side is considered optimal. The orchid needs protection from sunlight, otherwise spots will appear on the leaves. In the summertime, shade the window pane slightly, especially if the flower is on the southern windowsill. When choosing a location, keep in mind that drafts weaken the phalaenopsis and lead to the appearance of pests and ailments.
• Temperature ... The home orchid feels great in a room with an air temperature of 15-25 degrees. The plant even tolerates temperatures in excess of 30 degrees, but such a temperature regime will lead to the dropping of flowers. To stimulate flowering in winter, keep the orchid for about two weeks in a room with a temperature of about 15 degrees.
• Air humidity ... In order for the indoor orchid to grow and develop normally, maintain the indoor humidity at 40 percent. In the summertime, keep the flowerpot with the plant on a tray filled with wet pebbles, otherwise the phalaenopsis will drop flowers. I do not advise you to constantly moisten the soil, if proper ventilation is not provided, excess moisture leads to rotting of the root system.
• Watering... It is recommended to water the orchid once a week, and in the summer, increase the number of waterings to two. Experienced growers prefer watering with soft water showers. There is one more way. Dip the pot with the orchid in a container of soft water for fifteen minutes so that the soil is saturated with moisture. Then place the pot on a pallet. Excess moisture will go through the drain. Be sure to drain the water from the pallet.
• Substrate... You can buy it in the store or make it yourself. The main thing is to be moisture-consuming and light. Combine three parts of high-quality peat with three parts of chopped fern roots, add two parts of earth and one part each of fine pine bark and charcoal.
• Top dressing... During the growing season, feed your home phalaenopsis orchid nitrogen fertilizers after watering twice a month. Fertilizers for feeding can be made by yourself. The main thing is to observe the ratio of potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen. Look for the exact information on the preparation of the feeding mixture on the thematic sites.
• Transfer... Transplant Phalaenopsis every 36 months. During this time, the soil loses its useful properties, becomes brittle and fragile, acquires a sour smell. Repot after flowering. To remove the orchid from the old pot easily and quickly, immerse it in water for a few minutes, and then, taking it under an outlet, carefully remove it. After cleaning and washing the root system and removing rotten roots, plant the orchid in a new pot with fresh substrate.

Video Tips

After reviewing the material, you are convinced that the phalaenopsis orchid is unpretentious in care. At optimal conditions she pleases with a wonderful flowering, which decorates housing and fills with aroma.

Phalaenopsis species

Phalaenopsis is an unpretentious and popular orchid. The genus is represented by 70 species that grow in the tropical forests of Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, New Guinea and are used in home floriculture.

A special feature is the stem, which does not branch, but slowly grows in length, giving several leaves annually. As part of flowering, the plant gradually unfolds, and the flowers retain their decorative qualities for several months. Phalaenopsis has been decorating the interior for a long time.

The 8 most popular types of phalaenopsis:

1. Amabilis... In the wild, this species, which is used during crossbreeding, is found in Australia and the Philippines. The medium-sized orchid has fleshy, leathery, dark green elliptical leaves, the length and width of which are 50 and 12 cm, respectively. The inflorescence reaches 50 cm and consists of twenty flowers, up to ten centimeters in diameter. Flowers have white color, yellow or purple lips, pleasant aroma.
2. Schiller... The species resembles Amabilis, but differs in variegated leaves. They are silvery gray above and reddish below. Homeland - Philippines. The highlight is the countless flowers. There were cases when one peduncle contained about 180 flowers. An advanced orchid blooms several times, remaining blooming for several months.
3. Stewart... An orchid of Filipino origin is similar in leaf color and vegetative characteristics to the previous species, but differs in a pattern on the leaves. It has a branching peduncle covered with medium white flowers with red spots. The lip is yellow with specks of purple. In apartment conditions, it blooms in spring and autumn.
4. Luddemann... A small orchid of this species is characterized by light green elliptical leaves and blooms in winter time... On small peduncles at the same time there are up to seven purple, pleasantly smelling flowers, 6 centimeters in diameter. The species has a white lip with yellow markings. A mature orchid blooms constantly and easily multiplies by "babies" that form on peduncles. Perfect option for a person for whom floriculture is a hobby.
5. Giant... It is considered the largest, most spectacular and complex representative of the genus in culture. But this does not prevent him from winning at exhibitions. The orchid owes its name to huge leaves, the length of which reaches 60 cm. In addition to decorative qualities, it is easy to cross and is suitable for creating hybrids. Adult plant possesses several peduncles, forming about a hundred fleshy flowers with a diameter of 5 cm. They have a sweetish citrus aroma, yellow color and red-brown spots.
6. Pink . The smallest species in the genus. It has dark green leaves up to 15 centimeters long. Up to fifteen small pink flowers are based on the purple curved peduncle, which bloom in turn. It has a small, three-lobed lip, pink lateral lobes looking forward, with a white base and a few purple lines. Medium ovoid lobes with a brownish base and white tips. The anther is pink in color with a long beak.
7. Sander... A rare, expensive and beautiful species. It has green leaves with a variegated pattern. Drooping, long stalks are the basis for placing in rows of 50 flowers up to 6 centimeters in size. The flowers are of various colors.
8. Horse... The green leafed orchid came to us from Taiwan and the Philippines. It is characterized by a purple-violet peduncle that lengthens and becomes covered with the next portion of new flowers. Light pink shade with a diameter of about three centimeters.

I examined the main varieties of Phalaenopsis orchids that are found in culture. If you want to expand home garden new flowers, get one of the listed types.

Reproduction of phalaenopsis

According to many novice flower growers, orchid cultivation is the lot of masters. But amateurs can also do this, it is enough to collect more information about the pet. It is about the types of plants, the intricacies of care and methods of reproduction.

Reproduction will be a topic for further discussion, as we have considered other points. The home phalaenopsis orchid is propagated in three ways. I will describe them.

Method one - reproduction by children

This breeding technique is the simplest and most common. Apply it a month after flowering. The most suitable time for the procedure is from February to June.

Babies appear on peduncles and at the base of the outlet. They wait until they take root, and only then are they transplanted into a separate pot. This can be done in two ways.

1. The first provides for the separation of the baby, processing the cuts with charcoal, drying them for a day and then planting them in the ground, where they will take root. Greenhouse conditions are suitable for this purpose.
2. Put a piece of styrofoam with a hole in a transparent plastic container, deepen the young shoot into it, and then pour water and cover. After the roots appear, transplant the phalaenopsis into the ground.

Method two - cuttings

1. Once the orchid has faded, use an alcohol-treated pruner to trim the stem at the base and divide it into several pieces. A dormant bud should be present in the center of each cutting, and I advise you to treat the slices with charcoal powder.
2. In order for the cuttings to germinate, plant them in a greenhouse in a moistened sphagnum. The air temperature in the greenhouse is 25 degrees. In such conditions, cuttings grow rapidly.

You can do it differently. Place the cut peduncle in water with minerals and place in a bright place. The main thing is that the sun's rays do not fall on the handle. In such conditions, the dormant kidneys will quickly wake up and release the babies.

Method three - dividing the outlet

• Using a sterile tool, be it a knife or a pruner, cut off the top from the orchid along with several leaves and air roots. Treat all sections with ash, and plant the shoot in a pot.
• It should contain a mixture of fresh moss and pine bark. The bark must be dry, otherwise excess moisture will cause mold. Initially, limit yourself to small dishes, and as the root system develops, take a larger one.
• From this moment on, the new top needs care. As for the mother plant, it will release lateral buds from which young shoots will emerge.

Phalaenopsis reproduces as simply as dieffenbachia and any other ornamental plant. If you want to breed a whole family of orchids at home, the described techniques will help. If you make mistakes at first, experience will work out perfectly.

Phalaenopsis cultivation: problems, pests, diseases