Orchids are the most beautiful flowers on our planet. And there are so many of them! More than 100 thousand varieties and species. German scientist Alexander Humboldt once said that the most prolific artist of life is not enough to capture the diversity of these angelic colors. Grow such a miracle at home - the dream of many amateur flower growers. Is it possible? Yes! So, indoor orchid flowers and care for them - the topic of conversation for today.
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In ancient times, "angelic" orchids did not fascinate people. There was a struggle for life, and they ... ate. Our ancestors found that the orchis (European orchid) have two tubers under the ground - young and old. And in the young - a great power. He was made of medicinal and energy product. The warriors of the Golden Horde always had dried potatoes in a knapsack: a tiny lump replaced lunch and dinner for them. Tubers, similar to testicles, and gave the name to the family. For 300 years before the birth of Christ, the Greek Phosphrastus called orchis orchis (from the Greek "orchis" - testicles). And to this day we are pleased to eat the fruits of orchids. For example, Vanilla fruit is flat-leafed. And in Thailand in any market you will find bunches of Precious Orchids as a salad. So the view behind the view disappears. By the way, our northern orchids are listed in the Red Book.
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Orchids are flowers dear. Even cymbidiums, phalaenopsis and cattleya cost a lot of money. This is explained by the laboriousness of cultivation. After all, before the orchid blossoms, it will take about five years. And they sell, as a rule, blooming. Propagation by the division of rhizomes, tubers, cuttings, lateral shoots. In this case, a twin plant is obtained. With seed reproduction, it's possible to grow up whoever. It's intriguing, but it also brings a lot of hassle and frustration. Propagation of tropical orchids by seeds have learned not so long ago. Only in 1909 the French understood the reason for the failure. It turned out that the seeds of most orchids germinate in the presence of microscopic fungi, with which these flowers live in symbiosis. But there are also funny things, which are told from century to century. So, William Cattles, a lover of blossoming exotics, received from Brazil a parcel with tropical plants wrapped in thick leathery leaves. Leaves the scientist threw a corner of the greenhouse. A few months later a flower of unprecedented beauty blossomed on the "dump". It was an unknown orchid in Europe. Called her Cattleya.
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In our apartments, indoor orchid flowers do not live, but rather survive: cold, dry, dark. Care for them is quite complicated. Nevertheless, there are a couple dozens of genera, which are not so capricious and demanding of light, temperature, humidity. But they can not be called simpletons. The fact is that orchids do not have unified requirements to the content. Each type needs an individual approach. It is important to know when the orchid has a rest period. If during the pawning of the kidneys to comply with its requirements, it will thank the luxurious flowering.
Phalaenopsis is one of the most common indoor orchids. Previously it was presented in white and red tones, now the gamma is wider. Feature - wide, fleshy leaves. They accumulate water. Temperatures below 16 degrees are difficult to tolerate. Cut off the faded whisk.
Cymbidium is easy to recognize by long narrow leaves. Even the miniature forms are rather tall. Moist air is preferred. In the period of pawning requires a temperature difference. As this period falls for the summer, it is possible to keep on air from June to September. The main thing is to bring it home in time.
Cattleya is diverse. In some species, the flower reaches 30 cm. Cattleya, as a rule, has a lip of contrasting color. This gives the flower a special charm. Requires an even temperature without changes, high humidity. It is better to keep on a pallet with wet claydite. In winter, the temperature and humidity are reduced. Loves the light.
Cetoglina is many-sided. About 200 species. The most famous is the celinine comb: saturated white flowers with a yellow yawn. During rest, watering is reduced. Do not overdry! In summer it is better to take out to fresh air in the shade. For example, under the crown of a tree.
Dendrobium with its name says that he likes to grow on trees. Epiphyte, like most orchids. The most numerous genus from the family of orchids is about 1500 species. There are plants of two meters in height, there are tiny dwarfs. Requirements for all are different. Many after flowering discard the leaves, and in the period of rest they need coolness. But there are evergreens.
Lycasta is one of the most beautiful orchids. Maybe because the breeders worked well with this genus. The shape of the flowers and the colors are amazing. For the winter he drops leaves. He likes fresh air, does not tolerate heat.
Miltonius is often called pansies. In the middle of each flower is a picture resembling a surprised peephole. It requires a pronounced contrasting daily temperature. It grows in partial shade.
Paphiopedilum - Venerin is a slipper. Because of the lip of the shoe, this genus is considered by many to be "real" orchids. Unlike the epiphyte relatives, shoes are terrestrial plants. In this group there are two largest orchids. Their flowers reach 1.5 meters. They love penumbra and do not tolerate open sunlight.
Strict requirements for soil - a feature of all indoor orchid flowers and care for them because of this is complicated even more. Since most of them are epiphytes feeding on oxygen, the soil must be mild and moderately moist. The substrate must be coarse-grained (pieces of bark, coarse sand, fibrous peat, moss). For epiphytes (phalaenopsis, cattleya), a "recipe" can be used: 3 parts of the cortex, 3 parts of the cork (some partially replaced with crushed foam), 1 part of sphagnum, 1 part of baked clay, 2 grams of lime per liter of substrate. For terrestrial orchids (Venin shoe), take 5 parts of the bark (pine bark is boiled, free of tar, and grind), 1 part charcoal, 1 part sphagnum, 1 part vermiculite, 2 grams lime per liter substrate.