Orchids of this genus are terrestrial epiphytic plants with a sympodial growth method; prefer the humid tropical forests of Oceania and Southeast Asia. They are isolated in a special group of so-called "precious" orchids (Jevel Orchids), as they grow mainly for ornamental leaves. Flowers such orchids are small, collected on the peduncle.
Popular types
Orchid Macodes petola (Macodes petola (B1) Ldl.) - a plant with small flowers, the color is dominated by red-brown and white. The height of the peduncle is about 25 cm. The rhizome reaches 3-5 cm in diameter and 6-10 m in height. Leaves pointed, ovate; The color is dark green with characteristic five veins, located longitudinally. The flowering time is autumn. The native land of Macodes of Petol is the islands of Sumatra and the Philippines.
Care of the plant
Orchid Macodes does not like direct sunlight, so it is recommended to darken it or place it on the east or west window; The northern side is also acceptable. Successfully tolerates lighting with fluorescent lights.
However, it should be remembered that in winter the plant can feel a lack of light at the north window. If the air of the room is dry, then Macodes may have a period of rest. To avoid this, it is recommended to install additional lighting for 10-15 hours per day.
The air temperature during the day should be maintained in the range of 22-25 ° C year-round, and the nighttime should not be lowered below 18 ° C.
If you grow orchids in an open manner and without additional lighting, then in the period from October to February the plant will arrive at rest. At this time, the orchids need a cool temperature in the range of 18-20 ° C. It should be noted that Macodez Petola can grow for a long time without a period of rest, without damaging the flowering. Cases when the leaves of the plant acquire a burgundy hue, speak of too cold conditions of orchid maintenance.
Watering is recommended to be carried out regularly during the whole year by standing water. When watering, avoid filling the axils of the leaves with water, as this can lead to undesirable bending of the stem. Lower watering is a good solution to this problem. If the room has a low temperature, it is recommended to water the plant with warm water.
Macodeus Orchids prefer a medium with a significant (80-90%) humidity of the air, since at low moisture levels a discoloration, a slowing of the growth rate and drying of the tips of the leaves are observed. Spoil the plant with spraying from the spray gun. However, hard water should not be used for this purpose, since saline solution appears on the leaves. To replace the tropical tropical rain orchid, it is recommended to put the plant under a warm shower (35 ° C). After this "bathing" the leaves should be soaked with a napkin, and, only when they dry, move to the room.
Special fertilizing should be made only during active growth and flowering. There is a point of view that it is better not to "Precious" orchids, as this can affect the pattern of leaves.
Flowering of orchids Macodes falls at the end of autumn or winter. A tall flower spike appears on the top of the shoot. Inflorescence - a multiflorous brush. The flowers are small, the color is red-brown with white. It should be noted that flowering takes a lot of energy from the plant, so it is undesirable for young immature plants or small species of orchids.
Transplant orchids of this genus are recommended after flowering, perhaps in the spring, but as necessary (not more often than once every two years).
When transplanting plants should be placed entirely in one large container or neatly divided into the parent and child parts, landing each individual.
Orchids are demanding of the substrate. It should be rich in nutritional components and hygienic. To produce a substrate with such characteristics, it is recommended to use the roots of fern, wood birch charcoal, peat, pieces of pine bark, some leafy earth. In this case, a larger substrate should be placed on the bottom of the container, and a smaller substrate should be placed on top. Often the surface of the substrate is covered with fresh sphagnum. Moreover, for the "Precious" orchids, cultivation techniques have been developed in the live (green) sphagnum.
After completing the transplant, you should put the orchid in a bright warm place with high humidity.
Macodes is an orchid, the reproduction of which is carried out by apical cuttings during the vegetative period, the recommended period is from March to July.
Before planting, cut the cuttings with a powder of activated charcoal to dry and prevent rotting of the cut.
Then put the stalk in wet sphagnum to the base of the leaf to root it. It should be remembered that the sheet should not be deepened into the substrate. It is possible to carry out rooting in water, adding crushed coal there.
A technology of breeding Macodes with stem segments, freed from leaves, has been developed. They are rooted in wet sphagnum, leaving them in a horizontal position and not deepening.
Difficulties in growing Macadets orchids
With significant differences in daytime and night temperatures, unwanted flowering of the plant is possible. To solve this problem, it is recommended to remove the flower spike.
Remember that you can not put orchids next to the radiators.
Poor lighting causes unwanted stretching of the plant.
Watch for irrigation, do not overdry and over-moisten. If the substrate is too moist, it can cause decay of the root system.
Avoid bright sunlight, as this can cause the plant to wilt.
Pests: scutellum, mealybug, whitefly, spider mites.