We all remember the fairy tale “The Scarlet Flower” in which the younger daughter asks her father to bring the most beautiful flower in the world from overseas. In this article we will also talk about overseas wonders: orchid unusual blue color.
Flower lovers quickly sweep the plants off the shelves and are willing to pay for them at exorbitant prices. Here only thoughtful buyers have a question, where does such an amazing color come from?
Are there naturally saturated blue petals in this plant?
Orchids, like any other exotic plants, are full of a variety of shapes and colors.. Including in nature there are blue and blue species, which themselves are quite capricious. By crossing different varieties, scientists have achieved the same color and hybrids. Caring for the latter is much easier than for their parents.
History of artificially bred species
The first artificial interspecific orchid was created in 1856 by John Domini, and after 7 years, he also raised a hybrid of two different genera of the plant. The next step in breeding was the method of growing this flower on special sterile media, which the American scientist Knudson developed in the 1920s.
Thanks to it, it became possible to highlight the most remarkable properties of seedlings and develop them. Today, the number of artificially grown orchid species has already exceeded hundreds of thousands.
Sky color varieties
Speaking of blue orchids, the first thing they remember about Wande. The natural habitat of this beautiful flower is south of China, Thailand, north and east of India. The plant has strong roots that go down to a depth of three meters. But its most important feature is the variety of colors: yellow, red, white, even speckled and striped. Unfortunately, caring for this variety requires a lot of effort and experience, so you will find a hybrid rather than a real wanda in shops.- Ascocendsy - This is the most common artificially derived specimen among connoisseurs of orchids. It was formed from the crossing of the aforementioned Wanda and Ascocentrum and also has a magical blue color. The flower is not very whimsical and easily grows at home.
- However, most often found on our shelves blue phalaenopsis. The name of the flower comes from the Greek phalania - "moth" and opsis - "similarity", as its discoverer at first took these orchids for fluttering insects. It is easy and pleasant to take care of a plant even for a beginner florist, and you can admire the flowering variety for almost year-round. Shades, too, for every taste: from pale white to rich purple. But here lies the catch: Phalaenopsis does not have a natural blue pigment! Then what are we so actively selling in stores?
Speaking of blue orchids, the first thing they remember about Wande. The natural habitat of this beautiful flower is south of China, Thailand, north and east of India. The plant has strong roots that go down to a depth of three meters. But its most important feature is the variety of colors: yellow, red, white, even speckled and striped. Unfortunately, caring for this variety requires a lot of effort and experience, so you will find a hybrid rather than a real wanda in shops.Triumph of breeders or a marketing ploy?
For the first time that the phenomenon of how the blue orchid phalaenopsis exists, the world spoke in 2011. First, an amazing orchid was presented by a farm from South Florida, and then the nursery "Geest Orchideeën" put on display its appearance. It would seem - a sensation!
But alas, in both cases, the flowers were artificially stained with a special safe dye. But only In early 2013, a real blue orchid was presented at a conference in Japan. - The result of a long work of geneticists and breeders. A new species called Phalaenopsis Aphrodite.
However, many merchants, knowing about the demand for unusual phalaenopsis, decide to independently give them the desired color by injecting ink into the root, stem, or peduncle. The trick works, the goods are successfully sold, but buyers are greatly surprised when the next time the flower dissolves white buds.
And this is at best: more often he just dies from poisoning. Therefore, carefully inspect the orchid. If only the peduncle is colored, then everything can be limited to the premature death of the bud. When injected into other parts, it is likely to lose the whole plant.
Home care
Lighting and temperature
Since in nature, flowers are accustomed to diffused light, the plants will best take root in the western or eastern window. But to put the pot on the north or south side is not recommended, since in the first case there will be a shortage of light, and in the second - an overabundance. The optimum temperature for the growth and development of orchids is + 25 ° С. And so that the orchid more often pleased with flowers, the night temperature drop should be 5-10 degrees.
Important: If the temperature drops by 15 ° C or more, the plant may freeze and wither.
Humidity
Comfortable moisture for a flower - 50-70%. In winter, when the air due to heating becomes drier, it is recommended to spray once a day in the morning. You can also temporarily place the plant in a pan with pebbles and water.
Watering
Filling the substrate with moisture is carried out in several ways. First, partial immersion of the pot in warm water for 15-30 minutes, then the plant will absorb the required amount of liquid. Another irrigation option is to use a warm, low-pressure shower or a watering can.
For orchids, excess moisture is more dangerous than its deficiency, so before watering make sure that the soil is completely dry.
Top dressing
Just bought a plant does not need to feed. But after a couple of months it should begin to fertilize. It should be done at least once every 4 weeks. From this will depend on the quality of flowering.
Fertilize the plant should only be when the soil is wet, otherwise it can lead to burn the roots.
Transfer
If the roots of the flower have grown so that they began to displace the soil, then it's time to transplantThis is a very important procedure for a plant that needs to be done as carefully as possible.
You need to carefully remove the plant and cut off the rotten parts.- Then put drainage on the bottom of the pot and fill it with one third of the substrate.
- Following this, place the inside of the root system and carefully cover it with earth, without touching the aerial roots.
You need to carefully remove the plant and cut off the rotten parts.It is very important to choose the right composition of the earth mixture.. The roots need good ventilation, and therefore the soil should include wood shavings and coal, moss, perlite or crushed stone.
We recommend to watch the video about the correct orchid transplanting:
Breeding
If there is a desire to do the cultivation of orchids at home, then below are 3 methods to do it.
Children
You can remove the scales from the sleeping kidney with a sharp blade, and then apply cytokinin ointment. Ensure that the kidney itself is not injured..
Or put a sphagnum on the kidney, and then cover with polyethylene. Soon the desired children and the first roots appear.
Cuttings
Peduncle is cut off at the base and is divided into parts 3-4 centimeters long. In the middle of each cutting should be a sleeping kidney. Sections are sprinkled with coal powder and then placed in a warm, humid place. The same sphagnum will make a source of moisture maintenance.
Board: You can do it easier. When the flower has stopped flowering, it is cut off and placed in a solution with fertilizer. It is necessary to provide the cutting with enough sunlight, then after 1-2 months shoots will appear on it.
We recommend to watch the video on orchid reproduction by cutting:
Socket outlet
If the plant is large and healthy, then it usually has an additional outlet with its roots. In this case, a young rosette is separated with a sterile knife or pruner, treated with ashes or charcoal, dried, and then planted in a new pot. Watering is carried out on the third day after transplantation..
We recommend to watch the video on orchid reproduction by dividing the socket:
Pests and diseases
Phalaenopsis loses its former appearance primarily due to improper care. For example, leaf wilting is often associated with a lack of moisture, and if the leaves rot and turn yellow, watering should be reduced. In these cases it is also recommended to check the root system for the presence of dry or rotten roots. If they are, they are removed.- When there is an excess of light, the leaves look pale and burned out, dark spots appear on them. Reducing the size of the leaves, gloss, lack of flowers indicates excessive blackout.
- If the flower lacks nutrients, then its leaves grow dull, and when overfeeding with fertilizers, chemical burns of yellow color appear on them.
- When the conditions are met, and the plant languishes, then it is a pest or disease.
- So, phalaenopsis is subject to attacks by aphids, shield insects, cherevts, thrips. To get rid of them, the plant is washed, and only then proceed to the processing of pesticides.
- The flower is also vulnerable to brown leaf spot, rot, fungal and viral diseases. The treatment is carried out with special preparations according to the instructions.
Phalaenopsis loses its former appearance primarily due to improper care. For example, leaf wilting is often associated with a lack of moisture, and if the leaves rot and turn yellow, watering should be reduced. In these cases it is also recommended to check the root system for the presence of dry or rotten roots. If they are, they are removed.Conclusion
Finally, a few tips for those who still want to buy a blue orchid. Of course, An exotic flower is better to buy at exhibitions.. And if you decide to shelter a tinted phalaenopsis, then do not forget to consider the injection site and do not take the doomed plant. But even when the color will come down, diligently care for your new pet, and then he will delight you with his beauty for many years!
