Mini orchids "Phalaenopsis": description and care of a dwarf flower at home. Miniature Phalaenopsis orchid: home care Phalaenopsis orchid - exquisite and beautiful

Paying due attention to dwarf orchids, and familiarizing yourself with the rules for caring for, transplanting and fertilizing a flower, you can enjoy their development and flowering for a whole year. They take up less space than ordinary phalaenopsis, but the delight from their blooming buds is no less.

Mini-phalaenopsis is still the same decorative orchid, only smaller. It has the same leaf shape, flower and root structure. And the mini-phalaenopsis does not always differ in size from the “older brother”, often only the flowers turn out to be small, and the whole plant is identical to other ordinary orchids.

The height of the "mini" ranges around 10-15 centimeters and is mainly sold in pots up to 9 cm high. Slightly more flowers appear on the peduncle than standard orchids, and they bloom longer.

The shape of the flower is always symmetrical, has the same leaves and the same color as all phalaenopsis. "Mini" can be safely crossed with ordinary species, and they often reproduce with the help of shoots, shoots on a flowering arrow, which are popularly called "kids".

Types of mini orchids

Mini orchids differ from each other according to a single principle - the appearance of a flower. Based on this, they are divided into several types:

• Standard mini-phalaenopsis - after they fade, the arrowhead dries out;
• Novelty: a new peduncle grows repeatedly from the upper nodule of the arrow;
• Multiflora - a new peduncle appears during flowering, growing on an arrow.

There is also an amazing type of mini-phalaenopsis - dwarf. These are tiny orchids, the leaves of which are no more than 20 cm in span, and the diameter of the flower reaches a maximum of 3 cm.

For the type of mini-orchids are divided into:

• upright;
• Curly.

Recently, many hybrids have appeared, crossed with different types of orchids.

plant care

Phalaenopsis are quite capricious plants, but if you follow the right care for them, then this is rewarded in full.

Light

For mini orchids, you need a bright place, but without direct sunlight. The flower is very sensitive to sunbathing and, putting it at least once in the sun, runs the risk of sunburn.

They form on the leaves in the form of redness or yellowing, brown spots may also appear. Therefore, you should carefully monitor that the sun does not harm, and put orchids not on the sunny side of the room. And if there are no other options, then the window must be darkened with a special film or mesh.

Temperature

To improve the microclimate around the little beauties, the temperature regime should be observed. They do not like either heat or cold, or a strong temperature difference. Therefore, it is best to keep the temperature from +18 to +30̊С, and at night the temperature should not fluctuate by more than 4-7 degrees.

With large temperature differences, transparent secretions of a sticky consistency appear on the leaves. Often the owners of the "mini" perceive these appearances as a pest attack, but this is not so.

We also try to put the plants not in a draft, they do not like it. And we remove flowers in the winter from cold windows.

Humidity

As with temperatures, "mini" do not like extremes, so we do not create excessive heat and dry air. The ideal air humidity is 55-70%. You can create such conditions with the help of frequent spraying or by placing pots near the humidifier.

Compliance with these conditions is especially important in summer, at elevated ambient temperatures. If the air is dry, the orchid will show inhibition in growth, the absence of the appearance of new leaves, peduncles. And if he shoots an arrow with a peduncle, then the buds can dry out and fall off without opening.

And vice versa, if the room is too saturated with moisture, it should be ventilated and dried more often, as moisture will stagnate in the roots and processes of rotting of the root system and leaf diseases may appear.

Watering

Mini orchids growing on sphagnum (moss) should be watered more often than regular phalaenopsis, but with less water. Sphagnum retains water several times better than bark, which is why it is so important not to flood orchids growing on moss. For sphagnum, watering methods for orchids growing on bark are not suitable.

A pot of moss should not be immersed in water, as it will quickly become saturated and the root may rot. The best way to water will be watering with a spoon. Depending on the size of the pot, we choose a teaspoon or a tablespoon and pour water over the sphagnum over its entire surface, observing the measure.

Spraying at least twice or thrice a day also has a beneficial effect on babies.

But we try not to get into the middle of the plant, into its bulb, since a few drops of water can start the process of decay of the orchid and then it will be almost impossible to save the plant.

Without watering the phalaenopsis, you may notice that the leaves begin to wrinkle. In this case, it is necessary to immediately give a sufficient amount of moisture to the plant and make lotions. Lotions are made from cotton pads moistened with water.

They are superimposed along the entire length of the sheet, avoiding moisture ingress into the bulb area. If, after such procedures, the leaves did not recover, then the cause must be sought in the roots: remove rotten and dry roots, grow new ones.

Phalaenopsis transplant

Mini-phalaenopsis are initially planted in a special substrate - sphagnum. It is a dense lump of moss, which retains moisture very well. When growing, orchids are not watered, they are in special warm rooms with high humidity, and sphagnum absorbs all the moisture from the air.

Such a plant can bloom for a long time, delighting the owners, but later the phalaenopsis may not have time to save.

An ideal substrate for small orchids can be considered a mixture of conifer bark, moss and a small amount of charcoal. The bark is best suited small, pieces up to 1cm.

Moss is sometimes replaced with coconut flakes (coconut "chips"), and the surface with roots can be covered with coconut fiber on top, which will retain moisture and prevent the roots from drying out quickly. Charcoal, in turn, will nourish the roots and remove excess moisture, preventing rotting of the root system.

It is best to transplant "mini" in the spring, when the plant is in a period of active growth. The bark that “stuck” to the roots should not be separated, as this will organize “wounds” on the root system, which need to be specially treated and, as a result, the roots will not immediately renew.

When transplanting, it is very important not to overdo it with the size of the pot. Orchids love to be slightly cramped in a pot. It is also worth choosing a transparent container in which the plant will live. In this way, control over watering is ensured - the roots are visible through a transparent pot and you can easily determine when to water the flower.

In the first period after planting, the plant must be watered a little more often, to monitor the state of dryness of the bark and root system. The condition of the flower will depend on how much phalaenopsis spent time in the store.

The more it was poured in the store, the more likely it is that the plant will need to move away from this stress for a long time. If the flower did not have time to be watered, then the adaptation period will pass for it in the best way.

Transplant steps:

1. Get out of the sphagnum.
2. Remove moss.
3. Dry for about a day (leave the plant with roots on a napkin out of the sun).
4. Soak in a solution of Fundazol for 15-20 minutes (1 tsp per 1 liter of water).
5. Dry again for a day.
6. Remove rotten and dry roots.
7. Plant in prepared bark.

Fertilizer for orchids

Orchid fertilizer contains iron, lithium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iodine and manganese. Fertilize mini-phalaenopsis every 10 days or every 2 weeks when the orchid is in a period of active growth.

When the plant is at rest (without releasing new leaves and flowering) it is enough to fertilize once a month. The dormant period usually occurs during the summer months and winter.

You can fertilize in several ways:

• Through the leaf - spraying with a special fertilizer diluted in water. Doses for mixing fertilizer should be carefully read before use on the packaging. This method allows you to protect the orchid from burns on the roots.
• Through the root - top dressing, which is diluted with water for irrigation.

Caring for mini orchids correctly and with love, you can achieve excellent results that will delight every day. After all, what could be better for a lover of domestic plants, how not to admire the flowering of your pets?

Phalaenopsis orchid - exquisite and beautiful

Orchid Phalaenopsis - “moth-like” (translated from Greek phalania - “night butterfly”, opsis - “similarity”) or simply “orchid - butterfly”. Phalaenopsis - a hybrid, the most suitable type of orchid for home floriculture, has many varieties and species.

Description of the phalaenopsis orchid

Phalaenopsis blooms with large and spectacular flowers, the shape of which is diverse, the color coloring is many-sided. Numerous flowers are arranged on a beautifully curved stem, some varieties bloom up to 3 times a year. White and yellow, red and purple, pink and striped, speckled and mixed, the orchid blooms for a long 3 to 4 months.

It happens to be miniature, only up to 30 cm tall, and standard, its height sometimes reaches 1 meter. It has an apical point of growth throughout the entire period of life, therefore it grows only upwards.

The rosette is represented by densely planted wide leathery, but juicy paired leaves.

Phalaenopsis aerial roots and flower stalks grow from deciduous sinuses, which sometimes leads to damage to the base of the deciduous rosette. And this is its only drawback.

Growing Phalaenopsis Orchids

The natural habitat of phalaenopsis is the tropics, the climate is humid and warm. An orchid grows on the trunks and branches of trees (an epiphytic plant), in the crevices of rocks under the scattering rays of the sun.

At home, he will be comfortable in a transparent container, as the roots of the orchid must receive enough light for photosynthesis.

This is also convenient for us - because thanks to this we can control both soil moisture and the state of the plant's root system.

We also need to choose a place that is sunny and light enough for the orchid.

For this, window sills of eastern and western windows are best suited - so the sun will not burn the leaves of the plant, but will only favorably influence its development.

From direct and burning sunlight, the flower must be covered so that it does not get burned. In winter, the orchid needs lighting for at least 12 hours a day..

Phalaenopsis orchid care

The main care of the plant is to provide it with a comfortable growth regime. Humidity should be about 40 - 70% (more for some species, less for others).

Ordinary building expanded clay will help us create such conditions.

We pour it into a flower tray or arrange a common trench and put several pots of orchids there at once (which is very important today in interior design) and strongly moisten.

The temperature of the space surrounding the plant should be almost constant and range from 22 to 25 ° C during the day, at night - a little lower, by 5 - 10 degrees. Phalaenopsis does not have a period of complete dormancy as such, therefore the whole year it is cared for almost unchanged.

Watering is regular, but moderate (water at room temperature is purified or settled), the substrate is moist, but not wet, top dressing is on average once every two weeks (mainly during the active period of growth and flowering).

And in autumn we reduce the temperature to 16 - 18 ° C for better formation of color buds.

Phalaenopsis is planted and transplanted (after flowering) up to twice a year into a special coarse, but loose, mixture - into 3 parts of pine bark (we break it into large pieces), one part of sphagnum, expanded clay (perlite) and charcoal. We do not damage the roots, we increase the space for them, that is, we take a pot larger than the previous one.

Pruning of faded branches is performed above the second or third “sleeping” bud of the plant, which can subsequently wake up and bloom again, thereby extending its flowering period. The pruning tool must be sharp and clean (up to alcohol treatment). We do not touch the lower leaves, they themselves wither and fall off.

It must be remembered that the rosette of leaves is often damaged by growing roots. And if moisture gets on these torn wounds of the outlet, then the plant may rot. Our task is to prevent such a development of events.

Therefore, we will water the orchid and spray it carefully and carefully, trying not to get on the wounds and inflorescences.

The best watering method for phalaenopsis is the full immersion method - put the flower pot in any container, fill it to the bottom leaves and leave for 5 - 10 minutes. Then we drain the water and put the plant in the pan.

When spraying, drip moistening of the leaves should not be allowed, you can only pollinate the plant with water dust. Therefore, it is easier and probably more correct to spray the space directly around the orchid.

With proper care, the orchid is unpretentious, blooms profusely and lives long enough.

Phalaenopsis orchid propagation

The Phalaenopsis orchid reproduces in many ways.

1. Reproduction by children - they are formed on the color shoots and stems of the plant. Some phalaenopsis have a growing peduncle, the dormant buds of which can become both a flower and a baby. Such a baby can form even in the winter, therefore we cut out the flower stalks not completely, but only partially. We wrap the ripe baby in sphagnum, dry it a little, spray the root. The roots of a centimeter have grown by 3 - 5 - we transplant into a pot. The process is not easy, and children do not appear often. You can cut off the peduncle and place it in water, adding the fertilizer necessary for the growth of the roots. Then put it in the sun and then, as experienced flower growers say, the buds will definitely wake up and babies will form on them. You can take an adult plant with a formed root system and a 4-leaf rosette, which rested for about two months after flowering, cut it to its upper “sleeping” bud fresh peduncle (not older than one and a half years) and put on the window somewhere in mid-February. Water infrequently or not at all for a couple of weeks. This technique, as it were, stimulates and awakens the flower bud, and by mid-June, babies should appear on it. After the baby has the 4th leaf and, without waiting for the roots to germinate, carefully separate the baby from the peduncle. It is in phalaenopsis that the growth of roots in a baby may not occur at all - it grows, feeding on the juices of the mother bush.
2. Reproduction by cuttings or peduncle - after flowering, cut off the stem at the very base, cut into 3-4 cm with a dormant bud in the center. Sprinkle slices with charcoal or activated charcoal. We place the cuttings on moistened moss and at temperatures up to 28 ° C they successfully germinate.

1. Reproduction by roots - we plant regrown young roots in a new place, reaching a length of 5 cm.

1. Reproduction by dividing an adult plant - in a phalaenopsis with a large rosette of 6 - 8 leaves, with a clean and sharp knife (you can use a garden pruner), cut off the top with 4 or 5 leaves and air roots and plant it in a separate container. Powder the slices, which contributes to the best rooting. Lateral buds appear on the mother plant after a few months, which can also be divided.
2. Propagation by seeds is a method of industrial propagation in vitro (in vitro) - directly by seed or in a sterile nutrient medium on pieces of tissue treated with special stimulants. Industrial cultivation of orchids provides for their use only as a decorative temporary decoration of interiors. Therefore, the main burden for its cultivation falls on the shoulders of amateur flower growers.

In the natural environment, phalaenopsis reproduces only by seeds and new shoots. Therefore, the reproduction of phalaenopsis at home is reproduction by children and cuttings. Sometimes - by dividing the bush.

Growing a phalaenopsis orchid is a rather difficult task and not acceptable to everyone. Therefore, even a simple photo of this beauty will give the interior tenderness, airiness and beauty.

Source: http://www.razmnojenie.ru/botanika/komnatnye-rasteniya/orhideya-falenopsis.html

Reproduction of phalaenopsis - important points. Reproduction of orchids at home - how to surround the plant with slaughter and care? flower beds

Phalaenopsis reproduce by "children" that appear on the stems of flowers; the roots of the children are wrapped in wet sphagnum, while leaving the opportunity to dry well - and then spraying a little. When the roots of young faliks grow more than 3-4 cm, they can be planted.

Reproduction of phalaenopsis

Reproduction of phalaenopsis by children is an accessible process in principle, but it can last quite a long time, about 5-6 months.

Most often, phalaenopsis reproduces by children, which are formed on the arrow of an orchid after flowering. Of course, if there is no desire to propagate the plant, then it is better to remove small children, as they inhibit the development of the mother plant, and flowering is postponed indefinitely.

The baby should form and grow 2 pairs of leaves, in addition, aerial roots should also form on it. Only then is the baby ready to separate from the mother bush. And yet she needs some care, this is primarily high humidity, which can be achieved with a mini greenhouse.

A cut plastic transparent bottle is also suitable, but without a cap. The temperature should be at rooting + 22-25 degrees, there should be enough light, but protect the plant from direct sunlight, otherwise the orchid will “burn out” and may simply die.

We use the substrate necessarily in small fractions, and in no case do not overmoisten, although it requires high humidity.

Of course, you can try to separate the baby at an earlier age, without air roots formed, but only then use epin, heteroauxin or other stimulant preparations. Just wrap the place where the root buds are laid with sphagnum moss-moistened in the stimulant preparation and plant in a greenhouse. Care like an adult orchid.

Sometimes it happens that a plant that has lived for quite a long time does not give children, then you can stimulate their formation.

We wrap visible dormant buds on the peduncle with wet moss, or even just a cotton swab, and wrap it with polyethylene until young leaves appear.

Then we remove the film, and leave the moss and constantly moisten it until air roots form. At the same time, do not forget that the plant needs high temperature and humidity.

Diseases and pests

When the roots of young phalaenopsis grow more than 3-4 cm, they can be planted.

Phalaenopsis diseases, like all plants, are associated with care errors. For phalaenopsis, this is, first of all, excessive humidity, especially at low temperatures. In this case, the plant is affected by rot. It is necessary to remove all parts of the plant affected by rot, transplant it into a new substrate and do not flood the plant.

If watering is insufficient, the leaves may dry out, and the likelihood of plant damage by pests also increases, especially during the hot period. Most often it is a scale insect, aphid, etc.

The shield aphid, or shield aphid, got its name from the waxy shield that covers the body of an adult pest. At first, at a young age, the scale insect is hardly noticeable, but it multiplies rapidly, covering the stems and leaves with dark spots.

Adults are motionless and sit under shields, from under which larvae crawl out and spread throughout the plant. At this time, they are destroyed by spraying with a soap and tobacco solution, to which you can add a little kerosene or denatured alcohol.

Adult pests, along with shields, are removed with a damp swab, but you still need to treat the entire plant with an insecticide or soapy solution to remove the larvae.

Aphids - a small insect can be green, gray or black in color. Settles on the underside of the leaf and feeds on plant sap, which leads to drying and folding of the leaves. Reproduces quickly. It is destroyed by ready-made preparations that are sold in stores or solutions of nicotine - sulfate in water with soap in a ratio of 1 g. nicotine - sulfate per 1 liter of soapy water.

After processing, the plants should be washed well in a day, covering the soil with polyethylene. If necessary, the processing is repeated.

The temperature feels comfortable during the day from +22 to +30C, at night not lower than +16 IMPORTANT: Drafts and excessive heat are dangerous

USEFUL: Colder temperature promotes flowering, hotter - to the appearance of a baby on a peduncle

Light Orchids love bright lighting, and if there is no sun, you can use artificial (fluorescent lamps).

IMPORTANT: do not put Phalaenopsis in direct sunlight (burns are possible)

Watering Phalaenopsis should be watered with filtered, boiled or settled water, abundantly (by immersion), but rarely (every 4 days in summer, 7 times in winter).

Wait for the water to drain, remember that overfilling is much worse than underfilling, and if you are in doubt about watering today or tomorrow, water it better tomorrow.

If between waterings it feels that the sphagnum is wet inside, and starts to dry up at the top, just spray.

IMPORTANT: Irrigation water should not enter the growing point (leaf growth center) to avoid rotting.

Top dressing It is important to know that during flowering and not flowering, phalaenopsis fertilize in different ways, and when choosing a fertilizer, see the formula on the back, if there is less phosphorus than nitrogen, then this fertilizer is suitable for regular top dressing during the growth period, for the flowering period (during the formation of the peduncle ), fertilizers with a high content of phosphorus are desirable.

USEFUL: fertilize every two or three waterings, thereby not spoiling your favorite flowers

Flowering: No need to panic when, after 2 months of admiring Phalaenopsis flowers, they suddenly fell off - Faliki bloom once or twice a year and flowering can last from a month to four, be patient - holte and cherish and he will thank you!

IMPORTANT: If the peduncle remains after the flowering period - do not rush to cut it off - if the apex has turned yellow, cut off 1 cm after yellowing and cauterize (with alcohol), if the peduncle has completely turned yellow, cut off (1 cm from the beginning), but if the peduncle does not turn yellow further - this indicates the fact that the orchid has other plans for it: whether it is a further branching of the peduncle, another flowering, or even better, a baby. Falenopsis breeding babies:

Phalaenopsis reproduce by "children" that appear on the stems of flowers; the roots of the children are wrapped in wet sphagnum, while leaving the opportunity to dry well - and then spraying a little.

When the roots of young faliks grow more than 3-4 cm, they can be planted.

Many people believe that orchids can only grow in greenhouses, and their cultivation is the lot of professional flower growers.

This opinion is erroneous: some types of these flowers can exist as indoor plants and an example of this is phalaenopsis. These are evergreen plants that bloom most of the year. They are unpretentious and caring for them is quite affordable even for beginner flower lovers.

These plants came to us from the Philippine Islands. Now they are exported to Europe from Southeast Asian countries.

Flowers of different varieties of phalaenopsis may have a different pattern and color: white, red, pink, lilac, brown and others. The flower is slightly flattened and has a curved peduncle.

The diameter of the cup is small - about five centimeters. Against the background of the petals, a lip stands out beautifully, the color of which can be contrasting.

The flowers of this orchid are sometimes compared to butterflies, as they really resemble these insects.

In an apartment, you can breed different types of phalaenopsis: hybrid, which blooms profusely most of the year, pink, having one peduncle, on which flowers open one after another, Luddemann's phalaenopsis and others.

These orchids are loved by flower growers for the beauty and originality of flowers, long flowering period and undemanding care. Phalaenopsis flower pleases its owner for up to three weeks. In addition, these plants are distinguished by an exquisite smell and durability in the cut.
Care. Despite the unpretentiousness of butterfly orchids, their care contains a number of features.

Phalaenopsis do not like direct sunlight - even electric lighting will suit them. Window tulle can protect the plant from sunlight. In the light, the flower should be at least half a day.

These plants are quite thermophilic: a comfortable temperature for them is 18-20 degrees, so it is better not to keep them on the windowsill in the frosty season. There should be no sudden temperature changes in the room.

Winged phalaenopsis - care features.

Phalaenopsis are often referred to as "butterfly orchids" because their charming flowers of various shapes, sizes, patterns and colors - white, yellow, pink, red, purple, brown and green - resemble tropical moths. The graceful, often contrasting in color lip of the flower effectively stands out against the background of patterned (striped, reticulated, brindle, speckled) or even coloring of flower petals, reaching 8 cm in diameter.

The phalaenopsis orchid has now gained wide popularity among flower growers. This orchid belongs to the group of indoor orchids, the cultivation of which is within the power of a novice lover - a florist. This flower has one indisputable advantage: an adult, well-developed plant can bloom almost all year round, it has a very short dormant period.

Usually, orchids have a special organ for the accumulation of water and nutrients - pseudobulbs, phalaenopsis does not have a pseudobulb, it is an epiphyte, i.e. a plant that has no connection with the soil, which settles on the trunk and branches of other plants, using them as a support. Epiphytes feed on mineral substances, which are obtained from the moisture of precipitation, dust, and decomposed bark.

Epiphytes have aerial roots that serve both to obtain nutrients and as a support for flowers. Part of the phalaenopsis roots, those that are in the light, are colored green, since, along with the leaves, they participate in the process of photosynthesis.

Phalaenopsis leaves are dense, green, collected in a rosette. Flowers of various colors - flat up to 5 cm in diameter. The phalaenopsis peduncle is curved, multi-flowered inflorescences are formed on it.

The original varieties of phalaenopsis are quite large plants (up to 1 meter), but miniature species are more popular with flower growers.

Large plants include Dendrobium phalaenopsis (Dendrobium phalaenopsis), which has numerous hybrids. A plant with large flowers and leaves. Like all phalaenopsis, it blooms for a long time.

The temperature regime for phalaenopsis should be even in winter and summer. The best temperature is +25 degrees.

In winter, it is desirable that the temperature does not fall below +20 degrees (although phalaenopsis can withstand a short-term drop in temperature).

This type of orchid has one feature: phalaenopsis gives flowering only if it is provided with a difference between day and night temperatures of +5 degrees. Only in this case, he lays new flower buds.

The phalaenopsis peduncle continues to grow as the flowers fade and if you cut off the part of the peduncle where flowering ended, then new flowers will appear on the remaining part, which increases the flowering period.

Phalaenopsis requires bright diffused light. Phalaenopsis care is understood as providing it with 10-15 hours of bright lighting, so in winter the plant needs lighting.

Like any other orchid, phalaenopsis is very sensitive to air humidity, which should be high. The leaves should be sprayed once a day, but there should not be drops on the leaves, the spray is the smallest, like fog. It is advisable to put the pot on a tray with pebbles, in which water is poured. This will create the necessary moisture for the phalaenopsis.

Please note - the pot is placed on a pebble so that it does not touch the water, otherwise the roots will rot.

When watering, there is one more feature: you can’t pour water on the growth point at the base of the outlet, so you need to water it carefully, into the edge of the pot, but it’s better to water it by immersing the pot in a container of water so that water enters the substrate through the holes in the pot.

The substrate for phalaenopsis must be breathable.

It is made up of pieces of bark, moss, you can add pieces of foam, which, by the way, is good to use as drainage for other plants instead of broken brick or expanded clay.

This whole mixture should be slightly damp, but not wet. Especially carefully it is necessary to water the plant in winter at low temperatures due to the high probability of root rot. Only soft settled water is suitable for irrigation.

It is natural for phalaenopsis when the roots grow into the holes in the pot and form above the soil. This does not mean that a Phalaenopsis transplant is needed. The upper roots can be slightly covered with a substrate, for which, when planting in the upper part of the pot, you must leave free space (the soil should not fill the pot to the top).

Phalaenopsis transplantation is carried out only if stunting is noticed and the pot is clearly small. By the way, it is better to take a plastic pot, because. in such a pot, holes can also be drilled on the side of the pot, which will create additional conditions for air to penetrate to the roots and eliminate moisture stagnation.

Even for phalaenopsis, care means the absence of drafts, although fresh air is necessary for this plant.

phalaenopsis orchid home care, orchid breeding at home, phalaenopsis breeding

Source: http://mydiz.biz/flowerbeds/472

Reproduction of the Phalaenopsis orchid at home

Orchid Phalaenopsis is an amazingly beautiful flower. For those who decide to start breeding plants at home, this article will be useful.

Orchids are an expensive plant, and not every owner of a home green corner can afford to buy a few more copies for the collection. If you want to have a lot of orchids in your greenhouse, you do not need to spend money on acquiring new plants. It is enough to have just one to start experiments on the propagation of the Phalaenopsis orchid.

Reproduction at home

If conditions close to native natural are created, the Phalaenopsis orchid often gives offspring, as well as blooms. In a room environment, an unpretentious orchid becomes capricious and demanding.

She constantly hibernates, stops growing, stops blooming. Experienced growers have learned how to stimulate the growth and development of a flower in many ways.

For example, to bring her out of her slumber, they change the climatic conditions, reduce watering, or use hormonal drugs for stimulation.

Having decided to start breeding, it will not be superfluous to know some secrets of orchid propagation. With the wrong actions, it can be destroyed and destroyed. You can not use hormonal drugs if the flower is sick.

Read also: Instructions for the use of copper sulfate

Methods and features of reproduction

There are many ways to propagate orchids. Being in an environment comfortable for growth and development, the orchid periodically gives birth to children on its own and without any stimulation.

If this does not happen for a long time, or if you want to quickly acquire another plant of this species, you can use certain manipulations to force the flower to multiply.

Children will appear as a result of the division of an adult plant. This method is considered the easiest. You can provoke an orchid to start offspring by changing the temperature of the content and reducing watering with top dressing. You can resort to artificial stimulation with a special paste. This method is considered, although effective, but one of the most difficult. It requires experience.

The plant is propagated by dividing the peduncle. But in this case, you will have to sacrifice the upcoming beautiful flowering of the orchid. After all, the peduncle is cut off and divided into cuttings.

Finally, the orchid can be propagated using seeds. This method at home is not always effective and requires sterile conditions. Let's look at each method in detail.

Reproduction by children

Simplest method - reproduction of Phalaenopsis orchids by children. But it is possible only if the plant released them from dormant buds. Children can appear both on the stem and on the arrow of the peduncle.

If the orchid has shoots, you should not rush to disconnect them from the mother stem. Let the kids get stronger and gain strength, grow up and take root. If the children started growing at the base of the orchid (near the root), then the grower will have to patiently wait until the root system gets stronger.

In those cases when the orchid gave the baby on the run, you need to figure out how to strengthen the arrow so that it does not break under the weight of the young orchid. When the baby starts up the first roots, growers are advised to start preparing for further rooting in the ground.

With the help of improvised structures, a small pot of soil is suspended from the new plant. It can be moss or well-chopped pine sawdust. The roots as they grow will cling to the ground and take root.

When they have grown by 3-4 cm and sank deep into the pot, you can disconnect the baby from the mother's shoot. Important: a young plant must have at least three root shoots.

Read also: What are the benefits of strawberries for women?

division

The method by dividing an adult orchid with a large number of ripened roots is also considered one of the simplest. The plant is divided into two parts, cutting off the top with a knife slightly at an angle so that both parts have their roots and leaves. The cut point must be processed.

The top with its root system is transplanted into the ground, and it continues to grow already as an independent plant. The lower part is left in the old pot. It is she who, after a while, from the sinuses will sprout with children.

As soon as the new generation of orchids appears and grows up to 5 cm roots, it will be possible to detach them and root them in new pots.

Breeding with the help of climate change

By changing the climatic conditions, the orchid can also be stimulated to reproduce.

Flower growers are advised to place the flower during the day in a warm room (25-28 degrees), and at night transfer it to a place where the air temperature is about 17 degrees.

For this method to work, the orchid should stop watering for about half a month. An increase in air temperature will provoke the appearance of buds instead of flowers and their heating, which will contribute to swelling. After 10 days, the first leaf of the baby will appear from the swollen bud. Now watering is restored.

Reproduction by cuttings

Propagation by cuttings is a method worth trying at home. A shoot released from the side is detached from an adult plant and cut into cuttings, each of which should be about 10-12 cm. It is important that they have a pair of buds. Another important point: the lower the kidney was on the shoot, the stronger it is, which means there is more chance to raise a baby.

Prepare the soil from sand or sphagnum, moisten it well. Put the cuttings on the soil and cover with polyethylene. It is necessary to create greenhouse conditions for them. This will speed up the rooting process and promote the growth of the young plant.

Propagation of the Phalaenopsis orchid with a peduncle (cuttings) is a rather laborious method. It is important to create the right conditions in the greenhouse. Although, as practice suggests, only a couple of cuttings with strong buds can release leaves.

Artificial stimulation with paste

Finally, you can force an orchid to release babies using a special paste with growth hormones, which is sold in specialized stores.

You will need the following materials for manipulation: a blade, a thin wooden skewer (an ordinary toothpick will do), hormone paste and tweezers. It is best to process the topmost kidney on the shoot.

A neat incision is made with a blade on it and the covering scales are removed. Then remove the scale with tweezers. A bright green dot will immediately appear. This dormant kidney.

Carefully, so as not to injure, apply paste on it with a skewer.

After 3-4 days, the procedure should be repeated. The plant is placed in a warm room with a temperature of at least 30 degrees. After a while, instead of a bud, a baby will come out. Attention: there can be no more than five treatments of one bud on one peduncle.

Reproduction by seeds

The method of propagating orchids by seeds at home is considered the most difficult and almost impossible. The seeds of the plant do not have a nutritional base, which in natural habitats is provided by the mycorrhiza fungus and root sponges.

In order for the seeds to sprout, you must first create a full-fledged natural habitat under artificial conditions. If this can be organized, the seeds will germinate in about 4 months, sometimes you have to wait a little less than a year for a sprout.

It is important to use a sterile container during propagation by seeds. The appearance of mold fungi is detrimental to seeds. If the seed still germinated, it's too early to rejoice.

It will take years (about 3 years) until a young orchid grows out of it, which can be planted in a personal pot. And after planting, the flower grower should wait for about a couple of years for flowering.

secrets

Breeding a Phalaenopsis orchid at home is easy if you know the subtleties. Before trying each method in practice, you should inspect your pet. You can not start breeding a plant if it is sick or looks unhealthy, languishes for no reason, or is damaged.

Also, a poorly fertilized orchid from a deficiency of nutrients may not tolerate various manipulations that stimulate reproduction.

As the name implies, the word Mini in the name of the phalaenopsis indicates its small size compared to the standard-sized "brethren" that can most often be found in flower shops and large hypermarkets.

In this article, we will look at what care is required for Mini Phalaenopsis at home, and also talk about the most popular varieties of Mini Phalaenopsis and look at their photos.

The word mini itself speaks of a small size - up to 20 cm (this is the growth of an adult plant). Standard - can meet up to a meter in height. But usually 50-70 cm.

Phalaenopsis Mini: variety varieties

pink girl

• Phalaenopsis Jiaho's Pink Girl and Phalaenopsis Wenlong Pink Girl;
• This pink girl maybe with a smell. Or maybe without it.

Pink Girl (Jiaho's Pink Girl).

Mark Fragrant

Phalaenopsis Mini Mark:

• Phalaenopsis Mini Mark is best known. This is a hybrid of created miniature phalaenopsis from the novelty group;
• Grows up to 10-15 cm in height y. And you need a miniature pot - 6-9 cm;
• The leaves are the color of malachite and can be 10-15 cm long;
• Flowers are small, only 3-4 cm. Orange dots on white petals. He is also fragrant;
• On other Mini Stamps there are inclusions of other colors (yellow or pink). And the lip is orange-brown.

Mark is fragrant.

Variety Multiflora

Multiflora (profusely flowering) is the name orchids with many small flowers (up to 6 cm). They can also be medium in size. Often multiflora flower stalks are constantly growing during the entire flowering cycle, while they are branching, creating the opportunity for the growth of even more buds.

Those. the presence in the name of the variety at the same time the words Multiflora and Mini can be understood as a small-sized plant (mini) with many small flowers (multiflora).

Multiflora.

Philadelphia

• . Hybrid ( and );
• And originally from the Philippines;
• Found in the natural environment;
• Silver-green leaves seem to be painted with marble;
• Flowers of different colors, but more pink-purple.

Philadelphia.

hummingbird

• miniature orchid notable for its star-shaped flower;
• And more of a hummingbird;
• Small in size and original in appearance;
• The peduncle is also small. But it has several flowers.

Phalaenopsis hummingbird "at the withers" reaches 40 cm.

Lyrical digression, or a little about the history of orchids

Activation of root growth

Analyze. Maybe you have not created the necessary conditions for the plant.

reproduction

How often do they give children?

• appear on flower stalks. Healthy plants give good babies;
  • And they do this by separating new side shoots. If they have grown to 5-6 centimeters. They are called children;
  • Can be transplanted directly into prepared containers (pots). Cut plastic bottles are often used. With multiple holes;
  • You can place in special greenhouses with wet sphagnum. If they are.

  Remember! It is necessary to cut off with a disinfected tool (knife, scalpel, scissors).

  Moss transplant - you will carry out for phalaenopsis purchased in stores:

  • You can implement it right away;
  • And you can wait. Until it blooms;
  • At the same time, ensure proper care.

  Useful videos

  Video about the main rules for growing Phalaenopsis Mini:
  
  The video below shows one of the landing methods:
  
  The following video is about transplanting mini phalaenopsis:
  
  How to properly care for a dwarf orchid, the following video:
  

  Conclusion

  • The long flowering of phalaenopsis increases the number of people who want to have such flowers. And not just one copy.
  • It is enough to buy one. And there is excitement. And experience comes. It turns out you can. Yes, and the Internet will help;
  • BUT miniature orchids provide additional opportunities to grow them.

  In contact with

  Phalaenopsis mini orchids are relatively rare on the shelves of flower shops. This is largely due to the relatively high cost - as a rule, the price of mini orchids differs little from the usual phalaenopsis. But still, if the micro version catches our eye, few will be able to resist buying - it is so charming.

  The main feature that distinguishes dwarf species of phalaenopsis lies in the soil: if a standard exotic beauty grows on bark, then a small orchid develops on a kind of sphagnum moss pillow. It is this fact that causes all the possible difficulties that may be associated with caring for miniature orchids at home.

  Watering

  In order for a dwarf orchid to develop normally and be healthy, it must be properly watered. In winter, when indoor plants are at rest, one watering for 14 days will be enough for a mini-phalaenopsis. But in the summer, when all orchids, without exception, are actively growing at home, dwarf species should be watered about 1 time in three days.

  Do not dampen the substrate inside the orchid pot unless it is completely dry. It is thanks to dry soil that miniature orchids get air access to their roots, which is vital for the normal process of photosynthesis.

  Phalaenopsis mini-orchid prefers watering by immersion: the pot with the plant is lowered into a container with warm settled water for about 20 minutes. Do not leave the dwarf phalaenopsis orchid in water for longer than the specified time - you risk provoking root rot.

  Fertilizer

  As is the case with any other indoor crops, caring for a mini-phalaenopsis involves regular feeding. Dwarf species, as a rule, fertilize exclusively during the active growing season. When choosing a nutrient mixture, give preference to a special ready-made mixture designed for a specific plant type. If you use any universal fertilizer, you can burn the delicate root shoots, and ruin your mini indoor orchids.

  Transfer

  Transplantation of mini-varieties is not done often: for the first time, phalaenopsis mini should be transplanted no earlier than after 3 years. This is due to the fact that this procedure is traumatic for the root system, so experienced flower growers do not recommend replanting orchids, and especially their miniature varieties, without urgent need.

  When transplanting, carefully inspect the roots, remove all damaged or dried / rotten shoots, do not forget to cover the cuts with wood ash. The pot in which the Phalaenopsis mini orchid is placed should be filled with pieces of bark, and moss can be placed in those places where gaps remain between the bark and roots. Do not forget: it is easier to take care of mini-orchids if they are planted in a transparent container - so you always see what condition the root system is in.

  reproduction

  Having "contacted" small orchids at home, you are unlikely to be able to propagate them in any other way than resorting to the vegetative method. Even novice flower growers successfully breed orchids with lateral shoots. To do this, the stem should be shortened, while the cut should be located as close as possible to the kidney itself, it is important to “clog” the cut with wax to avoid drying out the arrow. The kidney is treated with cytokinin paste, and when the “baby” has roots, it is planted in its own pot.

  Disease and pest control

  Miniature varieties of phalaenopsis are often affected by thrips - harmful small insects that live mainly in the ground. Of course, they are extremely difficult to notice until the consequences of vital activity begin to appear - sucking all the juices from the orchid, they gradually lead it to death. Home care for a diseased plant consists in regular, throughout the week, treatments of the culture with an actellik solution.

  If you are lucky with insects (or rather, with their absence), your pet may face another insidious danger - bacterial spotting. The disease is manifested by the fact that brown spots appear on the leaves of the plant, gradually leading to the development of ulcerative foci and death of the leaf. How to care for a plant? It is necessary to immediately remove the affected leaves by treating the cut sites with activated charcoal.

  Despite its small size, a miniature orchid is able to decorate any living room or workplace - after all, its charm lies precisely in fragility and tenderness. Treat her with love, and she will surely delight you with lush flowering for many months.

  Video “How to care for a mini phalaenopsis orchid”

  From this video you will learn how to care for a mini phalaenopsis orchid at home.

  Orchid is a frequent inhabitant in residential buildings and offices. This ornamental flowering plant of the Orchid family is native to Australia, the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Phalaenopsis orchid can be purchased at almost every flower shop. Due to its exquisite beauty, this epiphytic plant is incredibly popular among flower growers. In addition, caring for him is a great pleasure. Most varieties of phalaenopsis orchids are medium-sized plants with a peduncle from fifty to sixty centimeters. Short, miniature specimens have become popular not so long ago. They can only be found in some specialized stores. Mini Phalaenospis will give you great pleasure in growing.

  Features of dwarf orchids

  Mini phalaenopsis are plants no more than fifteen centimeters high, growing in small pots with a diameter of seven to nine centimeters.

  Before buying a mini phalaenopsis for your home, you need to know what kind of care it needs. The main feature of keeping a miniature orchid at home is related to the composition of the soil that is used to grow it.

  Unlike medium-sized varieties, mini phalaenopsis does not grow in pure bark, but in a dense clump of sphagnum moss. Accordingly, the features of caring for this flower at home are slightly different.

  Care for purchased dwarf orchids should be as follows:

  • A plant in the bark must be transplanted immediately after purchase, without waiting for the moment when it fades. Transplantation is done in a clean bark. This method is suitable for beginner flower growers who know little about caring for a flower growing in moss.
  • If you bought a plant in moss, then you need to leave it there, giving it proper care.

  Conditions for growing mini phalaenopsis

  All the features of keeping a mini orchid at home are proper watering, feeding and transplanting.

  Proper water regime

  An orchid growing in moss needs more frequent but moderate watering than an orchid growing in bark. This is due to the moisture capacity of moss, which is able to absorb a large amount of moisture and retain it for a long time.

  The usual methods of watering by immersion in water or a strait from above are excluded in this case, since there is a high risk of overflowing plants. It is recommended to carry out double irrigation of the ground part of the flower - in the morning and in the evening. This is the ideal watering method for Phalaenopsis orchids.

  Many growers water this flower with a teaspoon or a tablespoon, depending on the size of the pot. This method is also effective and helps to prevent plant overflow. In small doses, water is very quickly absorbed by the moss and evenly distributed throughout the container.

  The younger the plant, the more demanding it is on air humidity. For adult specimens, this figure should be at least fifty and not higher than seventy percent.

  Problems

  Mini phalaenopsis, whose leaves began to wrinkle, most likely suffers from a lack of moisture. If, after watering with the above methods, the leaves restored their natural appearance, this means that the reason was precisely the drying of the substrate.

  Another reason why the foliage of mini orchids loses turgor is a problem with the roots. Due to a lack or excess of moisture, they dry out or rot. Leaves cease to receive the main food. Such specimens need resuscitation - building up new roots. Optimize your pet's care to avoid this.

  Top dressing scheme

  Mini phalaenopsis, the basic care of which at home is quite simple, includes regular fertilizing. Fertilizers are applied every second week throughout the growing season. With the onset of a dormant period, flowers are fed less often - once a month. Experienced flower growers recommend completely stopping the nutrition of plants during the dormant period, which occurs in the summer and the dark months of autumn and winter.

  Mini phalaenopsis is fertilized foliarly. To do this, use special fertilizers for orchids. The substance is diluted in water, using a quarter of the recommended dose according to the instructions. The leaves of the flower are sprayed with the finished solution in combination with watering - once every two weeks. This technique will prevent the appearance of burns on the roots of plants.

  Growing temperature and lighting

  Caring for dwarf orchids at home includes ensuring the correct temperature regime. The ideal temperature for keeping mini phalaenopsis is 21-25 degrees Celsius. At temperatures below fifteen degrees, the plant begins to massively drop flower buds. Mini orchids do not tolerate drafts and sudden changes in temperature. With the onset of the autumn-winter period, they are removed away from the windows.

  Mini Phalaenopsis grows well in bright indirect light with protection from the sun. The best option is shading with a synthetic mesh.

  How to transplant dwarf phalaenopsis?

  Transplanting miniature orchids at home is carried out according to the same principle as for ordinary varieties, but taking into account some features:

  • A flower growing in moss is transplanted no more than once a year. This procedure is carried out in the spring, during the growing season (the formation of new leaves) and until the formation of the peduncle.
  • You can remove the remnants of moss and not damage the root system of the orchid by lowering this part of the plant into the water for a few minutes. After the substrate absorbs moisture, it is easily separated from the roots.
  • For transplanting a mini orchid into a pot with bark, it is recommended to use fine-grained planting material - no more than one centimeter in size.
  • Mini phalaenopsis likes to grow in tight quarters. Therefore, for transplantation, it is recommended to take a container not much larger in diameter than the previous one. It is important to ensure good air permeability of the substrate. You can use a well-washed and dried flowerpot.

  
  Caring for mini phalaenopsis at home is more laborious than caring for large varieties of orchids. These flowers require more attention and, of course, patience.