Phalaenopsis orchid The
orchid family contains a fairly large number of species of these plants, and the timing of when orchids bloom depends on the type and habitat of a particular plant species. But any plant can be deceived by changing living conditions, and orchids are no exception.
By artificially changing the length of daylight, air temperature and humidity, and the frequency of watering, you can provoke untimely flowering of orchids. You just need to remember that only the phalaenopsis orchid does not have a dormant period. Most other orchid species need rest.
Peculiarities
Experts note the following features of the flowering of this plant:
- the orchid blooms for the first time after reaching the age of two;
- if the plant was received from a child, you will need to wait until 6 airy petals form;
- the orchid needs adaptation and a calm state, i.e. There is no point in moving the pot from place to place.
Sometimes the conditions for keeping an orchid are so good that the flower puts all its energy into developing its leaves and root system. In this case, experienced gardeners recommend “scaring” the orchid - moving the pot to a cooler place or reducing watering to a minimum. Such a shock stimulates the plant to flower.
Flower age
When purchasing a non-flowering plant, you need to keep in mind that it may be too young to flower. Orchids, depending on the variety, can bloom for the first time at the age of 1.5 to 3 years.
To understand how mature a plant is, you need to count the number of its shoots. An adult flower that is ready to release an arrow with buds should have 5-8 shoots. If the arrow appears earlier than the specified period, then you need to take into account that an orchid that is too young after flowering may die due to lack of strength to recover.
Photo
In the photo below you can see what an orchid looks like in bloom:
Necessary Requirements
Even taking into account the above features, the orchid must provide the necessary conditions for the flowering process. What is needed?
- The orchid pot must be transparent so that the root system receives enough light for photosynthesis.
- The home flower is in dire need of sunlight. If there is a lack of it, the plant simply stops growing and developing. And if in the summer there is enough sun, then in the fall and winter it is necessary to organize additional lighting.
- For the formation of buds, the temperature regime must be observed. During the day it is from 20 to 24 degrees, at night - 15-18.
- For abundant and regular flowering, the soil is fertilized with preparations containing phosphorus and potassium. But it is important not to overdo it with nitrogen - from its excess, flowering will stop and only leaves will develop.
- Excess moisture will have a bad effect on the formation of new flower stalks, so watering should be moderate. In this case, it is carried out after the soil has completely dried.
- Too dry air leads to the death of the peduncle. Optimal indicators are 60% and above.
Results
The results of this material will not be brief, because the orchid has shown itself to be a multifaceted flower. It literally affects every area of a person's life. Somewhere positive, and somewhere negative, it is reflected in everyone’s fate, so let’s once again remember the main signs and superstitions about orchids:
- Orchid has a positive effect only on women. Men become dependent on the fair sex from her.
- The orchid helps the girl who placed it in her room or office perfectly in everything.
- The beneficial properties of orchids include: creating a positive environment at home, rejuvenation, transferring good luck and health.
Be happy! And, if you are a girl, be sure to plant an orchid! Believe me, your life will change beyond recognition!
Periods
The entire flowering process is divided into several periods:
- Vegetation. The period begins at the moment of formation of a new shoot. Not only the leaves grow, but the root system also actively develops.
- Peace. Peduncle growth and new bud buds.
- Bloom. Formation of buds and their opening. This period takes a lot of energy from the plant.
- Rest.
- Active vegetation. With proper care, this phase ends with repeated flowering.
How long does it last?
There is no general answer to this question, because the flowering period depends on the crop variety and the conditions under which it is kept. For example: dendrobium pleases with flowers for 3-4 months, and cattleya blooms for only two. On average, each flower stays on the stem for about 3-4 weeks.
The longest flowering is observed in the phalaenopsis variety. It lasts about six months. Moreover, this variety is less demanding to care for and is therefore recommended for beginners in orchid breeding.
Under ideal conditions, the orchid is capable of flowering 2-3 times a year. The dormant period between each color takes several months. The above-mentioned phalaenopsis, with sufficient fertilizers, practically does not experience such a need.
A home orchid can bloom at any time of the year. Interestingly, the color lasts the longest in winter.
Popular beliefs
For women
Representatives of the fair sex are recommended to keep orchids in the house as a talisman that preserves health, gives inspiration, charm, beauty, charm and other qualities.
The benefits for the skin are obvious:
wrinkles and inflammation disappear as if by magic .
The flower will definitely give feminine strength and beauty. There is a belief that this flower drives men away from women. Therefore, if there is an orchid in the house, then the fair sex will be left alone. But some experts believe that this is not entirely true: with frequent contact with a flower, a man can become tender, sensitive and that’s all. The flower will not harm the owner.
Why does it bloom?
If an orchid has bloomed, you definitely need to pay attention to the color of the plant, because petals of different colors predict different events :
- You can find harmony and tranquility when a white or soft pink orchid . Depression will go away and it will be easy to be positive.
- An orange flower will increase the productivity and activity of the owner. It will give a creative person inspiration and reveal his potential. If you need to replenish your supply of vital energy, then this flower will definitely help. During its flowering, all ideas will be realized.
- Anyone who has decided to get rich or increase their wealth should stop at the yellow orchid When this flower blooms, it will attract money.
- A talisman that helps protect against idleness - red and dark purple orchids . They will help you take decisive action. These plants need to be purchased by women who are planning to fight with themselves for a healthy lifestyle, who are trying to improve their figure or give up bad habits. These flowers will help strengthen your strong-willed qualities and certainly achieve results without putting off until tomorrow what you were going to do today.
- Pink flowers are friends of attractive and charming women. If you need to protect yourself from negativity, develop your creativity and highlight your beauty, then you should definitely buy orchids of this color.
- The plant is a rare color - blue - unique, so it is suitable for expressing serious, deep feelings.
- Motley - denotes an offer of intimacy and passion. Give to your beloved woman, with whom a future together is possible.
If given
A man who gives a bouquet of orchids will be considered unapproachable and cold by the people, because the flower symbolizes incomprehensible beauty. However, people admit that they are always overcome by envy of both the giver and the recipient of this gift, because the splendor of the flower simply amazes the imagination.
Orchids are given as a gift to girls if a man is confident in his feelings. If given:
- for a woman - they want novelty in a relationship;
- mother - as a sign of deep respect.
Orchids are also given as gifts for weddings. This expensive flower emphasizes respect for the recipients of the gift, highlighting their status and talents and as a wish for a long, happy family life.
It must be remembered that the plant must be purchased, and not taken from home , otherwise it will take revenge for betrayal.
If there's a baby
When an orchid has a shoot on its stem or a baby, it is a great success. This is an exotic plant, so it is very difficult for it to reproduce in our conditions. The appearance of a baby means happiness , fulfillment of desires, finding harmony and peace. It can also mean an addition to the family.
Other observations of our ancestors
- If an orchid was brought from someone else’s house, then it experiences stress and begins to spoil the atmosphere in the house. Conflicts escalate, quarrels develop, peace and tranquility leave the family.
- If you are constantly overcome by fatigue while working, then you need to put a red orchid on the windowsill and it will become easier to deal with difficulties.
- When your boss is very strict, you should give him this elegant flower. Subordinates will immediately feel the loyalty, sympathy and calmness of the boss.
- Did you give an orchid to a girl? This means there are serious intentions towards her, if the spouses should expect a surge of passion and love.
Is it possible to artificially stimulate the process?
It is not recommended to artificially stimulate a young plant, as this can lead to the death of the orchid. However, if the flower is healthy, there are several simple ways to help the plant bloom:
- Organize a temperature change. At night the plant is placed in a cool place, and in the morning it returns to its native windowsill. If necessary, the procedure is repeated 2-3 times.
- Reduce watering for a short period, and then return to normal.
- Use compositions that stimulate flowering - “Ovary”, “Bud”, “Plumen”.
Sometimes a hot shower is used. The plant is rinsed under running hot water (40-45 degrees). Carry out 2-3 approaches of 10 seconds. Between approaches, take a break of 15-20 minutes. This procedure invigorates the orchid - in conditions of danger, it strives to leave offspring and throws out flower stalks. However, this technique is considered dangerous and is used in exceptional cases.
Air humidity around the plant
Suitable air humidity is of great importance for orchid flowering. If it is too low, this may lead to a cessation of its development or to premature drying of unopened flowers or buds. To increase the air humidity in the room where the orchid is located, you can place a plate of water near it. In addition, in very dry times (when the heating system is turned on), the flower needs to be sprayed.
Nuances of plant care before, during and after flowering
It is no secret that the orchid is a capricious plant and requires compliance with all the rules of care:
- Care before flowering. During the dormant period, before the buds open, it is necessary to regularly water, maintain temperature conditions, apply fertilizers and monitor the amount of light and humidity levels.
If an orchid was transplanted, then immediately after that it is watered with boiled water with the addition of magnesium or potassium to replenish it. It is best to immerse the container with the orchid in the prepared solution and let it sit for half an hour. In the future, watering is carried out immediately after the soil dries. - During flowering. After the buds open, the orchid is well moistened by irrigating the aerial roots with warm water (slightly above room temperature).
If there is not enough moisture, the peduncle will dry out and die. The room where the blooming orchid stands is regularly ventilated (avoiding drafts), and the air is humidified. You can use special equipment or place a bowl of water next to the orchid. As soon as the buds open completely, watering is reduced. - After flowering. Old flower stalks are cut off to allow new ones to appear. However, the arrows must dry well, otherwise the risk of the orchid getting sick increases. It takes a little time for the plant to recover and bloom again. Therefore, immediately after flowering, fertilizers are applied so that the plant gets stronger and gains strength to bloom again.
The story of the orchid
Orchid is a flower known since ancient times. It has long been a symbol of luxury and worship. If a man presented a flower to a woman, it was a sure sign of his great sympathy and good intentions.
Since humanity has been familiar with the orchid for a long time, there are many stories and legends about it, in which it is almost always described as something that came from the gods, beauty, love or witchcraft. Thanks to such stories, we can better understand the significance of this flower in our lives.
The legend of the origin of the orchid
Venus, the goddess of love, once fell in love herself. Her chosen one was the young hunter and shepherd Adonis. One day, during their next walk, they were caught by a strong thunderstorm, then they retired to a cave, where passion took possession of them. At that moment, a shoe flew off the foot of the charming Venus, which immediately turned into an amazing flower. It is believed that the divine powers of Venus transferred to him.
By the way, there really is an orchid called Lady's Slipper.
If there are no buds
Gardeners often complain that their plant does not bloom (for example, buds do not form or bloom). There are a number of common reasons that can affect the onset of flowering in an exotic beauty.
- The rest regime with alternating watering and temperature conditions is not observed (for example, at night the air temperature does not decrease or the decrease is insignificant). In this case, it is necessary to remove the plant at night to a cooler place or ventilate the room.
- A new bud does not form if the efficiency of photosynthesis is reduced and the plant lacks energy. Make sure to maintain daily temperature changes and maintain daylight hours of at least 12 hours.
- Abundant watering. The flowering period of the orchid is a time of dry conditions.
- Incorrect selection of fertilizer. Excess nitrogen interferes with the development of the peduncle, stimulating leaf growth. Apply fertilizers containing potassium and magnesium to the soil at this time.
- Lack of light for roots. Provide a fairly transparent container for the orchid so that the root system has good access to light.
Is it possible to extend the period?
If you think that the flowering of this exotic beauty is too short, you can try to extend this period. The following methods are used for this:
- After the buds appear and begin to bloom, you should not move or rotate the pot. It is important to preserve exactly the conditions under which the orchid bloomed.
- Avoid overfertilizing. It is best to apply them before flowering and immediately after.
- Moisten the tip of the peduncle with a spray bottle.
In order for a home orchid to regularly delight its owner with a beautiful and lush color, it is important to provide it with proper care throughout all periods of growth.
Violation of the timing of watering, humidity and temperature, as well as lack of sunlight can cause the lack of new buds and flowers. You should not expect color from a plant less than two years old or if there are fewer than 6 aerial leaves on the stem.
Individual approach
There are a huge number of varieties of orchids. Each of them has its own characteristics. Therefore, there are no general rules, the observance of which guarantees lush flowering. Each variety requires an individual approach. For example, some varieties are sensitive to temperature changes. To speed up their flowering, you need to keep them warm for some time and then cold. Others begin to bloom after being given a slight drought. To find out exactly what conditions are required for a particular variety of orchids to bloom, you should read specialized literature.