The birthplace of indoor orchids. Orchid country of origin

How to grow an orchid at home. The necessary conditions for growing home orchid. Growing phalaenopsis.

Family: Orchids (Orchidaceae).

Number of orchid species: about 40.

Homeland of the orchid: Southeast Asia.

Description of the phalaenopsis orchid

This is a rosette monopoidal plant. In nature, they live in damp areas - on the banks of reservoirs or on coastal rocks. They have thick roots of a round or flattened shape, with the help of which the plants stick to any surface. The leaves of the orchid are dense, wide, fleshy, dark green, collected in a basal rosette.

Phalaenopsis flowers range in size from 1 to 13 cm in diameter and are shaped like a butterfly, hence the name (“phalaenopsis” means “butterfly” in Latin). The inflorescences are located in the axils of the leaves; depending on the variety, one peduncle can contain up to 100 flowers. After one inflorescence fades, new ones can develop from the lateral buds. On the peduncles of some varieties of orchids, “babies” are formed that easily take root. The color of flowers can be very diverse, both monochromatic and variegated.

Two forms of phalaenopsis coexist - standard and miniature. Standard species reach 1 m in height, miniature ones do not exceed 30 cm. They are preferable for keeping indoors.

The timing of orchid flowering depends on the species, some of which can bloom three times a year.

Growing an orchid. The necessary conditions

Temperature

The plant is thermophilic; the optimal temperature for phalaenopsis is 22-24°C. In autumn during laying flower buds a temperature reduction to 16°C is required for 1-2 months.

Lighting

Orchids prefer diffused light and do not tolerate direct sunlight. It is best to keep them on east or west windows, but with good artificial lighting you can place phalaenopsis in the back of the room.

How to water an orchid correctly

Phalaenopsis do not like waterlogging - their roots need a large number of air, so watering should be moderate throughout the year. To avoid rotting, it is better to water the plants not from above, but from a tray or by immersing the pot in a container of water. Water for irrigation should be soft.

Fertilizers for orchids

Orchids need regular feeding- in the summer twice a month at the usual dosage, the rest of the time once a month at half the dose. For feeding, it is advisable to use a special fertilizer for orchids.

Rest period

Not expressed.

Air humidity

Orchids are very demanding high humidity. It needs to be supported in all ways - by spraying leaves and air around the plant, placing the pot on a tray with wet filler, installing it near a miniature indoor pond (fountain).

When spraying, remember that water should not be allowed to get on the flowers. In addition, the spray bottle should be as small as possible so that the moisture forms a misty cloud around the plant without depositing drops on it.

Orchid transplant

Plants are replanted once every 2 years, in May. In this case, the new container should be slightly larger than the old one. The most important thing when replanting is not to damage the overgrown fragile roots of the phalaenopsis.

The substrate for orchids needs to be loose, coarse, and well-drained so that the roots receive enough air. So, it can consist of a mixture of coarse sand, sphagnum moss, pieces of pine bark and pieces charcoal in equal parts.

Orchid propagation

“Children” are formed on the stems of flowers. When they reach a length of about 5 cm, they are separated from mother plant and rooted in a substrate for orchids, planting them immediately in a separate pot.

These tropical flowers never cease to amaze. The variety of orchid species makes up 10% of the total flowering flora.

Exotics are as tall as a 6-story building and live up to 100 years. Some are underground, pollinated by underground insects, others are in the air. Some even know how to copy the smell of bees in order to lure them to their flowers.

Where did these mysterious creatures originate and where is the homeland of the orchid plant?

The history of the oldest plant can be traced on 65 million years back centuries.

It originated in the tropics South America. Today it can be found in all corners globe except Africa and the Far North. Prefers a hot, humid climate with long daylight hours.

The name of the flower comes from the Greek “egg”, since it is shaped like an egg.

There are more than 30,000 species of orchids, and their number continues to grow.

Legends and myths about phalaenopsis

The most unpretentious and popular orchid - phalaenopsis. Includes more than 70 species. Its name means “butterfly-like.”

Dutch botanist Carl Blume, while traveling around the islands of the Malay Archipelago, mistook these flowers for butterflies from afar. As he came closer, he was amazed by their beauty. This is how the name “phalaenopsis” arose.

Phalaenopsis

Australia, the Philippines and Asia are considered the homeland of phalaenopsis.

In world mythology there are several legends about the birth of Phalaenopsis:

• IN Ancient Greece its origin was associated with the goddess of love Aphrodite. Beautiful flower grew up in the place where the goddess dropped her shoe.
• According to a New Zealand Maori legend, an orchid was born from fragments of a rainbow.

It is phalaenopsis that is the ancestor of indoor species.

The most popular domestic species

Indoor varieties, which are very popular with gardeners, were developed through selection from natural ones. Therefore, the homeland of the indoor orchid is also South America.

• Brassia. It is also called “spider foot” for its unusual appearance. The flowers are greenish, up to 10 cm in diameter. Easy to care for. Begins to bloom in late spring. After flowering ends, stop watering and allow it to rest.

  

• Cumbria. It is a hybrid of three varieties. Flowers have different sizes and shapes. The peduncles are quite long, so they need support. In summer, cambria should be protected from direct sunlight. In winter, watering is reduced, but not stopped completely.

  

• Cattleya. The largest of the domestic species. Very showy, “waxy” flowers. There are both giant and miniature ones. The coloring is varied. They begin to bloom in spring and bloom until autumn. After flowering they should be allowed to rest for 6 weeks. Watering at this time should be reduced. The leaves are wiped with a sponge from time to time.

  

• Cymbidium. Recommended for beginners. The coloring is varied. Blooms in autumn and winter. There are more than twenty flowers on each vertical peduncle. They live for 8–12 weeks. After flowering, the cymbidium is left alone, reducing watering. The place for the flower should be bright and sunny.

  

  Cymbidium

• . Includes many species, varying in size, shape and color. They bloom throughout the year. After flowering it may lose its leaves. Dendrobium requires a bright place, without direct sunlight. The most popular variety is Dendrobium nobilis. It blooms white and pink in spring.

  

  Dendrobium

• Lycasta. Flowers yellow color. There is one flower per peduncle. The plant is famous for its very strong aroma. Active growth is observed in the summer. That's when the lycaste needs abundant watering. In winter, they are placed in a cool place and watering is reduced. At this time, the leaves fall and flower stalks form. A large number of hybrids with large flowers and a variety of colors have been bred.

  

• Paphiopedilum. The flowers are shaped like shoes. Each is located on a separate peduncle. Paphiopedilum needs moisture all year round.

  

  Paphiopedilum

• Phalaenopsis. The flowers are flat, on curved peduncles. They live for about a month. Hybrid varieties are unpretentious to grow and can bloom periodically all year round. They bloom at +28°C. In autumn, phalaenopsis should be placed in a cool place for several weeks.

When choosing a plant for indoor growing, you should remember that some species are more demanding of care, others less so. For beginners, it is better to start with easier-to-grow orchids (cymbidium or phalaenopsis).

Terrestrial species of orchids

Terrestrial species have roots and regular leaves. They are herbs up to 50 cm in height. There are few leaves: most often one or two. The roots are underground. Rhizomes, the so-called “root cones,” extend from them. In spring, a new shoot grows from the root cone and flowers form on it.

Epiphytes

Epiphytes grow by attaching themselves using aerial roots to the trees. "Food" comes from environment and tree bark and love it very much sunlight. Their stems have thickenings resembling nodules. These are false bulbs where the plant stores moisture and nutrients.

Lithophytes- a similar variety. They settle among stones and rocks, sometimes at an altitude of two thousand meters. IN wildlife found in the countries of South America, which is officially considered the birthplace of the orchid plant. Lithophyte roots are similar to epiphyte roots. They tolerate cool climates well.

Saprophytes

Saprophytic orchids do not have leaves. A cluster of flowers forms on a shoot covered with scales. The plant is interesting because it lacks chlorophyll. The flower receives its nutrition from organic substances contained in humus.

Hybrids

There are a huge number of natural types of orchids. At the same time, new hybrids (varieties) are constantly being artificially created. There is an assumption that at the moment their number is approaching a million.

Hybridization is designed to reduce the demands of flowers on growing conditions. This is done for more easy care at home.

Spreading

Orchids belong to the largest flowering family. They are distributed almost all over the world. Most species grow in the tropics.

The greatest diversity is in Asian countries, South America, the islands of the Malay Archipelago, and New Guinea.

The orchid has long won the love of gardeners as a houseplant. There are many specially bred hybrids for indoor growing.

Orchids – herbaceous perennials, which are divided into two groups - terrestrial and epiphytic (growing on other plants). The humid tropics of South America are considered the homeland of epiphyte orchids; they also grow in the tropics of Southeast Asia. Terrestrial orchids are common in southern and North America, Australia, Europe.

Today there are more than 30,000 species of orchids and new discoveries continue. They grow all over the globe, excluding the Far North and deserts, regardless of the orchid’s homeland. With a huge variety of orchid species, they all have the same structure. They have simple petiolate leaves, flowers have three outer and three inner petals. One of the petals is called the lip and differs from the others in shape, size and color. The lip can have the most bizarre shape and incredible color, because it is it that attracts insects for cross-pollination. Orchids have a long flowering period and can bloom for months. The fruit of an orchid is a pod with a huge number of dust-like seeds.

Varieties of orchids

Orchids are incredibly beautiful and are considered one of the exquisite plants. Their uniqueness lies in the rich variety of shapes, smells and colors. Orchid flowers can range in size from a few millimeters to almost a meter. Some orchids are shaped like stars, fantastic animals, or open palms. Or they can be modest, like the Lyubka bifolia found in our forests ( night violet). Flowers can be glossy or silky delicate, almost crystal or like marble. And the colors can be bright, like the plumage of tropical birds or tiger, sometimes reminiscent of the wings of butterflies, decorated with bright spots or be in soft pastel shades.

Whatever it is home of the orchid, the aromas of flowers are also incredibly diverse. Some smell like vanilla and some spices, while others smell like hyacinth or rose. The smell of tropical orchids is very exotic, mysterious and pleasant. And in general, orchids are exotic flowers, much more than all the others.

A special type of orchid grows in the tropics - the jewel orchid. This plant has inconspicuous small flowers, but absolutely fantastic, velvety leaves with luminous patterns that begin to flicker at the slightest movement. Those who see these orchids for the first time simply freeze with delight. The French collector V. Cavestro called them aristocrats of the plant world.

In ancient legends, orchids were credited with the ability to increase potency. Today, without the Vanilla flatifolia orchid with its wonderful aroma, it is impossible to imagine the cosmetic and food industry.

Indoor orchid - incredible beautiful plant, which, thanks to its attractive appearance, decorates window sills residential buildings and offices. The flower is quite demanding of its personality, since it was brought to us from abroad. Where is the home of the indoor plant, and what are the nuances of caring for the plant?

Homeland of the indoor orchid

The remains of an orchid were first mentioned in the works of the outstanding philosopher Theophrastus in the fifth century BC. The plant was found in Verona, therefore, Italy is considered the flower’s native home. Theophrastus described the plant in a systematic treatise, where he indicated that the orchid has two tubercles at the base, which are very reminiscent of human ovaries.

However, one must get to the eleventh century, in China.

The Chinese praised the indoor orchid because they believed that it was capable of expelling evil spirits from the house. It was they who “tamed” and first began to plant the plant in a container. The blooming of orchids was associated with the onset of spring holidays.

Today, orchids are so popularized that they can be found in every corner of the world. Despite all its cuteness, the flower boasts voluminous sucker roots. Thanks to the roots, the plant can “grab” onto any surface, be it a stone, a tree or earthen soil. It is noteworthy that the orchid does not dry out in the air, so there is no vital need for soil.

• There are more than 20,000 thousand species of orchids.
• The plant has flower symmetry similar to the symmetry of a human face.
• Orchid is the source of vanilla.
• Some plant species can live up to 100 years.
• This type of plant serves as the main ingredient for the preparation of an oriental drink - salep.

Over the past few years, the plant has gained wide popularity among modern gardeners. And all thanks to the variety of plant colors and long flowering. Most people think that the orchid does not do well in our climatic conditions, but it is worth saying that when proper care, you will be delighted with the unpretentiousness of this plant.

How to care for the “queen” of indoor flowers?

The indoor orchid reaches a height of 60-90 centimeters and a width of 15-20 centimeters. The color is bright and long lasting. Home flower refers to evergreens, its leaves are distinguished by a rich green color. Proper care consists of:

1. Maintaining and creating the correct humidity. In summer, with humidity in residential buildings no problem. In winter, a humidifier will come to your aid. You can spray the plant occasionally warm water, this will help moisten the leaves and remove such unwanted dust.
2. Regular. An indoor orchid needs abundant watering, but it is worth remembering a sense of proportion. The next watering should be done only when the soil is dry. It is better to allow the flower to saturate itself with water through the root system.
3. Replanting and feeding the plant. Indoor orchids need to be replanted every year in the spring. Renewing the soil and pot allows the root system to “breathe” and become saturated with minerals. It is better to feed the plant using ready-made mineral supplements. But do not “overfeed” the plant, otherwise it has a chance to burn the roots.
4. Maintaining temperature conditions. In principle, an indoor orchid is a heat-loving plant. IN summer period You can place the pot on the windowsill, but you should make sure that the sun's rays do not come into direct contact with the leaves - otherwise you will face a burn. In winter you should beware of drafts and frost.

In severe frosts, the flower must be protected from being on the windowsill. If you strictly adhere to these simple rules, then caring for an indoor orchid will not be too difficult and confusing, and the housewife will be able to enjoy the long flowering of the plant.

Difficulties in growing orchids

Any plant needs something special. This is due anatomical features indoor flower. What difficulties might a gardener encounter when growing indoor orchids?

Difficulties in growing orchids:

1. Brown spots on leaves. Most often they point to sunburn. The housewife should take care to darken the place where the plant stands.
2. The plant grows at an angle. Most likely he doesn't have enough light. If there are no problems with lighting, the reason may lie in poor watering.
3. Plaque and fungus on the leaves. In most cases, the appearance of these problems is associated with dampness and cold in the room.

If the plant does not bloom, or blooms, but very sparingly, look for the reason in insufficient feeding mineral fertilizers or poor care. Caring for an indoor orchid can be reduced to maintaining humidity, regular watering, and literate. With proper care, the plant is sure to respond to you with beautiful and long flowering.

Video about orchids at home:

Kira Stoletova

People who are interested in the homeland of the phalaenopsis orchid will be curious that wild plants can be found even in our country. There are approximately 130 species, 50 of them grow in Crimea. The homeland of the orchid is forests, fields, rocks, and forest edges.

Where do orchids grow?

The homeland of orchids is not only the tropics, as many believe. They have been spotted in every corner of the globe except Antarctica. The plant is considered tropical flower, because about 80% different varieties lives in tropical forests.

Anakamptis, orchis, nesting, neonesia, lyubka, pollenhead, lady's slipper grow in Russia. In temperate climates, 10% of all flowers of this species grow, which makes up 75% of the plant.

Homeland of epiphytes

Epiphytes are plants that live on plants. They get everything they need from the environment, not from the plant to which they are attached. Thanks to photosynthesis, epiphytes obtain energy and nutrients, and receive moisture from precipitation. Origin beautiful flowering plants takes from the rainforests of Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. The genus of orchid epiphytes is considered to be the tropics of America and areas in Asia. A little is enough for them useful soil from rotten wood or plants.

In particular, the orchid is a genus of indoor plants. At home, the plant behaves very capriciously.

Known types of tropical flowers:

• Lelia;
• Epidendrum;
• Tsilogina;
• Phalaenopsis.

The substrate for the plant should be light, permeable to air and moisture. Orchids love light, but should be hidden from direct rays of the sun, because they are accustomed to the twilight of the tropics. For better growth flowers are transplanted into small pots. The soil for them must be permeable to air and moisture.

The homeland of the indoor orchid is the wild tropics of Malaysia and New Guinea. This flower is famous for its leaves, not for its flowers. When moving, these velvety leaves begin to shimmer.

Homeland of phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis is the most famous home flower. Houseplants and wild ones are different from each other. At home we are already growing hybrids crossed with dozens of progenitors. Therefore, these tropical flowers have taken root here too. The homeland of this orchid is Southern China, Indonesia and the Philippines. In those parts they chose forests up to 500 m above sea level. That's why they love warmth.

Homeland of dendrobium

Dendrobiums also grow in Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines, and on the island Pacific Ocean, Southeast Asia, but the birthplace of Dendrobium orchids is Malaysia. They inhabit forests at altitudes of up to 2000 m above sea level. For their soil they take fern, sphagnum moss, and pine bark. Certain species a temperature difference is needed for flowering, as well as time for calm - these are the conditions of the wild.

Wanda's homeland

Many people love this type of blue orchid. The homeland of the Vanda orchid is Southeast Asia, the Himalayas and Papua, New Guinea, Burma and Australia. It is difficult to grow them at home. Because they need at least 14 hours of light every day, rain, humidity from 70% and a temperature difference from 6 to 10°C. Those who love this flower need to make greenhouses, buy an air humidifier, and phytolamps to provide the necessary conditions.

Homeland of Cattleya

Orchids are considered almost the most wonderful flowers on the entire planet. Cattleya is the queen of orchids. Caring for this flower depends on the homeland of the orchid. Cattleya, inhabits South America and the Caribbean islands. That's why it needs lighting. It is resistant to temperature conditions and also requires temperature changes and a dormant period for flowering. Cattleya behaves neutrally to humidity and requires a period of rest.

herbaceous orchid

These flowers grow in the temperate climates of North and South America, Central Asia, and Europe. Several varieties are also found in Australia. It is almost impossible to grow this flower at home; they do not take root.

Lyubka bifolia, another name is night violet, it also belongs to orchids. Homeland - Caucasus, grows in the European part of Russia and in Far East. In nature, Lyubka is found on forest edges, in clearings, and less often in wet meadows. This plant has taken root in our gardens. It attracts with its alluring scent and strong blooms, and its flowers are small.

The lady's slipper was discovered several years ago. The native flower is considered to be northern Europe, including England, the southern part of Russia, and Scandinavia. Found in the mountains of the Caucasus and the Urals. This plant surprises not only with its appearance. It takes approximately 15 years from its germination to the beginning of flowering. shoe on simple soils without wet soil will not bloom.

Conclusion

Before you get any kind of orchid, you need to carefully study all its features and care for it, so that time is not wasted in case the plant does not take root in the indoor environment. There are approximately 30,000 varieties that need different care and conditions.