How to properly care for orchids at home. Indoor plants - decorative and flowering - orchids

Orchid (Orchidaceae, as well as Orchidaceae) is a plant of the flowering department, class Monocot, order Asparagusaceae, family Orchidaceae (lat. Orchidaceae). Orchids are one of the most species-rich families of the plant world.

The orchid plant acquired its name back in ancient Greece thanks to the philosopher Theophrastus, a student of Plato. As a result scientific research The scientist came across an unfamiliar flower with roots in the form of a pair of bulbs and gave it the name “orchis”, which means “testicle” in Greek.

Orchid (flower): description and photo

Orchid flowers constitute one of the largest plant families, the main part of which in nature are perennial herbs. The shrub form and woody vines are less common. The size of orchids can vary from a few centimeters, although individual species grow up to 35 meters in height.

The roots of the epiphyte orchid are extremely important organs because they perform many essential functions.

Firstly, with their help, orchids are attached to the substrate, which allows them to maintain vertical position. Secondly, the roots actively participate in photosynthesis, sharing this function with the leaves. Thirdly, with the help of the root system, orchid flowers absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and the bark of the plants on which they live.

Another, smaller part of orchids are lithophytes that grow on rocky and stony rocks. Terrestrial orchids form a medium-sized group.

Both types are endowed with underground rhizomes or tubers.

The green stem of an orchid can be long or short, creeping or erect. The leaves are simple, alternate; there may be one or more of them on each plant.

Orchid flowers of the most varied colors and sizes form 2 types of inflorescences: a simple spike with a single arrangement of flowers or a simple raceme with several flowers on stalks growing along the stem.

The orchid flower is an insect-pollinated plant, and the pollination mechanisms of each species are sometimes unusual and very diverse. Shoe orchids, which have a “shoe-shaped” flower structure, are equipped with a special trap for pollinating insects.

Orchids have sticky legs, the flowers of this orchid imitate the smell of females, thereby attracting males.

The flowers of tropical orchids intoxicate insects with an unusual aroma, while other species shoot pollen towards the pollinating insect.

Orchis

The orchid fruit is a dry capsule containing up to 4 million microscopic seeds, which is a kind of productivity record among flowering plants.

Lifespan of orchids natural conditions individual, depends on many factors and favorable conditions may be 100 years. In greenhouse conditions, many types of orchids live up to 70 years.

Types of orchids, names, descriptions and photos

The modern classification of orchids, developed by the American scientist Dressler, contains 5 subfamilies, each of which is divided into several genera and many species:

• apostasiaceae (lat. Apostasioideae)

A primitive subfamily consisting of 2 genera: non-vidia (lat. Neuwiedia) and apostasy (lat. Apostasia) and 16 species of orchids, which are small herbaceous perennials. These orchids grow in Australia, New Guinea, Indochina and Japan.

• Cypripediaceae (lat. Cypripedioideae)

Represent 5 genera and 130 species of orchids, consisting of terrestrial, rock and epiphytic perennial herbs. One of the famous genera is the Lady's slipper, 5 varieties of which are found in Russia. The range of the subfamily is distributed over temperate, tropical and subtropical latitudes of all continents except Africa.

• vanilla (lat. Vanilloideae)

This subfamily includes 15 genera containing 180 species of orchids. Herbaceous plants or vines are distinguished by a large number of flowers in an inflorescence. Fruits of representatives of the genus Vanilla (lat. Vanilla) contain vanillin, widely used as a spice, perfume industry and pharmacology. These orchids grow in the tropics of the African continent, Central and South America and Asian countries.

• Epidendral (lat. Epidendroideae)

The largest subfamily consists of more than 500 genera, forming over 20 thousand species of orchids. They are epiphytic perennials, less often terrestrial herbs, and extremely rarely lianas. A notable genus is Dactylostalyx (lat. Dactylostalix), listed in the Red Book of Russia. And also the genus Cattleya (lat. Cattleya), characterized by fragrant, large, exceptionally beautiful inflorescences. These orchids grow in the temperate, tropical and subtropical zones of all continents.

• orchidaceae (orchidaceae) (lat. Orchidoideae)

The subfamily unites 208 genera and almost 4 thousand species of perennials land plants with an erect stem. The genus of orchids Anakamptis (lat. Anacamptis) with beautiful spike-shaped inflorescences of bright color. As well as representatives of the genus Fingerroot, or Dactylorhiza (lat. Dactylorhiza), the dried roots of which are used for poisoning and as a nutritional component for depletion. These orchids are found on all continents except Antarctica. Genus Phalaenopsis (lat. Phalaenopsis) is also very common; representatives of this genus are widely cultivated at home.

Phalaenopsis orchid

The shades of Phalaenopsis orchids can be classified as follows:

• black Orchid;
• blue orchid;
• blue orchid;
• yellow orchid;
• red orchid;
• purple orchid;
• White orchid;
• pink orchid.

Phalaenopsis Orchid

Orchid varieties, names, descriptions and photos

There are an endless variety of varieties and varieties of orchids, among which are the following:

• Cattleya lipped (lat. Cattleya labiata)

One of the largest representatives of cultivated orchids, although small cattleyas are also found. This variety has very beautiful flower with petals covered with a waxy coating and a corrugated “lip”. The colors of the orchid flower, which “lives” for almost three weeks, are the most multifaceted - from soft pink and beige tones to deep purple.

• Orchid Cymbidium (lat. Cymbidium)

An excellent variety of orchids, resistant to stress and easy to care for. Hanging peduncles contain 10-13 orchid flowers of the most unimaginable palette - from boiling to white to purple or bright orange. This variety of orchid blooms profusely and continuously for 8-10 weeks.

• Lycasta fragrant “Golden”(lat. Lycaste aromatica)

This variety of orchid is loved by connoisseurs for its spectacular bright lemon-colored flowers with a delicate and persistent aroma. Peduncles are tall, up to 25 cm, flowers in diameter often exceed 15-17 cm.

• Darwinar's orchid (lat. Darwinara)

A miniature orchid hybrid with very dark, leathery leaves and an elegant inflorescence, which includes small, 2-3 cm in diameter, blue-violet flowers. The inflorescence is racemose and may contain 7-12 flowers with a delicate aroma.

• Potinara « Burana Beauty» (lat.Potinara Burana Beauty, Rhyncattleanthe)

The hybrid is distinguished by luxurious variegated yellow-red flowers with wavy petals. The peduncle of the orchid is of medium height; this variety of orchid blooms all summer, and with proper care it pleases with its beauty even in the first autumn month.

• Cymbidium"Twelve" (lat. CymbidiumTwelve)

An orchid with long, rather narrow leaves. The bud of the Cymbidium “Twelve” orchid is whitish-pink in color, with a slight reddish speck. Inflorescences drooping, racemose, short.

• Orchid Dendrobium Nobile(lat. Dendrobium nobile)

D sometimes reaches 60 centimeters in height, the minimum height of this individual is about 30 centimeters. The diameter of one flower varies from 4 to 7 centimeters. And the branch of the Dendrobium Nobile orchid can have inflorescences of different tones.

Where do orchids grow?

Representatives of the largest orchid family adapt so easily to living conditions that they have spread almost everywhere. to the globe and feel comfortable in absolutely everything climatic zones, except for the harsh Antarctica. The majority of orchid species grow in the tropics, but these luxuriously flowering plants can also be found in temperate latitudes. Europe and Asia, North and South America– in any place, orchids adapt perfectly to natural conditions, bloom profusely and expand their range.

Planting orchids at home

Surprisingly, contrary to popular belief, indoor flower should grow in a pot with soil, orchids prefer to “live” in a container with a substrate of bark, sand, forest moss, peat and even polystyrene foam. You can buy ready-made soil for orchids, or make it yourself.

The bark is usually taken from pine and always from a “dead” tree. It is crushed, boiled in water and dried. Only the upper green part of the moss is used, after washing it with boiling water and shredding it. Sand for the substrate - only coarse sand. You can also add charcoal, foam chips and fine expanded clay. The components are mixed and thoroughly moistened immediately before planting the orchid.

By the way, when choosing a pot for an orchid, choose pots made of white or other light plastic: they will bask less in the sun. Wicker baskets or flowerpots are perfect for planting orchids.

The plant must be planted as carefully as possible so as not to damage the rather fragile roots of the orchid. The substrate should not be compacted - just fill the voids around the rhizome of the flower with it.

Orchid care at home

Lighting

Proper lighting is the main factor when caring for home orchid. The plant needs 12-15 hours of daylight, so on short winter days additional lighting will be required. In other seasons, it is better to place the plant on the east or west side of the room, closer to the window. The southern windows will have to be shaded; the northern side will need constant fluorescent lighting.

Orchid “Flying duck” (lat. Caleana major)

Temperature

The temperature regime for an orchid depends on the type of plant. Phalaenopsis and other tropical species of orchids are kept in summer at temperatures up to +32 degrees; during winter night hours the temperature should not drop below +15.

Dendrobiums, miltonias and other species native to the subtropics prefer a more gentle atmosphere: +22 in the summer daytime and + 12-15 degrees in the winter.

Indoor orchid grows and blooms well at air humidity of 60-70%. Spraying has a short-term effect, and, unfortunately, it contributes to the development of infections and leaf rotting. Therefore, the best option would be to use air humidifiers, install open vessels with water and moisten the gravel in the tray. Spraying the orchid should be kept to a minimum, trying not to get water on the flowers.

Watering

“How to water an orchid correctly?” - a question that concerns many lovers of this beautiful plant. Orchids do not tolerate stagnant water, which can lead to yellowing of the leaves and rotting of the roots. To water orchids, it is better to use soft water - rain, melt or boiled. Summer watering of orchids is carried out after the soil or substrate dries out, 2-3 times a week; in winter they water extremely rarely, as soon as the pseudobulb begins to shrink.

Transfer

Orchids need to be replanted only if necessary; this process is often replaced by transferring them to a larger container. The best “homes” for a flower are ceramic or plastic pots with holes in the walls or a basket.

Brick fragments or granite crushed stone, which fills 1/4 of the container. Holes and cracks are filled with sphagnum. The substrate is prepared from 5 parts of pine or willow bark, 2 parts of sphagnum and 1 part of charcoal. If you add crushed fern rhizomes, fallen tree leaves and peat to the mixture, you can do without fertilizing. The orchid is carefully lowered into the container, the fragile roots are straightened and the voids are filled without compacting the substrate. Then the plant is secured with wire and not watered for 5 days.

With timely (once every 2-3 years) transplantation, orchids can do without feeding at all, receiving the necessary nutrition from the substrate. Excess fertilizer suppresses the plant’s immunity, which reduces the flowering of the orchid and leads to infections. A high concentration of mineral salts can lead to the death of the plant, and if there is a need to feed the orchid, it is better to use special fertilizers: Bona Forte, Kristalon, Pokon, Compo or Greenworld. When using any fertilizer for orchids, the recommended dose should be reduced by 2 times. Orchids are fed only in spring and summer, during the period of plant growth.

To stimulate flowering, it is advisable to treat orchids with the preparations “Ovary”, “Bud”, “Tsveten”.

Reproduction

Representatives various types and even genera are capable of interbreeding and producing numerous hybrids. Targeted interspecific pollination has given rise to hundreds of thousands of artificial orchid hybrids, many of which have become beloved houseplants. Particularly popular are representatives of the genera Phalaenopsis, Cattleya and Dendrobium. Each type of orchid has individual recommendation nuances regarding maintenance conditions and rules for care and breeding that are common to all types.

Orchids are propagated by any of 3 known methods:

• lateral stem shoots - children, which are separated from the mother plant and planted separately;
• layering - aerial offspring, using rooting on the mother plant in a special greenhouse and subsequent separation;
• vegetatively, dividing the rhizome and planting fragments containing 2-3 pseudobulbs.

Bloom

Provided proper lighting and proper care, an orchid can bloom 2 times a year, in spring and autumn. Non-communicable diseases in the plant occur due to hypothermia, overwatering, insufficient lighting, and sunburn. Long-term negative effects can lead to the death of the flower.

Many lovers of growing beautiful flowers at home, having brought home an orchid, wonder how to properly care for it? What does this require?

First of all, you need to arrange a kind of quarantine for the plant. It needs to be placed in a secluded place for two weeks, away from other house flowers. Moreover, they should not get on the plant. Sun rays, it should be completely at rest. At this time, the plant does not require additional fertilizing.

How to transplant an orchid at home

If you just brought an indoor flower home, then there is no need to replant it. The plant will feel great in its own substrate for another couple of years. The plant needs to be replanted only if it is in sphagnum moss.

Need a flower carefully remove from the pot. During this operation, you must try not to damage root system. Sometimes you even have to cut the pot.

The roots are freed from the substrate, dried and rotten ones are removed. Then everything is washed clean running water. Orchid placed in new pot with the substrate, add soil until the empty cavities between the roots are filled.

It is forbidden to cover the top of the flower; it should always be on the surface. The soil is moistened, the pot with the orchid is placed in a dark place and kept for several days.

Gardeners believe that the plant experiences stress after transplantation, so it needs to be treated with special flower “anti-stress” » . Orchids don’t need this, they are successful on their own copes with stress and easily adapts to new conditions, which is clearly visible in the photo.

There is no need to treat the orchid leaf with insect-killing drugs. You should not poison a plant that has just moved.

What kind of lighting is required for an orchid?

Looking at a photo of a colorful orchid, you always wonder how to create the right lighting for this plant at home. After all, its future flowering and growth largely depends on this.

In normal lighting, the flower will delight the eye beautiful flowers, and if there is not enough of it, the leaves will begin to acquire a light green color, begin to stretch out, and begin to turn yellow.

To make the flower look like in the photo, lighting needs to be created, according to certain rules:

1. The indoor orchid develops well when diffused light. Direct sunlight has a negative effect on the orchid. This nuance must be taken into account when caring for an orchid at home.
2. In summer, it is advisable to place the plant in a darker place. This is especially true for locations where the leaves are exposed to the hot rays of the sun.
3. In autumn, indoor orchids do not require darkening. The amount of sunlight decreases, and the orchid’s shoots begin to ripen. She begins to lay down new flower shoots.
4. For this plant great importance has the length of daylight hours. It must last for at least 12 hours. When daylight hours are reduced to 10 hours, artificial lighting is required. For this purpose, you can use fluorescent light bulbs shown in the photo.

Varieties and differences of orchids

Known three types heat-loving orchids, which require a certain temperature regime. These include the following names:

• Dendrobiums.
• Phalaenopsis.
• Catli.

Since the homeland of these plants is rainforests, then they must be kept at a temperature of no more than 32 degrees. At night the temperature should not fall below 18 degrees. The temperature difference per day should not exceed five degrees.

Medium temperature orchids

The plant is divided into several species, the names of which are:

1. Miltonia.
2. Odontoglossums.

Homes must be created for such an orchid cooler mode. In summer, daytime temperatures should not exceed 22 degrees; on winter nights, temperatures can fluctuate in the range of 12–15 degrees.

Cold-loving species

Such orchids are found in subtropical climates, grow in highlands and have the following names:

• Dendrobiums.
• Lelia.
• Paphiopedilum.

The plant grows well in summer at a temperature of 22 degrees, and in winter no more than 15 degrees. Almost any type of orchid, grows well at home when the daytime temperature does not exceed 27 degrees, and the night temperature does not exceed 24 degrees.

How to water orchids at home

In order for the plant to develop well and please the eye with beautiful flowers, as in the photo, it is very important to water it correctly. Under natural conditions, orchids do not grow in water; they cannot tolerate stagnant moisture for long.

Therefore, you need to water the orchid at home in the same way as in real conditions her residence. For example, the Phalaenopsis flower loves a slightly moist substrate, but for Oncidium it must be absolutely dry. In other words, for each type of orchid requires some watering.

In addition, the intensity of watering depends on other factors:

• temperature;
• humidity;
• lighting;
• pot dimensions;
• substrate composition;
• seasonal vegetation.

Since orchids are epiphytic plants, they are able to withstand slightly dry soil.

However, if you stop watering the orchids, they will begin to fade quickly, the leaves become wrinkled and unsightly. If there is excess moisture, the roots will begin to rot and the perimeter of the leaf will become covered with yellow. This is very clearly visible in the presented photo.

Need an orchid water with soft water. The most suitable is considered to be well-settled in the summer, rainwater. In winter, you can organize irrigation with melt water.

If you water a flower with water from a tap, then it is necessary pre-boil. The water temperature must exceed room temperature by three degrees.

In summer, watering is carried out several times a week, but no more than three. And only when it starts to dry out upper layer substrate.

In winter, it is enough to water the plant a couple of times a week, when the pseudobulb begins to shrink.

If the flower grows in a pot, it is watered from above; if in baskets, then they are simply dipped in water for five minutes. Excess water should drain completely and should not stagnate.

Necessary fertilizers

The plant needs to be fed only when it is growing. Fertilizer needs to be applied once a month. The most suitable are:

1. Greenworld.
2. Pocon.
3. Bona Forte.

It is very important to add fertilizer according to the proportions indicated on the package. The plant does not tolerate large clusters mineral salts in the soil. The orchid may simply wither.

That is why the substrate, before adding fertilizer, needs to be rinse with clean water. Washing and fertilizing should alternate every week.

Fertilizers intended for other types of flowers are not suitable for orchids. There is no need to feed the plant in winter and when it is dormant.

How does an orchid reproduce?

Reproduction by "Children". By “babies” we mean small new plants, from which new types of orchids can appear. These side shoots most often appear on plants that have high nitrogen concentrations.

When “babies” appear, it is advisable to spray the orchid more often. After the “kids” have grown and given roots, they can be separated, treated with charcoal and planted in a separate pot.

Type of propagation by layering. For propagation, layering is used, which is found only in sympodial flowers. To work, you will need to create a small greenhouse located directly above the bent part of the stem. Then you need to moisten the moss and wait until the dormant bud begins to awaken.

If the shoot does not have foliage and is located horizontally in the greenhouse, it must be constantly heated and regularly moistened. After about 30 days, the dormant buds will wake up. Young plants will appear green leaf and roots.

When small plants take root well, they are carefully separated from the main shoot, processed and planted in a small pot. There is no need to immediately remove the plant from the greenhouse. Let it sit there for several days.

Vegetative propagation method

It is suitable for any type of orchid. The roots of the flower are simply divided into several parts, each of which has two pseudobulbs. Only large orchids can be propagated using this method.

The flower is taken out of the pot. The roots are carefully separated from the soil. Rhizome cut into several parts, on which a few bulbens remain.

The cut is sprinkled with charcoal. Planting of each fragment is done separately. New flowers should be lightly watered and misted daily until the plant produces new shoots and leaves appear. This will be further evidence that the orchid has begun to grow.

Caring for an orchid at home after flowering

When an indoor flower is at rest, there is no need to water it. It is enough to monitor its condition, the color of the leaves and other parts. It would be a good idea to take a photo of the flower at this time, so that you can later compare its new condition with the old one.

This kind of quarantine is necessary to detect flower pests, and further fight against them. Two weeks will pass and the orchid can be placed on the window; it should get used to the sun. You can start to lightly water the plant.

The field of the end of flowering, when the peduncle has completely dried and turned black, it cut to the base and deleted. When flowering is completed, much less feeding of the plant is done. In winter, orchids are watered once every 30 days, and the plant is sprayed several times a month.

It must be said that if you need to replant a flower, then in order for it to begin to bloom in the future and its leaves to become green, you need to place the pot in another place.

In the case when, after flowering, the orchid’s leaves began to wrinkle and turn yellow, the peduncle stopped completely, and the pot also needs to be rearranged. It will begin to bloom again.

Let's summarize all of the above. If you properly care for orchids at home, you can always enjoy the sight of these beautiful flowers at home.

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Nowadays it is difficult to meet a person who has not heard anything about orchids. However, the indoor orchid is very different from its wild counterparts. Some orchids grow in the wild, in tropical latitudes, on trees whose trunks serve as support for them. There are species that grow on rocks, and their roots grow into cracks between the stones, where moisture and humus accumulate. But the most unusual are the species that lead an underground lifestyle.

There are many legends and myths associated with the origin of the orchid. For example, the Maori tribes and Amazon Indians firmly believed in its divine origin. For South Americans, the white orchid is a kind of insurance policy sent from the gods. And some people still believe that in the dense jungle there are predatory species that can even devour a person. Orchids, of course, have not yet matured to humans, but there are specimens that feed on spiders and other insects attracted bright color or the smell of flowers.

All about indoor brothers

The flower got its name from the Greek word meaning “testicle”. There are very capricious representatives of this family, but for the most part, orchids are not particularly whimsical, they are easy to care for, and they bloom easily at home.

IN room conditions The orchid needs sufficiently humid room air. Flowers easily tolerate a lack of moisture. Their roots are designed in such a way that they quickly absorb moisture and can retain it for a long time. Orchids that develop indoors are characterized by the presence of aerial roots. They are not removed; with their help, the orchid captures moisture from the air.

Although the orchid is native to the tropics, caring for it is not too different from caring for other indoor plants. It does not require expensive fertilizers or special pots. But some features are still worth considering. Orchids in indoor conditions prefer to be placed on eastern windows, as well as those facing northeast and northwest. If it is not possible to create such conditions for it, then you can simply darken it, that is, create a shadow in the place where you plan to place the flower.

Some people place orchids in the back of rooms, then the flowers need additional lighting. This is where they can help fluorescent lamps. During the development period, an indoor orchid flower requires a long daylight hours, approximately 12-15 hours. The plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The light must be diffused. Otherwise, the orchid will simply burn. In order to answer the question of how to care for an indoor orchid, you should know the characteristics during the flowering period. During the period of time when the plant is actively growing, winter and summer, the atmosphere around the plant should be moist. This will be facilitated by regular spraying of the leaves. Aerial roots, if present, should also be treated. The flower should not be in a draft, but there should be good air circulation in the room. An orchid in favorable conditions can have a flowering period of up to six months. Optimal temperature rooms - 20-23 °C.

Indoor orchid blooming

The orchid is characterized by long and long flowering, for which they love her. The flowers of the plant are dense and can bloom for a month, sometimes two. Peduncles have an even longer life span. At proper care they can branch and bloom several times. The older the plant, the denser its flowers will be and the more flower stalks will appear.

Are your favorite indoor flowers orchids? How to care for it so that it blooms? An orchid can begin to bloom at any time when the conditions are most favorable. It all starts with the laying of a flower bud, which is invisible at first. It becomes noticeable if the peduncle begins to develop. The period of time between bud initiation and direct growth can be quite long. For the development of flower buds into flower stalks, certain conditions must be met, depending on the orchid variety:

Sharp reduction in watering;

A sharp reduction in daylight hours.

But it should be noted that if the peduncle has already begun to grow, then reducing daylight hours will not affect this.

The end of flowering: what next?

Many people are concerned about the question of how to care for an indoor orchid after flowering. The first thing worth noting is that you should not rush and cut the peduncle as soon as the flowers begin to dry out. And even after all the buds have fallen, you need to watch the peduncle. If it does not dry out, then there is a high probability of new buds appearing on it. You can cut it only if it begins to turn yellow and dry out. After trimming, a stump of 2.5 centimeters remains. Living flower stalks are trimmed to correct the shape of the orchid.

Orchid propagation

The orchid houseplant is so beautiful that you want to have more and more. And sooner or later the question arises about how the flower reproduces and how to plant it correctly. Orchid indoor propagation assumes in the following forms:

You can often see “air babies” on a flower. Most often they appear on peduncles. You should wait until the shoot acquires its own roots, and then plant it in the ground for independent growth. Dendrobium and phalaenopsis reproduce in this way when they find themselves in a room with high temperature and sufficient humidity.

Propagation by cuttings is suitable for phalaenopsis, vanda, and ascocentrum. The stem of such orchids has one apical growth point. A side shoot can become a cutting. You can also make a cutting from a faded flower shoot. The stem is cut into cuttings up to 15 centimeters long, they are laid on prepared soil, sand or moss. After which the vessel is covered with film. Each cutting must have at least several nodes with axillary buds.

Like many indoor flowers, orchids can reproduce by division. But this method is suitable only for a few representatives, for example, Cattleya, Laelia, Dendrobium, Miltonia. They differ in that they have several growth points, each of which produces a sprout. The right time for division is spring. During this period, the plant will take root better. To do this, it is removed from the pot, cleaned of the substrate or washed under a tap with warm water. The peeled rhizome is cut with a knife or pruning shears so that at least a few pseudobulbs remain on each piece. The sections must be sprinkled with charcoal powder.

Variety of orchid species

Like many indoor flowers, the orchid has many types. Each plant variety is unique. There are also some differences in their care that everyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of this flower should know. Indoor orchids have the following types:

Catleya, the most popular representative found in homes. The color of the flowers can be crimson, purple, pink, yellow. The diameter of the flowers is large (11-15 centimeters). She needs good ventilation, minimum air temperature 15° and sufficient humidity.

- The Vanda Orchid is a very beautiful, but whimsical plant. It has long peduncles and large flowers on them. In order to bloom, it needs to be provided with very bright lighting and high air humidity. It has pleasant aroma. The lower temperature threshold is 14°. Flowering period - autumn-winter.

Lycasta is large in size, which is why it is rarely seen on sale. Prefers partial shade. Likes cool and moderate temperatures. The flowers are solitary, very fragrant.

Dendrobium is very diverse in size. Has long fleshy stems. Colors range from white to bright purple.

Miltonia has variegated velvety flowers. Doesn't like drafts. Winter temperature- 12-15°, summer not higher than 25°.

Phalaenopsis indoors

Phalaenospis is also called butterfly orchids. This indoor orchid blooms twice a year. Flowering duration is from 2 months to six months. The size of the flowers varies from 2 to 15 centimeters. The color is very diverse, there are species with veins, speckles and spotted ones. Indoor phalaenopsis orchids bloom more often and more readily on southern windows, naturally shaded. Requires thorough watering once a week. Phalaenopsis needs to be fertilized several times a month; you can add it directly to the water when watering. This variety of orchid does not have a dormant period, which means it can grow constantly, even during the flowering period. In order for a flower to bloom, you can deliberately slow down the growth process. IN spring period place it in a cool place and reduce watering. The temperature difference in the room during the day and night should not exceed 5°. In summer, at a temperature of 30-35°, the orchid intensively grows leaves, but does not bloom.

Watering methods

For full healthy plant Water quality is very important. The indoor orchid prefers soft to moderately hard water. You can reduce the hardness of water by boiling. It is worth noting that many orchids in indoor conditions die precisely because of overwatering. For an orchid, drying the roots is a necessity. There are several ways to water an orchid.

We water with a watering can. Use a thin stream, passing over the entire surface of the pot, until water begins to accumulate in the tray. The excess must be drained from it. Morning watering is optimal for an orchid, then the plant will have time to dry out before the evening. When watering a flower, you should avoid getting water on it. If this happens, it is better to dry this place, for example, with a napkin.

Water by immersion. To do this, lower the flower into a container of water until it is saturated. This takes about 30 seconds. Afterwards, you must let it drain and you can return it to its place.

Bathing orchid

The indoor orchid flower loves to swim. This procedure can be carried out several times a month. To do this, the pot itself is placed in a plastic bag and tied, and the flowers and leaves are placed under gentle pressure warm water. Leave the plant in the bathroom to dry. Bathing is a more beneficial procedure than spraying. It cleans the leaves of dust and microorganisms. We remember that during the rest period there should be a minimum of moisture. But, for example, the soil of phalaenopsis, which does not have a period of “hibernation,” should not dry out too much.

"House" for an orchid

An orchid pot is not just a container, it is also a support. In indoor conditions, the orchid feels good in a pot. Plastic transparent pots are suitable for this. This allows you to monitor the condition of the roots, and in the case of phalaenopsis this is a necessity, since its roots are involved in photosynthesis. Plastic helps retain moisture longer; salt does not accumulate on the walls. To prevent overflow, additional side holes can be made.

Clay “houses” are good because they allow moisture and air to pass through. They cool more strongly, which will appeal to more frost-resistant types of orchids. Another advantage of a clay pot is its weight. The likelihood that a flower will fall under its own weight is low. The disadvantages of this pot include its roughness internal walls. Orchid roots may grow to them, and subsequently problems may arise during transplantation.

Substrate is not earth

The indoor orchid, unlike the flowers we are used to, does not take root in the ground. Its roots need a lot of air. And the substrate consists of components that can provide the plant with a sufficient amount of air and moisture. One of the components of the substrate is bark. In Russia, this is most often pine bark. True, oak bark has a larger amount nutrients. Another component of the substrate should be moss. You can use not only live, but also dried sphagnum. It is needed primarily as a means of accumulating moisture, and it is also an excellent source of nutrients. It also absorbs excess salt well. However, it has to be replaced quite often if it was used alive.

Proper nutrition, lighting, air humidity and watering will be the key to a healthy, beautiful plant that will delight you and your guests for a long time.

Orchids are plants belonging to the Orchidaceae family, which accounts for 10% of all plants on Earth. This representative of the flora has about 35,000 species. Their name comes from the Greek word “orchis”, which means testicle. People have admired the beauty of the orchid for many centuries; in some countries it is even used as a national symbol. Representatives of this genus of flowers can be found on all continents of our planet; their main habitat is the tropics. Plant sizes can range from 2 cm to 2 m. All orchids, according to their place of growth, are divided into epiphytic (growing on trees), letophytic (settle on rocks and stones) and terrestrial, and some species grow even underground.

It is rarely possible to present time meet a person who has never heard of orchids. Indoor plants differ significantly from their wild counterparts. Household orchids are presented in the form of flowerpots with thin stems, on the top of which are placed luxurious and outlandish flowers. Thanks to this, orchids have become incredibly popular among gardeners.

Also an important factor is their ease of care.

But care indoor orchids must meet the requirements, and it is also necessary to understand the conditions of their growth in natural conditions. Particular attention should be paid to selecting the appropriate substrate, container for planting, fertilizer, organizing proper watering, lighting, temperature and humidity. And also adhere to the recommended procedure for transplantation and reproduction. In the same way, you should not lose sight of what type of orchid you are going to grow, since each of them has its own characteristics.

Types of indoor orchids

Ada

Known to many orchid lovers, this flower is not very demanding to care for. Prefers moderate temperatures and high humidity. The orchid is medium in size, has several interconnected leaves at the base of the pseudobulb and one linear one at the top. Ada's flowers are bell-shaped, red-orange in color, up to 12 on one peduncle., which usually appear from January to May and flourish for about a month.

Angrekum

It is coveted by many gardeners due to the beauty of its glossy white or ivory flowers, which resemble porcelain stars in appearance. The flowers emit an incredible aroma that appears after dark. But it is extremely difficult to achieve flowering at home, because this requires specific knowledge about caring for the plant.

Angrekum needs a lot of light, warmth, as well as high humidity air and soil.

Anguloa

This type of orchid is not very common. But it is attractive because it has original flowers that resemble small babies in appearance, and some species have flowers similar to tulips. There are white, yellow, red and brown colors. Anguloa is not very demanding in terms of care, but it needs an abundance of air and sunlight; the temperature for the orchid is not high, with well-defined differences between day and night.

Anzellia

One of the few representatives of deciduous orchids, this feature arose due to natural environment habitat - Africa, during drought the plant completely sheds its leaves. Multi-flowered inflorescences are located at the top and are yellow with brown splashes. At home it blooms in early summer for 5-6 weeks.

When growing at home an important condition there is good lighting and enhanced feeding during the period of active growth.

Arachnis

The orchid got its name because its flowers resemble spiders. For normal growth and flowering at home, Arachnis needs to be provided with a very warm regime with high humidity, as well as bright sunlight. Abundant watering is needed during the active growth of the orchid.

Arpophyllum

Representatives of this species are large in size. Tall orchid inflorescences resemble huge lilac-pink candles, the flowers of which bloom almost simultaneously. The plant blooms for three weeks, during which Arpophyllum must be fed with fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphorus, which help it bloom.

Bletilla

According to many gardeners, this orchid is the most unpretentious and at the same time one of the most beautiful representatives of the family. Externally, the flower resembles a gladiolus. The leaves of Bletilla are folded and pointed, reaching 30 cm. The length of the peduncles is from 60 to 90 cm, on which from 6 to 12 pink-purple flowers grow.

Brassavola

The plant is not very fastidious and needs high humidity. It has fleshy leaves up to 20 cm long. On the upper part of the stem, peduncles with a maximum of 5 flowers of a greenish tint are formed. The lip of this flower is white and its shape resembles a heart., sometimes you can confuse a lip with a flower, since its petals, due to their shape and color, more closely resemble the leaves of a plant.

Brassia

The Brassia orchid is well cultivated when cared for at home.

The peculiarity of this plant is its unusual looking flowers.

They are yellow with brown dots and vice versa. The sepals are extended outward to a distance of up to 15 cm. On average, the inflorescence is formed from 6-8 flowers, which together resemble a large centipede insect.

Bulbophyllum

The genus of this flower is the most numerous among orchids. Its representatives differ significantly from each other. Therefore, highlight the general characteristics appearance, as well as the conditions for caring for these flowers is impossible. Most often, Bulbophyllum Rothschild and Crescent Bulbophyllum are grown in houses and apartments.

Wanda

It is quite a difficult plant to grow at home. But once you see it, you immediately feel the desire to have this orchid at home. She fascinates with the exotic beauty of her flowers; they are large, fragrant and have an original color. The peculiarity of this orchid is the way it is grown: Having an unusual root system, the flower does not need soil, but feels great with bare roots.

Vanilla

For most people, it may be a discovery that everyone’s favorite spice is orchid.

But the Vanilla genus includes more than 100 representatives, and only one of these flowers is the supplier of this spice - flat-leaved. The remaining plants are used in perfumery. For successful cultivation To grow a vanilla orchid at home, you need to recreate conditions that are very similar to those in which it grows in nature.

Galeandra

This plant is quite large, and for its comfort it needs a lot of space indoors. Its leaves grow at the top of the stem, they are thin and ribbon-like, reaching a length of 15 cm. Flowers of all colors are often large and fragrant. They bloom for three weeks in summer.

The main requirement for an orchid is good lighting.

Gongora

A very original orchid, the peculiarity of which is raised pseudobulbs with two folded leaves. The peduncle has a curved shape, and a large number of flowers with an elongated lip grow on the peduncle. They have a pleasant aroma and are colored in tones from yellow to brown. They do not require special care, just like Vanda can be grown without being placed in the soil.

Grammatophyllum

This orchid can be called one of the largest among those grown at home, since its minimum height is half a meter. The curved peduncles reach a meter in length; about 60 small yellow flowers are formed on it, covered with multiple spots.

Growing Grammatophyllum at home is incredibly easy.

Dendrobium

One of the most popular and easiest to home care orchid. The growth of the flower is small: 40-90 cm. Cylindrical pseudobulbs create a stem on which leaves are arranged alternately. From their axils peduncles sprout, on which 1-4 flowers are placed with a distinct smell and a variety of colors: white, yellow, orange, purple.

Dracula

One of the most interesting representatives kind. A special feature is the flowers, which in their appearance resemble the face of a monkey or a small dragon. It is not very demanding in care, although it has some requirements.

Zygopetalum

Very often this orchid can be seen in shops and at home among flower lovers. It is so popular due to its low maintenance requirements., as well as the unusualness of the flowers, which in Zygopetalum are very dense, fleshy and with a pleasant aroma.

Cattleya

Distinctive feature This orchid has an unusually shaped lip, contrastingly different from the main tone of the flower. It is very common among flower growers due to its beauty; its care requires strict adherence to growing rules.

Corianthes

A flower of an unusual, stunning shape is the main feature of the orchid.

Sweet nectar collects in the cup of this fragrant flower. A condition for successful cultivation is the placement of the plant, it is advisable to choose for it hanging baskets due to the peculiar shape of the peduncles and the rapid growth of the rhizome.

Lelia

The undeniable advantage of this orchid is its unforgettable aroma. The Laelia genus is very plural, which makes it difficult to characterize them generally. Its closest relative is Cattleya, with which they are often confused. These flowers are quite capricious to care for.

Ludisia

The presented type of orchids belongs to the category "precious orchids", this means that its splendor lies not in the flowers, but in the leaves. The leaves are silky, iridescent, crimson or yellow-green in color, with lightish vessels. The leaves are about 7 cm long, 3-4 cm wide. Flowers about 2 cm in diameter are white with yellow splashes and are placed on the peduncle in large numbers, but as mentioned above, they are not a decoration of Ludisia, they are rather inconspicuous. This plant does not require special maintenance conditions.

Miltonia

Along with Phalaenopsis, this orchid is also often found in the home collections of gardeners. This is a very easy flower to grow. The leaves of the orchid reach 40 cm, their color is not quite ordinary, grayish-yellowish. Peduncles extend from the axils of the leaves, velvety flowers of various colors.

Neophinetia

The original smell of the flower will really appeal to those with a sweet tooth, because the orchid exudes the aroma of candy, which becomes stronger in the evening.

On the peduncle there are from 3 to 15 flowers of white or pink color, less often yellow and greenish. Despite the fact that this species is natural and not artificially bred, it gets along well at home.

Oncidium

One of the most popular types of orchids.

Due to the huge number of subspecies, it is very difficult to give a general description. Compared to Phalaenopsis, this plant is more light-loving and more dependent on the difference between day and night temperatures. Another name for this orchid is “ dancing dolls"due to the similarity of the flowers to a girl in a wide skirt, and the inflorescences of some species resemble moths.

Paphiopedilum

This orchid can be called a miracle of nature. – common name representatives of this genus, which they received due to the shape of the flower, which resembles a woman's slipper. In addition to the original flower, Paphiopedilum also attracts the eye with its iridescent leaves. At home they are not very demanding, although they have some features.

Sarcochilus

The entire genus, and especially some of it, are very flexible to temperature, as they can tolerate both short-term decreases and increases in degrees and adapt well to different conditions. Sarcochilus has fleshy green leaves, and short racemes bear numerous flowers that have a very pleasant smell.

Phalaenopsis

The most common of all representatives of the Orchidaceae genus.

It is almost impossible to meet a flower lover who does not have at least one Phalaenopsis.

Due to the flowers' resemblance to moths, they are also called "butterfly orchids". Their coloring is very diverse. The leaves are juicy, green, arranged in such a way that they create root rosette. Growing does not require much effort and does not cause trouble only if certain rules are followed.

Habenaria Radiata

Unusual name The flower means "white heron". The orchid received this name because of the unimaginable resemblance of the flower to a flying white bird. Habenaria has narrow leaves that are arranged alternately on the stem. The peduncle reaches a length of 50 cm, and there are 2 to 8 flowers on it. For beginning gardeners, growing such a flower will be very difficult, as it is very whimsical.

Cymbidium

Although it requires some knowledge to grow, it is still one of the popular species to grow at home. Orchid leaves are leathery, xiphoid or linear. The peduncle sometimes reaches a length of more than a meter and is a brush with a small or large number of flowers. Depending on the species, the flowers are large or small of various colors, and the lip is usually spotted.