The variety of orchids is amazing - with eachThere are more and more new hybrids every day. Not long ago, a blue orchid appeared on the shelves of flower shops - unique in its beauty and originality. But what is hidden behind the blue petals and is it possible to find the same phalaenopsis in nature? Let's try to figure it out. This phalaenopsis really has an analogue in the tropics - this is a blue orchid from the genus Vanda. It has a cylindrical stem and leathery green leaves. The flowers of the plant can be painted in different shades of blue, purple or light blue. Sometimes orchids of the genus Vanda have an amazing aroma. Blue phalaenopsis is more of a clever marketing ploy than the result of the work of breeders. This species has no blue analogues in nature, and the unusual color is explained by watering with special dyes. Therefore, blue phalaenopsis often dies from poisoning. And in this article we will tell you what kind of care the plant needs to keep it healthy and unharmed.
Blue phalaenopsis in the house: we care for the plant
There is a new pet in your homeamazing blue flowers. Of course, you want the phalaenopsis not to stop blooming, but it gradually sheds its buds. This happens due to stress and excess chemicals. Flower shop sellers do not hide the fact that the blue phalaenopsis is colored, but they do not actively try to share information with customers. Therefore, when buying such a miracle, a person is often completely ignorant. But it is not this conspiracy against buyers that is scary, but the fact that manipulations with coloring cause serious harm to the health of the plant. The first thing after buying, pay attention to the trunk and peduncle of the phalaenopsis. If you find traces of injections on the peduncle - there is a good chance to save the plant. And if the injections of the dye were made into the roots or trunk - the plant may die. You do not need to replant the flower immediately after purchase. Phalaenopsis has already experienced stress, why expose it to new ones? Do not expect that at home you will still have blue flowers blooming. Over time, the orchid will acquire its natural white hue.
Blue Orchid: where to place?
The orchid's well-being is primarily affected bylighting. You could even say that light is the most important condition for growing phalaenopsis. In natural conditions, lighting, or rather its intensity, practically does not change. Therefore, in the tropics, these flowers are constantly in the stage of growing leaves, roots and flowers. In our country, in winter, there is too little sun, and the plant goes into a dormant state, just like other representatives of our flora. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to provide the orchid with proper care - lighting that is as close to natural as possible. So, where is it better to keep phalaenopsis?
- Western Windows
Suitable for keeping orchids both in summer and winter. In summer, direct sun shines here after lunch, and in winter it is enough to keep the orchid from falling asleep.
- South Windows
In winter, they will be a great place forOrchids. But in summer, prolonged exposure of the plant to direct sunlight can cause leaf burns, which in some cases is fatal to the flower. It has been noted that the leaves of those flowers whose substrate was almost or completely dry burn faster. At this time, the leaves begin to actively evaporate moisture, signaling the roots to absorb water from the soil. And if there is nothing to absorb, the circle closes: the leaves actively "sweat", the roots cannot fulfill the request and the leaf tissue begins to deteriorate. In order to avoid such problems, do not allow the soil to dry out, and at midday, cover the phalaenopsis from ultraviolet light. Sometimes you may notice that the orchid leaves have begun to change color. They may turn purple or become covered with light spots. In this case, the plant needs to be moved to conditions with more gentle lighting. And in the future, so that care does not cause you problems, it is important to avoid overheating.
- North windows
The worst option. It is dark here both in winter and in summer. Either move the orchid to a brighter place or provide additional artificial lighting for it.
- East Windows
They are perfect for summer. There is not enough light for winter maintenance. If you do not want the orchid to fall into hibernation, illuminate it with fluorescent lamps.
How to water a blue orchid?
Watering this plant is very closely related tolighting conditions. The brighter it is, the more moisture the flower needs. Remember that proper orchid care is a skillfully selected ratio between lighting and watering. When buying a blue orchid, you can find a tag on the pot indicating the main points of care. For example, it may say that the plant needs to be watered once every 7-10 days. This is true, but only if the lighting is bright enough. On a sunny day, your orchid will actively consume water, but if bad weather sets in, it will stop drinking. Therefore, when watering, you need to focus not on time, but on the dryness of the substrate. As soon as it is completely dry, you can water. In order to correctly assess the dryness of the soil, it is better to use auxiliary objects, such as a wooden stick. Stick it near the plant, and before watering, take it out and carefully examine it. Did you find wet marks? Postpone watering for a couple of days. The quality of water for watering also plays a role. You may think that your plant care is perfect, but one day you will find that the roots have started to turn black and dry out. To prevent this from happening, you should water the orchid only with warm water. One of the best ways to water is to use a warm shower. Watch the water pressure - it should be weak and diffused. Otherwise, you will damage the leaves and stem. After the procedure, blot the water in the leaf axils to prevent rotting in these places. Another method of watering is immersion. Take a basin and fill it with warm water. Put all your orchids in there and give them time to soak up the moisture: 30-40 minutes will be enough. It is not recommended to water the flower in the usual way - the pressure of the water will wash away the soil and bark and expose the root system. And this will make caring for the plant more difficult.
Other features of the content
Even if the orchid has completely finished blooming, do not rush.cut off the peduncle while the bud at the top remains green. If this tip has also turned black or dried up, there are two options: cut it off near the base or leave everything as is. The fact is that dormant buds are located on the peduncle, which can give either a baby or a new peduncle. True, the new branch with buds will no longer be blue, but will bloom with beautiful white "butterflies". But what to do if you find traces of piercing and blue paint at the base of the peduncle? If the general condition of the phalaenopsis is still satisfactory, then do nothing. And if the plant has dropped buds and is under stress, you can remove the damaged arrow to prevent paint from getting into other parts of it. The most important thing is that the root system is healthy, then further care will be easy. Pay attention to how the roots look in the pot. Are there any signs of rot? If the soil is too wet, the roots will turn brown or black, and when pressed, liquid will be released. To prevent the plant from dying, urgent resuscitation measures must be taken. In this case, care consists of the following:
- Take the orchid out of the pot and remove the remnants of the soil with a jet of water;
- Check all roots for rotten areas and remove them. The rot should be cut off completely - down to living tissue;
- Slices sprinkle with crushed coal and carefully dry the plant (depending on the degree of damage, drying may take several hours);
- If the root is severely damaged, it will have to be removed directly at the base;
- Do not worry, the orchid has a mass of air roots that will help it survive even in such conditions;
- After transplanting, put the orchid in a warm and well-lit place;
- Further care for the plant is normal: timely watering and top dressing.
And never try to bring back the blue color.buds, watering the plant with ink or blueing, you can completely destroy the flower. It is better to try to bring the exhausted phalaenopsis back to life by providing it with proper care. And the orchid will reward you with amazingly beautiful snow-white flowers.
