There are many myths associated with orchids. Some go back to ancient history and talk about how this flower appeared.
So, some peoples believed that beautiful flowers are fragments of a wonderful rainbow that shone under the ground a long time ago and once split because too many gods, fairies and magical creatures wanted to sit on it.
Others passed on from mouth to mouth the legend that the first orchid appeared from the lost shoe of the most charming goddess, and used the roots, flowers and leaves of the plant to prepare a love potion and love drinks.
But if today no one can be deceived by ancient legends, then modern myths turn out to be very tenacious and bring quite real money to the people who distribute them.
Black, blue and purple orchids
V wildlife today about 30 thousand species of orchids are known, and breeders every year bring out more and more wonderful flowers.
Among this variety of plants you can find orchids of almost all colors and shades: plain or with patterns, smooth or terry petals, with a subtle or enveloping aroma.
It is in this breathtaking variety that the myths that somewhere in inaccessible tropical forests sometimes bloom orchids of unprecedented colors - black, blue and purple - originate. And this belief is so strong that even experienced flower growers sometimes take wishful thinking.
The brightest and beautiful legends associated with black orchids... They tell about brave travelers who supposedly saw these flowers in the jungles of Africa with their own eyes and risked their lives to get them.
Writers often describe black orchids in their books, twisting complex detective stories, filmmakers inspired by a mysterious charm make films, perfumers release exquisite and well-selling fragrances, and the Internet is replete with “real” photographs.
Blue orchids look no less impressive in the pictures. Moreover, almost any flower shop is now ready to please exotic lovers and sell a plant with flowers of both pale blue and deep blue shades.
Surprisingly, for most, the very existence of such orchids is not in doubt. Perhaps that is why it was not possible to find any vivid and memorable stories associated with blue orchids. Do blue orchids exist? Unfortunately blue orchid- this is also a myth.
Concerning purple orchids, then finding a flower in nature that is completely painted in this color is also not easy. As a rule, only a certain part of the plant has this beautiful shade and in combination with white, orange or yellow the main flower it looks very pretty and stylish.
That is why, in many ancient legends, the purple orchid is called the "flower of love" and "the fragrant queen of flowers." The mystical color in general gives this plant a certain mystery and mystery.
Historical background, when and by whom, it is believed that they were bred
In fact, absolutely black flowers (orchids, roses, tulips, etc.) do not exist in nature. This is due to the fact that plants simply do not have genes that are responsible for black pigment.
But, nevertheless, a group of breeders from California recently announced that as a result of a long and painstaking crossing, they managed to get an orchid flower with the darkest saturated shade.
It is almost impossible to acquire it, and maintenance and care results in a tidy sum. But true connoisseurs say that the amazing beauty of the plant and the subtle aroma of vanilla are worth all the effort.
As for blue orchids, then nature is relentless - they do not exist! And this is due to the gene responsible for the blue pigment, which is absent in natural DNA. And everything that we see on store shelves is just specially painted white flowers.
Of course, there are varieties that can be conventionally referred to as "blue": wanda, cattleya, phalaenopsis. But don't expect a miracle. The flowers of these orchids are rather lilac, but sometimes it is possible to get a subtle bluish tint.
But progress does not stand still! Japanese scientists, after spending several years on research, have bred a unique and one-of-a-kind blue orchid.
True, to achieve this, it was necessary to resort to the services of genetic engineering. Such a flower is fabulously expensive, and you can see it only at specialized exhibitions.
A similar story happens with purple orchids. All of them have a not very intense shade and in order to really impress the buyer, they are additionally stained with special preparations.
Therefore, if you do not want the next flowering to turn into a disappointment, choose plants with delicate, natural shades of flowers.
What are black, blue and purple orchids really?
Let's see what we usually see and buy under the guise of black, blue and purple orchids.
How are these shades obtained?
Under the guise of black orchids, those whose flowers are painted in the most gloomy shades of maroon are usually sold.
Some (Dracula roezlii) have distinctive dark streaks and chilling names, others (Phalaenopsis Black Butterfly) are entirely wine-colored and resemble beautiful butterflies. While the most "black" of non-black orchids is Maxillaria schunkeana.
Blue orchids- the result of sleight of hand flower shop sellers. For this, a plant with already formed buds or blossoming flowers is pumped with a special blue dye solution.
For this, either injectors are used, or they simply water the flowers with special compositions. Depending on the experience of the person performing this procedure, orchids can turn sky blue, indigo or deep dark blue. By the way, sometimes you can observe and side effect such a tint: the leaves of the plant also turn blue.
"Production" of bright purple orchids is not much different from creating blue flowers... Moreover, sometimes they even use the same paint for this, they just dilute it in different proportions.
Photo of flowers
Examples of colored orchids and orchids similar in color to the much-desired black, blue and purple colors can be seen in the photo below.
Blue Orchids:
Purple Orchid:
Below are some photos of black orchids:
How long does the color last?
If it comes about a painted plant, then it will delight you with its bright petals for a short time. Usually already after 1-2 weeks, the color will begin to fade and gradually return to the original, usually white.
Even if this did not happen, you can be sure that in its next flowering the orchid will delight you with exceptionally natural shades.
Some honest sellers even warn buyers ahead of time about blooming in a unique blue, blue or purple plant will be only once.
Almost black. Dark Orchid Colors
Those orchids that are considered black retain their rich natural dark colors for life, for example, burgundy with dark veins, and each new bloom will delight you with its slightly gloomy beauty.
How long does a plant live?
Most orchids are perennial plants... This means that with proper care, they can live for quite a long time: in botanical collections, specimens are known that are 100 and even 150 years old. At the same time, some begin to bloom only after 5-10 years.
But the flowers themselves different types can live from 1 week to several months.
Before starting such a capricious plant at home, it is worth collecting as much information about it as possible. Some orchids do not like the sun, while others, thanks to the sun's rays, only bloom brighter.
Most require some temperature regime and humidity. But your efforts will be rewarded with beautiful and long flowering.
Orchids are perhaps the most beautiful plants on earth. Regardless of their color, they are able to enchant with the unusual shape of flowers and intoxicate enchanting aroma... Therefore, even if you did not manage to get a mythical black or blue orchid in your collection, do not be discouraged!
In your house it will still become one beautiful plant more.
Orchids, like any other exotic plants, are full of a variety of shapes and shades.... Including in nature there are blue and blue species, which are quite capricious in themselves. By crossing different varieties, scientists have achieved the same color in hybrids. Caring for the latter is much easier than for their parents.
History of artificially bred species
The first artificial interspecific orchid was created back in 1856 by John Dominy, and 7 years later, he also raised a hybrid of two of different kinds plants. The next step in breeding was the method of growing this flower on special sterile media, which was developed by the American scientist Knudson in the 1920s.
Thanks to her, it became possible to highlight the most remarkable properties of seedlings and develop them. Today, the number of artificially bred orchid species has already exceeded hundreds of thousands.
Varieties of the color of the sky
A breeder's triumph or a marketing ploy?
For the first time, the world started talking about the fact that such a phenomenon as the blue phalaenopsis orchid exists in 2011. First, the amazing orchid was presented by a farm from South Florida, and then the Geest Orchideeën nursery displayed its view. It would seem - a sensation!
But alas, in both cases the flowers were artificially stained with a special safe dye. Only at the beginning of 2013, a real blue orchid was presented at a conference in Japan- the result of long work of geneticists and breeders. The new kind was named Phalaenopsis Aphrodite.
However, many merchants, knowing about the demand for unusual phalaenopsis, decide on their own to give them the desired color by injecting ink into the root, stem or peduncle. The trick works, the product is successfully sold, but buyers are very surprised when in next time the flower dissolves white buds.
And this is in best case: more often he simply dies from poisoning. So take a close look at the orchid. If only the peduncle is colored, then everything can be limited to the premature withering away of the bud. When injected into other parts, the whole plant is likely to be lost.
Home care
Lighting and temperature
Since in nature flowers are accustomed to diffused light, plants will best take root in the west or east window. But it is not recommended to put the pot on the north or south side, since in the first case there will be a shortage of light, and in the second there will be an overabundance. The optimum temperature for the growth and development of an orchid is + 25 ° С... And so that the orchid more often pleases with flowers, the night temperature drop should be 5-10 degrees.
Important: If the temperature drops by 15 ° C or more, the plant may freeze and wither.
Humidity
Comfortable humidity for a flower - 50-70%... In winter, when the air becomes drier due to heating, it is recommended to spray once a day in the morning. You can also place the plant briefly in a tray of pebbles and water.
Watering
Filling the substrate with moisture is carried out in several ways. First, by partially immersing the pot in warm water for 15-30 minutes, then the plant will absorb required amount liquids. Another watering option is to use a warm low-pressure shower or a watering can.
For orchids, excess moisture is more dangerous than lack of moisture, so make sure the soil is completely dry before watering.
Top dressing
You do not need to feed a newly purchased plant... But after a couple of months it should be fertilized. This should be done at least once every 4 weeks. The quality of flowering will depend on this.
Fertilize the plant only when the soil is wet, otherwise it can lead to root burns.
Transfer
If the roots of the flower have grown so that they began to displace the soil, then it's time to transplant This is a very important procedure for the plant, which must be carried out as carefully as possible.
It is very important to choose the correct composition of the earthen mixture.... Roots need good ventilation, and therefore the composition of the soil should include wood shavings and coal, moss, perlite or crushed stone.
Reproduction
If you want to start growing orchids at home, then below are 3 methods to do this.
Children
You can remove scales from the dormant kidney with a sharp blade and then apply cytokinin ointment. Make sure that the kidney itself is not injured.
Or put wet sphagnum on the kidney, and then cover with plastic. Soon, the desired children and the first roots appear.
Cuttings
The peduncle is cut off at the base and divided into pieces 3-4 centimeters long... A dormant bud should remain in the middle of each cutting. The sections are dusted with charcoal and then placed in a warm, damp place. The same sphagnum is an excellent source of moisture maintenance.
Advice: You can do it easier. When the peduncle has stopped blooming, it is cut off and placed in a solution with fertilizer. It is necessary to provide the cuttings with enough sunlight, then after 1-2 months shoots will appear on it.
By dividing the socket
If the plant is large and healthy, then it usually has an additional rosette with its own roots. In this case, a young rosette is separated with a sterile knife or pruner, treated with ash or charcoal, dried and then planted in a new pot. Watering is carried out on the third day after transplanting.
Pests and diseases
Conclusion
Finally, a few tips for those who still dream of buying a blue orchid. Certainly, it is better to buy an exotic flower at exhibitions... And if you decide to shelter a tinted phalaenopsis, then do not forget to consider the injection site and do not take the doomed plant. But even when the color comes off, diligently look after your new pet, and then he will delight you with his beauty for many years!
Blue orchids are relatively new to the market. They quickly found their admirers and instantly became extremely popular. Blue flowers of phalaenopsis amaze not only with their bright shades, but also with the unique color of the petals. However, not all orchid lovers know what the secret of the amazing colors of these exotic plants.
Description of the variety and characteristics
The blue orchid is a rare tropical flower found in India, China, and Asia. In nature, their representatives are such species as Wanda and Cattleya. V natural conditions they grow on trees, clinging to their trunks with powerful roots.
The Vanda orchid is a rather capricious plant. At home, it is grown in special pots or glass vases. The orchid blooms for 2-3 months in the spring and summer. The petals range in color from blue to deep purple. Flowers reach a diameter of 9 cm. There are specimens with a strong aroma. Leathery dark green leaves are arranged on a cylindrical stem.
The Wanda Orchid prefers intense lighting. Therefore, it is grown on a southern window, shading from the scorching rays of the sun. Thanks to Wanda, many hybrids with purple flowers have been bred. All of them are characterized by large bud sizes, long leaves, strong aerial roots and thick stems. The inflorescence can have up to 10-12 buds. Royal orchid hybrids feel great at home.
A distinctive feature of the Cattleya orchid is its large fragrant flowers. The palette of shades of its petals ranges from dark red to bright purple. Along with last year's peduncles, Cattleya forms new ones, expanding in width. In this case, pseudobulbs appear on the plant, in which nutrients and moisture. The orchid blooms one month in the autumn winter period.
Is there a blue phalaenopsis
Many people wonder if there are blue Phalaenopsis orchids. Often, the owners of an unusual plant with blue flowers are faced with the fact that during the next budding they lose their color saturation and become pale blue or completely white. This phenomenon is due to the fact that phalaenopsis are stained blue with special dyes.
Not all flower shops hide the fact of plant dyeing. Orchids are marked with warning labels. But more often than not, information about the coloring of the flower is hidden from the buyer. Subsequently, the happy owner of the outlandish plant remains disappointed.
Among orchids of the Phalaenopsis species, there are no specimens with natural blue flowers. The desired shade obtained by introducing a dye into plant tissue. Specimens with white flowers are subjected to such experiments, so that the coloration is uniform. Gradually, the dye is washed out, and the buds acquire their original color.
Phalaenopsis staining in blue is carried out in two ways:
- The ink is injected into the peduncle, roots or leaves.
- The plant is watered with water, after adding chemical dyes to it.
The second method of staining is considered more dangerous due to the toxic effect of the paint on root system... The chemicals used to change the natural color of the petals cause significant damage to the plant. After such experiments, the orchid will most likely die.
On a note!
Dyes do not always penetrate directly into the petals. Depending on the place of introduction of the chemical, not only flower stalks with buds, but also leaves with roots can be stained.
The flower sellers give the buds an unusual hue on purpose. Thus, they sell an ordinary orchid for three times the price under the guise of Phalaenopsis Royal Blue.
Is there a purple phalaenopsis
Purple phalaenopsis includes a palette of shades from hot pink to magenta... Some specimens may have a monochromatic color of the buds, while others have petals with an unusual pattern in the form of dots, stripes and spots. The most striking specimens of phalaenopsis with purple flowers are the following types:
- Schiller's phalaenopsis;
- horse phalaenopsis;
- Phalaenopsis Luddemann.
Phalaenopsis “Elegant Debora”, “Spider Beauty”, “Little Zebra” and others also attract attention with their unusual purple shade.
It is quite possible to get phalaenopsis with blue-purple buds, but not in flower shops. You can try to find rare plant at exhibitions. Determining whether a specimen is real or fake is quite simple: you need to find out the genus of the orchid and inspect the plant for damage from injections.
Is there a blue phalaenopsis
Real blue phalaenopsis are very rare on the shelves of flower shops. But it will not be difficult to acquire an exotic plant with blue buds. In nature, there are specimens of phalaenopsis with flowers of light blue, lilac, gray-blue or pink-blue color. In most cases, these are hybrids or species with small buds. Phalaenopsis blooms continuously for six months. The saturation of the shades of the petals can be different. The flower exudes a faint pleasant aroma.
Of the orchids in nature, the Vanda orchid has a blue color of buds. But it is rather difficult to buy it. Experienced florists know that Phalaenopsis lacks blue pigment. The lilac shade of the buds is considered as close to blue as possible. The desired color is obtained by artificial coloring. Buying this tropical plant, you need to remember that soon it will cease to be an unusual instance of the collection. Gradually, the blue color will fade until the petals turn white.
The history of the appearance of blue orchids
The world saw a blue orchid for the first time in 2011 at an exhibition of exotic plants in Florida. Phalaenopsis blue Mystigue was created by the Silver Vase orchid farm. Three months later, at the FloraHolland florist competition in Holland, Geest Orchideeen presented another specimen of orchids with blue flowers - Phalaenopsis Royal Blue. The creator of the unusual plant received an award in the Sales Concept category.
Manufacturers of blue phalaenopsis do not hide that the shades of the petals are not natural and that next flowers will be white. During staining, a patented technology is used. Its details are not disclosed to the general public. The technique consists in the fact that the flower is immersed in a special liquid, which consists of natural ingredients... Therefore, the procedure is absolutely harmless to the plant.
In 2013, at the Orhid Conference in Okinawa, Japanese breeders demonstrated the result of many years of experiments - new variety Phalaenopsis orchid with bright blue flowers. For experiments used white orchid Aphrodite, into which the gene of the Asiatic Commeline, responsible for the production of blue pigment, was introduced. Phalaenopsis lacks this gene. The new plant species was named "Phalaenopsis Royal Blue". The buds of the orchid are small, but the flowering is abundant. However, this miracle of genetic engineering will not soon become available to amateur flower growers.
Olga
My first acquaintance with blue phalaenopsis took place in a flower shop. A month after the purchase, the plant began to dry out, and only then did I notice traces of injections on the peduncle. Phalaenopsis was saved. It did not bloom for a long time, and then white buds began to form on the stem. The original has turned into a regular orchid.
Evgeniya
I got the orchid because of the unusual dark blue shade of the buds. Later I learned that phalaenopsis are specially painted blue. After examining the plant, I found a hole from a prick on the stem. The coloring matter spread to the leaves, which gradually began to die off. I have made sure that all blue phalaenopsis are weakened and in urgent need of help. The plant survived and pleased with delicate white flowers, which I like more than blue ones.
Vdalimir
At the next flower show I bought a Phalaenopsis with light blue buds. I have been growing orchids for a long time and I know that before buying them you need to inspect them. Finding no traces of injections, I acquired unusual plant... Although phalaenopsis has small flowers, but the color is natural. Small buds form lush inflorescences, the contemplation of which is a lot of pleasure.
Blue Phalaenopsis care rules
The problem is that unscrupulous sellers, trying to earn extra money, paint the plant on their own. They pass off ordinary white orchids as Phalaenopsis blue and sell them for more. Often, blue phalaenopsis dies due to poisoning with chemicals that are contained in the paint. Such a plant needs special care to keep it healthy and unharmed.
How to water a blue orchid
Watering orchids is closely related to the light intensity and air temperature in the room. In the care of tropical plants great importance has the correct ratio of lighting and watering. When growing phalaenopsis in bright light conditions, the soil is moistened every 8-10 days. It is necessary to control the condition of the substrate and prevent it from overdrying.
To obtain good harvest, you need to use quality seeds. The most productive varieties can be ordered on the official site "Gardens of Russia". Big choice varieties for every taste.
On a note!
In cloudy weather, the plant consumes less fluid. Watering can be postponed to prevent waterlogging of the soil, which can provoke the development of diseases and the appearance of pests.
The water used to moisten the soil must be warm. In the best way watering is considered to be the application of a hot shower. In order not to damage the fragile roots and leaves of the orchid, the pressure must be made scattered and weak. After this procedure, the plant must be dried with paper towels, because stagnation of fluid in the axils of the leaves can lead to decay. Hot shower promotes the active growth of phalaenopsis, awakens it from a state of dormancy, stimulates flowering.
Watering can be done by immersing the flowerpot with the plant in a container of water. To saturate the substrate with moisture, 30-40 minutes is enough. Do not pour tap water on phalaenopsis. The pressure can erode the top layer of the soil, as a result of which the roots will be outside. Watering orchids cold water leads to the death of the roots.
Care after purchase
The purchased plant must be carefully examined. If injection marks are on the peduncle, the phalaenopsis will most likely survive. And if the paint was injected through the roots or trunk, the orchid may die. After staining, the flower is in a state of stress. Therefore, it is so important to provide him with optimal conditions and proper care. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the general condition of the plant.
It is not recommended to transplant a plant immediately after purchase. Blue phalaenopsis is placed on the south window, providing it with diffused lighting. To prolong flowering, in the winter, the orchid is organized additional lighting... Fluorescent lamps are used for illumination.
The air temperature in the room where the flower is grown should be + 25-30 ° C. Near the phalaenopsis, containers with water or an artificial fountain are installed to provide the necessary air humidity. Its indicators must be at least 70%. If the room is hot, the plant must be sprayed. It is not recommended to grow this tropical plant on a cold windowsill.
If the condition of the plant remains satisfactory, they continue to care for it like other orchids. And if the phalaenopsis began to shed the buds, you need to carefully examine the roots and peduncle. The damaged stem is removed to chemical substances did not hit the roots and leaves. It is recommended to remove the plant from the flowerpot and rinse the root system with water.
If there are injections on the roots with traces of rot, it is necessary to urgently take the following measures:
- cut off the affected areas with a sharp knife;
- a badly damaged root must be removed at the base;
- sprinkle the slices with ash or crushed coal.
In the case of the spread of dyes to the root system, phalaenopsis is transplanted into a new substrate. With proper care, the plant will soon be covered with its gorgeous white butterfly.
Shouldn't try to bring back the flowers blue tint pouring blue or ink over the phalaenopsis. This way you can completely destroy the plant.
Phalaenopsis with bright blue buds is just a marketing gimmick, not the result of the work of breeders. This species has no analogues of blue flowers in nature. An unusual color is obtained as a result of the use of special dyes. Whatever color the phalaenopsis is, proper care and care will make it wonderful decoration any home.
The blue orchid is a rare and very attractive flower. The plant is found in India, Thailand, South China. Flowers have a diameter of 9 centimeters. The shades of the petals are varied - from blue to red-violet.
Orchid can also turn blue when coloring the petals. chemical dyes or as a result of the introduction of a dye into the stem. But such flowers cannot be called real. In nature, a prominent representative of blue orchids is the Wanda variety. Cattleya should also be noted. And Phalaenopsis is painted - this species does not have blue flowers.
In search of a blue orchid
Features of the Wanda variety
The royal flower looks attractive and should be cared for accordingly. If you don't have the knowledge of growing a plant, Wanda is unlikely to take root. The flower has many hybrids that are convenient to cross.
Is Phalaenopsis blue
Blue specimens of the Phalaenopsis species are not found. But you can buy a blue flower that is easy to care for. In the photo, the plant looks very attractive, the smell is weak, not spicy. Phalaenopsis blooms for six months, the color of the petals may be different.
Features of the Cattleya orchid
Cattleya receives only positive reviews, as she is not too moody, special care it does not need it, the plant looks charming. At home, it blooms well, the palette of shades of petals is diverse.
Care depending on the location of the windows
- East window. In order for a blue-colored plant to feel good on the east window, it should be placed in this place in the summer - from May to September. In winter, it is better to move the orchid to the south side. If you decide to leave the flower on the east window, in winter time it is necessary to provide him with additional lighting.
- North window. The blue snow leopard orchid and other types of the blue palette, located on the north window, will not grow without artificial lighting, since partial shade is observed here all year round. It is the lighting that has a direct impact on how the plant develops.
- Western window. Caring for the flower located on the west window is the easiest. It's sunny here, but not too sunny. Some lighting problems can occur in winter, but more often than not, there is enough light.
- South window. Royal Phalaenopsis thrives on the south window, but since the plant placed here is actively growing all the time, it can get sick. Burns can sometimes occur on the leaves, so it is recommended to place the plant behind a curtain.
Royal flower: Wanda orchid (video)
Main cultivation methods
When growing at home, it is important to choose the right container and substrate for the orchid. It must be remembered that the plant appreciates free breathing.
According to reviews, there are more chances to take root in that flower, the roots of which were not damaged during transportation. Even if the humidity in the room is low, if everything is normal with the roots, the plant will not die.
Improper care in the form of too frequent watering can provoke rotting of the roots and stem. According to statistics, given error is the most common reason why orchids die at home.
Suitable for growing a flower different ways:
- You can plant an orchid in a pot, coconut.
- If there is no pot, you can place the flower in black plastic basket, while the roots of the plant will hang freely. The presented method is suitable for growing in an apartment, it is often practiced in greenhouses, greenhouses.
- It happens that an orchid is planted in baskets made of twigs, slats, bamboo sticks, or in pots.
- You can set the plant on a block and decorate the roots.
- It is allowed to place a flower in a regular glass vase.
What substrate is required
As a soil, you can use sphagnum moss, bark conifers... The choice of substrate is mainly determined by the location of the orchid. The more light the plant receives, the more moss is required.
How to deal with the temperature
The orchid will look like a picture when the temperature is correct. It should be chosen depending on the type of hybrid. Optimal mode for the maintenance of a flower it is +14 degrees at night, +25 degrees in the daytime. However, even in 40-degree heat, the plant will not die.
Spraying
The orchid should be watered and sprayed, as it is grown mainly without a substrate. The outer parts of the plant, its roots, should be sprayed. The procedure should be actively carried out in the summer, when the air in the room is dry enough.
In winter, plants are sprayed every couple of days. Moisture should only get to the roots. When liquid gets on the leaves and cores, these parts of the plant begin to rot, the leaves fall off. Rotting of the core leads to the death of the plant.
After each spraying, wipe the orchid with napkins. Instead of spraying, you can water the flowers in the shower. The water temperature should be around 40 degrees.
Features of care during the rest period
In fact, blue orchids only have dormant periods when they are created. optimal conditions... This primarily concerns lighting. How to understand if a plant has enough light? The easiest way is to look at the roots. If there is enough light, the roots will be in a state of active growth and the flower will look bright and healthy.
If there is not enough light, the color of the leaves will not be as bright, and the tips of the roots will begin to shrink or become covered with white skin. So the orchid tells you that it has entered a dormant period, and its metabolism has slowed down.
What to do in this case? If you notice that the flower begins to enter a drowsy state, provide it artificial lighting in the evening from 18 to 22 hours. This kind of lighting will prevent the plant from falling asleep and will reduce the risk of infections.
Orchids- exotic flowers with extraordinary charm. Amaze large quantity various types, amazing shapes and colors. More recently, in garden shops, as well as building supermarkets, in departments related to gardening, you can find orchids, from the genus Phalaenopsis(lat. Phalaenopsis), bright, saturated blue color. Surely, many of us attracted by such an unusual color are wondering if this is a natural color. If not real, how do orchid growers get this color?
Where does blue come from?
Of course, blue is not a gamut natural flowers when it comes to orchids. However, it was noticed that there is great interest in such a curious fact. Since then, as in Florida, the first time it was introduced and a few months later the variety appeared on the market. Phalaenopsis Royal Blue , the demand for this flower is unabated. Opinions are divided over this orchid, especially when it comes to longtime orchid growers. They talk about the lack of naturalness and interference with the color of the flower as something undesirable. Defenders of the new variety are able to agree with the fact that the color of the flower is not natural, given its uncommonness.
How do breeders get blue orchid? By injecting a blue dye into a flower-bearing shoot during its growth phase. The dye travels to other parts of the plant, and also to the flowers. The entire operation is carried out under conditions that reduce the risk of harm to the plant to a minimum. It should be remembered, however, that such a procedure is not sustainable. The flowers that unfold after the purchase of the plant will certainly be pale or even white, since naturally white orchids lend themselves to "staining."
Less knowledgeable clients or novice orchid aficionados may be disappointed if they think that the blue color of the flower is a merit of nature and will last long time... To avoid misunderstandings and unpleasant situations most sellers place on the grade Phalaenopsis Royal Blue a description of how the variety emerges and what customers can expect after a long time of growing orchids at home.
Blue orchid care
Caring for a blue "variety" does not differ significantly from caring for. You just need to know just a few principles of keeping these exotic plants. Having picked up an orchid in a flower pot, we have immediately the appropriate, drained soil. It should only take care of not very frequent, but regular plants. For this, it is better to place once a week flower pot into a container with water. Orchids require a lot of light, but should not be exposed to direct sunlight. It also requires a lot of fresh and sufficiently humid (about 70%) air. Only in such conditions will they grow well. Remember that orchids are exotic plants that grow naturally in warm climates. We protect them from the cold wind. Fertilize orchids during the growth phase. We do this with special preparations intended for orchids, well suited to their needs.
Alternative to Royal Blue
If we are attracted, orchids with a blue tint , however, we are not satisfied with the process artificial creation of the above grade Phalaenopsis Royal Blue , in nature we have several other varieties to choose from. We may like them because of the atypical colors. One of the varieties is Vanda coerulea (Wanda is blue). Her flowers are almost blue. Plus, they are gorgeous, with a great scent. Another species is the Australian orchid. Thelymitra crinita color closest to blue. Also Aganisia cyanea , from South America, with characteristic blue flowers.
So, we have a choice: a truly blue orchid, and blue, but artificially obtained, or "almost blue" natural color. Final decision lies behind you.
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