Description of the valuable orchid Ludisia, the rules of planting and care at home
Caring for the valuable Ludisia orchid at home has many features. This beautiful decorative culture has many varieties and varieties. They differ in appearance. In order for the plant to grow and develop normally, it must be properly cared for. For this, the culture must be watered and fed in time. The protection against pathologies and parasites is not negligible.
Description and peculiarities of the plant
In nature, this type of orchid grows in caves or trees. It is attached by the root system to the moss layer. This exotic flower is found in Asia. Indonesia is considered the cradle of culture.The plant is characterized by thick, curly stems that crawl along the adjacent surface. During the flowering period, up to 30 flowers appear on the orchid. However, ornamental leaves are considered the main advantage of cultivation.
Each creeping stem is decorated with 5 soft leaves. They are distinguished by their purple or olive color.In addition, there are dark green or brown shades. The leaves are 3 to 4 centimeters wide and 7 centimeters long. They are decorated with light streaks. The plant has unusual colors. Therefore, it is called the precious orchid.
Main varieties
This genus includes many types of orchids, each characterized by certain varieties. The main difference between the culture is in the patterns on the leaves.
Dawson
This orchid is characterized by dark veins on the leaves. They are distinguished by a yellow-pink tint. The plant also has fairly large leaves.
Odin
The background color of the leaves is dark. They are distinguished by a green-black tint with a purple tint. In the center there are longitudinal veins of a light shade. They are complemented by a contrasting background.
Alba
A characteristic feature of this variety is the absence of red pigment in the shade of the leaves, which is often found in valuable orchids. The foliage is distinguished by a rich green color and a pattern of white veins.
Otletae
This variety of orchid has narrow leaves. They are distinguished by a dark green-burgundy color. On the leaves there are longitudinal veins of light copper color.
Tanlaniana
This variety is distinguished by wide leaves that reach 5 centimeters. In the center is an openwork mesh of light green lines.
Velvety
A feature of the plant is the delicate texture of the leaves. They have a velvety surface.
Conditions of detention
In order for a culture to grow and develop normally, it must receive adequate care. It must be complete.
Lighting
Ludisia grows well in the shade. Diffused lighting also suits him.The most beneficial option is sunlight in the morning and evening. Daylight hours should be 12-2 p.m. Under artificial lighting, intensive development of the orchid is observed. But if there is too much light, the foliage becomes less attractive and sinks. If there is a lack of lighting, it stretches upwards.
air humidity
It is recommended to constantly spray the leaves of the orchid. It should be done with standing water. If the plant is in the stage of active growth, it should be bathed in a warm shower. In this case, the water temperature should be +35 degrees. After bathing, wipe off the foliage and then bring the plant into the room.
Excess moisture provokes the appearance of a fungal infection.
Temperature
The optimal temperature regime during the day is + 20-22 degrees. At night, this parameter should not be lower than +18 degrees. To achieve the normal development of the orchid, the temperature difference should be at least 2-4 degrees.
Soil and capacity
An orchid needs a large container. It doesn't need to be very high. It is recommended to place a drainage layer on the bottom. For this purpose, foam or expanded clay is suitable. In order to choose the optimal composition of the soil for the orchid, it is permissible to do it yourself. To do this, it is recommended to mix in equal parts leafy earth, charcoal, crushed fern rhizomes, peat. It is also worth introducing small fragments of pine bark into the composition.
The largest fragments of the substrate should be at the bottom, the smallest fractions should be placed on the surface. This will help avoid standing water in the pot. Cover the upper part of the substrate with sphagnum. This will help prevent the diaper from drying out quickly.
top dresser
It is recommended to feed Ludisia exclusively during active development and flowering. This should be done from spring to fall. For this, it is recommended to use a universal fertilizer suitable for orchids.
To achieve excellent results, fertilizing is used every third watering. It is recommended to dilute it in water, in a third of the volume suggested by the instructions.
Dormant period
In winter, it is worth watering the plant with melt water. An increase in the duration of sunshine hours is also significant. This is done with the help of artificial lighting. During the wintering period, the ground should be covered with a thick layer of dry foliage and needles. Maintaining a constant air temperature is also important.
Bloom
The orchid begins to bloom in late autumn. At the same time, flowering continues throughout the winter. During this period, the culture needs especially high-quality care. It is recommended to maintain a stable temperature. This parameter should not exceed +18 degrees.
This mode increases the flowering time.
Maintaining an optimum temperature affects the formation of flower buds in summer. During flowering, no special care is required. However, after this period, it is recommended to remove the peduncles. It is important to avoid overwatering. You should also avoid getting moisture on the flowers.
Seasonal Care Features
In order for the plant to grow normally, develop and please with abundant and long flowering, it is worth providing it with high-quality care. This is recommended depending on the seasonal factor.
Spring
Ludisia is able to withstand increased air dryness.However, to maintain the decorative properties of the culture, it is necessary to provide high humidity. This figure should be 70%. In the absence of special humidity, it is allowed to cover the pot with wet moss or put the plant on a pallet with a wet plaster. The orchid will feel good near the fountain in your house.
Summer
During active development, culture needs a warm soul. In this case, the water temperature should not exceed +35 degrees. After the procedure is completed, it is recommended to blot the foliage with a towel and dry it. Particular attention should be paid to varieties that have velvety leaves. When exposed to water, white streaks may appear on them. It is allowed to spray the culture only with boiled water. It is also allowed to use distilled and thawed rainwater.
Autumn
With the onset of autumn, the duration of daylight hours decreases. In such a situation, the plant needs additional lighting. For this, it is worth using phytolamps. Ordinary daylight fixtures will also work.
Winter
In winter, the orchid should be kept at a temperature of at least +18 degrees. The critical limit is considered to be +14 degrees. A lower rating can cause plant death.
How to plant and transplant a flower
It is not recommended to constantly replant Ludisia. This procedure is only performed if the jar becomes too tight. It is better to carry out the manipulation in the spring. Planting an orchid is done in a low and wide pot. It must be transparent.
It is recommended to put a drain at the bottom, and then put large fragments of bark into the container. Then use the middle pieces. Thin bark is poured on top.Cover the substrate and the roots of the plant with fresh moss.
the reproduction
This type of orchid reproduces by dividing an adult bush. It is allowed to reproduce the plant with apical cuttings. Stem fragments are also suitable. When dividing the culture, at least 2-3 processes should be present on each fragment.
When growing a crop with apical cuttings, the shoots should have 2-3 nodes. Sprinkle the cut area with charcoal and pat it dry. It is recommended to root young shoots in sphagnum. They should be buried at the base of the leaf. Rooting is also allowed in water. It is worth putting activated carbon in the liquid.
Solve common problems
When growing a crop, you may face various issues, which can be quite difficult to deal with.
Care errors
When growing an orchid, the following violations may occur:
- The culture is too stretched. This symptom indicates a lack of lighting. When the plant is located at the back of the room, additional lighting is needed.
- The tips of the leaves dry out and take on a dull color. This problem is associated with insufficient humidity in the room. Spraying the crop will help prevent this.
- The leaves lose their turgidity. This situation is due to the drying out of the root ball. It is important to water the plant in a timely manner.
- The orchid fades, the foliage becomes pale. In this case, the culture suffers from an excess of bright light. When growing an orchid on a window, it should be shaded.
- The leaves turn red. This problem is associated with excessive watering. It is recommended to moisten the soil only when the top layer dries out.
Diseases
This variety of orchids is susceptible to many diseases. To cope with problems, it is recommended to identify the disease in a timely manner.
Root rot
With the development of pathology, yellowing of the foliage and wilting of the bush are observed. In this case, the roots acquire a black tint and an unpleasant smell. With a small lesion, the root system should be rinsed in a solution of potassium permanganate, removing all damaged areas. Then dry. Then plant the bush in cool soil and refuse watering for several days.
Stem rot
In this case, the stem is covered with areas of rot. These places should be removed, and the damaged area should be sprinkled with crushed charcoal. It is recommended to move the plant to a disinfected substrate. With a strong propagation of the process, it is worth rooting intact cuttings.
White rot
This fungal infection damages the stem from the inside. Pathology is difficult to detect in the initial stages. In a dead crop, a white bloom appears on the cut. The plant cannot be cured. It is recommended to destroy it.
pests
The crop can be affected by the attacks of harmful insects. Insecticides help to cope with it.
cochineal
This white pest leaves a sticky, cotton-like layer on the crop. If a parasite is detected, treatment with Fitoverm or Aktara is carried out.
Spider
The parasites consume the intercellular sap of the plant. As a result, pits appear on the foliage. The culture should be grown with Aktara or Mospilan.
Shield
This pest causes foliage to yellow and drop. Insecticidal preparations will help to cope with it.
Rootless rooting
Sometimes the orchid loses its roots. If measures are taken in time, the culture can be preserved. To do this, it is recommended to proceed as follows:
- carefully examine the bush and remove damaged roots;
- treat damaged areas with an insecticide;
- put the moss in the greenhouse and fix the plant on it;
- put the container in a shady place;
- regularly air the greenhouse and monitor the humidity;
- when roots appear, move to suitable soil.
Additional tips and tricks
To successfully grow a crop, you must follow these rules:
- properly prepare the substrate for the plant;
- choose a pot correctly;
- timely moisten the soil;
- apply fertilizers on time;
- treat the plant from diseases and pests.
Ludisia Orchid is a beautiful ornamental plant that requires specific care. To successfully grow a crop, it must provide optimum humidity and temperature.