Mini phalaenopsis is an extensive group of orchids that are hybrid. The distinctive features of mini phalaenopsis are flowers, similar to standard orchids, but smaller in size, as well as more abundant flowering plants.
Orchid mini phalaenopsis: how to care?
Miniature orchids do not differ in content from other types of orchids. Mini phalaenopsis also needs careful care, while the following conditions should be met:
- The place of detention should be well lit, but mini phalaenopsis does not tolerate direct sunlight. In winter, the indoor flower should be illuminated by lamps, thus prolonging the light day;
- The temperature regime should be maintained from +18 to +30 degrees (optimally + 18 ... + 23 degrees). In September-October, orchids need a temperature of +16 ... +17 for laying flower buds;
- air humidity is quite high, at low humidity, peduncles do not develop, but buds and flowers fall off. Moreover, the higher the temperature, the higher the air humidity should be. But for the prevention of fungal diseases should be carried out regular ventilation of the room where the orchids are located;
- when planting mini phalaenopsis, a moss-sphagnum substrate or a mixture of moss, bark of conifers and charcoal should be used;
- the plant needs frequent and quite abundant watering , while water should flow freely, because in the case of stagnant moisture in the plant pots, the roots and the radical part of the flower decay. To water the mini phalaenopsis follows warm water (temperature about +30 degrees);
- in a stable hot weather, the flower should be sprayed in the morning;
- 2 times a month, the orchid needs to be fed, planting a special fertilizer in the concentration specified in the instructions. Considering that mini phalaenopsis absorbs mineral substances not only through the root system, but also through the leaves, it is possible to fertilize by spraying the plant with a strongly diluted fertilizer;
- at the end of a long period of flowering, the peduncles are cut almost to the ground, leaving 1 cm.
Mini phalaenopsis: transplantation
Once in 2-3 years, mini phalaenopsis is recommended to be transplanted , as the substrate in which the plant is placed gradually decomposes and, as a result, loses air permeability. The optimal time for the transplant is the end of the flowering of the orchid. The container for transplantation is better to take plastic, as the clay absorbs moisture.
Varieties of mini phalaenopsis
There are quite a few varieties of mini phalaenopsis, both terrestrial and epiphytic species are common. The most popular are the following varieties:
Phalaenopsis pink
A relatively short (no more than 30 cm) flower stalk contains 10 -15 white-pink small flowers with a diameter of 3 cm. Sepals are white with a pink stripe. Dark-green oval leaves have a length of 10-15 cm, and a width of 7-8 cm.
Phalaenopsys Luddemanna
The plant is interesting in that petals of flowers are smaller than sepals. A short flower stem carries 5 to 7 flowers with a diameter of 4 to 5 cm. Sepals and petals have a motley color. The leaves of the mini orchids are oblong, their length is 10 - 20 cm, width 6 - 8 cm.
Phalaenopsis Mark
A hybrid plant with white flowers with a rare orange, yellow or pink crab. The diameter of the flowers is about 3 - 4 cm, the lip is bright orange. The leaves have a length of 10 - 12 cm.
Low Cattleya Walker
Lemon-yellow orchid is unusual in that it grows "upside down". Flowers are quite large compared to the size of the plant.
All mini phalaenopsis are very beautiful and spectacular. Being placed in a winter garden, on a window sill or suspended in a flowerpot, are a real home decoration.