The genus phalaenopsis from orchid plants has more than 70 species. Recently, a large number of hybrids have appeared. There are those that are more common, but there are also especially rare ones. Orchid Wild cat - one of the rare representatives.
Wild Cat Orchid Growing
Wild cat variety description
Wild cat - a varietal orchid, one of 20 species of rare phalaenopsis. Phalaenopsis Wild cat inherited a good genotype and noble appearance. His homeland is Australia and the Philippines. According to the description, the orchid is characterized by a bright color: violet-purple spots on a white or pale yellow background. Depending on the habitat and the conditions created, the spots are large and small, dark or light. The flower is covered with a dense wax coating, which causes color saturation.
This type of orchid is relatively easy to care compared to other varieties, for example, the Royal or the Fly-eater. A wild cat is able to bloom twice a year, producing a flower stalk up to 55 cm. The flowers are large, about 11 cm in diameter, with a light pleasant aroma.
Orchid cultivation
For cultivation, the Corona pot is best suited. It is made of durable and transparent plastic and consists of a through needle structure and flexible rods arranged in a circle with gaps and hold back the soil. The pallet is included, it must be used to create drainage.
The pot is suitable for phalaenopsis, because their roots take an active part in photosynthesis and require access of light to the root system. Problems associated with orchid growth most often arise from improper care.
Orchid Condition
Possible errors and their consequences:
- excessive watering leads to rotting of the root system;
- an excess of fertilizers leads to drying of the roots;
- the absence of a difference between day and night temperatures reduces the frequency of flowering.
Sprout propagation
Orchid Wild cat has the only method of reproduction - by children. Their appearance is possible at high air temperature in the room. If necessary, the plant is stimulated by:
- with a sharp instrument make a semicircular incision on the kidney, which is closer to the base of the arrow;
- remove the incised scale with tweezers and treat the emerging kidney with any growth stimulator.
After 25-35 days at a temperature of 24 ° C-30 ° C, a baby will appear. After the appearance of roots 2-3 cm in size, they are planted in moss or in a mixture of a fine fraction of the bark.
Phalaenopsis Care
The orchid will die if the conditions of detention do not meet the requirements of phalaenopsis.
Transfer
Orchids do not like transplants, they are very stressed and adapt for a long time to a new place of residence. A transplant is necessary only in the following cases:
- Roots rot or damaged. Damaged and dead areas are removed, the places of cuts sprinkled with activated carbon or cinnamon powder. The orchid is transplanted into a new container with a new substrate.
- Instability of the plant in the soil, lack of the latter or cramped roots. The flower is transplanted, it is given time to adapt. The transplant is performed no more than 2-3 times a year. The old pot is cut so as not to damage the roots. 2 cm of drainage is poured into the bottom, small pieces of polystyrene are placed under the root neck, then the plant is gently lowered into a container where voids are filled. Pieces of charcoal are added to the bark.
An orchid transplant is only necessary in special cases.
In the finished substrate, steamed pine bark, moss, charcoal, fern root, coconut chips and an inert material such as expanded clay are most often added to it.
The soil should have the following qualities:
- dense structure, which is the support for the plant;
- high water and air permeability;
- ability to hold nutrients well.
After purchase, the plant must adapt to the new conditions. The orchid is not watered, with the exception of too dry soil, do not fertilize and do not spray. They select a place with scattered sunlight and place a flower there for 7-10 days. If the flower is healthy and blooms well, there is no need for a transplant. In the purchased container, the orchid is able to grow for several more years.
Temperature mode
The optimum temperature regime during the day is from 22 ° C to 25 ° C, and at night it is 5 ° C-6 ° C lower. The main thing is to prevent a decrease to 15 ° C.
Humidity is maintained in the range from 40 to 70%. The room is periodically ventilated, but drafts are unacceptable. The flower should stand in such a place that it has enough lighting, and at the same time, direct sunlight does not fall on it. The lighting period required by the orchid is at least 10-12 hours per day.
Watering
Plants easier to tolerate the lack of water than its abundance, and yet watering is one of the most important components of care. After watering, the substrate is allowed to dry. The amount and sequence of irrigation is based on monitoring the root system and soil.
Top-dressing of the substrate is carried out at every third watering. As a fertilizer, a concentration of dressing for orchids reduced by 1.5-2.5 times is used.
Stimulation
After flowering, the plant needs to rest in order to gain strength and grow in a couple of months. Phalaenopsis does not have a pronounced period and dormancy; a flower may not bloom for a long time and at the same time develop. In this case, resort to stimulation.
Common methods of stimulation:
- We monitor the weather, 2-3 days before the cold snap we stop watering and spraying. After 15-20 days of dry cooling, a peduncle appears in deciduous sinuses.
- We change 1/5 of the upper layer of the substrate, remove part of the upper layer of the bark and pour the Azalea soil.
- We use 5 pcs. crystals of AVA-fertilizer without nitrogen.
Diseases and Pests
Wild Cat varieties are characterized by diseases such as gray rot and fusarium. Any fungicide is suitable for their treatment. Insecticides are used to kill spider mites and thrips.
Orchid is susceptible to diseases such as gray rot and fusarium
Pest control
To combat any pests, Marsh and Borey are needed.
From ticks use "Actelik" or a drug with a large spectrum of action. Absolutely all drugs are diluted in 1 liter of water (bag or ampoule). The concentration should be 10 times greater than indicated in the instructions.
The resulting solution is thoroughly sprayed from all sides with a plant so that the drug passes through the substrate. Wait until the drops on the leaves dry, and return the plant to its place. Spraying and washing the flower is allowed no earlier than 20-30 days after processing. To consolidate the result, the treatment is repeated after 7-10 days.
The number of pests is growing rapidly, because the treatment is carried out for all plants.
Prevention
After purchasing a new phalaenopsis, shop soil is treated with fungicides and insecticides. For this, it is optimal to use warm and soft water.
Conclusion
This type of phalaenopsis is one of the most beautiful. It is undemanding to the conditions surrounding it. Even a novice can grow an orchid Wild cat. Proper care of it will be the key to a long and magnificent flowering.
