Types of orchids: know the main species for decoration

Due to the beauty of its flowers, the orchid has become a popular plant and many people now grow it at home. Belonging to the Orchidaceae family, one of the largest families of existing plants, there are more than 30,000 types of orchids distributed on all continents, except Antarctica. Next, the main types of orchids and care tips for this plant will be presented.

Orchid cultivation process

Growing orchids requires that they are well cared for to grow and adorn the environment with their beautiful flowers. Although care can vary depending on the genus of orchid, in general, they are easy to maintain. Check out some tips below:

Fertilizing

There are two options for fertilizing orchids: with organic or inorganic products. NPK fertilizer, specially formulated for orchids, is widely used. It is important to choose the appropriate formulation for the plant's growth phase and apply the amount recommended by the manufacturer. If you prefer organic fertilizers, you can choose to combine bone meal and castor bean cake. Fertilization should not be carried out frequently, and can be applied every two months.

watering

Orchids do not appreciate excess water, so watering should not be frequent. Typically, they are held every 4 days or once a week. To determine whether it is necessary to water the plant, you can stick your finger in the substrate and check whether it is wet or dry to a depth of 2 centimeters. If the substrate is dry, it's time to water the orchid again.

Solar incidence or lighting

If orchids are exposed to too much sun, they can burn. Therefore, it is recommended to keep them in half-shaded places, where they only receive direct light for part of the day or indirect lighting.

vessel transposition

When the base of the orchid is very close to the edge of the pot, it's time to repot. Choose a vase in which the plant can stand at least 2 fingers below the rim and place stones in the bottom to improve water drainage. Then add earth and coconut fiber chips or washed moss to accommodate the plant.

Main fragility of the plant

Orchids are susceptible to several pests, the most common being aphids, bedbugs, mealybugs, snails, slugs and beetles. For each type of pest, there is a specific treatment. Therefore, it is essential to identify which pest is affecting the plant before applying any treatment.

Main types of orchid

To help you identify the species and choose the ideal orchid to grow at home, we will present the characteristics of the 3 main types below. Follow:

Phalaenopsis schilleriana:

Originally from the Philippines, Phalaenopsis schilleriana is medium-sized, reaching 50 centimeters in height. Its pink and purple flowers are beautiful and fragrant, while its leaves are dark green. Flowers appear during spring and summer, and usually last about 4 weeks.

Phalaenopsis amabilis

With an average size that can reach 50 centimeters, this orchid is quite common in Brazil. Its leaves are olive green, while its flowers are white and appear during the summer, and can remain open for up to 60 days. During this time of year, it is important to monitor the substrate frequently, watering 3 to 4 times a week. This species is an epiphyte, but can also be grown in clay pots.

Phalaenopsis violacea

The violacea species originates from Sumatra and prefers to live in trees, although it can also be grown in pots. Its main features include the pointed shape of its petals, the violet color of its flowers, its strong scent and its wide green leaves. Although the most common color of its flowers is purple, there are variations that feature both white and blue flowers. This species is small, usually reaching a maximum of 35 centimeters in height.

Orchids are very popular plants all over the world due to their beauty and elegance. Although there are many species and varieties, it is possible to grow them relatively easily, provided some basic care is taken. It is important to know the specific needs of each species, such as watering, fertilization and lighting, to ensure the healthy development of the plants. In addition, you must be aware of possible pests and diseases that can affect orchids. With this information, you can choose the species that best suits your growing conditions and enjoy the beautiful flowers they can produce.