Ascocentrum (Ascocentrum) is a flower from the orchid family. There are from 6 to 13 representatives in the genus, which have the properties of both lithophytes and epiphytes. Natural plantings of the ascocentrum orchid are found in the Philippine Islands and in Asia.
Description of the orchid ascocentrum
The plant is characterized by a monopodial type of growth, which implies the presence of one unbranched stem. The main stem continues to grow in size continuously until the flower dies. Root air layers have a thickened structure and lie close to the surface. The rhizome is covered with velamen - a white porous bloom with a silvery tinge.
The curved greenish-red foliage is arranged in two rows in succession. Vaginal leaves are in close contact with the shoot. The belt-like plates are firm to the touch. Intermittent barbs are present at the ends. Their number, as a rule, does not exceed 1-3 pcs. The leaves grow no more than 2 cm wide, and sometimes up to 30 cm long.
Ascocentrum bloom is observed in spring or late summer. At this time, short peduncles are born in the axils in the lower part of the plant. In different species, the height of the arrows reaches 8-20 cm. Strong cylindrical inflorescences, consisting of several buds, sit on the peduncles.
The flowers are small in diameter - about 1.5-2.5 cm. The calyx frame is formed from 3 oval sepals. Inflorescences are called zygomorphic. The buds are in the same position relative to each other. The opening angle is 120 degrees. Sepals and petals are slightly different in color.
If you look closely at the two opposite petals, you will find that they are also 120 degrees apart from each other, so the rim has the correct shape.
In addition to the sepals, the flower consists of a narrow three-lobed lip of modest size. The end of the lip is pushed forward, and the two processes located on the side stick out vertically. Behind the lip, a long outgrowth or spur completes. Fresh nectar is collected in the hollow interior. Thanks to this feature, the plant got its botanical name "ascos" and "kentron", which translated from Greek means "bag" and "spur".
Types and varieties of ascocentrum with photo
Modified varieties of Orchidi Ascocentrum have a pronounced similarity to each other. Differences are observed only in the size and color of the inflorescences.
- Dwarf - the longest shoots grow up to 4-6 cm, flowers are painted in pink;
- Christenson - the bushes reach up to 40 cm in length, the plant blooms with pink-white buds;
- Curved - the height of the peduncles is 15-25 cm, orange, red or yellow color prevails in the flowers;
- Miniatum is an orchid 10-20 cm high with orange or red inflorescences;
- Bubble - a low-growing variety, which is characterized by red or purple flowers.
Ascocentrum orchid care at home
The described genus of orchids is one of the most capricious and fastidious plants.Indoor varieties of Ascocentrum will have to pay a lot of attention after planting. Only an experienced florist can handle their cultivation. However, today, thanks to the labors of breeders, various hybrids have been bred, therefore, caring for ascocentrum at home has become much easier.
Location and lighting
The flower prefers to grow in a well-lit place where bright diffused light will fall on the leaves. It is not recommended to leave the flowerpot in direct sunlight for a long time; it is better to accustom the plant to the sun gradually. Ascocentrum orchid develops stably on window sills near windows directed to the east or west side.
With the arrival of autumn cold weather and for the winter period, additional lamps are installed near the ascocentrum. It is important to observe the light regime, i.e. during the year, the duration of daylight hours should be 10-12 hours. Otherwise, the lack of light will lead to a stop in growth.
Temperature
The orchid needs daily temperature changes so that the difference between night and day temperatures is at least 10 ° C. Optimal conditions are when the thermometer in the room is in the range of 24-31 ° C during the day, and at 10-20 ° C at night. Such a regime will have a beneficial effect on the cultivation of culture at home.
It is not recommended to take the pot with ascocentrum outside in the heat, since changes associated with adaptation to a new habitat can cause severe stress in the flower, which in turn will provoke the appearance of diseases and rapid wilting.
The soil
For growing Ascocentrum orchids, special hanging baskets or blocks are selected where no substrate is used. The aerial root system needs oxygen and good lighting. In some cases, an ordinary piece of pine bark is selected as a block. The rhizome is fixed on top of the block, wrapping each root with a thin layer of moss or coconut fiber to prevent moisture evaporation after watering.
Low-growing varieties and young seedlings are allowed to be planted in flower pots made of transparent material and filled with chopped pine bark. This natural raw material supports the shoots and helps to maintain balance. After watering, the roots dry out much more slowly, since the bark retains moisture.
Watering
For the ascocentrum orchid, a dormant period is not provided, in this regard, watering is organized to the same extent throughout the year. The rhizome is watered by immersing a flowerpot or block in a bowl of water. It is allowed to submerge the plant completely, it will not harm it. After 15-20 minutes, the orchid is taken out of the water and returned to the place where the pot stood before. In a similar way, growers are advised to water the flower every day.
Air humidity
In order for the plant to develop normally, high humidity is maintained in the room - from 80 to 90%. Humidity below 70% negatively affects the growth of the Ascocentrum orchid. The microclimate in apartments, especially at the height of the heating season, does not always correspond to optimal standards. To get out of the situation and increase the humidity, household humidifiers or steam generators help.
Top dressing
It is enough to fertilize the plant once a month. Special mixtures are used for orchid crops. It is advisable to take half of the dose indicated by the manufacturer on the label. Top dressing is dissolved in irrigation water. It is also recommended to arrange monthly foliar feeding of the ground part when the leaves are sprayed with the diluted nutrient mixture.
Diseases and pests
Diseases and pests will bypass the ascocentrum side if you follow proper flower care. Deviation from the temperature regime, lack or, conversely, excess of light, errors in watering, dry air in the room, neglect of the temperature difference between day and night are the main reasons that slow down the development or lead to the death of the plant in the future.
