The Coelogyne flower is related to the numerous Orchid family. More than 120 species are united by common morphological features. Wild plantings of cellogin are found in hot tropical latitudes in the countries of South and Southeast Asia and inhabit the islands of the Pacific and Indian Ocean. This type of orchid belongs to epiphytes - representatives of the flora that have adapted to live on other plants. However, among them there are also lithophytes and terrestrial varieties.
Caring for the cellogin orchid at home
Before you get a flower, you should think about whether it will be possible to provide proper care for the cellogin orchid at home.
Location and lighting
Throughout the year, the plant should receive a sufficient amount of sunlight. In the shade, leaves and flowers are oppressed and look less graceful. The optimal location for a flowerpot is a window sill by a window directed to the east or west. On the northern side of the cellogyne, there is not enough diffused lighting, and on the southern side, on the contrary, direct scorching rays will cause burns and wilting of foliage.
It is important to ensure that the daylight hours are at least 12 hours in both summer and winter. Since the day is short during the winter months, electric lamps are installed near the flower pot.
Temperature
Depending on the type of orchid, a suitable temperature regime is selected. In summer, the normal temperature range is considered to be 20-25 ° C. With the onset of autumn, cellogin needs insulation. The flower is protected from drafts and the thermometer in the room is not allowed to fall below 10 ° C. In addition to the excellent cellogyne, varieties that are resistant to cold have been bred, for example, comb cellogyne. It is grown on verandas or glazed loggias.
Watering mode
The culture is watered in the bottom way. The pots are immersed in a container of water until the liquid reaches the top. Use soft, filtered or boiled water at room temperature. If you water the soil with ordinary tap water, soon a salt deposit will form on the substrate, which has a bad effect on the development of the orchid. Salinization has a negative effect on the roots.
When the growing season ends, the volume of water is reduced and the procedure is repeated, waiting until the soil in the pot is completely dry.
Air humidity
The room where cellogin is contained must be high humidity. If the air is too dry, a thin layer of expanded clay is poured onto the pallet and water is poured. In the morning and evening, the leaves are sprayed.
Soil composition
The orchid is planted in special soil, which can be purchased at flower shops. In addition to the finely dispersed structure, the presence of leaf compost in the substrate and pine bark plays an important role, which ensures air aeration. The ratio of the finished loose soil mixture and bark is 1: 1.
Tall species are grown on natural blocks made from small pieces of pine bark. The roots are tied to the surface of the block with the help of a wire and covered with sphagnum. The described planting method involves increased watering and regular spraying of the seedling with warm water.
Top dressing and fertilizers
The plant is regularly fed at the stage of intensive growth, but at least once a week. In parallel, foliar dressings are introduced. Commercial orchid mixtures recommended by manufacturers are used as fertilizers. After the culture has faded, the need for additional nutrients decreases. The soil is fertilized only once a month.
Transfer
Transplanting a culture into a new pot is only necessary as a last resort. Provided that the roots will no longer fit in the container, and the flower will grow slowly due to lack of free space.
Large bushes are transferred to new flowerpots, not forgetting to hide a couple of heavy granite stones at the bottom or pour pebbles so that the flower does not tip over under the weight of its own shoots when carrying it.
Dormant period
The beautiful cellogyne has an active life almost all year round. The plant is capable of blooming at any time, so there is no need to talk about a state of dormancy. For cellogyne fringed, a certain period of formation of inflorescences is characteristic, and the species of cellogyne comb is resting and gaining strength from late spring to mid-June. At this time, the growth of roots and shoots is inhibited, the skin of the pseudobulb wrinkles.
Breeding methods of cellogin orchids
The flower propagates by dividing using ground aerial tubers cut from mature shrubs. On the same plot, a pair of young and old pseudobulbs should remain, which have a healthy and developed root system.
Diseases and pests
A spider mite often settles in the leaf axils. As soon as the first signs of infection are found, the flower is washed under running warm water, paying special attention to the leaf plates. In addition to the tick, the ground parts of the orchid attract aphids and whiteflies. These pests are removed by an identical method. Sick specimens are temporarily isolated from neighbors until they recover.
To save the plant from fungal diseases, they are treated with fungicidal preparations. However, you need to start medical procedures as early as possible.
Types of cellogy with photos
All types of orchids have similar characteristics: smooth oval bulbs, sympodial growth. One or two green leaves are formed at the tops of the pseudobulbs, and tall peduncles with fragrant flowers stick out in the center. On each flowering arrow, one or more inflorescences grow, which consist of 5 narrow petals and a wide lip located below the calyx.
In indoor conditions, they are mainly engaged in breeding three popular types of orchids: Tselogyne comb, Tselogyne fringed and Tselogyna beautiful. They attract with their tenderness and charm and are considered common inhabitants in residential buildings. The exotic appearance and decorativeness attract many novice florists.
Coelogyne cristata (Coelogyne cristata)
In its natural habitat, this species inhabits the mountain ranges of the Himalayas. Here, the bushes are located almost at the foot of the snowy ridges. The plant shows a good ability to resist cold. The tubers are spherical with elongated ends. The length of standard pseudobulbs does not exceed 3-5 cm. A couple of leaves stick out from the sides. Peduncles bear 3-8 white inflorescences, which grow up to 10 cm in diameter. The flowers are large with a 3-lobed lip and have 5 pronounced scallops - a kind of outgrowths. The flowering phase of indoor cellogyne affects the end of winter and the beginning of the spring thaw.
Coelogyne fimbriata
The species came to European countries and Russia from India, Thailand and China. Small bushes prefer warm climates.The height of the air bulbs, each with 2 leaves, reaches 2-3 cm. At the ends of the flower arrows, from 1 to 3 wide inflorescences of yellow color with a greenish tint are formed. There is a brown pattern on the surface of the lower lip. The cups bloom in August and stay on the peduncles until October.
Coelogyne speciosa
Wild plantings of orchids are common in the Japanese islands. The species in question belongs to the group of unifolia plants. When the flowering phase approaches, shortened stalks are decorated with greenish flowers in the amount of 1-3 pcs. On the light brown three-lobed lip, you can see a red mesh of veins with a contrasting white speck.
The cellogin orchid mentioned above does not require complex care and is unpretentious to room conditions, if you follow the elementary growing rules.
