The Dracula orchid is of particular interest among the many orchid species. Another common name is monkey orchid. The flower received this name due to the unusual color and structure of the petals. When opened, the calyx resembles a monkey's face. Many flower growers dream of growing this amazing crop in an apartment.
The described orchid species belongs to the group of epiphytes and begins its pedigree from the orchid family. There are more than 120 varieties of the flower. Wild forms of Dracula are found on both American continents. The plant prefers a humid tropical climate and settles in forests, where it adapts to live directly in trees or takes root in the ground.
Description of dracula orchid
Like most epiphytic crops, the flower is short and has short shoots. Elongated leaves have a belt-like shape with a pronounced dark green color. Shortened rhizome without lateral pseudobulbs. Varieties with folded leaves have been bred, which to some extent function as pseudobulbs.
The main advantage of the dracula orchid is the original color of the flowers. The shape, size and color of the cup vary depending on the variety. They are united by the fact that each flower contains 3 sepals gathering at the base. The ends of the sepals are extended upward. Outwardly, the bud looks like a vampire mask or a monkey's face. Flowering culture can be expected at any time of the year. In order for a perennial to bloom in an apartment, you will have to fulfill a number of requirements.
In indoor floriculture, the Dracula orchid is a rare exhibit. Not every species survives in a stuffy enclosed space and transfers dry indoor air. The death of a plant begins with drying out of the roots and leaves.
Dracula orchid care at home
Location and lighting
Under natural conditions, the orchid takes place in the lower vegetation layer of the tropics, so the varieties grown in the apartment need bright and diffused light. Burning and scorching rays of the sun harm the leaf blades. The optimal arrangement of flower pots is on the east or south-east side of the building. When placed on windowsills that face south, the threat of overheating of the culture increases.
Content temperature
The flower has a negative attitude towards heat and likes to grow in cool climates. In summer, they try to keep the air temperature in the room at 25 ° C. With the onset of winter, flowerpots are sent to a room with a temperature of no more than 12 ° C.
For the formation of buds, daily temperature drops play an important role. Florists are advised to regularly observe the temperature difference between day and night. The interval must be at least 4 ° C. It is desirable that the room be cool at night.
Air humidity
In the homeland of the orchid, rainy weather prevails.In the morning the forest is filled with fog, there is an increased humidity of the air. Similar conditions must be created for indoor perennial species. You can increase the humidity in the room by constant ventilation. Stale air is the main cause of the appearance of various bacterial diseases and fungi.
Watering conditions
The amount of watering depends on the environment in which the plant is kept. If the room is dark and cool, the soil is rarely watered and, conversely, when the room is stuffy and warm, the need for moisture increases. For watering, the water is defended in advance so that it becomes soft.
Soil composition
Dracula orchid is grown in low flowerpots or hanging baskets, which are filled with a special substrate. In some cases, blocks are used. To mix a suitable soil, take charcoal, chopped pine bark, fern roots and sphagnum. The acidity level of the soil should be between 5.5 and 6.5 pH.
Feeding frequency
The crop is fed at the stage of intensive growth, but not more often than after the 3rd watering. Complex fertilizers are used. The dose indicated on the package is halved. Overfeeding will only aggravate development and will have a bad effect on budding.
Transplant tips
Dracula orchid does without transplant for a long time. However, if the shoots begin to form a new root system, you should not ignore this fact, but immediately transplant the flower into a flowerpot one size larger than the previous one.
Dormant period
The dracula orchid does not survive a state of dormancy and is able to bloom at any time of the year. Experienced growers manage to achieve flowering several times a year.
Dracula orchid breeding methods
Reproduction of cultivated species of dracula orchids is carried out in a vegetative way. When the bushes grow to a large size, they are divided into parts. It is important that 4-5 sprouts remain in the cuttings.
