Representatives of the genus Rhynchostylis are represented by only six plant species and belong to the orchid family. They are found in southeast Asia, the Philippines and Indonesia. The name is associated with the appearance of the reproductive organ, which has a specific shape. Rhynchostylis has Greek roots and literally translates to "beak".
The rhynchostilis plant is characterized by a monopodial type, which means that it has only one upright stem. As they grow, the lower leaves begin to die off and fall off over time. In the area of the sinuses, air roots are formed. They are distinguished by their sturdy structure, and the outer surface is covered with a thick layer of velamen.
The leaves have a rich dark green color and are characterized by a fairly tight fit to the shoot. The belt-shaped plates are thick and hard to the touch, and the tip looks like it has been chopped off. Peduncles begin to form from the location of the lower leaf sinuses. They form multi-flowered inflorescences that cluster in large clusters. The shape of the flowers is round and they are small in size, and when flowering, rhynchostilis exudes a fragrant aroma. They usually do not exceed 2 centimeters in diameter and have 3 broad-oval sepals.
The separation angle of the sepals is about 120 degrees. Real petals grow in pairs so that each one is opposite the other. Compared to sepals, they differ in shorter length and width, but have the same color. The third true petal is characterized by a contrasting color and perpendicular position in relation to the calyx. It has a spade-like shape and a dissected edge, which is sometimes crenate.
Caring for the rhynchostilis orchid at home
Rhynchostilis orchid does not require special and complex care at home. For normal development and growth, it is enough to control a constant temperature, humidity and light indicators.
Location and lighting
Rinchostilis belongs to the category of light-loving plants, so experts recommend choosing a sunny place. In this case, it is necessary to exclude direct rays from hitting the shoots. To exclude burns, it is better to shade them during the period of solar activity. Too bright lighting will lead to the fact that the leaf plates begin to change color. A sign of trouble is the appearance of a reddish tint in them, but after placing the plant in a shaded area, the leaves turn green again.
Peduncle formation occurs provided sufficient lighting is provided. An important role is played by the duration of daylight hours, which should be from 10 to 12 hours all year round.In connection with this feature, in winter, it is required to provide additional illumination with the help of special lamps for plants.
Features of the temperature regime
Rhynchostilis orchid needs to maintain a moderately warm temperature regime. An important condition is the provision of daily fluctuations in indicators. At night hours, values from 17 to 20 ° C are taken as the norm, and during the day they should vary from 22 to 28 ° C. The total temperature difference should be kept around 5 ° C.
The soil
The orchid does not need to prepare a special substrate, as it can grow and feel great on a block with open roots. A piece of pine bark is often used as a device, on which the base of the stem and root system are fixed. It is permissible to use lattice baskets made of plastic or natural wood for growing a flower. A mandatory requirement for such options is to provide a draft of the holes necessary for the free growth of root segments through them.
Watering rules
Watering rhynchostilis is carried out by completely immersing the root formations in a container, which is pre-filled with water. The water temperature should be between 30 and 40 ° C. The orchid can be returned to its permanent growing site only after the leaf sinuses have completely erupted. If necessary, remove excess fluid using available tools. Neglecting such a recommendation is fraught with rotting of the bases of the leaf plates.
Air humidity
The rhynchostilis flower needs increased indoor air humidity. The optimal range for growth is considered to be from 60 to 65%. To maintain this regime, it is required to carry out regular spraying or use a household steam generator. When choosing the second option, the air stream should be directed to the roots of the plant.
Fertilization
Fertilization works are carried out from March to the end of November. Feeding the orchid rhynchostilis is done 1 time at intervals of 2-3 weeks. For these purposes, it is required to use special complexes for orchids. The solution is prepared taking into account taking a dose in a volume of ½ of the norm recommended in the manufacturer's instructions. Fertilizers should be diluted in water that is intended for watering or spraying the plant.
Being in the air
Exposure to the air provides the plant with the temperature differences necessary for growth. In this case, you should choose places in which the requirements for humidity indicators will be met.
Dormant period
The orchid can bloom in any month. Due to this feature, the plant does not need to specifically provide periods of rest and rest.
Reproduction of the rhynchostilis orchid
At home, the rhynchostilis orchid cannot be propagated. In rare cases, the formation of a baby is possible on the shoot. In such a situation, you should carefully separate it from the mother plant, but only after the appearance of air roots. In industrial conditions, the flower is grown by cloning or seeds are used for these purposes.
Diseases and pests
Putrefactive formations often appear on the plant. A similar problem is directly related to excessive waterlogging of the rhynchostilis. Often, due to insufficient watering, drying of the roots is observed.
The lack of flowering can be due to a large number of reasons that are associated with neglect of the rules of care. In most cases, the source of problems is low air humidity, deficit or excess watering, low illumination in the growing area.
Types of rhynchostilis orchids with a photo
Among gardeners, two varieties of the rhynchostilis orchid are popular.
Rhynchostylis giant (Rhynchostylis gigantea)
The flower is impressive in size. The leaves have a fleshy structure, the width of each plate is 5-6 cm, the length can reach 40 cm.Flowering occurs in the autumn-winter period. On the peduncle, dense cylindrical inflorescences are formed, capable of reaching a length of 40 cm. They consist of flowers with small spurs, the number of which can vary from 20 to 60 pieces. The diameter of each is about 2.5 cm. At the base of the flower, the petals and sepals are narrowed, which leads to the formation of tomorrow between them. The lateral lobes of the three-lobed lip are strongly elevated.
Orchid on the Russian market is presented in two varieties. One has a snow-white color of leaves. On the second, small purple-pink spots are formed. The lip is characterized by exactly the same shade.
Blunted Rhynchostylis (Rhynchostylis retusa)
The leaves of the flower are smaller than those of the giant rhynchostilis. The peduncle is longer and can reach 60 cm. The inflorescences can contain up to 100 small flowers, the diameter of which is 2 cm. A pair of large, round sepals are located below. Narrow petals are superimposed on them, as a result a whole cup without gaps is formed. The flowers are light pink. The lip has the same delicate color. The process of their formation of inflorescences begins at the end of winter and can continue until the beginning of spring.
