Orchid is an amazingly beautiful flower that many indoor plant lovers now have. However, there are some types of orchids that are not available to the ordinary grower. One of the most expensive and rare flowers is the golden orchid. The cost of escape can be up to $ 5,000.
This flower grows only on Mount Kinabalu (the island of Borneo in Malaysia), which is why its second name is "Gold Kinabalu".
Botanical description
The golden orchid, scientifically Paphiopedilum rothschildianum, blooms only at the age of 15 years.
It is easy to distinguish a golden orchid by horizontal leaves and stripes on flowers.. The upper sepal is beige, yellow or light green, and the lower one is smaller in size and coincides in color. At the base are reddish hairs. The plant can produce only 1 peduncle for the period of flowering from April to May.
Popular varieties and their photos
Due to the fact that orchids are easy to cross, there are many varieties of orchids. Breeders usually intuitively pick up pairs. In most cases, the flower is bright and fragrant.
Fragrant lykasta
Golden orchid called fragrant lykasta for bright lemon color. This orchid variety has a delicate and persistent aroma, flowers can exceed 17 cm in diameter, and reach a height of 25 cm in height. This plant is loved by connoisseurs of flowers.
Goldstar (Goldenstar)
Another variety that has flowers with different shades of golden, lemon and yellow tones.
Potinara (Burana Beauty)
Differs flowers of yellow-red range, spike of medium height.
Breeding history
The path of orchids begins with natural origin.. These beauties grew on the branches of trees of tropical forests.
About 450 years ago, orchids were first introduced to Europe. Joseph Banks is considered to be the pioneer. But since the population then did not have knowledge about the care of this wonderful flower, all the plant instances died quickly.
Orchid fever has not spared Russia. Our compatriots not only grew a flower, but also crossed it. Then the wonderful Odontoglossum Troyanovskianum hybrid was developed. Employees of the Main Botanical Garden of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, V. A. Seleznev and V. A. Poddubnaya-Arnoldi, devoted themselves to the research and study of tropical orchids. They were the first in the country to deal with issues of hybridization.
As a result in 1957 the monograph "Orchids and their culture" appeared. Research resumed only in the 80s. Thanks lv Averyanov two new species Bulbofillum and Liparis.
To date, breeders have managed to derive as many as 15 thousand hybrid varieties from 25 thousand species of natural orchids. Then no one imagined that the orchid would become such a popular type of home plant. The variety of orchids is striking in its scope. To this day, discover all new types.
How to care for flowers?
All orchids are capricious and the golden orchid is no exception.. The plant requires maximum care.
You should not put the pot in direct sunlight, you need diffused light. Orchids are afraid of drafts and hot air from batteries.
- Temperature conditions depends on the time of year and day:
- in the summer from +23 to +28;
- in winter from +18 to +23;
- at night 3-5 degrees less than during the day.
Humidity. The orchid flower is moisture-loving. But do not overdo it! It is best to put a pot with a tray, then the plant will absorb the required amount of water. As a pot you should not choose clay or ceramic. Wicker of boxes or boxes with large slots is best suited. Indeed, in nature, an orchid grows on the branches of trees.- Top dressing. It is necessary to feed a flower at least once a month, during flowering - 2 times. The orchid does not like a surplus of salt in the soil, so it is better to limit yourself to half the recommended portion of fertilizer. Do not feed the orchid in winter.
- Priming should retain moisture well. We recommend using charcoal, pine bark and sphagnum. Before you put the bark to the orchid necessarily boil it. This will help get rid of all the bugs. Flowering plants require enhanced watering. It is recommended to water the orchid under a warm shower. Water temperature should be +35 degrees.
- Transfer. Replant the plant must be in spring. But not when it blooms. Careful with the roots!
The orchid does not like this procedure, so you should not do this more than once every 2-3 years. After transplanting the flower does not need to be watered for 3 days. If you decide to increase the number of orchids, then divide the bush during transplantation. In this case, the plant does not need to be watered for 2 weeks. Air temperature should be no higher than +22 degrees.
Humidity. The orchid flower is moisture-loving. But do not overdo it! It is best to put a pot with a tray, then the plant will absorb the required amount of water. As a pot you should not choose clay or ceramic. Wicker of boxes or boxes with large slots is best suited. Indeed, in nature, an orchid grows on the branches of trees.Diseases and parasites
In order to avoid fungal and viral diseases it is necessary to observe sterility when transplanting plants. It is important to wash the orchid leaves with warm water and blot with gauze cloth. So that the orchid does not catch a cold, it should not be in a draft.
The most common pests are:
- Shchitovka. On the plant there are bumps, under which these parasites live.
- Aphid. These are small green or black insects.
- Mealybugs. A cotton-like substance is formed around the female worms. It appears on the flowers and on the inside of the sheets.
- Spider mite. A spiderweb appears on the plant, especially when sprinkled.
- Thrips. A silver film or a change in leaf color indicates the appearance of this parasite.
- Pins. Gray-white or gray-brown bugs are noticeable after watering the plant.
Orchids are rarely ill, but if this happens, you need to see a specialist. If you can rid the plant of bacterial leaf spot and accurately determine the diagnosis, you can miss powdery mildew and black fungi.
Orchids are very difficult to care, however they have become a very common home plant. Diseases and pests often occur due to improper care.. Therefore, be attentive to your flowers. This beautiful plant will regularly delight you with bright and fragrant flowers in response to your care for it.
