Description of Phalaenopsis Mukalla Orchid
Among the variety of indoor plants, the Mukalla orchid will become a real decoration of the room. The presence of this plant will bring elegance and chic to any interior.
Description of Phalaenopsis Mukalla Orchid
Description of the variety
Phalaenopsis Mukalla is a hybrid variety. It is one of the most common types of decorative orchids. It is characterized by the following features:
- massive roots up to 8 mm thick, having a gray-green color;
- asymmetrical oval leaves with an even and smooth structure;
- the color of the leaves is unusually spotty, looks elegant in a compact outlet;
- up to 5 flowers per stem are symmetrical bilaterally;
- in diameter, the blossoming buds reach 5 cm;
- the color ranges from purple to bright purple;
- each flower is highlighted with a white border and a cherry inner petal.
This orchid variety is odorless. The flowering period lasts from 4 to 7 months.
Growing varieties
The orchid belongs to the dwarf subspecies, therefore it will take a little space on the windowsill.
Landing
The orchid is not tall, but for good growth it requires a medium-sized vessel for planting. For this variety, you should choose a pot 8–9 cm in diameter and about 10 cm in height. Too low a capacity will not give the opportunity to fully develop the root system of the plant.
Seeds
Phalaenopsis Mukalla is grown using seeds. The correctness of sowing consists in observing a number of rules:
- Seeds are disinfected before planting. For this, a solution of chlorine lime is used, in which it is soaked for 15 minutes.
- Using a pressure cooker will prevent germs and fungal spores from entering the planting material.
- Containers with seeds are kept at a temperature of 18–20 ° C until the first leaves appear.
- The substrate for planting is pre-steamed.
The process of growing seedlings is long and laborious. A flowering plant is expected no earlier than 5 years after planting.
Cuttings
Breeding is best in early summer.
Reproduction by dividing the peduncle is also permissible for the Mukalla phalaenopsis species. The best time to spend falls at the beginning of summer. Cuttings are carried out according to the following scheme:
- Remove the leaves on the bottom of the stem.
- Disinfect the cut sites with activated carbon.
- Use a complex of fertilizers in the maximum proportion.
- Wait for the young roots to appear and plant in prepared soil.
- It is worth moistening the soil 2-3 days after planting.
- Provide optimal lighting and moderate watering.
A young plant will appear in a few months with proper care.
Children
This method of reproduction of an orchid is performed only when the child has more than 2 full-fledged root shoots. Peeled pine bark or coconut chips work well for planting. You can dilute the soil by adding peat or moss of the sphagnum subspecies in small doses. This additive will reduce the alkalization of the substrate.
Care
Caring for such a houseplant should be comprehensive. It includes:
- Watering.In the warm season, watering should be done only once a week. During the dormant period, the plant needs an extremely rare introduction of liquid - 1-2 times in a month and a half. The best time to water is in the morning, as the roots are saturated with moisture for the whole day before sunrise. Irrigation of the soil is carried out with water heated to 25 ° C on top of a container with phalaenopsis. Do not allow water to accumulate in the pot. Watering is carried out when the roots are covered with a silvery-gray film. This is a clear sign of the need for moisture.
- Lighting. To stimulate plant growth, you need to organize a bright, but diffused light. Do not leave on an open window to avoid direct sunlight. Optimal placement slightly away from the window opening in the southern part of the room. A bad place for these flowers is the west side.
- Top dressing. For Phalaenopsis Mukkala, all fertilizers marked for orchids are allowed. They should be made at intervals of at least a month. With frequent feeding, the plant will grow, but flowering is unlikely. To make the orchid delight with lush buds, wait for the intervals between the application of various fertilizers. If you decide to change the drug, lengthen the interval to one and a half month.
- Transfer. The plant should be transplanted into another container only in the case of a comprehensive dense filling of the pot with root processes. Transplanting is done similarly to sprout propagation above.
Diseases and pests
The Mukalla orchid variety is not resistant to diseases and parasites, like all types of phalaenopsis.
Fight disease
Improper care rises diseases
Phalaenopsis diseases can be caused by improper care. Such problems include burns, hypothermia, and root decay. The selection of the optimal temperature, removal of damaged areas and normalization of watering will help in intensive care.
Among the diseases caused by microorganisms, there are:
- powdery mildew;
- anthracnose;
- fusarium rot.
When a disease is detected, treatment is started as soon as possible. To combat, use a solution of calloidal sulfur or copper-containing preparations. Having previously rid the plant of damaged parts.
Pest control
Parasites that damage the plant include:
- sciarids;
- whitefly;
- fruit flies;
- thrips.
For pest control, chemicals are used specifically from each species. Among the most effective are: Raid, Raptor, Bazudin, Aktellik, Fitoverm, Hexachloran, Aktara.
Folk remedies are also widespread. Bringing good results are considered: garlic infusion, potassium permanganate solution, laundry soap, vegetable oil, ash, sticky flycatchers.
Prophylaxis
For the purpose of prevention, you should adhere to the rules:
- Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Water should not collect in the pot.
- The substrate is frozen and disinfected before planting.
- Damaged and drying out parts of the orchid must be removed.
- Loosening of the soil should be carried out periodically.
- Use a soap solution to wipe the leaves 2 times a year.
Conclusion
The Mukalla orchid variety has gained popularity among flower growers due to its unpretentious cultivation, beautiful appearance and long flowering.