Orchid pseudobulb: what is it
Almost all types of orchids have the same set of organs: leaves, stem, aerial roots, bulbs (pseudobulbs), flowers. An orchid pseudobulb can tell a lot.
Orchid pseudobulb: what is it
The structure and features of pseudobulbs
The pseudobulb is almost always located on the rhizome. Leaves and peduncles grow from the very top, flowers are located on them. They all have the same structure.
Bulbs are formed in different ways: in some species - from one thickened internode, in others - from several. In the direction of growth, they are erect, drooping, curly.
Distinctive features are called the fact that they are located above the ground and have a rich green color. In diameter, they range in size from a few millimeters to tens of centimeters. Pseudobulbs are 1-2 leaves at the top and several pairs of leaves along the surface. Its interior is filled with water-storing cells.
Bulba shapes are:
- elongated: fusiform, bulbous, cylindrical;
- spherical, flat, resembling cakes.
The shape of the pseudobulb of the same plant changes, depending on the conditions. This is observed in Cattleya, dendrobiums. The length of the pseudobulbs for dendrobiums and cattleyas depends on the level of illumination: the higher it is, the shorter the length.
Bulba consists of soft tissue and mucus, which is protected from fumes by a thick-walled epidermis. In some orchids, in the upper part of the organ there is a cavity with stomata, through which gas exchange with the atmosphere takes place.
Pseudobulba develops mainly in epiphytic species, which include phalaenopsis. If it has a purple bloom, it means that it received a lot of sun under natural conditions. In orchids, the flowers of which are brightly colored, the pseudobulb is sometimes colored with a bright red speck. In indoor orchids, which do not have a bulb, the leaves perform the functions of a supply of substances and moisture. More rarely, in indoor floriculture, plants are observed that have a monopodial branching variant of the shoot system. These orchids do not form bulbs.
What are pseudobulbs for?
External examination of the plant will help prevent diseases.
The organ's main function is to store nutrients. It helps the plant survive in extreme conditions. Its presence indicates that phalaenopsis develops both in arid conditions and in an environment with high humidity. When the plant is well cared for, the function of the pseudobulb is reduced.
This organ evenly distributes nutrients throughout the plant. Its bright green color indicates the promotion of photosynthesis. In indoor orchids that do not have bulbs, fleshy leaves perform the functions of storing substances and moisture of organs.
When flowering is complete, the pseudobulb cannot be cut off on your own: it will still serve as a source of nutrition for new young shoots during the period of their active growth. They wait until it dries itself, after which it is carefully cut off from the very base.After trimming, the cut is treated with activated carbon.
It happens that the old dried phalaenopsis bulb blooms over time and gives a branch - no need to rush to cut it.
Pseudobulb and disease
If the orchid's ulba looks shriveled, the plant lacks moisture and there is a problem with the roots. If it is very dry, the plant is dehydrated and requires urgent watering. After getting enough water, it becomes thick, dense, smooth.
If the pseudobulb has become unusually thick, has acquired a rich dark green color, cracked along and secreted liquid, the orchid is overfed with fertilizers. If the pseudobulb darkened and began to dry quickly, it was struck by a bacterial disease.
The growths on the pseudobulbs indicate that the plant has received an infection that began with the leaves. Sudden blackening of some areas of the pseudobulb indicates a fungal disease.
Conclusion
The pseudobulb is an important part of the orchid. Thanks to her, the plant accumulates nutrients. She promotes photosynthesis, her condition indicates the presence of a number of diseases.