Collectible Phalaenopsis "Wild cat": why is it interesting and is it difficult to take care of it?

Plants of the orchid family of the genus Phalaenopsis includes a wide variety of species. Currently, many hybrids have appeared that surprise with their colors and sizes.

Some hybrids are so rare that every grower wants to get this species in his collection. These species include the Phalaenopsis Wild cat.

History of origin and place of distribution

Phalaenopsis came to us from the cool forests of the Philippines and the humid forests of Australia... The name phalaenopsis, which translates as "a kind of butterfly" to this type of orchid, was invented by Karl Blume, who at night confused the phalaenopsis flower with a butterfly.

And the name of the Wild Cat variety came from the similarity of the color of the petals of an orchid with the hair of a wild spotted cat. There is no history of the origin of this variety. Scientists have crossed several types of phalaenopsis and got an amazing spotted variety.

Appearance

Flowers

The flower has three petals and three sepals... The shape of the flower is no different from other representatives of the phalaenopsis. An outer circle is formed from sepals or sepals, an inner circle is formed from petals (petals) and lips.

The flower is very much like a moth. The flower size ranges from 5 to 10 cm in diameter. The aroma is barely perceptible. The lip is large, very expressive, has three teeth, three-lobed.

Leaves

A healthy and mature plant should have 4-8 leaves, which are arranged in two rows. Leaves 2 to 3 mm thick, fleshy, with a smooth surface. Leaves can be oval or oval-elongated in shape. In length, the sheet reaches 10 - 35 cm, in width about 8 to 10 cm.

Roots are located between the leaves, gray-green in color. The roots are involved in photosynthesis and thanks to them, the flower can safely gain a foothold on the tree.

Stems

Well-branched peduncles with many flowers. One plant can please its owner from 1 to 4 peduncles per flowering. A mature peduncle can reach a length of 60 to 80 cm.

Photo of the variety

In the photo you can see all the beauty of the Wild Cat Phalaenopsis.

Difference from other orchids

The main distinguishing feature from other orchids is the density of flowers and the color characteristic only for this Phalaenopsis variety. The flower is very dense in structure, shiny... It feels like it's made of wax. Petals and sepals of white, yellow or white - yellow color with violet - cherry spots. The lip is very bright with unusual yellow streaks or streaks.

There are so many spots on the flowers that if you look at it from a distance, the flower seems to be solid, cherry or purple. Up close, this optical illusion disappears and specks can be seen. This effect makes this variety special and unique.

Important! The Wildcat variety is expensive. To be sure that you are purchasing this particular variety, it is best to take a plant with at least one open bud.

Bloom

The flowering of a wild cat can last from 2 to 3 months on average., 2 times per year. Under good conditions, this phalaenopsis can bloom even in winter. The Wild Cat does not have a pronounced rest period, therefore, with proper care of the plant, it can bloom after a month of rest.

Leaving before buds appear

In order for the "cat" to bloom, you need comfortable conditions for full growth and flowering. It is important to maintain parameters such as:

• humidity;
• temperature regime;
• lighting.

Also, do not forget about top dressing and proper watering of the plant.

When phalaenopsis blooms, a large number of buds appear on its peduncle. In order for the peduncle not to be damaged or broken, it must be fixed in an upright position on a holder like a ladder.

For, to extend the flowering period, peduncles can be gently sprayed warm water.

What to do after?

After flowering, proper care is also important so that the plant can rest and gain strength before the next flowering. If the peduncle is not dry, then it can be completely cut off.

It is permissible to cut the peduncle to the first dormant bud, after which the cut should be treated with any disinfectant or activated carbon powder.

After a period of rest, the bud will awaken and a lateral peduncle will begin to grow from it.

If dissolution does not occur

If the orchid is not blooming, it is very important to find the reason for not blooming.

• The most common reason is his age-related unwillingness. At the time of flowering, the orchid should have at least 5 to 8 adult shoots. Typically, this number of shoots is achieved by an orchid at the age of 1.5 to 3 years. Before this period, you should not seek flowering from the orchid. If the age allows it to bloom, but the Wildcat is stubborn, you can try to stimulate it.
• It is necessary to create such conditions under which the difference between day and night time will be from 1 to 3 degrees.
• It is also recommended to move the orchid to a cooler room and reduce watering. This will stimulate flowering and the cool air will prolong flowering.

Ensuring the right conditions: guidelines

Seat selection

Having brought home a new pet, it is important to choose a room and location that is most suitable for good growth. For this phalaenopsis, western, southwestern, or southeastern windows are best.... This is due to the fact that on the south window, in direct sunlight, the plant can get burned. On the contrary, there is too little light on the north window.

If it is not possible to put the plant on the recommended sides, then the south window will have to be darkened, and on the north one should be equipped with additional lighting.

Pot and soil

Phalaenopsis grows only in special soil.

In specialized stores, you can buy ready-made substrate., which in its composition contains all the necessary components, or cook it yourself.

To prepare the substrate with your own hands, the following components are used:

• Pine, oak or larch bark... The bark should be dry, free from rot, from dry trees. The bark of living trees contains a lot of resin, which has a detrimental effect on the orchid.
• Peat and sphagnum moss... Moss retains moisture well, preventing the soil from drying out, and peat acidifies the soil.
• Coconut chips, skins of various nuts, seed husks are baking powder of natural origin. Necessary for the air to circulate in the substrate.
• Perlite (rock of volcanic origin) is also an excellent baking powder. In addition, it protects the plant from the development of mold fungi and other diseases and normalizes the temperature in the soil during sudden changes in the external environment.

It does not matter what kind of soil is used, purchased or prepared at home, it must meet the following requirements:

1. Dry well.
2. Serve as a good support for the plant.
3. Retain nutrients.
4. Be neutral in chemical and biological composition.
5. The components of the substrate should not undergo degradation for as long as possible.

The phalaenopsis pot must be transparent.... This is due to the fact that photosynthesis involves not only the terrestrial parts of the plant, but also the root system. Also, the container should have a large number of drainage holes, which are necessary not only at the bottom of the pot, but also on the side parts. The size of the pot should be 2-3 cm larger than the root system of the plant.

Temperature

In summer, the temperature at which the Wild Cat will feel comfortable can range from 25 to 30 ° C. In winter, the temperature should be at least 20 ° C and above.

It is important not to let the temperature drop below 15 ° C. Strong fluctuations between day and night temperatures are very dangerous for phalaenopsis.

Humidity

The moisture index can vary from 40 to 70%. Humidity 50-60% is considered ideal.... If the air humidity indicator falls below 30%, this can lead to drying out and death of the plant.

Lighting

Like all orchids, Wildcat loves bright rooms and bright lighting.

Regardless of the time of year, daylight hours should last from 10 to 12 hours.

In winter, it is necessary to organize artificial lightingfor which fluorescent lamps are ideal. In the absence of the latter, you can use LED lamps or strips.

Watering

It must be remembered that orchids tolerate drought better than waterlogging. Therefore, before each watering, you should make sure that the substrate in the container is well dried. In summer, watering is carried out at least 2 times a week.

Water the orchid carefully and make sure that moisture does not get into the core of the leaves. This simple rule will keep the plant from rotting.

Top dressing

Due to the fact that the substrate in which the orchid grows has a neutral and poor composition of micro and macro elements, the plant must be regularly fed and fertilized. Experienced orchidists recommend feeding the plant every third watering, using ready-made fertilizer "For Orchids".

Transfer

After purchase, for adaptation, the plant is left in a purchased pot for about 1 year. In the future, the orchid needs to be replanted every 2-3 years. The transplant is carried out only after flowering. During transplantation, the root system of the orchid is well examined. If necessary, remove all damaged roots.

Reproduction

There are several ways to breed this rather rare variety.... This is by division, "baby" or peduncle.

• For division, when transplanting a plant, it is necessary to cut the outlet and plant it in different containers.
• If "children" appear on the peduncle of an adult orchid, then you can try to plant them from the parent. This should be done only when 2 leaves appear on the "baby", and the length of the air roots reaches 4-5 cm.
• You can also try to propagate the plant with a peduncle. For this, the flowering field of the peduncle is cut and divided into several parts. Each part of the divided peduncle should have at least one dormant bud. Then the peduncle is placed in moss and greenhouse conditions with a temperature of 24-27 ° C are created. After germination, the peduncle is planted in a substrate for orchids.

Attention! Propagate only a healthy plant that has bloomed at least once.

Diseases and pests

1. The most common diseases of this variety include fungal diseases such as gray rot and fusarium. Any fungicidal agent is suitable for the treatment of these diseases.

   The affected area must be cut off to avoid contamination of the entire plant, and the cut must be treated with activated carbon powder.

2. Do not forget about such pests as spider mites and white aphids. To combat them, insecticides of a wide spectrum of action are used.

Disease prevention

Disease prevention includes good and high-quality care. and comfortable living conditions of the plant.

• Good lighting, timely watering and feeding are the best preventive measures to combat ailments.
• It is also necessary to transplant phalaenopsis on time and not to expose it to unnecessary stress, not to change its location.

Phalaenopsis Wild cat is a truly beautiful and original flower. But for all its beauty, it is not picky, so it is suitable even for beginners. With proper care, the "cat" will delight with its flowering for a long time.

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