Understanding whether there is a blue phalaenopsis? Or is it paint. Blue orchids - myth or reality
Blue orchids are epiphytic plants that live on tree branches. and feed on aerial roots. The leaves are elongated, belt-shaped or lanceolate, bright green in color, shiny, fleshy. Leaves are placed in 2 rows, like other orchids. The flowers have short stems, but the peduncle can reach a meter and a half.
A photo
Check out the photo of orchids with blue and blue flowers:
Does this type exist in nature?
ATTENTION: The truth is not comforting for those who are striving to enjoy the extraordinary color of the blue orchid. Behind this color, ink or a special pigment is hidden, which does not retain prints on the hands. Only this is very likely when buying, when watering.
If the color remains, and your beauty does not get dye poisoning, be prepared for the fact that the new buds will be white. In reality, Japanese breeders bred a blue orchid, named - Royal Blue Orchid. Only in our country you will not find such a plant for sale.
You can buy from us in stores only the Vanga orchid, which has a lilac shade of a flower with speckles. All the other blue and blue flowers are dyed!
Watch a video about a real blue orchid:
When did it appear?
In 2011, the world's first blue orchid was shown at the Tropical Plant Show in Florida, United States. This was done by the Silver Vase farm from South Florida. Only 3 months have passed, and another blue beauty has become known - Phalaenopsis Royal Blue (Royal Blue Phalaenopsis). It happened in Holland at the FloraHolland flower contest.
An unusual flower with blue petals was provided by the nursery "Geest Orchideeën"(Netherlands) for winning the award in the Sales Concept category. The only member of the board of the competition predicted a greater popularity of plants among consumers in the future.
Manufacturers do not hide the fact that the blue color is not considered natural, as well as the fact that the subsequent blooming will be white. They do coloring using a patented technology, the details of which are not disclosed. According to the producers, its essence is this: the plants are placed in a special environment, for the formation of which components of natural origin are used, for this reason the process itself does not harm the orchids.
It is possible to conclude: blue is not natural type and not a hybrid bred by breeders. This is just a publicity stunt, and, it should be noted, extremely successful.
Yes, unfortunately, all the blue orchids sold in stores are some standard species with white, but dyed flowers.
Some stores do not even hide this and say on the plate under the price tag that this is not a natural color and the orchid blooms with blue flowers only 1 time. This is at least fair to consumers.
However, not everyone is so honest. There are many such sellers who present a painted orchid for a supposedly very exceptional natural look, tearing up for him at exorbitant prices. But Natural orchid DNA lacks the blue gene. For this reason, in case you are assured that this view is just a hoax.
How are they processed?
Often, successful owners of orchids with blue or blue colors notice with amazement that in the subsequent flowering, the buds become not a bright, intense color, but a dirty blue, or even completely white. This is due to the fact that plants are dyed with the support of a chemical dye. Numerous stores do not hide this and place appropriate warnings on the labels for the colors.
However, this information is not actively expanded among consumers, so often the owners of dyed flowers are disappointed. Paint mostly flowers white color, since it is easier to achieve measured coloring on them than on colored buds. Over time, the pigment is washed off, and they return to their original color.
Can white petals be dyed natural blue at home?
Organization of materials
First of all, find a flower. The best choice for painting will take. To make your flower blue, it is possible to choose one of 2 methods:
- watering staining;
- staining with the introduction of a blue pigment.
What method to choose?
The first method is more gentle for the plant, but less productive. In addition to the fact that subsequently both the petals and the stem will be colored in you, and the duration of the color change will be short. As soon as you stop watering the blue element, the colored flower will quickly return to its original state. Staining by watering is considered an ineffective way.
The second type of staining is very serious, but if you decide to stop directly on it, try to choose a more gentle method of introducing the dye. The dye is injected into the peduncle, stem or root.. The introduction of pigment into the root system and trunk is the most dangerous - it not only greatly weakens the plant, but also retains external defects in it, resembling ulcers.
IMPORTANT: Dyeing an orchid by injection is very dangerous. If the injection was made into the peduncle, then the plant has a greater chance of survival.
Irrigation staining technology is elementary:
As for the technology for introducing a coloring element, it is quite elementary:
- Fill the syringe with dye and water.
- Gently inject this solution into the selected part of your subject.
Watch the blue painting video:
Is there a plant-friendly way?
Unfortunately, a rare flower is able to endure such aggressive interventions in its environment without significant results. Improper care of the orchid and excessive zeal for its transformation can lead the flower to death. An artificially painted orchid will be the object of constant trouble.
Improper care of an orchid can cause death. Painted orchids need the most careful care, as they can get sick for a certain time after staining. In addition, do not forget: if in the following year the flower bloomed with white buds, you should not be surprised or try to paint it again.
ADVICE: Coloring does not change the genetic code. Staining is only a fleeting change. Orchids with artificial flowers of blue color it is always possible to substitute other types of orchids that will have their natural blue tint.
Where can I order the real one?
The cost of this blue orchid is from 1000 rubles.
look after indoor flowers necessary, taking into account their type. All types of this orchid are thermophilic. For this reason, they must be placed on sunny side apartments: acceptable view - diffused sunlight.
The best temperature is +25/+30 degrees. At night - +16 degrees. For good flowering a huge difference in day and night temperatures - up to 10 degrees can be useful. Significant humidity and optimal circulation of the atmosphere are also significant.
A flower needs a high-quality substrate, since its health and the likelihood of blooming depend on this.
For normal growth of a blue orchid, the soil in a pot should be loose, not chewed, with a huge number of pine shavings and good drainage. As it is possible to use crushed stone, pieces of foam. A significant part of it should occupy the center of the pot, which must be with many large holes for excellent ventilation. The substrate should be closely adjacent to the walls of the pot..
Top dressing should be stable, at least once a month. The fertilizer must be well balanced, this is directly reflected in the flowering. From a significant number of high-calorie elements, the top of the stem becomes soft, and from an insufficient number, it blooms weakly.
Features of watering a plant are as follows: the higher the air temperature, the more often it is necessary to water. Due to stagnant water, rotting of the root system may occur, and the plant may die. Water should be completely drained after any watering.
Unlike Wanda, it is better not to spray the blue orchid.. leaf structure of this type such that water can accumulate at the base.
How to care for a sick person?
It is necessary to observe the well-being of the plant. The disease can be noticed by a constructive change in the color of the leaves, as well as rotting of the roots and lack of flowering. If you saw something like this, then the flower needs an urgent transplant, treatment.
Possible diseases include:
- fungal, viral infections;
- tick damage;
- leaf cracks;
- burns;
- bacteriosis;
- withering.
Transfer
It is very important to carefully examine the roots of the flower before transplanting.. Remove rotten parts, leaving only dry ones. Planned replanting of an orchid is necessary with young roots. If they are very large, then taking root in the new soil will become difficult.
Conclusion
In no case do not try to return the blue color to the buds by watering the plant with ink or blue, you can destroy the flower. Better try to bring the exhausted flower back to life, guaranteeing him proper care. And the orchid will reward you with incredibly beautiful white flowers.
The blue orchid attracts attention at first sight, causing an irresistible desire to buy this exotic miracle. But not every buyer knows that her unusual beauty is extremely short-lived, and the next flowering will no longer please with an unusual shade.
Unfortunately, we have to disappoint you: under natural conditions, orchids simply lack the gene responsible for the blue pigment. Therefore, there is no need to doubt whether you have a blue orchid painted or not. Definitely dyed. True, such a statement is true only for phalaenopsis.
By choosing a vanda flower, you will be able to enjoy your favorite color, but such a culture also requires more careful care. You can choose a less whimsical option - cattleya, characterized by a variety of colors and large flowers.
And yet, natural shades are far inferior in brightness to the rich indigo that painted orchids flaunt.
Video "Basic principles of proper orchid care"
From this video you will learn how to properly care for an orchid at home.
How to achieve the desired color
Most flower growers do not hide the fact that the shade of the flower was obtained artificially, but they try to keep the coloring technology a secret. But upon closer examination of the plant, this mystery is easy to unravel: at the base of the peduncle, you can see the injection site of the dye, which changes the color of future buds even before they bloom.
The high cost of blue orchids is due to the fact that not all plants survive after such injections: many of them die, reacting poorly to third-party intervention.
When purchasing such a plant, carefully study the label, and be prepared for the fact that the next peduncle will give you ordinary white flowers in order to avoid bitter disappointments. But snow-white orchids are incredibly beautiful, aren't they?
Difficulties of growing
So, we remember that next time we can count on bluish flowers at best, and even on completely snow-white ones. But if we want to keep the already stressed plant healthy, it will have to be carefully looked after.
When the last blue flower has withered, remove the colored peduncle and let the orchid rest a little in a moderately warm room (with a temperature of +20 ... +22 ° C) with diffused lighting. A resting orchid should be watered regularly, but rarely, focusing on the state of the substrate. The latter should have time to dry completely before the next watering.
We water by immersion, lowering the pot with the plant into a container of water for at least 1 hour. After that, we carefully drain the remaining water so that it does not linger between the roots (otherwise the process of rotting of the root system may begin). For a dormant period, fertilization should be abandoned - the culture should recover on its own after flowering.
As soon as you notice that the orchid looks strong and healthy, and even tries to knock out new leaves, this means that the rest period has come to an end. Now you can gradually add top dressing, and think about re-flowering. We transfer the orchid to a room where there will be a more varied air temperature: about +22 ° C during the day and +18 ° C at night. Such temperature fluctuations stimulate the formation of new buds.
Some prefer to take out a flower for a certain time on a glazed loggia in order to achieve the desired effect. But in this case, it is necessary to ensure that the temperature does not fall below +15 ° C, since such hypothermia is fraught with serious problems for the plant.
Sometimes amateur flower growers are interested in the question of how to paint an orchid blue at home. It would seem that everything is simple: we take an ordinary syringe and blue ink from a color printer, and we introduce orchids into the peduncle, rubbing our hands in anticipation of the appearance of blue buds.
Of course, you can decide on such an experiment, but only if you are tired of your orchid and want to get rid of it. After such an injection, not only the peduncle will die, but with a high degree of probability the whole plant will die. Therefore, you should not risk it, and still buy a blue orchid in a store if you like it so much.
Blue orchids amaze with their beauty and rare, unusual color of the petals. In flower shops, these flowers appeared relatively recently, but have already gained popularity. However, not all buyers know what is the secret of the amazing color of these plants.
What is behind the paint?
Often, happy owners of orchids with blue or blue flowers are surprised to find that the next flowering, the buds are no longer bright, saturated, but dirty blue, or even completely white. This is due to the fact that plants are stained with a chemical dye. Many stores do not hide this and place appropriate warnings on the labels for the colors. But this information is not actively disseminated among buyers, so often the owners of dyed flowers are subsequently disappointed.
Most often, white flowers are painted, since it is easiest to achieve uniform coloring on them. Over time, the dye is washed out and they return to their original color.
How did blue orchids appear?
In 2011, at the Tropical Plant Exhibition in Florida (America), the world's first blue phalaenopsis. Made it a grow farm "Silver Vase" from South Florida.
Only 3 months have passed, and it became known about the appearance of another blue beauty - Phalaenopsis Royal Blue (Royal Blue Phalaenopsis). This time the action took place in Holland at the annual FloraHolland flower contest. An exotic flower with blue petals was presented by the Dutch nursery "Geest Orchideeën", for which it received an award in the "Sales Concept" category. One of the jury members of the competition predicted the huge popularity of plants among buyers in the future.
An interesting fact: the producers do not hide the fact that the blue is not natural, as well as the fact that the next flowering will be white. They do the coloring by patented technology, the details of which were not disclosed. According to the producers, the essence of it is this: the plants are placed in a special environment, for the creation of which elements of natural origin are used, so the procedure itself does not harm the orchids.
We can conclude: the blue color is not a natural species and not a hybrid bred by breeders. This is just a marketing ploy, and, I must say, very successful.
Flower in the house: features of care
The problem lies in the fact that some unscrupulous sellers, wanting to earn extra money, take on the coloring on their own. They pass off the result of their work as Phalaenopsis Royal Blue and sell it at a price three times higher than ordinary white flowers.
Naturally, we are not talking about any technology here. Coloring is sometimes easy barbaric methods. The dye, often ink, is injected into the peduncle, stem, or root. This procedure greatly weakens the plant, being a source of stress for it. Poisoned by harmful substances, the flower may simply die.
Having bought or received a blue plant as a gift, carefully inspect it. If the injection mark is visible on the peduncle, then the plant has more chances of survival. If the injection was done at the root, then the probability of death is high.
Sometimes phalaenopsis is stained by watering with colored water, in which case a blue tint can be observed not only on flowers, but also on leaves and roots. Whether a plant survives or not depends on the degree of harm done to it.
Orchid released buds not blue, but white? No need to try to paint it yourself, water it with blue or ink. From this plant can get sick and die. It is better to enjoy her natural, no less beautiful outfit.
Do not rush to transplant a painted plant immediately after purchase - it may not withstand another stress. Otherwise, the care requirements are the same as for ordinary orchids, but you need to carefully monitor its condition.
If, after the purchase, the flower began to lose buds, it means that he did not cope with negative influence coloring matter. In this case, you need take immediate action to save him. For this you should:
Japanese miracle
Japanese breeders in 2013 presented the result of their many years of work - a transgenic blue orchid. Scientists took as a basis the white phalaenopsis Aphrodite, which in itself is very prolific and can produce up to 30 flowers in one bloom. The plant was introduced the gene responsible for the blue color from the Commeline flower.
However, due to its exclusivity, the plant remains inaccessible for the time being. a wide range amateur gardeners.
Are there blue orchids in nature?
Fans of exotic colors will be disappointed: blue does not exist in nature. This species is simply there is no gene responsible for this pigment.
If you liked the blue flowers in the photographs, of which there are so many on the Internet, do not rush to get upset. You can choose not painted phalaenopsis, but Wanda - another type of family. This flower is amazing in its beauty, a real queen. But she requires a proper attitude and is quite capricious in terms of care. A novice gardener may have difficulty with it. If Wanda takes root in your home, she will please luxurious flowers. Their coloring in its beauty will not be inferior to the deep indigo that phalaenopsis is painted with.
Another example of a blue orchid is Cattleya. Compared to Wanda, she is less demanding in terms of care. In this species large, fragrant flowers, and their colors vary.
This is the most unpretentious appearance among the blue flowers. However, in nature you will not find that rich blue color that is found in colored buds. These will be subtle shades of blue or pink-blue, blue with a lilac tint. But this coloring is rare. Their flowers are small, but natural in color.
Should I buy flowers with blue or light blue petals? Everyone decides for himself...
One of the visitors to our forum (Anna) asked us for advice: "".
Surely many of you have already seen such a "miracle" in stores. Other posts in the thread show that every second buyer of the "miracle" subsequently feels cheated.
And since there are many myths, rumors and legends around the blue orchid, we decided to help you understand this issue. And you yourself will decide whether to buy or not to buy.
Phalaenopsis is white!
Just like in the fairy tale about the naked king.
These flowers really look magical, you just can't take your eyes off!
But for everyone who bought phalaenopsis with blue flowers, the next flowering after the store brought flowers either white with bluish stains (where the paint has not yet gone off) or pure white.
For those who are not familiar with orchids, this was a big disappointment, because at first they thought it was a natural blue color.
Yes, unfortunately, all blue phalaenopsis sold in stores and even at most exhibitions are some standard varieties with white, but colored flowers ...
Short video
Some stores do not even hide this and write on the plate under the price tag that this is not a natural color and the orchid blooms with blue flowers only 1 time. At least it's fair to the customers.
However, not everyone is so honest. There are many such sellers who pass off painted phalaenopsis as supposedly a very rare natural species and fight for it at exorbitant prices. And they call it - Phalaenopsis Royal Blue, which can be translated as Royal Blue Phalaenopsis.
But in the DNA of natural phalaenopsis, there is simply no gene that gives a blue pigment. Therefore, if you are convinced that this is a species orchid, this pure water deception.
Although Phalaenopsis Royal Blue does exist, it is not a natural species, and not even a hybrid. You will not find such a name in the list of officially registered hybrids. And what is it - find out below ...
Who created the world's first blue phalaenopsis?
We found mention of only two producers of such phalaenopsis. There may be many more, but these two can be said to be pioneers.
The first is Silver Vase, an orchid and bromeliad farm founded in 1988 in South Florida. In January 2011, at the Tropical Plant Industry Show in the resort town of Fort Lauderdale (in Florida, America), they introduced Phalaenopsis Blue Mystique to the world, the world's first blue phalaenopsis.
The first in the world - at least that's what it says on their website http://silvervase.com/about-us/. Here he is, handsome:
The second producer is the Dutch orchid nursery (family company) Geest Orchideeën (VG Orchids), located in the provincial town of De Lier in the south of Holland.
In Holland, an annual FloraHolland flower auction/competition is held, which awards the Glass Tulip (Glass Tulip) for the best marketing introduction of the year to the flower market.
So, in May 2011 (3 months after the "Silver Vase" in Florida with his Phalaenopsis Blue Mystique), the Dutch nursery "Geest Orchideeën" submitted their Phalaenopsis Royal Blue to the FloraHolland competition. And it won first place in the Sales Concept category.
One of the jury members called it the best sales marketing concept and said: "Consumers will love this orchid, with a delightful blue tint."
What actually happens, as the jury looked into the water. For some, the desire to buy a blue orchid reaches insanity. Just a mystical orchid ...
But in the photo, the owner of the kennel "Geest Orchideeën" and his winner Phalaenopsis Royal Blue, and he is just one representative from the whole Royal family (more on this family below).
And moreover, not a single manufacturer hides that the next orchid bloom will be white. When selling, this is indicated on the label, and there is also information about this on their websites.
But who is still the first of them is not entirely clear. "Silver Vase" seemed to be the first to show the world their Blue Mystique. However, the Geest Orchideeën website http://www.vgorchids.eu/ru/vg-colours says that they put dyed phalaenopsis on the market back in 2009.
And they also patented the dyeing technology itself, to which they came as a result of long years of experience and experiments. Today, orchids painted using their technology are sold all over the world: in Europe, the USA, Brazil and Japan.
The process of this technology, of course, is not given to the general public. As well as the type of dye. It is not recommended to paint orchids on your own, because. there is a risk of hurting them.
Manufacturers themselves do not even call this process staining. Here's how it's described: White-flowered phalaenopsis are placed in a specially designed environment that uses elements of natural origin, making the process safe for the plant itself.
By the way, “Geest Orchideeën” has more than one painted orchid, they have a whole collection, or as they call it, the Royal Family. There she is:
As you can see, in addition to Royal Blue (top row in the middle), there are other shades here. Perhaps they really have been creating this collection since 2009, and blue turned out to be just the most successful shade, for which he received an award.
"Silver Vase" also has a collection, but a small one - from 3 color variations.
So Phalaenopsis Royal Blue, like Blue Mystique, is neither a natural species nor a hybrid. "It's marketing, baby!"
And in Europe, painted orchids are treated quite differently than we do. For them it's just like a one-time beautiful bouquet. When buying, they know that the blue color will then disappear. And very many after this happens, either throw away the plant, or resell their already white phalaenopsis on Ebay.
Not everything is Phalaenopsis Royal Blue that is blue!
Everyone has heard about the popularity of blue orchids. And, as you know, demand creates supply. Some craftsmen do not buy orchids painted using this exclusive technology for sale, but go the cheaper and easier way - they themselves take on the coloring. And this most often leads to disastrous results - the plant dies.
If you look at the works of such craftsmen, you can understand that this is done simply barbarically. Any blue dye is taken, often it is ordinary ink, and injected with a syringe into the stem, or roots, or into the peduncle.
Those who receive an injection in the peduncle usually survive, but then they may get sick for a while. But those who are pricked in the stem or roots often simply suffocate from the paint and die.
So, if you notice that phalaenopsis has not only blue flowers, but also roots and leaves, we do not recommend buying it, because. most likely he will die.
Transgenic blue phalaenopsis from Japan
In February 2013, the 11th Asia-Pacific Orchid Conference was held in Japan on the island of Okinawa. Masahiro Mii from the University of Chiba attracted a lot of attention at this conference with his report “Genetic Transformation of Orchids and Production of Transgenic Blue Phalaenopsis” (“Genetic Transformation of Orchids and the Creation of Transgenic Blue Phalaenopsis”).
Of course, he also presented the real result of many years of experiments by a group of genetic engineers and breeders at the University of Chiba.
This is Phalaenopsis Aphrodite with white flowers, which has introduced the "blue" flower gene of Commelina (popularly blue-eyed), which grows in Asia. Phalaenopsis Aphrodite is quite prolific - it can produce up to 30 small flowers with a diameter of 5 cm in one bloom. Blue orchids were presented in nominal and peloric form.
However, such a product of genetic engineering will not be available to ordinary flower growers soon.
Is there really no blue phalaenopsis in nature?
There is no such bright blue color as the painted ones. There are pale blue, blue with a lilac tint, white with a gray-blue tint. Such shades are very rare for phalaenopsis. Basically, these are species plants with small flowers and primary hybrids based on them.
For example, natural blue shapes:
- Phalaenopsis violacea coerulea (photo 10)
- Doritis pulcherrima coerulea (photo 11)
- Phalaenopsis equestris cyanochilus
And some famous hybrids:
- Doritaenopsis Peter "Blue Sky" (photo 12) Rating 5.00
Magnificent orchids fascinate with their beauty, refined luxury of spectacular flowers. These amazing plants impress with the richness of the tint palette. Their white, purple, burgundy, cream, yellow, pink flowers they just look unbelievable.
Although representatives of the orchid family with petals of heavenly blue are present on store shelves, the naturalness of their color is sometimes highly questionable. Many people are concerned about the question: are there blue orchids in nature, nurseries, the answer to which will be given within the framework of this article.
Flowers of plants belonging to the genus Phalaenopsis cannot have a shade of sky blue due to their lack of the corresponding gene. Enterprising businessmen have learned to give phalaenopsis the right tone by staining. After the blue flowers wither, previously processed specimens form buds, the colors of which were inherent in them initially.
This fact should not upset orchid lovers, as they may prefer other species (Vanda, Cattleya). These plants really have petals, the color of which is as close as possible to indigo. As for phalaenopsis, it goes into mass sale after undergoing special processing.
Orchid Vanda
Many flower growers will certainly be interested in the blue Vanda orchid, the petals of which often have a blue-lilac, purple-spotted color. It is worth paying attention to the capriciousness of this plant. For example, a blue orchid with pink veins needs to maintain a special microclimate with high air humidity, good lighting, and daily watering. Only an experienced grower can cope with its cultivation.
By providing the plant with proper care, you can hope for its abundant, long flowering. Wanda inspires scientists to create numerous hybrids with very unusual colors. In particular, the breeders bred a pink-blue orchid, which fascinates with its delicate beauty.
Orchid Cattleya
Cattleya will be more unpretentious, the petals of which also do not have a pure uniform color. As a rule, this lilac or blue-blue orchid blooms if it is placed in direct sunlight with a significant difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures.
For most plants, staying in such conditions can end in failure, but Cattleya likes it. A plant that gets the most light shows more intense petal color. This orchid needs high air humidity, but you should refrain from spraying it.
blue phalaenopsis orchid
As mentioned above, the blue flower does not exist in nature. Also, it cannot be found in the nurseries of modern breeders. It is quite possible that in the future the situation will change radically, as work on the creation of flowers with an azure color is ongoing, and their results are promising.
Successful marketing ploy
As part of an exhibition event held in Florida, USA in 2011, Silver Vase demonstrated a blue phalaenopsis. After 3 months, another blue orchid named Phalaenopsis Royal Blue was presented to the public at the Flora Holland Dutch flower competition by Geest Orchideeën. The plant received an award in the "Sales Concept" nomination.
It is interesting that the above manufacturers did not intrigue the public with the secret of the blue color of the petals of the flowers shown. In their interviews, they talked about the specifics of orchid processing. For their staining, a patented technology is used, the methodology of which is not subject to disclosure. It is only known that flowers are exposed to a special environment created using elements of natural origin that do not harm plants.
The Phalaenopsis blue orchid demonstrated to the world by the listed manufacturers is not a breeding hybrid. This is a kind of successful marketing ploy and nothing more. Abroad, such flowers are used as spectacular decor, and after withering they are disposed of.
Japanese miracle - blue orchid
Japanese scientists stepped much further - specialists from Chiba University. At the exhibition held in Okinawa in 2013, they managed to impress the sophisticated public. The result of their work - a blue orchid caused universal admiration.
To create this floristic miracle, the gene of another plant, the Asian commeline, was introduced into the species of Phalaenopsis Aphrodite. The flowers of the new orchid are relatively small (about 5 cm in diameter). Up to 30 buds can be formed on one peduncle. This orchid is considered exclusive and is not yet available for free sale.
What do our flower shops offer?
Relatively recently, the blue phalaenopsis orchid appeared in our stores, which immediately became in great demand. The plant is much more expensive compared to conventional species. Unfortunately, the joy of owning this luxurious Phalaenopsis Royal Blue orchid is soon replaced by disappointment.
Very often, before going on mass sale, unscrupulous sellers inject a chemical coloring solution into the trunk, roots or peduncle of a plant in an artisanal way (often they use ordinary ink). As a rule, white orchids are subjected to the staining procedure, on the petals of which the pigment is distributed most evenly.
Such an event adversely affects the health of the plant. It becomes weakened due to such severe stress. As a result, admiring the inflorescences of a rich heavenly shade does not last long. After a month, they begin to fall off, and the phalaenopsis itself may die after some time.
Many sellers do not try to hide information about plants from buyers by placing warning stickers on flowerpots. The relevant information is printed in small print, and people who are ignorant of this issue simply do not notice it. Subsequently, they turn out to be dissatisfied with the transformations that have occurred with their favorite colors.
What should I look for before buying an orchid?
Before making a purchase in flower shop it is worth asking the seller about the plant that is interested in the blue orchid: dyed or not, inquire about the method of processing the epiphyte.
The identified traces of injections on the roots, the point of growth indicate a high probability of death of phalaenopsis. If an inspected blue orchid in a pot has peduncles injected, then in the future it has a chance of survival if provided proper care.
Another staining option is watering the epiphyte with water with dissolved pigment. In such cases, both flower petals and leaves and roots will acquire a shade of azure. The survival of the plant can be judged after assessing the identified damage.
blue orchid care
Sky-hued Phalaenopsis will shed its flowers over time. Since blue orchids do not exist in nature, and scientists have just begun work on breeding such hybrids, one should not expect that flowers with azure petals will form on the plant again in the future. It is quite possible that next time a white-blue orchid will bloom on the peduncle, and after a certain time the buds will begin to become more and more light.
There is no need to attempt injections on your own using blue, ink to correct the situation. This will only lead to disease and death of the plant. It is much better to admire the flowers, which are inherent in their natural color.
Phalaenopsis flower inspection
Having received as a gift or bought a blue phalaenopsis, you need to try to examine it in detail in order to timely identify existing damage, areas of decay, mold, and pests. Particular attention should be paid to the root system.
A plant with healthy roots that have a rich green color should not be subjected to a transplant procedure. In a specimen that needs resuscitation, it is necessary to remove dry, rotten shoots, a peduncle and place it in a new flowerpot.
Transplanting a plant to another pot
Caring for blue orchids, you should purchase a special substrate for the affected flower. Self-preparation of the soil mixture is also allowed.
You will need to mix pine bark (5 shares) with charcoal (1 share). It is forbidden to use rotten, poorly disinfected material. The bark collected under the trees must be washed, boiled (at least 15 minutes), followed by drying.
Phalaenopsis will need to be carefully removed from the pot, to remove injured, dried, rotten rhizomes from it. As a powder for cuts, you can use charcoal, ash, ground cinnamon.
When caring for a blue orchid at home, you should try to disinfect the flowerpot. The pot is thoroughly washed, and then dipped in a solution of manganese. If a decision is made to purchase a new flowerpot, it is worth giving preference to special transparent containers produced for orchids.
It is very important that the landing container has holes in the area of the walls and bottom.
A drainage layer (2-3 cm) of expanded clay is laid at the bottom of the pot. A third of the prepared substrate is poured over it, on which the plant is installed in an upright position. After that, the orchid is covered with the remaining soil mixture. It is forbidden to use the old soil removed from under the affected flower. In such a substrate, aggressive substances that can harm the plant are likely to remain.
A transplanted phalenosis is guaranteed to recover if an optimal microclimate is created for it. The plant will feel better under diffused sunlight. It also needs to maintain temperature regime with the following values: in the daytime + 25 ... + 30 ° C, at night + 16 ° C. In the room it is necessary to create a humidity of 30%, good air circulation.
Balanced top dressing for orchids
Phalaenopsis needs periodic top dressing (once a month) with the use of balanced fertilizers, which are quite realistic to purchase at a specialized outlet. The priority is the dosed nutrition of the epiphyte, since it is too a large number of useful elements will lead to softening of the top, and their lack will affect the inhibition of flowering.
Regular watering of the plant
Orchid needs regular watering. At higher air temperatures, frequent irrigation is carried out. It is not necessary to allow stagnation of moisture, which can lead to rotting of the roots, death of the plant. Spraying phalaenopsis is not welcome, causing unwanted accumulation of drops in the recesses of the leaves.
Diseases of the blue orchid
The flower grower will need to carefully monitor the health of the reanimated plant. The following factors signal the disease of an orchid: a radical change in the color of the leaves, rotting of the roots, and the absence of forming buds. If signs of infection are detected, the epiphyte should be treated in time.
Blue Orchid is a popular "brand"
It is noteworthy that the issue with the blue orchid is relevant not only for flower growers. For example, on sale you can find a lot cosmetics, which contain blue orchid oil: gels, creams.
It is advisable to use them only after studying the annotations on the package, having learned which particular representative of the orchid family is in question.
A beautiful exotic fish - the blue aulonokara orchid lives in the waters of Kande Island. It often becomes a real decoration of modern aquariums. The fish got such an original name because it appearance evokes associations with an exotic flower.
