When to plant monkey face orchid
Today, the editor will elaborate on when to plant monkey face orchid and the related knowledge of planting methods for monkey face orchid flowers. The following is a detailed answer for you by the editor.
Monkey face orchid, also known as monkey face flower, is a small epiphytic plant belonging to the genus Dracula in the Orchidaceae family. It has unique and large flower shapes, rich in color, and is commonly used for potting, hanging baskets, or hanging plant cultivation. It is very suitable for green decoration in the windowsills of living rooms, walls of balconies, display windows of commercial buildings, and entrances of exhibition halls. Let's take a look at the cultivation methods of monkey face orchid together!
Growth habits of monkey face orchid
Monkey face orchid requires a cool growing environment, dislikes intense heat, has difficulty surviving the summer, and is not resistant to frost. 10-25°C is the suitable cultivation temperature. In warmer southern regions, it can be placed outdoors in a semi-shaded area or cultivated in a plastic greenhouse all year round. In the Yangtze River Valley or northward regions, it should be cultivated in a medium or high-temperature greenhouse. In late autumn, winter, and early spring, when the temperature is not very high, direct sunlight should be provided to help the plant form flower buds, bloom, and set fruit. In hot weather or during summer, humidity should be increased and shading nets should be used to cool down. When the temperature drops below 10°C, insulation and heating should be provided.
Cultivation methods of monkey face orchid
1. Substrate: Monkey face orchid prefers slightly acidic substrate, requiring loose and breathable, well-draining soil that can keep the roots moist without waterlogging. Generally, a commercial orchid cultivation substrate can be used. When potting young plants, place 2-3 cm thick coarse-grain substrate or ceramsite at the bottom of the pot as a drainage layer, then sprinkle some controlled-release fertilizer as a base fertilizer, apply 2-3 grams per pot, and cover it with a layer of substrate about 1-2 cm thick before placing the plant to separate the fertilizer from the roots and avoid root burn.
2. Watering: The native environment of monkey face orchid is relatively dry, and it is prone to fungal infections if it rains for too long. Therefore, the relative humidity during the growing period should be maintained between 50-75%. When the temperature is around 20°C, maintaining the natural indoor environment is sufficient. When the temperature exceeds 25°C in summer, artificial humidification is performed using fans and water curtains or a high-pressure spray system, but avoid spraying water on the leaves. Ventilation should be increased when humidity is too high, otherwise, it is prone to diseases and pests. The amount of water required by monkey face orchid depends on the substrate used. If using aquatic plants, water less frequently, and water when the substrate is 70% dry.
3. Fertilization: Monkey face orchid requires less fertilizer, generally with a fertilizer concentration of 3000 times liquid. Every two weeks during the growing season from May to October, fertilize once, preferably using liquid fertilizer to water the root area and spray the leaf surface. During the growing period, nitrogen fertilizer and balanced fertilizer are mainly used, commonly using N:P:K=30:10:10 or 20:20:20 mixed fertilizer. During the flowering period, N:P:K=10:30:10 mixed fertilizer is commonly used. It is best to fertilize in the evening, and water with clean water again the next morning. In the flower bud stage, spray the leaves with a special orchid flowering fertilizer, Flower Power No. 3, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, etc., once a week to promote thicker flower spikes and brighter flowers.
Propagation methods of monkey face orchid
1. Division: Division of monkey face orchid is usually done in early spring before new buds sprout. First, remove the mother plant from the pot, remove excess substrate, separate the intertwined roots as much as possible, cut from the base of the stem with a sharp knife, and each new plant should have at least two stems with some roots and apply sulfur powder or carbendazim powder to the wounds to prevent infection. After division, the new plants can bloom in the same year.
2. Seed sowing: Monkey face orchid can self-pollinate, but the seeds are easily scattered and should be harvested in a timely and batched manner. Since monkey face orchid seeds are tiny, autumn sowing is usually done in greenhouses, using flat trays or cell trays. The seeds do not need to be covered with soil and should be fully exposed to light after sowing. Generally, seedlings emerge in about 25 days. During the seedling stage, avoid frequent watering and keep the substrate moist. Spray a fungicide once a week. When 2-3 true leaves appear, transplant once, and when the seedlings are 10 cm tall, plant them in a pot. Seedlings from播种 can bloom in 1-2 years.
The comprehensive methods explained above about when to plant monkey face orchid and the planting methods for monkey face orchid flowers hope to serve as a starting point and help solve your problems with green plants.