Arpophyllum

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. The genus consists of 5 species. The plant prefers to grow in forests at altitudes of 800 to 1500 meters above sea level in southern Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela and Jamaica.

Description. Arpophyllum is an epiphytic or lithophytic orchid with thin, long, strap-shaped leaves of a dark green color emerging from vertical cylindrical small pseudobulbs about 12 cm long, each pseudobulb bearing only one leaf. The length of the leaf blade is usually 5 times the length of the pseudobulb. The inflorescence is a vertical cylindrical spadix up to 40 cm long, consisting of many small lilac or bright pink flowers, 0.9 cm in diameter, opening simultaneously. The flowers are arranged in a spiral on the inflorescence, up to 120 pieces. The buds open at the end of winter, flowering is long and lasts several weeks. From a distance, the inflorescences look like long, thin lilac callistemons. In the wild, all species grow in bright light on tree branches.

Height. Up to 60 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Temperatures are moderately warm in summer - about 20° C; for flowering the plant requires a cool winter - 10 - 15° C. 

Lighting

Shade-tolerant, but it is better to provide the orchid with sufficient light, excluding direct sunlight.

Substrate for orchids

Consists of a mixture of thin bark with perlite, sphagnum moss or fern fibers, pH about 7. 

Feeding

During the growing season every 2 weeks.

Purpose

This wonderful orchid prefers moderately warm conditions. Large belt-shaped leaves give it additional decorative value all year round. 

Flowering time

Arpophyllum blooms from late winter to spring, very abundantly.

Air humidity

Loves frequently ventilated areas, spray several times a week in the warm season. 

Water orchids at home

They prefer moist, but not wet soil. Water when the potting medium begins to dry out. Orchids do not like stagnant water at the roots; be sure to drain excess water from the pan. Reduce watering in winter.

Transplant

In spring every year, after flowering. 

Reproduction

Dividing adult plants, children.

Pests and diseases

Orchids suffer from a variety of fungal diseases that affect the leaves, flowers, roots and pseudobulbs. In most cases, they can be minimized by improving growing conditions and reducing watering. Remove and destroy infected plant tissue.

Plants may also be susceptible to attack by aphids, spider mites, mealybugs and weevils.