Barkeria

Family. Orchidaceae.

Orchid barkeria - origin. Warm forests of Central America.

Description. Barkeria is a delightful sympodial deciduous miniature orchid that will decorate any collection, taking up very little space on the windowsill. This species from Guatemala was discovered in 1842. In its native habitat it grows on trees or rocks and reaches quite large sizes. In culture, however, it remains compact. A relative of Epidendrum and Cattleya. They grow like epiphytes, with long, pseudobulbs and thin, attractive leaves. Plants have long aerial roots. During the dormant period, the foliage of the barkeria falls off, and it seems almost lifeless; only in the spring, when the plant begins new growth, do you realize that it is alive.

The flowers are located in racemes, the peduncles are thin, long - up to 15 cm, rising above the foliage, from five to twenty flowers, they are relatively large, up to 7 cm in diameter, odorless, from pink to light purple with a yellow center, There are also varieties with white flowers. Flowering lasts for two to three weeks in autumn. 

Height. 20 - 25 cm.

Barkeria - care at home

Temperature conditions

During the day 21 - 27° C with night coolness up to 14° C. During the dormant period, in winter it is kept at a temperature not lower than 12° C.

Lighting

Keep in a bright but not sunny place, slightly shaded on southern windows. 

Care

Grow in closed flower beds on the window. Provide shade and moisture to encourage the growth of thick aerial roots in early summer.

Substrate for orchids

Consisting of pine bark, sphagnum moss. 

Feeding

From spring until the end of summer, during the period of active growth, feed the orchid with fertilizers every 14 days.

Purpose

Looks good in pots, hanging baskets or simply on peat blocks, the latter two being much preferable given the fact that the orchid has long, thick, epiphytic roots that require a lot of air. 

Flowering time

From November to December.

Air humidity

Humidity in their natural habitat is 70 - 80% all year round. Loves ventilated rooms. 

Water orchids at home

Maintain moisture during the growth period, and dryness for several months from late summer. Most species are adapted to long dry seasons of up to six months, during which they lose their leaves and the plants appear dry and dead. 

Transfer

Not often, as the pot fills or if necessary, change the substrate.

Reproduction

Propagate by division. 

Pests and diseases

Of the harmful insects, the main danger is the spider mite.