Kingidium

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. Southeast Asia.

Description. Kingidium is a miniature epiphytic monopodial orchid. Each pseudobulb bears from 3 to 6 oval or oblong-lanceolate, shiny, dark green leaves and a tall, straight or drooping, branched peduncle. Some species have no leaves at all. The flowers are small, white, creamy, greenish, with a pink-lilac center, opening sequentially, starting from the lower ones; one peduncle can have up to 15 flowers.

Height. Up to 20 cm.

Temperature conditions

Ideally, daytime temperatures should be 21 - 25 ° C, decreasing at night to 16 - 18 ° C.

Lighting

A well-lit place without direct sunlight, which can leave burns on the leaves. In the autumn-winter period, additional lighting with fluorescent lamps is possible. 

Care

Leafless varieties should be grown on blocks so that the root system receives light.

Substrate for orchids

The plant prefers well-drained soil consisting of sphagnum moss, coconut fiber, pine bark, sand and charcoal.

Feeding

During the growth period, apply highly diluted liquid fertilizer every third watering. It is better to feed orchids frequently, but dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended dose, since concentrated fertilizers can burn the delicate roots.

Flowering time

Depends on the species. Kingidiums are capable of re-blooming throughout the year with good care.

Air humidity

50 - 60%. To increase humidity, place the orchid pot on a tray with damp pebbles and use a room humidifier. Spray only with soft water at room temperature in the morning, trying not to get it on the buds and flowers. You can surround the pot with a layer of damp sphagnum moss. Provide the plant with good air movement, but protect it from drafts. 

Watering

During the active growing season, water sparingly. The substrate must dry almost completely before the next watering. In winter, reduce watering. 

Transplant

Replant in the spring, with a sufficient layer of drainage material placed at the bottom of the pot. It is preferable to grow in clay pots, the walls of which allow water and air to pass through.

Reproduction

By dividing large and strong mature plants. 

Pests and diseases

Rot destroys kingidium when over-watered and stagnant. When grown in too dry an atmosphere of heated living spaces, the buds dry out prematurely.

The bush can be attacked by mealybugs as a pest.