Comparettia

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. Andes.

Description. Comparettia is a small genus of epiphytic orchids, consisting of 14 species. The leaves are leathery, oblong-lanceolate, glossy, about 15 cm long. The peduncles are graceful, curved in the shape of an arch, tall, appearing from the top of the pseudobulb, bearing 6 - 20 flowers. The flowers are very bright, bright orange, pink, lilac, white, red, yellow, often with small dots on the petals, up to 4 cm in diameter, open sequentially - from bottom to top. 

Height. The peduncle reaches a height of 50 cm.

Temperature conditions

Comparettia like to be kept moderately warm at a temperature of about 20 ° C. It is advisable to provide a difference in daily temperatures and keep them at 14 - 15 ° C at night. 

Lighting

Bright, but reflected light, tolerate partial shade. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves, so these orchids need shade.

Substrate for orchids

Grow comparettia on blocks. If you plant the bush in the ground, you need to choose a loose and nutritious mixture of finely chopped pine bark, sphagnum moss and fern fibers. Add perlite to improve drainage.

Feeding

During the period of active growth, feed 2 times a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. During the dormant period, you can feed monthly.

Purpose

Looks good in hanging baskets.

Flowering time

The flowering period depends on the species and conditions: some species bloom in summer, while others bloom in winter.

Air humidity

Tall, as for most orchids. Place the plant on a tray with a wire rack to increase humidity or use an indoor humidifier. Spraying is not recommended, but if you cannot do without it, use soft water at room temperature. When spraying, try not to get it on flowers and buds. In nature, these orchids live  in places  where air humidity reaches 80 percent. Does not like cold drafts. 

Watering

Keep the soil evenly moist in spring and summer, but do not allow water to stagnate in the tray. In autumn and winter, the frequency of watering is slightly reduced, depending on the temperature. For watering, use soft rain or bottled water.

Transplant

Replant in the spring, if necessary, change the soil. When transplanting, try not to disturb the earthen ball.

Reproduction

Separation of young pseudobulbs before growth begins. 

Pests and diseases

Rotting due to waterlogging and lack of good drainage.

The main pests of the flower are spider mites and thrips.