Macodes

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. Tropics of Southeast Asia.

Description. A small genus of plants in the orchid family, which contains only 7 species of orchids. Macodes belongs to a group of precious orchids that are grown for their attractive foliage. Rhizomes, thick, creeping. The leaves are large, broadly oval, dark green, dark burgundy or olive green, with pronounced light longitudinal and transverse veins, with delicate pubescence. The peduncles are tall - up to 20 cm, leafless, bearing several small flowers in the upper part.

Height. About 20 cm. 

Macodes - care at home

Soil for a flower 

A standard orchid mix containing sphagnum moss, fern fibers, pine bark, small pieces of charcoal, perlite, vermiculite or coarse sand to improve drainage. The soil for macodes must be air- and moisture-permeable. The optimal pH is considered to be 4.5. 

When the plant blooms 

Summer autumn.

Temperature for growing macodes

All year round, macodes are kept at normal room temperature ranging from 18 to 24 ° C. A difference between day and night temperatures is desirable. 

Lighting

Macodes does not like direct sunlight, but if it is placed in a well-lit place, its leaves will be more brightly colored.

How to care

After flowering, stems that are too long are trimmed to form side shoots. Macodes peduncles with faded flowers are removed by cutting them off at the base with a sharp sterile instrument.

Transplant

Replant as needed in spring into shallow containers.

Feeding

During the growth period, feed with liquid orchid fertilizer at half strength every 2 weeks.

Purpose

A valuable ornamental foliage plant, a living jewel.

Air humidity

Maintain high humidity - use a room humidifier or a tray filled with wet pebbles to increase humidity. Over-spraying makoda can leave unsightly white spots on the leaves and can also cause rot if there is insufficient air movement.

Water the macodes

Water the macodes generously until the earthen ball is completely soaked in spring and summer, when the orchid is actively developing. In autumn, the soil is dried a little between waterings and in winter it is watered very moderately.

Reproduction

Stem cuttings taken during pruning easily take root in ordinary water. 

Pests and diseases

Rots when overwatered. Plants kept in low light conditions bloom less profusely or do not bloom at all. If the soil dries out, wrinkles may appear on the leaves and stems. Direct sunlight can damage the appearance of the leaves. Too much light causes scorching of the macodes foliage or causes the plant to adapt to the new conditions by reducing the amount of chlorophyll in the leaves, hence making them appear pale. When air humidity is too low, flowers fall off.

Of the harmful insects, plants can be annoyed by spider mites and mealybugs, whiteflies and scale insects.

Note

The stems of adult plants are often bare at the bottom - such orchids should be replaced with new plants.