Promenaea

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. Brazil.

Description. Promenaea is a small lithophytic or epiphytic orchid. Pseudobulbs are small - about 1.5 cm in diameter, round. From the apex of each pseudobulb emerge 2 long, strap-shaped, green leaves. Peduncles are drooping, often hang down under the weight of the flowers and are located below the foliage. Each peduncle bears 1 - 2 large, yellow or white flowers with a diameter of up to 4 cm. Often the flowers have contrasting burgundy specks. 

Height. Up to 20 cm. 

Care at home

When blooms 

Flowering occurs in late spring - early summer and lasts about 1 - 1.5 months. 

Substrate

A coarse fibrous mixture consisting of small pieces of pine bark, sphagnum moss, coconut fiber, and peat. The soil must be well drained and allow air to pass through.

Temperature conditions

Prefers cool conditions - at a temperature of 15 - 22 ° C, decreasing to 5 ° C at night. Some plants can enjoy the summer heat. A rest period should be allowed during the winter months. 

Transplantation 

Promenaea grows quickly and at the same time easily tolerates transplantation, which is carried out annually in the spring, with the beginning of new growth, but before flowering.

Lighting

This orchid is able to develop successfully and bloom profusely even when grown in partial shade. A good indicator of illumination is the shade of the leaves - in good conditions they are bright green, when there is excess light they become light and turn yellow, and when there is not enough light they darken.

Flower care

A spectacular view that will be appreciated by both novice gardeners and avid orchid lovers. Do not change the conditions of maintenance - temperature, frequency of watering and lighting, when the bush throws out flower stalks - wait until the end of flowering.

Feeding

Feed with fertilizers for orchids in half the concentration every 2 weeks. A solution that is too concentrated can burn the plant's delicate roots. 

Purpose

A valuable collection plant that has bright, rather large flowers compared to the size of the orchid itself.

Air humidity

Ideal humidity is 70 - 90%. Place the pot on a tray filled with wet pebbles or use a room humidifier. You can surround the orchid pot with a layer of wet sphagnum or spray the leaves with soft water at room temperature, providing the plant with sufficient air movement.

Watering

The soil should be evenly moist during the growth period. For irrigation, use only soft bottled or rainwater at room temperature.

Reproduction

It is propagated quite easily by dividing large specimens during transplantation. Each division should have a well-developed root system and at least 5 leaves.

Hydroponics

Grows well in hydroponics.

Pests and diseases

When there is a sudden change in conditions, it drops its buds. Adult plants tolerate dry air more easily than young ones, but their growth may slow down and flowering may occur later than expected. If there is too much moisture, orchids will rot. 

Among the harmful insects, spider mites can attack the flower.