Rodriguezia

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. South America.

Description. Rodriguezia are small epiphytic, rarely lithophytic orchids with elongated pseudobulbs and many aerial roots. Each pseudobulb is capable of producing several peduncles. The leaves are green, belt-shaped, curved, leathery. Each peduncle bears a large, often drooping inflorescence - a raceme of 10 - 60 small but bright flowers in a wide variety of shades.

Height. Does not exceed 30 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Daytime temperatures range from 20 ° C to 25 ° C, and night temperatures – 15 - 21 ° C. Rodriguezia does not have a pronounced dormant period. Higher temperatures make the bush grow faster, but require higher humidity and air circulation, as well as more frequent watering.

Lighting

Provide bright, reflected light throughout the year and rodriguezia will reward you with abundant blooms. Additional illumination is possible on short winter days. Direct sunlight during the day can cause leaf burns.

Care

In summer, this orchid can be placed in the garden in the shade of trees as long as the air temperature remains above 12 ° C. 

Substrate for orchids

The substrate should contain large pieces of pine bark, coconut shells, and charcoal. Representatives of this species prefer clay pots to plastic ones because the walls of clay pots breathe, allowing air to reach the roots of the orchid. Rodriguesia are epiphytes, which means that their aerial roots take nutrients and moisture from the surrounding atmosphere.

Feeding

During the period of active growth, regularly apply complex fertilizers every 2 weeks. During the winter months - every month. Remember not to fertilize your orchid when it is almost dry, as this can cause severe damage to the roots.

Purpose

Bushes grown in hanging baskets look very impressive.

Flowering time

The flower is capable of forming buds 2 or 3 times a year if it is properly cared for. Buds decorate the orchid at any time of the year, but most often in spring and summer.

Air humidity

Like most members of the family, this species requires very high humidity. The ideal relative humidity level is between 75 and 85%, but if the plant is kept in conditions of excessive humidity without air circulation, it may rot. Place the pot on a tray with damp pebbles or use a humidifier, as misting can cause unsightly spots on the leaves. It is important to remember that the higher the humidity level you maintain, the more air movement there should be.

Water orchids at home

Rodriguezia is watered in the morning with warm water. If you grow orchids in hanging baskets, you can water them daily. In the warm season, watering should be frequent and abundant; in the cold months, the frequency of watering should be reduced. 

Transfer

Try to replant only when necessary - when the soil is already completely destroyed and rotting or when the plant has really outgrown the pot. Aerial roots may poke out of the pot, but this is not a sign that replanting is necessary. Rodriguezia should only be replanted in the spring every two to three years. Before replanting, trim damaged roots with a sterile cutting instrument. 

Reproduction

By dividing large specimens during transplantation. 

Pests and diseases

Large, rough, black spots on leaves are sunburn - move the bush to a little shade. Yellowing and wilted leaves indicate a lack of nitrogen. Mosaic virus causes pale or dark stripes on leaves.

Among insects, the plant can be attacked by mealybugs and spider mites.