Spathoglottis

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. Southeast Asia.

Description. The genus Spathoglottis contains approximately 45 species of perennial plants. There are no pseudobulbs. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, green, glossy, about 15 - 40 cm long. The peduncles are leafless, usually rising above the leaves, bearing from 3 to 40 flowers at the top. The flowers are lilac, pink, yellow, cream, white, with 5 oval petals and a small lip. There are species whose buds are colored in 2 or more contrasting shades.

Height. Depends on the specific type and can vary between 30 cm and 1.5 m.

Home care

Temperature conditions

The ideal temperature range is 18 - 23 ° C. Most plants do not have a pronounced dormant period, but some species like cool conditions throughout the year.

Lighting

Grow in the shade from direct sunlight, in partial shade. The sun leaves burns on the leaves. With a lack of light, the leaves become dark green. Additional lighting with fluorescent lamps can be successfully used.

Care

Quite a demanding orchid.

Substrate for orchids

Based on pine bark, sphagnum, coconut fiber, with the addition of small pieces of charcoal. To improve drainage, use coarse river sand or perlite. 

Feeding

During the growing season, feed the spathoglottis twice a month with fertilizers at half the dosage; do not feed in autumn and winter.

Purpose

A very attractive genus with spectacular flowers that can be grown both in a pot and in a hanging basket. The bush will be a great addition to any orchid collection. The flowers are used for cutting and do not lose their attractive appearance for a long time in a vase of water.

Flowering time

They bloom from spring to autumn. 

Air humidity

Provide the Spathoglottis with good air movement around the leaves, while avoiding cold drafts. A relative air humidity of 60 percent is recommended. When the temperature rises above 20 °C, the pots are placed on trays with wet pebbles.

Water orchids at home

Watering is thorough, until the earthen ball is completely wetted, but the top 1 - 3 cm of soil must dry before the next watering. After the flowering period, gradually reduce watering. They do not tolerate stagnation of water at the roots. 

Transfer

Repot into deeper, larger pots in spring when the pseudobulbs become crowded in the old container. Mature specimens are repotted approximately every two to three years. The best time to repot is spring. To reduce possible root damage, soak the container in warm water for ten minutes to make the roots more flexible.

Reproduction

In spring, the plants are divided. The rhizomes are cut into two or more parts, making sure that each part has at least two pseudobulbs. The divisions are planted in pots with a diameter of 7–10 cm. Water very moderately until new shoots appear.

Pests and diseases

The color of orchid leaves will easily indicate possible errors in care. Bright green leaves are considered a sign of a healthy plant. Lack of light causes the leaves to darken; too much light causes them to turn yellow. Orchids are often subject to fungal infections, root rot, and late blight.

Spathoglottis can be attacked by mealybugs, thrips and aphids.