Trichopilia

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. Brazil, Mexico.

Description. The genus Trichopilia consists of 45 species of miniature, epiphytic, dazzlingly beautiful orchids. Pseudobulbs are oblong, cylindrical or round, each bearing 1 leaf at the top. The leaves are green, linear or lanceolate. The peduncles are erect, rising above the leaves or, more often, drooping, located under the foliage. Flowers of the most varied colors - white, pink, red, yellow, orange, lilac, burgundy, up to 10 cm in diameter. The lip is large, often corrugated and painted in a contrasting shade. The flowers have a delicate aroma.

Height. 10 - 30 cm. 

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Moderately warm content. It is advisable to arrange a difference in night and day temperatures for lush flowering, for example, the temperature during the day should be 21 - 24 ° C, at night - 16 - 18 ° C.

Lighting

The orchid can take sun baths in the morning and evening hours, and arrange shading during the day. In autumn and winter, additional lighting with fluorescent lamps is possible. If the bush does not have enough light, it abundantly grows green mass to the detriment of flowering. During flowering, more shading is necessary to increase the lifespan of the buds.

Care

After flowering are placed in partial shade and cool, watering is reduced for several weeks - the plant must rest and grow an additional root system. 

Substrate for orchids

Grows well in ready-made orchid mixtures with a slightly acidic pH. Suitable soil based on pine bark, perlite, coarse sand, sphagnum moss and peat.

Feeding

Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer during active growth and a low-nitrogen fertilizer during flowering. Feed trichopilia twice a month with a half-strength solution.

Flowering time

Spring - summer, long flowering period.

Air humidity

At least 50%. Surround the pot with a layer of damp sphagnum moss or place it on a tray with damp gravel, use a room humidifier. Misting is done in the morning, although this may leave unsightly whitish spots on the leaves.

Water orchids at home

Try to keep the soil evenly moist in spring and summer, but remove excess water from the tray. It is better to use bottom watering by immersing the orchid pot in water for several hours. In winter, the frequency of watering is reduced.

Transplant

Young specimens are replanted every 2 years. Adult trichopilia can be replanted every 3 years after flowering.

Reproduction

Propagate by division during transplantation, with each division having 2-4 pseudobulbs with roots. Remove dead or damaged roots that may contribute to the development of root rot.

Pests and diseases

Trichopilia can get burned with prolonged exposure to sunlight. Rot occurs due to excessive watering and insufficient drainage. May be attacked by mealybugs, aphids and whiteflies.