All about Ludisia orchid and home care

Ludisia orchid is considered a unique flower, as it is an exotic flower. It does not require much effort in personal care. Perfect for both experienced flower growers and beginners in this matter. “Ludisia duscolor” translates as “precious orchid”.

Unlike other plants, her leaves are not so attractive, but they appreciate her for the same chic foliage. We will talk about the features of this species, its varieties, care and breeding methods in our article. Also watch the helpful video.

Detailed description

Ludisia orchid belongs to the orchid family. Originally from Indonesia and Southeast Asia. It blooms in autumn or winter. Lives in moist forests.

Ludisia orchid itself is not tall, in the wild exceeds 20 centimeters. The leaves of the plant are thick, velvety, shine in the sun. Ludisia stem is curly. The color of this orchid is most often emerald. Ludisia is most valued for its broad leaves, which will last about seven years.

Has a flat spine, on which leaflets are planted in a cup shape, but the tip is pointed. The leaves are seven centimeters long and four wide. In autumn, a flower stalk grows in the region of 25 centimeters, on which small flowers form from one and a half to two centimeters.

Unfortunately, the flowers of this plant have no value. However, despite all this, ludisia can easily tolerate an arid climate and a small amount of light.

History of occurrence

Ludisia orchid lives in many countries, such as: Japan, Brazil, China, India and Vietnam. Also located in New Guinea, the islands of Indonesia, New Zealand, as well as some forms are in Russia.

Differences from the rest

Ludisia is a herb that attaches to moss with its roots.that grows on trees or in caves. It features a creeping stalk and velvety leaves, various colors.

Sub-grades and varieties

Ludisia orchid has several varieties and sub-varieties.

Dawsoniana

The largest form. Growth 30 centimeters. Leaves are red with pink veins..

Watch a video about the features of Ludisia Dawson:

Odina

The leaves of the plant have a color from green to black with silver streaks.

Sapfir velvet

Unpretentious plant. Suitable for growing even for beginner growers. This variety has velvety foliage from light green to dark brown. On its leaves there are streaks of silver, bronze and even gold color, which is why this orchid has a second name - precious.

Watch the video about the features of ludisia Sapphire Velveteen:

When and how does it bloom?

Ludisia usually blooms from late autumn and all winter. when all the plants cease to bloom, then just Ludisia will delight others with its flowering and give unusual beauty. During this period, orchids need careful care for her.

TIP: Do not allow water to enter the flower stalks, and the soil should not be dry, but not in excess of water.

What if she doesn’t?

It happens that ludisia does not bloom. To return flowering to this plant, it is necessary to carry out a series of the following manipulations.

1. In summer, you need to prepare the plant for laying flower buds. You should monitor the air temperature, which should not be more than 29 degrees Celsius. During the day, the temperature should be no higher than 20 degrees, and at night from 15 to 17 degrees Celsius. This will help Ludisia Orchid plant new flower buds.
2. When the ludisia still blooms, then the temperature for it should be made 18 degrees Celsius. This is done so that the plant blooms as long as possible.

Home Care

Leaving before and after flowering is practically no different from caring for the plant as a whole.

Seat selection

Most favorable plant will be put on the windowsill, the windows of which overlook the southeast or southwest. Place the Ludisia orchid near the battery in the apartment.

Soil and pot preparation

Best of all for the Ludisia orchid is a ready-made purchase soil. The soil should be airy and well-permeable, and also have a high transmittance of clean air. So that the roots of the Ludisia orchid do not rot and the plant does not die, then you should not choose earthen mixtures.

You can prepare the soil at home on your own, for this you need to prepare: pine bark, but before that chop it, charcoal, sphagnum moss, polystyrene and peat. These components may be different, but the main component is still a pine bark.

Temperature

Ludisia orchid is a thermophilic plant. and you must not allow temperatures below 18 degrees Celsius. In the afternoon, the optimum temperature is from 20 to 23 degrees Celsius. At night, a normal temperature is considered to be from 17 to 19 degrees Celsius. The temperature regime practically does not differ in the period of rest and the period of active growth.

Humidity

Normal humidity for this orchid is considered 70-80 percent, since this plant comes from tropical forests. It is best to spray the room where the plant itself is located.

ATTENTION: Water cannot fall onto the leaves, as spots on the leaves will begin to appear and decorative effect will decrease. The water that is sprayed should, as a rule, be higher by 2-3 degrees at room temperature. It is necessary to arrange a warm shower, and then wipe with a napkin.

Watch a video on ways to increase humidity around the orchid:

Lighting

Ludisia should be slightly shaded from the sun during the day. It is best to place the plant on the eastern and western windowsills. If there is no natural light, then Ludisia quietly grows on artificial light sources. In winter, in the absence of lighting, a dormant period may occur.

Watering

It is necessary to water the flower all the time and it will be most favorable to do this in the morning. Water often, but not pour - this leads to rotting of the plant.

A small hole should be made at the bottom of the pot. Excess water will come out through it.

It is impossible to bring the substrate to dry, because of this the plant dries up. Water should be soft. Water should not enter the outlet, so water around the edges.

Top dressing

Orchid Ludisia calmly do without frequent fertilizer. It is necessary to feed the plant twice a month and this is only if necessary.

I am best suited for orchids of this type purchased preparations for feeding. But it’s better to take liquid fertilizers designed specifically for orchids..

Transfer

IMPORTANT: Ludisia orchid should be transplanted only if necessary. It should be replanted 3 times a year if the pot becomes small for the roots.

Before transplanting a plant, you need:

1. Rinse the roots and cut off the roots that are rotten or have already dried.
2. Divide the root into parts and put in separate containers.
3. Instead of expanded clay, you can use large parts of the bark. Put sphagnum on top.
4. Place the pot in a bright place with a humidity of at least 70-80 percent.

Watch the video about the correct transplantation of the Ludisia orchid:

How to propagate?

Ludisia propagated by cuttings during the growing season. The beginning of spring and the end of summer is the best time for root growth. The cut itself must be treated with charcoal and leave three kidneys. When a stalk appears, it must be transplanted into the ground and taken care of as an adult orchid.

Watch the video on the cuttings of ludisia:

Diseases and Pests

Most often, plants damage:

• powdery worm;
• scale shield;
• whitefly;
• spider mite;
• aphid.

Conclusion

Ludisia orchid is easy to care for, but some difficulties may arise.For example: if there is a lack of daylight, additional lighting should be installed, low humidity and a dry substrate should not be allowed, a certain temperature regime is necessary, and heavy watering and bright light should not be allowed.

Watch the video: Ludisia discolor jewel orchid and low light house plants (December 2024).