Dracula Orchid considered the most unusual of all known orchids. Also, this flower is also called monkey orchid because of the unusual shape of the flowers, which have a clear resemblance to a monkey's face. Almost every orchid-loving grower wants to grow this wonderful and very effective flower.
This flower belongs to the genus of epiphytic plants. It is also directly related to the Orchidaceae family and more than 120 of its species are known. In the wild, the Dracula orchid can be found in South and Central America. Most often, it grows in moist forests and prefers to settle on old trees or directly on the surface of the soil.
All epiphytic plants of this kind are not very tall and have short shoots, as well as belt-like rather long leaves, which are colored dark green or just green. The rhizome is shortened. There are no pseudobulbs, however, there are species with leaves of a spongy structure, which partially take on the functions of these pseudobulbs.
Of greatest interest in such an orchid is an unusual flower. In different species, flowers can differ in shape, color, size, but they all consist of 3 sepals, which are collected at the base and form a bowl. And they also have elongated, outwardly elongated tips. The flowers themselves are very similar to vampire teeth or a monkey's face. The plant can bloom at any time of the year, but only if it is properly looked after.
Despite its unusualness, the Dracula orchid is not so often grown indoors. The fact is that such a plant does not tolerate direct rays of the sun, hot summer months and drying out of the roots.
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Dracula orchid care at home
Temperature regime
Reacts very badly to heat. Most of all he prefers to grow in coolness. So, in summer, the temperature should not rise more than 25 degrees, and in winter, it should not be less than 12 degrees.
In order for such an orchid to form flower buds, one condition must be met. So, experts recommend constantly maintaining the difference between night and day temperatures, which should be 4 degrees. Moreover, it should be cooler at night than during the day.
Illumination
Due to the fact that such plants grow in the wild in the lower tier of the rainforest, it needs bright lighting, but it must be diffused. It is necessary to protect from the scorching sun rays.It is best to put such an orchid on the windowsill of windows located in the eastern or southeastern part of the room. And those that are located on the south side are not suitable for such a flower, since there is a threat of overheating.
Humidity
In places where this plant grows in the wild, it rains almost daily, and there is also a thick fog in the morning. That is why it needs a very high air humidity. It is allowed to increase the humidity by all available methods. And at the same time, it is very important to ensure regular ventilation of the room, since various bacterial diseases and fungi can appear in very humid, stale air.
How to water
How often and abundantly the plant needs to be watered has a direct relationship with the environment. So, the cooler and darker the room, the less often watering should be. Water it with soft rainwater.
Earth laugh
This plant is grown in pots or baskets filled with earth mixture, as well as on blocks without it. In order to make a suitable soil mixture, it is necessary to mix sphagnum moss, fern roots, chopped (chopped) bark of coniferous trees, as well as charcoal. The acidity should be in the range of pH 5.5–6.5.
Transfer
Too often, a transplant is not necessary, only as needed. It is best to carry out this procedure when young sprouts begin to build up their own root system.
Top dressing
Such a flower is fertilized during the period of active growth. To do this, use a special fertilizer for orchids. Top dressing is carried out every 3rd watering and ½ part of the recommended dose is used. However, keep in mind that overfeeding the plant is not recommended.
Dormant period
Such an orchid does not have a dormant period, as well as the need for it. So, it can bloom anytime, and it does not depend on the season.
How to propagate
The Dracula orchid in room conditions can be propagated vegetatively, or rather, by dividing an adult, overgrown bush into several parts. Each separated part should have 4 or 5 shoots.
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