Manhattan Orchid

The Manhattan orchid is an orchid decorative plant (Orchidaceae), which is distinguished by the exquisite flowers of saturated shades with an original pattern of petals. The plant is popular due to long flowering and resistance to environmental changes. Flowers have a dense texture and have a glossy surface, which gives them an attractive appearance.

Etymology of the name

The name "Manhattan orchid" comes from the same name in the New York region, symbolizing modernity, luxury and urban elegance. In floriculture, this name emphasizes bright and saturated colors of flowers associated with the lights of a large city.

Life form

The Manhattan orchid is an epiphytic plant, which in a natural environment grows on the trunks of trees, fastening to their bark with air roots. These roots absorb moisture from the air, which allows an orchid to do without constant contact with the soil.

At home, the plant is grown in suspended pots or transparent pots with a light substrate. Roots require good aeration, so they give preference to special soil mixtures based on bark.

Family

The Manhattan orchid belongs to the orchid family (Orchidaceae), which includes more than 25,000 species. This is one of the most numerous families of flowering plants common around the world. Orchids are found in various climatic conditions, from tropical forests to mountain regions.

Orchids are distinguished by a complex structure of flowers that evolved to attract certain pollinators. A characteristic feature is the presence of a lip - a modified petal that performs the function of a landing site for insects.

Botanical characteristics

The Manhattan orchid has long, lanceolate leaves with a glossy surface. The leaves are painted in saturated green color, and their length varies from 20 to 40 cm. Airy roots covered with venue, which allows you to effectively absorb moisture and nutrients.

The peduncles are high, erect, carry several large flowers with a diameter of 8 to 12 cm. The petals are dense, with a characteristic pattern, often consisting of contrasting stripes or spots. The lip is usually distinguished by a more saturated shade.

Chemical composition

The orchid petals contain anthocyans, giving rich shades from pink to purple. Flavonoids, carotenoids and essential oils that provide a light aroma are also found in the tissues of the plant. The roots are rich in organic acids and tannins with antiseptic properties.

Origin

The homeland of the Manhattan orchid are the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, as well as Central and South America. The plant lives in conditions of constant humidity and stable temperature.

The natural habitat includes shady forests with scattered light, rich in moisture thanks to frequent rains and thick undergrowth. Under these conditions, an orchid flourishes due to the ability to adapt to humidity fluctuations.

The ease of growing

The Manhattan orchid is considered a moderately complex plant for home cultivation. The main difficulties are to maintain a high level of humidity and ensure sufficient lighting without direct sunlight.

When creating the right conditions of the orchid, it easily adapts to life in the room, blooms regularly and pleases with decorative flowers for several months.

Types, varieties

Among the popular varieties of Manhattan orchid can be distinguished:

• Manhattan Purple - saturated purple petals with a silver pattern.
• Manhattan Gold - yellow tint flowers with bright stripes.
• Manhattan Velvet is a velvety texture of petals with a soft pink gradient.

Size

The average height of the Manhattan orchid varies from 40 to 80 cm, depending on the age and growing conditions. Flotons can reach 70 cm, creating large inflorescences.

The diameter of individual flowers is from 8 to 12 cm, and in one inflorescence there can be up to 15 buds.

Growth intensity

The plant has a moderate growth rate. In the active period, in the spring and summer, the orchid forms new shoots and roots.

In winter, growth slows down, which requires adjustment of care: reduction of watering and termination of top dressing.

Life expectancy

With proper care, the Manhattan orchid can live up to 15 years. Regular transplants and updating the substrate contribute to the longevity of the plant.

Flowering occurs several times a year, subject to all the necessary conditions of content.

Temperature

The optimum temperature for the Manhattan orchid is +18 ... +25 ° C during the day and +15 ... +18 ° C at night. Temperature changes stimulate the formation of flower buds.

Sudden temperature fluctuations can cause buds discharge or deceleration of growth.

Humidity

The plant needs high humidity (60–80%). To maintain the optimal level, air humidifiers, moist expanded clay or regular spraying of leaves are used.

The lack of moisture can lead to drying the roots and the appearance of stains on the leaves.

Lighting and placement in the room

The Manhattan Orchid prefers bright diffused light. Eastern or western windows are considered ideal places.

In winter, the use of a phytolamp to extend daylight hours up to 12-14 hours is recommended. Sufficient lighting provides long and abundant flowering.

Soil and substrate

The Manhattan orchid requires an easy, breathable substrate with high moisture-resistant ability. The optimal composition of the soil mixture includes:

• 3 parts of the bark of coniferous trees of the middle fraction - provide aeration of the roots.
• 1 part of perlite or vermiculite - holds moisture and prevents the compaction of the substrate.
• Part 1 peat - supports the slightly acidic environment.
• A little moss of sphagnum - helps maintain humidity.

The recommended level of soil acidity is PH 5.5–6.5. Be sure to have a drainage layer of expanded clay or pebbles 3-5 cm thick to prevent stagnation of water.

Watering

In summer, the Manhattan orchid is watered abundantly by immersing the pot into water for 15–20 minutes. Watering is carried out 1-2 times a week, allowing the water to completely drain. Between the irrigation, the substrate should dry slightly, but not dry out.

In winter, the frequency of watering is reduced to once every 10-14 days. Watering is carried out in the morning so that the moisture has time to evaporate before the night of the night, preventing the rotting of the roots.

Fertilizer and top dressing

During the period of active growth (spring - autumn), the orchid is fed every two weeks with fertilizers with the NPK formula 10:20:20 or 4: 6: 6, contributing to the growth of the roots and the formation of flower buds.

Fertilizers are applied only after preliminary watering to avoid a burn of roots. In winter, top dressing is stopped. Organic additives, such as potassium humate or seaweed extract, are used once a month to increase the immunity of the plant.

Propagation

The Manhattan orchid is propagated by dividing the bush, children and seeds. The division is carried out in the spring, dividing the plant into several parts, each of which should have developed roots and pseudobulbe.

Growing from seeds is a long process that requires sterile conditions. Seeds are sown on nutrient agar media in laboratory conditions. The full development of the plant takes several years.

Bloom

The Manhattan orchid blooms 1-2 times a year. Flowering lasts from 2 to 4 months, while the buds open gradually, providing a long decorative effect.

For abundant flowering, bright diffused light, regular watering and top dressing are needed. After flowering is completed, the peduncles are cut to stimulate the formation of new shoots.

Seasonal features

In the spring, active growth begins, new shoots and flower buds are formed. During this period, the orchid is regularly fed and watered abundantly.

In winter, the plant goes into a state of rest, its growth slows down. Watering is reduced, top dressing is stopped. The temperature is maintained at +12 ... +15 ° C to prepare for the next flowering period.

Features of care

The main requirements include bright multiple light, stable air humidity at 60–80% and regular irrigation. The leaves must be regularly wiped with a damp sponge to remove dust.

The plant is not recommended to be moved during flowering in order to avoid the discharge of buds. It is important to monitor the condition of the roots, transplant the plant every 2-3 years and feed during growth.

Transfer

The transplant is carried out in the spring or after the end of flowering every 2-3 years. Using transparent plastic pots with drainage holes to access light to the roots.

The substrate is completely replaced, removing damaged roots. After transplantation, the plant is not watered for 3-5 days to let the roots heal.

Trimming and the formation of the crown

After flowering is completed, dried peduncles and dead leaves are removed. Pruning is carried out by sterile tools, and slices are sprinkled with stiff coal.

Possible problems and their solution

The main problems include rotting of the roots due to overflow, falling buds with a lack of light or drafts, as well as the appearance of spots on the leaves during hypothermia.

It is recommended to adjust the conditions of the content, processing of the plant with fungicides for fungal infections and ensuring the optimum temperature and lighting.

Pests

Pests include spider mites, shields, aphids and powdery worms. At the first signs of damage, insecticides are treated.

Cleaning air

The Manhattan orchid actively absorbs carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen. Its leaves capture dust and toxins, improving the microclimate in the room.

Safety

The plant is safe for children and pets, as it does not contain toxic substances. However, contact with leaves should be avoided by people prone to allergies to floral pollen.

Wintering

In winter, the plant needs to lower the temperature to +12 ... +15 ° C, reducing watering and stopping tops. Before the spring, the active maintenance regime is gradually restored.

Useful properties

The Manhattan orchid has antioxidant and antiseptic properties due to the organic acids and essential oils contained in it.

Use in landscape design

The plant is ideal for the design of winter gardens, greenhouses and suspended compositions due to spectacular flowering.

Compatibility with other plants

The Manhattan orchid goes well with ferns, anturiums and other decorative plants, creating harmonious tropical compositions.

Conclusion

Orchid Manhattan is an amazing plant with exquisite flowers, requiring attention and proper care. Compliance with the conditions of content allows you to enjoy its beauty for many years.