Royal orchid

Royal Orchid (Latin: Orchidaceae Regalis) is a rare decorative plant prized for its large flowers with exquisite shapes and rich color palettes. Its blossoms feature symmetrically arranged petals, a velvety texture, and a strong, pleasant fragrance. Due to its decorative value and prolonged blooming period, the royal orchid is widely used in landscape design and indoor gardening.

Why can the royal orchid be called a royal flower?

The royal orchid can rightfully be called a royal flower due to its sophistication, delicate beauty, and ability to attract attention. These flowers symbolize luxury, elegance, and harmony, and are often used as gifts for special occasions. Orchids require care and attention, but with proper care, they reward their owner with long-lasting and abundant blooms that delight the eyes and soul.

Etymology of the name

The name "Royal Orchid" reflects its majestic appearance, reminiscent of royal regalia. Its petals resemble decorative elements of royal crowns, symbolizing wealth, status, and elegance in many cultures.

Life form

The royal orchid is an epiphytic plant that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. Its roots dangle freely in the air, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the surrounding environment. In nature, it attaches to tree trunks, avoiding contact with the ground.

Indoors, the royal orchid is cultivated in transparent pots or hanging baskets. Its aerial roots require constant airflow, making the choice of a suitable substrate crucial for its health.

Family

The royal orchid belongs to the Orchidaceae family, which includes about 25,000 species distributed across all continents except Antarctica. This family is one of the largest among flowering plants due to its unique pollination system and ecological adaptability.

Most orchids in this family are epiphytes, though some are terrestrial. A distinguishing feature is their complex flowers with a specialized petal called the lip, serving as a landing platform for pollinators.

Botanical characteristics

The royal orchid has large, elliptical leaves with a smooth, glossy surface arranged in two symmetrical rows forming a rosette.

The flower spike is upright, often reaching up to 80 cm in height. Flowers can measure up to 15 cm in diameter, with petals adorned with intricate patterns, veins, and contrasting spots. The lip usually stands out with a bright, contrasting color.

Chemical composition

Royal orchid petals contain anthocyanins, carotenoids, and flavonoids, which provide intense shades. The plant tissues also contain essential oils, organic acids, and tannins with antiseptic properties.

Origin

The royal orchid is native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, Central, and South America. It grows in environments with high humidity, stable temperatures, and diffused sunlight.

In its natural habitat, the orchid clings to tree trunks, absorbing moisture from the air and rain. Its roots are adapted to extract nutrients from organic residues on tree bark surfaces.

Ease of cultivation

The royal orchid is moderately challenging to grow due to its specific environmental requirements, including high humidity, diffused lighting, and moderate temperatures.

When these conditions are met, the plant adapts well and blooms regularly indoors. Key challenges include maintaining constant humidity levels and preventing root overwatering.

Varieties and cultivars

Popular cultivars of the royal orchid include:

• Royal White: White flowers with purple speckles.
• Imperial Purple: Purple petals with a velvety texture.
• Golden Crown: Yellow petals with brown veins.

Size

The royal orchid can reach 60–90 cm in height under favorable conditions. Its flower spike can grow up to 80 cm, producing 10–20 large flowers.

Individual flower diameters range from 10 to 15 cm. The flowers bloom sequentially, ensuring a long flowering period.

Growth rate

The royal orchid has a moderate growth rate. During the active vegetative season, from spring to autumn, it forms new shoots, roots, and flower spikes.

In winter, its growth slows down, requiring reduced watering and a pause in fertilization.

Lifespan

With proper care, the royal orchid can live from 10 to 20 years. Regular repotting, substrate renewal, and pruning of dried parts increase its lifespan.

The plant can bloom several times a year, with each flowering cycle lasting 2 to 4 months.

Temperature

The optimal daytime temperature is +18…+25°C, while nighttime temperatures should range between +15…+18°C. Temperature fluctuations stimulate the formation of flower buds.

Sudden temperature changes and drafts may cause bud drop and growth slowdown.

Humidity

The royal orchid requires high humidity levels of 60–80%. This can be achieved with humidifiers, water trays with wet pebbles, and regular leaf misting.

Insufficient humidity leads to root dehydration and leaf spot formation.

Light and room placement

The orchid prefers bright, diffused light. East- and west-facing windows are ideal for placement.

In winter, using grow lights to extend daylight hours to 12–14 hours is recommended. Adequate lighting ensures prolonged and abundant flowering.

Soil and substrate

The royal orchid requires a lightweight, well-aerated substrate with good moisture retention. The optimal potting mix includes:

• Conifer bark (3 parts): Provides root aeration and prevents root rot.
• Perlite or vermiculite (1 part): Retains moisture and improves substrate structure.
• Peat moss (1 part): Maintains a slightly acidic soil reaction (pH 5.5–6.5).
• Sphagnum moss (small amount): Preserves moisture and prevents root dehydration.

A drainage layer of expanded clay or pebbles 3–5 cm thick is placed at the bottom of the pot to prevent water stagnation.

Watering

In summer, the royal orchid should be watered abundantly by immersing the pot in water for 15–20 minutes. Watering is done 1–2 times a week, allowing the water to fully drain. The substrate should dry slightly between waterings.

In winter, watering is reduced to once every 10–14 days. Watering is performed in the morning to allow the water to evaporate before nightfall, preventing root rot and fungal infections.

Fertilization and feeding

During the active growth period (spring to fall), the royal orchid is fed every two weeks with fertilizers with an NPK ratio of 10:20:20 or 4:6:6, promoting root growth and flower bud formation.

Fertilizers are applied only after prior watering to avoid root burns. In winter, feeding is stopped. Organic additives such as potassium humate or seaweed extract can be used once a month to boost the plant's immunity.

Propagation

The royal orchid is propagated by dividing the bush, producing offsets, or by seeds. Division is done in spring by separating the plant into several parts, each with developed roots and pseudobulbs.

Seed propagation is a long process that requires sterile conditions. Seeds are sown in nutrient agar media in laboratory settings. Complete plant development takes several years.

Flowering

The royal orchid blooms 1–2 times a year, with flowering lasting from 2 to 4 months. Buds open sequentially, creating a prolonged decorative effect.

Abundant flowering requires bright, diffused light, regular watering, and fertilization. After flowering, flower stalks are pruned to stimulate the development of new shoots.

Seasonal features

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

In winter, the plant enters dormancy, slowing its growth. Watering is reduced, and feeding is stopped. The temperature is maintained at +12…+15°C to prepare for the next flowering period.

Care features

Key requirements include bright, diffused light, stable air humidity of 60–80%, and regular watering. Leaves should be wiped with a damp sponge to remove dust.

The plant should not be moved during flowering to avoid bud drop. Regular root checks, repotting every 2–3 years, and fertilization during the growth phase are essential.

Indoor care

The royal orchid should be placed near east- or west-facing windows. In winter, grow lights are used to extend daylight hours. Watering is done by immersion, ensuring no water stagnation.

Humidity is maintained using air humidifiers, misting, or placing trays with wet pebbles. Fertilization is done every two weeks during active growth.

Repotting

Repotting is done in spring or after flowering every 2–3 years. Transparent plastic pots with drainage holes are used to allow light to reach the roots.

The substrate is fully replaced, and damaged roots are removed. After repotting, the plant is not watered for 3–5 days to allow root healing.

Pruning and crown shaping

After flowering, dried flower stalks and dead leaves are removed. Pruning is done with sterile tools, and cut areas are treated with crushed charcoal.

Possible problems and solutions

Major problems include root rot due to overwatering, bud drop from insufficient light or drafts, and leaf spotting due to cold exposure.

Adjusting care conditions, treating the plant with fungicides for fungal infections, and ensuring optimal temperature and lighting can solve these issues.

Pests

Common pests include spider mites, scale insects, aphids, and mealybugs. At the first signs of infestation, insecticide treatments are carried out.

Air purification

The royal orchid actively absorbs carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen. Its leaves trap dust and toxins, improving indoor air quality.

Safety

The plant is safe for children and pets as it contains no toxic substances. However, people prone to pollen allergies should avoid direct contact with its leaves.

Wintering

In winter, the plant requires a lower temperature of +12…+15°C, reduced watering, and no feeding. Care resumes gradually before spring.

Medicinal properties

The royal orchid possesses antioxidant and antiseptic properties due to its organic acids and essential oils.

Use in traditional medicine

In some cultures, orchid extracts are used to boost immunity, improve skin health, and support overall wellness.

Use in landscape design

The plant is ideal for decorating winter gardens, greenhouses, and hanging compositions due to its striking flowers.

Compatibility with other plants

The royal orchid pairs well with ferns, anthuriums, and other decorative plants, creating harmonious tropical compositions.

Where to buy a royal orchid?

Buying a royal orchid can be done in specialized flower shops or nurseries, as well as online. Many online stores offer orchid delivery across the country, making the purchase of this luxurious plant convenient and accessible. You can also find a royal orchid on platforms like avito, where you may sometimes find offers at lower prices.

If you are looking to buy a royal orchid in your city, it is best to visit large flower shops or garden centers specializing in exotic plants. Royal orchid prices may vary depending on the variety, size of the plant, and its condition.

Conclusion

The royal orchid is a stunning plant with exquisite flowers that requires attention and proper care. Maintaining optimal conditions allows you to enjoy its beauty for many years.