Orchids are flowers that cannot go unnoticed. With striking colors and a fragile appearance, they are not always easy to care for, but that does not mean we are going to resist them. If you are passionate about this plant, you will surely like to know more. curiosities about the blue orchid.
If so, continue reading, because we have prepared for you an article full of useful information that will be very practical if you want to have or already have this beautiful plant in your home.
Curiosities about the blue orchid: does it really exist?
It is possible that by searching the Internet a little you have found photos of blue orchids, and you have fallen in love with them, because they are beautiful. But have you seen any live and direct? Possibly not.
Precisely because of that, the existence of this flower is questioned. If you think about it, there are many varieties of flowers in infinite colors, but blue is not very common and, when we find it, it is often more due to human intervention than to nature. A good example of this is the blue anthurium.
It is estimated that Less than 10% of the more than 280.000 cataloged plant species are capable of producing blue flowers naturally. Because few can secrete delphinidin, which is the substance that gives flowers their blue color.
But orchids are something special. More than 23.000 species and 1.100 genera have been dated. Are we sure that among all of them there is not even one variety capable of producing blue flowers?
We can now clear up doubts and resolve one of the main curiosities of the blue orchid: it exists naturally. It's about the Vanda Coeruelea.
Characteristics of the blue orchid
Here are a few interesting facts about the Vanda Coeruelea:
- Habitat. These orchids were first dated to India in 1837. Their natural habitat is found in tropical regions such as Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. It grows at moderate altitudes and usually does so near forested areas.
- Size. In its natural habitat this plant can reach a medium-large size. If the conditions are favorable, its stems can exceed one meter in height.
- Foliage. This orchid has shiny, lanceolate leaves that are usually dark green and grow alternately around the stem.
- Flowers. The flowers of the Vanda Coeruelea can be of various colors, but the most striking of all of them, due to how rare it is, is blue. Otherwise, the flowers are large in size, give off a pleasant aroma, and have a darker center.
Curiosities of the blue orchid: how to care for it at home
One of the peculiarities of this plant is that it is epiphytic, which means that It usually grows on trees or rocks, rather than directly attached to the ground. This is important to take into account, because when growing them at home we must provide them with a home that guarantees good air circulation and good drainage. Let's look at this in more detail so that your blue orchid grows healthy and beautiful.
Luz
Like the rest of the orchids, the Vanda likes bright light, it needs it to grow. But It is not good to spend too many hours receiving direct sunlight. Therefore, it is best to place it in a place where it receives bright indirect light.
If you have no choice but to have it in front of a window, make sure there is a curtain that absorbs part of the sun's rays.
Temperature
One of the curiosities of the blue orchid that you will not be surprised to know is that this plant likes heat. Perfectly withstands temperatures of up to 30º C, and air currents don't do well at all.
If you want to help ensure that its roots are in an environment as similar as possible to its natural habitat, use a transparent plastic or glass planter. These allow the roots to gain more heat by capturing sunlight.
Moisture and irrigation
Maintaining optimal humidity conditions is vitally important for the survival of your Vanda. You have to water it quite frequently, but always allowing the growing medium to dry between one watering and another. When you notice that the substrate is almost dry to the touch, then it's time to water again.
As for humidity, you can provide it with all it needs by placing a tray or container of water near the plant, or even putting a humidifier in the room. Another alternative is Spray the leaves with water regularly.
Culture medium
This variety of orchid does better with growing media open and well drained, formed from pine bark, moss and coconut fibers. When moving it from one pot to another, make sure that the plant is well anchored, but do not compact the substrate too much.
Fertilization
Among the curiosities of the blue orchid, it is worth highlighting that it needs an extra amount of additional nutrients to thrive. If you want the plant to be really pretty, use a special fertilizer for orchids and apply it during the growing season every two or three weeks.
Pruning
You can remove dead flowers without any fear, this will help stimulate new flowering. As for the roots, if you notice that they have grown too much, you can prune them with the help of scissors. Don't forget to disinfect them before and after to prevent the plant from getting sick.
Plagues and diseases
Unfortunately, this pretty plant is not exempt from being affected by insect pests or diseases. Check the leaves and flowers frequently to detect possible infections of aphids or mealybugs. If you notice symptoms of fungal infection, start treatment as soon as possible.
Now that you have caught up on the curiosities of the blue orchid, you will surely find caring for it much easier. Do you have it at home? We would love for you to tell us in the comments how your experience with this beautiful plant has been!