Gongora
Content:
Gongora: a description of the orchid
Gongora: photo of an orchid
Gongora is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Orchidaceae family. Also applies to epiphytes - plants growing on other plants. This genus of orchids includes about 70 species that are common in Central and South America, as well as on some islands of the Caribbean.
Gongora: characteristics
Like other epiphytic plants, gongora has white-colored aerial roots. The average height of the bush is from 25 cm to half a meter.
A distinctive feature of the gongora is the presence of ribbed pseudobulbs, shaped like an egg or a cone. Their average length is 8 cm. Pseudobulbs of some varieties are capable of forming at least 6 peduncles in a row. Each of them is equipped at the top with a pair of narrow leaves with a leathery surface covered with pronounced veins up to 30 cm in length.
The flowering period of the gongora usually occurs in the summer or fall months, although some specimens can bloom at any time of the year. Flowering lasts quite a long time. At the tops of erect peduncles, clusters of inflorescences are formed, consisting of a large number of small fragrant flowers. Their diameter ranges from 3 to 5 cm, and there are spicy notes in the aroma. Under their weight, the stems often begin to droop to the ground. The color range of gongora colors is quite extensive and includes a variety of shades - from yellow to deep brown or burgundy, the presence of specks of contrasting colors is characteristic.
Due to the decorativeness of its flowers, gongora is often used to decorate interiors, planting it in hanging baskets.
Gongora: orchid care instructions
Gongora: video about orchids
Despite its exotic appearance and southern origin, caring for the gongora is not very difficult. A prerequisite for the successful growth of this orchid at home is the regular removal of dry and wilted flowers and peduncles. In the summer months, it is recommended to place the pots with gongs on an open balcony, protected from the wind and precipitation, and located in partial shade.
Temperature regime
Like many other tropical orchids, the gongora needs daily fluctuations in air temperature. Permissible daily values range from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius, while at night the air temperature should not fall below 12 degrees and rise above 18 degrees. In the winter months, a dormant period begins for the gongora, so it is necessary to maintain a constant temperature of +16 degrees in the room where it is located.
Lighting mode
The light-loving gongora in its natural environment prefers well-lit places, although it avoids direct sunlight. Under indoor growing conditions, it should be provided with a similar light regime. In the autumn-winter period, it is recommended to take care of sources of additional lighting.
Soil composition
Gongora: photo of an orchid
Gongora prefers acidic and slightly acidic soils. The soil for growing this orchid should be not only loose and nutritious, but also thoroughly drained to exclude the possibility of moisture stagnation. The substrate for growing gongora can be prepared independently by mixing in equal proportions sphagnum moss, river sand, pine bark, peat, and also adding charcoal.
Fertilization
Gongora needs fertilization only during the period of active growth - at this time it is recommended to feed it every 14 days with ready-made complexes intended for orchids. It is not recommended to apply fertilizers during the winter dormant period.
Air humidity level
Gongora is a tropical plant that requires a high level of air humidity. To do this, it must be sprayed with water at room temperature at least one or two times a day. The water should be not only warm, but also well-settled, softened. Additional moistening will create the placement of the gongora pot on a tray filled with wet pebbles. It is not recommended to neglect the ventilation of the room - good air circulation is extremely important for the cultivation of tropical orchids.
Watering mode
Gongora prefers constantly moist soil and does not like drought, so in the summer it needs to be watered quite often. With the onset of autumn, the frequency of watering should be reduced.
Gongora: transplantation and reproduction
Gongora: video about growing an orchid
The gongor should only be transplanted if it becomes cramped in a pot or basket. If there is such a need, the procedure should be carried out in the spring.
The best breeding method for gongora is to separate the pseudobulb from the main bush, which is usually done in the spring.
Diseases and harmful insects
Gongora: photo of an orchid
Despite the love of moisture, stagnant water in the soil is extremely dangerous for the gongora root system and can cause it to rot. It is important to provide orchids with good drainage, then the risk of diseases of the root system will be practically excluded. Of the harmful insects, the greatest danger to gongora is the scale insect and spider mite, which can be eliminated with the help of insecticides.
