Rodriguezia

Rodriguezia is a representative of the genus of the same name, which, in turn, is part of the Orchid family. Both the genus and the plant itself were named in honor of the Spanish physician and botanist E. Rodriguez. Their natural habitat is tropical rainforests. In nature, they can be seen in South America and in some areas of Central America. Since Orchids are epiphytes, that is, plants constantly growing on other plants, they can often be found in the roots, branches and trunks of trees that make up equatorial forests. Cultivated species of Rodriguezia have migrated to enclosed spaces and are successfully grown by flower growers.

Rodriguezia: description and characteristics of the flower

Rodriguezia: photo of a flower

Rodriguezia belongs to sympodial plants, the shoots of such plants, dying off, give rise to others. Therefore, rodriguezia does not develop in height, but grows horizontally. Like all members of the Orchid family, the plant has pseudobulbs, they are elliptical and slightly flattened. The location of the bulbs depends on the species - in some they are located at some distance, while in others they are located close to each other. Each of the false bulbs is covered with one or two leaves. They are oblong, narrow and pointed. At the same time, they are quite dense, leathery. Their color can be either pale green or have a rich dark green color. Floral arrows appear at the base of the pseudobulbs. Sometimes, their number can be up to 10 pieces, and the number of flowers carried by shoots reaches two, three dozen.

The shape of the flowers, their color and size depends on the type of Rodriguezia. For example, there are very tiny flowers, the diameter of which does not exceed 1 cm. The average diameter of a Rodriguezia flower is 5 - 6 cm. The flowers of some plants are painted in light tones, others in very bright, saturated colors. Plants of this genus, as a rule, have a uniform color, and only a small number of Rodriguezias have streaks or specks on the sepals and petals.

The flowering of Rodriguezia can last for a week or months, and some plants bloom up to two or three times a year. At the same time, a number of species, for example: beautiful Rodriguezia, Decorated Rodriguezia and Lee Rodriguezia, also exude a very pleasant smell during the flowering period.

Rodriguezia is especially prized by breeders who often use the plant to obtain other species. On its basis, such wonderful lushly blooming orchid hybrids such as Hoveara and Rodrumnia were bred.

Rodriguezia: planting and growing

Rodriguezia: photo of a flower

Rodriguezias are usually small in size. They can be grown in various containers, on blocks and in baskets. When choosing a container, it is important that it has large drainage holes and a sufficiently thick drainage layer. You can fill the container with a ready-made substrate for growing orchids, or you can make it yourself. Not too thick bark of conifers is suitable, which should be crushed to a medium size fraction. You will also need sphagnum. To grow Rodriguezia on a block, you can use moisture-resistant wood, vines or cork bark. When fixing the plant on the block, you need to be very careful not to damage the roots and rhizome.

The frequency of Rodriguezia transplants depends on how actively the root system is growing and in what state the substrate is. Actively growing Rodriguezia is transplanted every year, the rest - no more than once every three years.

Rodriguezia can be propagated by division, but this procedure should be carried out only with mature, strong and healthy plants. Experts do not recommend dividing orchids that have only two false bulbs; there should be at least four pseudobulbs. According to experts, the optimal time for plant division is immediately after the appearance of tuberidium.

Rodriguezia: flower care

Rodriguezia: photo of a flower

Rodriguezia, like all Orchids, requires increased attention and care. It is not at all easy to grow, and even more so to achieve its flowering.

This plant needs diffused lighting. At the same time, natural light can be completely replaced with artificial one. It may not be in direct sunlight for very long.

Rodriguezia is one of the orchids that rather quickly adapt to the temperature conditions of an enclosed space. However, if possible, the plant should be provided with slightly lower night temperatures.

Do not allow the roots to dry out. Rodriguezia is watered with settled or distilled water at room temperature. When the plant does not have enough moisture, the leaves and pseudobulbs begin to dry out and shrivel. However, excess moisture for Rodriguezia is even more harmful. Rot, which actively spreads in a humid environment, rather quickly affects the root system and the aerial part of plants. If such signs are found, the plant must be transplanted immediately, removing the damaged roots.

It is necessary to feed Rodriguezia with caution, since an excess of fertilizers can lead to irreparable consequences. In the case of rodriguezia, it is better to reduce the recommended dosage of the drug. Plants with damage to the root system are fed only by spraying the leaves. In addition, feeding should be completely stopped, as well as the amount of watering should be reduced with a decrease in daylight hours.

If the air in the room where Rodriguezia is located is too dry, it is necessary to regularly spray the plant using fine spray guns. And if the humidity is increased, then the room should be ventilated more, while avoiding direct air currents on the plant.

Flower pests

Among insect pests, spider mites can attack Rodriguezia. As a rule, this pest infects weakened plants. In order to avoid its appearance, the conditions for growing Rodriguezia should be observed and provided with timely and proper care.