Schomburgkia

Schomburgkia description and characteristics

Schomburgkia is a rare plant that belongs to the family of orchids, this epiphytic and lithophytic plant has become widespread in the American tropics.

The plant is closely related to laelia. Some time ago, the plant was transferred to another variety, for this reason there was some confusion. With the onset of the flowering period, the plant begins to grow larger. Peduncles are distinguished by unhurried growth, the height can reach up to 1.5 m. The opening of the buds in the paniculate inflorescence occurs alternately.

The flowering period of each flower lasts only a few days, but due to the fact that the plant contains a huge number of flowers, the total flowering period of the plant can last for several months. Sepals are bright in color and the petals of each flower are widely spaced, often characterized by the presence of wavy edges. The lateral lobes of the lip are often curved, sometimes in close contact with each other. To create the decorativeness of the plant, foliage and pseudobulbs play a significant role. The leathery leaf plate of the plant is erect, dark or light green in color. Round-shaped pseudobulbs over time begin to stretch and acquire ribs. Their hue can also change over time - the green color turns to yellow.

The contrast of foliage and false bulb looks pretty attractive. Some varieties of pseudobulbs are hollow with small slots. Nature with this plant did a good job and helped create conditions for the harmonious coexistence of plants and insects. whole colonies of ants can exist in the false bulb. Thanks to this, ants are able to protect the plant well from various pests. while this plant is also able to receive the necessary nutrients. Thanks to intergeneric crosses, breeders have managed to breed various hybrid varieties that are beautiful in appearance and are considered less demanding to care for.

Schomburgkia cultivation and care

The plant can be grown in a pot or bologna. It is best to choose narrow and shallow containers.

The plant does not like any changes. Each time the plant is transplanted, a lot of stress can be caused to the plant. Therefore, a transplant should be carried out no more than 1 time in 3 years. It is best to choose a time when new roots begin to appear. Also, the plant does not tolerate the reproduction procedure.

Only adult plants can be propagated, and each plant must have at least 3 pseudobulbs. It should also be borne in mind that a plant that has been split has a long recovery period and often skips flowering. you also need to keep in mind that the plant may die. It is very important for the plant to organize a dormant period - completely cancel feeding, reduce the lighting level. To keep the soil dry, but not dry out, it is sometimes necessary to spray the soil. The volume of water will need to be increased if the pseudobulbs begin to dry out.

Diseases and insect pests. The plant can be attacked by spider mites and snails.

We are engaged in reproduction. For reproduction, it is best to use the method of dividing the bush.

What to do after purchasing a plant. The plant must be transported very carefully. Overheating, hypothermia and mechanical damage must not be allowed. The quarantine lasts at least 1.5 months.It is necessary to carry out a transplant only if there is an urgent need for it. Until the plant fully adapts to the new conditions, the watering and lighting regime should be reduced to a minimum.

How to succeed in growing a plant. Schomburgkija is very fond of lighting. The lighting period should differ in duration and intensity. However, direct exposure to sunlight can burn plants, which can harm the plant's decorative appearance as well as health. It is important for a plant to comply with the temperature regime. The plant prefers warm growing conditions, but should not be too hot. The temperature should not exceed +24 degrees. A daily amplitude of 9-10 degrees is considered ideal. The plant needs a high level of moisture. Spraying will have very little effect. For best results, it is best to use a humidifier. The plant does not tolerate growing in damp conditions, so the room will need to be constantly ventilated. Watering the plant is also necessary subject to certain rules. For irrigation, you need to use settled water, which will have room temperature. When the plant is in a period of active growth, the watering of the plant should be abundant, but the soil should dry out between the irrigations made. It is highly undesirable for a plant to water it using cold water, because the plant does not tolerate hypothermia well. When the plant is dormant, watering should be replaced with rare soil moisture. When the plant is in the growing season, the plant needs to be fertilized specifically for orchids. Fertilizers should be applied frequently, but in small doses. The concentration of the solution should be reduced by 2-4 times from the dose recommended by the fertilizer manufacturer.

Difficulties to face

• Stains began to appear on the foliage of the plant - the cause may be burns from direct exposure to sunlight.
• The plant may refuse to bloom - there may be several reasons:
• Lack of lighting.
• If you do not fertilize during the period of active plant growth.
• You have poorly organized the dormant period for the plant.
• negative consequences after transplantation or reproduction.
• The foliage and pseudobulbs will begin to rot - the reason may be that you use cold water for irrigation.