We are all looking forward to the approaching spring festival. And I have two gifts from mini-Mark! Finally, my varietal phalaenopsis Mini Mark pleased me with two buds and the flowering of one of them. I bought it as a fairly grown-up child and noticed the first white star with an orange lip. However, unlike many of its relatives, it is rather capricious when kept on the windowsill. And this is what we will talk about now. Orchid Mini Mark: care at home.
He himself is as big as a poppy seed - and as if strewn with poppies. This hybrid orchid is certainly one of the most beautiful creatures bred in greenhouses. This miniature phalaenopsis is distinguished by slightly elongated leaves. Its flowers are small, graceful, with speckled white petals. And the lower “petal” of the lip shines like the sun, bewitching with its bright orange color:
| Orchid Mini Mark |
I have long dreamed of this miniature, and it came to me through an exchange last summer. As I already said, it was a grown-up baby, well overgrown with fatty roots. The previous owner’s plant did not bloom, but mine started to form flower stalks two months after its appearance. However, I didn’t wait for the buds then...
One of the blogging experts advised sharing your successes, but not talking about defeats - they say, readers don’t like losers. But I want to make a useful post, so I’ll talk about my personal observations of the “tastes” of this flower, which I learned from my own experience.
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Phalaenopsis Mini Mark |
So, on orchid sites that I highly respect, it is written: they say, Mini Mar orchid to quite is satisfied with average air humidity. But in reality this turned out not to be the case. I remembered the statement of Professor Preobrazhensky, which I want to paraphrase somewhat: “Don’t read resources on caring for orchids.” - But there are no others. - But don’t read any.” It turned out that such a miniature is very capricious in terms of dryness - the biggest sissy of all my phalaenopsis. While its relatives tolerate moderately humid and even dry air in apartments fairly well, this poppy color does not want to put up with it.
So, he dried his first flower stalks. And both. With what pain I watched as the green “twigs” turned into straw. It was with such regret that I cut off something that never produced flowers... There is one consolation: the plant was too young - and perhaps earlier flowering would have exhausted the strength of this teenage child.
Nowadays let's eat This year this variety has matured, and it has enough strength to “stretch” one peduncle. (The second one still dried up, despite the fact that this one is on the windowsill Thumb Boy I had it, from all sides about circled containers with water).
Therefore, remember the most important rule: the Mini Mark orchid loves high humidity. No options.
It is also considered a heat-loving plant. Like, the temperature should not fall below 18 degrees Celsius. For me it grew even at 13 degrees. Thanks to the reformed housing office: heating was provided only in December. However, the same thing happened last year (or rather, the year before!). Maybe, low temperatures and served as another reason why such phyto-beauty did not stretch out the flower stalks.
But now it’s a happy start - the Mini Mark orchid is blooming and makes me happy with its white star.
However, try to keep it warm, avoiding high differences between day and night temperatures.
Otherwise, home care for this charming miniature is the same as for other phalaenopsis - bright diffused light, watering as the soil dries (I use the bottom one with immersion in a container) with soft warm water, bark based substrate , regular under feeding in summer. Sometimes I also spray succinic acid with vitamins.
Of course, the Mini Mark orchid is somewhat difficult to maintain, but its lovely flowers evoke so much admiration! Moreover, they usually open in winter, when we lack colors. So , I observe Yudala the birth of the first star at the end of February...
P.S. The second bud recently opened. It turned out that Phalaenopsis Mini Mark is fragrant ! Exudes a subtle, barely perceptible fragrance, similar to trail of expensive French perfume .
I came to the store today to buy another gift, and they told me that they had discounted one of them for me. the most interesting options orchids - Mini mark.
This information just blew my mind. Naturally, I asked to see it. I was given three options to choose from. I looked for the option where the flower released a new leaf.
I couldn't resist - I bought it at a discount of more than double. Well, how could you not be tempted?
My mini mark:
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Phalaenopsis Mini Mark is a hybrid whose parents are the primary hybrid Phalaenopsis Micro Nova (Phalaenopsis maculata x Phalaenopsis parishii) and the natural species Phalaenopsis philippinensis. Leaves are medium green, about 10-15 cm in length. The flowers are white with light orange, yellow or pink specks, 3-4 cm in diameter. The lip is orange-brown.
TEMPERATURE:
This hybrid belongs to the warm temperature conditions, and throughout the year the orchid is grown at temperatures from + 18 to 30-32 °C (ideally 18-21 °C).
To successfully grow Phalaenopsis Mini Mark at home, it is necessary that the night temperature is always 3-4 °C lower than the daytime temperature. For example, if during the day it is + 21 °C, then at night it is not higher than 18-19 °C. With higher fluctuations between night and day temperatures, transparent sticky discharge begins to appear on the orchid leaves and peduncles.
AIR HUMIDITY:
TO high humidity Phalaenopsis Mini Mark is not demanding of air; 50-70% will be sufficient for normal growth and development of the plant. Orchids react to lower air humidity in different ways: most often their growth is inhibited, flower stalks freeze, and flowers and buds that have not yet opened fall off prematurely, therefore, at temperatures above + 25 ° C, air humidity must be increased. To increase air humidity, you can use a humidifier, saucers of water, or wet expanded clay. To do this, take a large tray, inside which expanded clay is poured, a lattice is placed on top to prevent waterlogging of the roots, and pots with orchids are placed. When caring for this type of orchid, the following rule applies: “The higher the thermometer rises, the higher the air humidity should be, and the higher the air humidity, the more often and longer it is necessary to ventilate the room where the orchids are kept, otherwise there is a high probability of rotting and the appearance of leaves of various kinds of fungal diseases."
SUBSTRATE:
This hybrid is grown both in the substrate and without it, placed on blocks. As a substrate, you can use pure sphagnum moss or a mixture of bark coniferous trees(Italian Pinia pine) with sphagnum moss and a small amount small pieces charcoal, which is very useful for the root system of the plant and prevents the development of rot.
TRANSFER:
It is necessary to replant Phalaenopsis Mini Mark at least every 2-3 years, since the bark decomposes quickly enough due to frequent watering and fertilization, and the substrate loses its breathability. From lack of air, the roots die, and the orchid can no longer receive the amount of moisture it needs. The leaves begin to fade, and the plant itself gradually dies. The best time The period immediately after flowering is considered for replanting. It is highly not recommended to replant Phalaenopsis Mini Mark when the orchid is preparing to bloom, as this can lead to a slowdown in the development of peduncles and the shedding of buds that have not yet opened. You need to choose plastic pots for replanting, since clay tends to absorb moisture, which makes watering orchids difficult. For beginners, it is recommended to use transparent pots, as this helps control the condition of the root system and prevent plants from overwatering. Read more about transplantation.
LIGHT:
This type of orchid is not demanding on bright, intense lighting, and can be grown both in bright diffused light and in partial shade. Any window is suitable as a habitat. However, during the hot summer period, on south-facing windows at noon and on western windows in the afternoon, the orchid must be protected from direct exposure. sun rays: Place behind a curtain or in the shade of other plants, otherwise the orchid leaves can get burned very easily. Depending on the intensity of direct exposure sunlight There are also different degrees of burns. On initial stage lighter (often white) areas appear on the leaves of orchids; with a more severe burn, the spots are dry, depressed, often black, with a white depressed center; however, another manifestation is possible. Read more about leaf damage associated with exposure to direct sunlight.
WATERING:
Throughout the year, Phalaenopsis Mini Mark needs frequent and abundant watering. Excess water when watering, it should flow freely from the pot, since stagnation of water both inside the pot and in its tray can very quickly lead to rotting of the roots and lower part of the plant. At the same time, the roots become filled with water, become brown, slimy and are no longer able to properly transport water inside the plant, and without water the leaves become flabby and the plant slowly dies. Read more about resuscitation of flooded orchids. The substrate should dry well between waterings. However, it must be remembered here that top layer The substrate dries out much faster than the bottom one, so before watering it is strongly recommended to carefully examine the condition of the roots through the transparent walls of the pot, or lightly pick at the substrate and check with your finger. Dry orchid roots are usually silver in color. It is recommended to water the orchid using a “hot” shower (water temperature 30-35 °C, maximum 52 °C). This simulates natural conditions in the homeland of orchids and has a beneficial effect on the growth and development of the plant. Many years of practice have shown that with regular use of a hot shower, orchids not only increase the green mass of their leaves well, but also bloom much more often. After each watering, it is imperative to remove accumulations of water in the axils between the leaves using paper handkerchiefs or napkins. This is especially true for the core of the plant, since stagnation of water in this place can cause it to rot very quickly. Phalaenopsis Mini Mark has only one growing point and without a core the plant will not be able to develop further. You will find more information about core rotting.
SPRAYING:
FEEDING:
Throughout the year, this hybrid is fertilized once every 2 weeks with 1/4 or 1/6 of the fertilizer concentration indicated on the package. Too concentrated fertilizer has a negative effect on the orchid roots; they turn black and dry out. Absorb minerals orchids can not only fertilize the root system, but also through the pores of the leaves, therefore, in addition to traditional root feeding, it is also recommended to fertilize the orchid through the leaves. For these purposes, fertilizer highly diluted with water is taken and the outer part of the plant is sprayed. It is advisable to alternate both of these methods. It is necessary to use a specialized fertilizer marked on the package “For orchids”, since ordinary fertilizers for indoor plants contain a slightly different composition of useful substances and their dosage is much higher than that required by Phalaenopsis Mini Mark.
REST PERIOD:
To stimulate flowering, Phalaenopsis Mini Mark does not need a clearly defined dormant period. However, if the orchid grows well (i.e. at least 2-3 new leaves grow per year), but for a long time(more than a year) does not bloom, then you can try keeping it at a temperature of + 16 °C, and in two weeks a flower stalk should appear. However, it is necessary to remember here that this is an emergency measure and is not suitable for permanently bringing the plant to flowering. Refusal to flower (with good development green mass of a plant) always lies in suboptimal conditions of maintenance, most often as a result of the lack of fluctuations between night and day temperatures or insufficient lighting. The conditions for keeping the orchid need to be optimized, otherwise the plant will begin to degenerate, i.e. weaken, become smaller, etc.
FLOWERS:
Phalaenopsis Mini Mark can bloom at any time of the year, however, it prefers the period from early November to early March. Flowering duration is more than 3 months.
AFTER FLOWERING:
After flowering, it is recommended to cut off the orchid peduncles at the very base, leaving about 1 cm. Unlike most hybrids, Phalaenopsis Mini Mark is not inclined to form lateral shoots and children on its peduncles. In addition, if necessary, after flowering, the orchid is replanted and kept completely dry for some time. This is necessary to acclimatize the plant and to prevent rotting of wounds on the roots obtained during the transplantation process.
REPRODUCTION:
At home, Phalaenopsis Mini Mark reproduces only by forming lateral shoots on the stem or babies on peduncles, which happens extremely rarely. As a rule, shoots appear at high air humidity (not lower than 80%) in combination with high temperatures(from + 27 °C). In greenhouse conditions, seed and meristem propagation is also possible.
OUTDOOR RESIDENCE:
Finding this hybrid on outdoors not recommended.
Family Orchids (Orchidaceae)
Each masterpiece has its own mini-copy. Orchids are no exception to this. Our article is for amateur flower growers who prefer small flowers and simply for people who are passionate about everything beautiful. Relatively small plant size and large sizes flower - the incompatible came together in the mini phalaenopsis.
You can find such an interesting specimen only in specialized stores. They are sold in pots with a diameter of 6-9 cm, and the height of the plant itself is 10-15 cm.
Features of care
The main feature of mini-plants is the composition of the soil. Regular orchids prefer different ratios of bark to moss, but miniature plants grow well on a so-called “cushion” of sphagnum moss.
After purchasing a mini-orchid, novice gardeners are advised to replant it in soil made from clean bark. There is no need to wait for the plant to bloom, because due to violation of the watering regime, it can die even in 1 month. If you already have experience caring for indoor flowers growing in moss, then there is no need to replant.
Watering Phalaenopsis Mini Mark
Mini-orchids growing on a “cushion” of moss need to be watered frequently, but with a small amount of water. Moss absorbs moisture much more strongly, so submerged watering will result in the soil being too waterlogged.
The best watering option is spraying with water in the morning and evening. In addition, the plant in moss can be watered with water from a teaspoon or tablespoon. This volume of water is sufficient for such small flower and the moisture will be evenly distributed throughout the moss. It is recommended to water every 2 days. Lack of moisture will cause leaves to fall and growth to slow down. Also, the leaf may become wrinkled, to get rid of this, the orchid needs to be watered and after a few days it should return to its normal shape. If after watering the leaves have not regained their normal shape, then the problem is in the root system, which urgently needs to be resuscitated and restored.
Temperature
Avoid direct sunlight on the flower. This species responds well to nighttime temperature changes. The range is wide: 18-30 degrees. The temperature difference is 3-4 degrees. But this difference should not be achieved artificially; the phalaenopsis mini orchid does not like drafts. It should also be noted that the higher the temperature in the room, the higher the humidity should be. Accordingly, the higher the humidity, the more often you need to ventilate this beauty’s “house”.
Top dressing
This species should be fertilized once every 2 weeks during the period of active growth and once a month during the dormant period. For this, the foliar method or by leaf is suitable. The purchased fertilizer must be diluted in water, and you should follow the recommendations indicated on the package. The resulting solution should be sprayed on the leaves. This technique allows you to protect the roots from burns from fertilizer salts.
As you can see, caring for a mini phalaenopsis orchid is not at all difficult.
Transfer
Transplanting mini phalaenopsis will not take much of your time. As mentioned above, after purchase it is recommended to replant the plant immediately. This is due to the fastidiousness of the flower and improper care follow him in stores.
How to transplant Phalaenopsis Mini:
- Removing a flower from a pot
- Let the roots dry for a while
- Removing dead roots
- We plant in the prepared substrate in a pot with holes.
Be sure to ensure that no moisture is retained in the substrate. Perhaps the flower will look tired at first, but a few days after transplanting its condition will improve. The substrate for phalaenopsis mini mark is a mixture of very fine bark and sphagnum.
Before transplanting, you need to prepare a pot or flowerpot of the appropriate size. For a mini orchid, the pot should be a little cramped. This is necessary to maintain high breathability. If you decide to use an old pot, then be sure to remove any remaining moss or bark and rinse it well under running water.
History in the store
Recently I saw such a scene in a flower shop. There were many different orchids on display, including phalaenopsis. There was one rather impressive-sized specimen, but its flowers were small, and there were quite a lot of them on one peduncle.
And not far away stood a very tiny “falik”, almost in a 100-gram glass, and was already about to bloom. Moreover, the size of its buds compared to the size of the leaves was wow!
The girl looking at the display window asked the saleswoman, pointing to that impressive orchid: “Is this a mini phalaenopsis?” The saleswoman grinned sarcastically and said, waving towards the tiny glass: “That one is a mini phalaenopsis, but this one is not!” The girl got embarrassed and left.
First mini, then midi, then maxi?
Many people really like compact orchids with small leaves and flowers. They take up less space on the windowsill and look more elegant.
And you can often find the following stories on forums: “I bought a miniature falik last year, the leaf length was about 10 cm. But during this time it has grown so much leaves that I am already beginning to doubt that it is a mini. Or maybe they sold me a midi orchid?
What's the catch in these stories? And what is the difference between Phalaenopsis mini and Phalaenopsis miniature? And how not to get into trouble when buying? Let's figure it out.
Scientific and consumer classification
To make it easier for you to understand further reasoning, we will first introduce you to some terms in the taxonomy of orchids.
You probably know that all species, varieties and hybrids are subject to official registration and classification based on pedigrees. On the one hand, such a strict scientific classification helps to quickly navigate the names, but in practice it is often inconvenient to use.
Therefore, the so-called consumer classification arose, in which all varieties of phalaenopsis were divided according to the type of flowering. There are 3 main groups:
1. Standard. After flowering, the apical bud of the peduncle dies off. The peduncle is long, the flowers are large (9-12 cm), and are located in its upper part. The cells are dominated by genes from species such as Phalaenopsis stuartiana, Ph. schilleriana, Ph. amabilis and others close to them.
2. Novelty. In this group, the peduncle grows repeatedly from the upper bud after a period of dormancy. The flowers are small (4-8cm). The shape is usually regular, the petals can be ovoid or pointed. Novels are further divided into 2 subgroups: classic and modern. In the classics, the pedigree consists only of natural species subgenus Polychilos. In modern orchids, in addition to orchids of the subgenus Polychilos, the pedigree also contains standard phalaenopsis.
3. Multiflora. In plants of this group, the peduncle grows during flowering. It usually branches. The flowers are quite small (3-6 cm) and often in large numbers on one peduncle. Their shape is in most cases the same as that of standard varieties. Phalaenopsis schilleriana and Ph genes dominate in the cells of these hybrids. stuartiana on one side and Ph. equestris on the other.
Mini phalaenopsis orchid
So, let's look at what is hidden under this name.
In fact, this is a fairly large group of varieties that share common characteristics - firstly, their flower shape is classic, like standard white varieties, but smaller in size.
If we take into account the classification according to the type of flowering, then mini phalaenopsis can be related to standard, novelty, and multiflora. But still, most of them are multifleurs. Just like most of the multifloras are mini.
Representatives of this group, as a rule, are not at all miniature in size. Let's take, for example, one of the most famous among them - Phalaenopsis Be Tris (photo 2). Many of its hybrids have a much larger leaf span than standard varieties.
Photo 2. Phalaenopsis Be Tris Therefore, the term “mini” in this case refers to the orchid flowers, and not to the overall size of this indoor plant. Breeders, by reducing the size of flowers, achieve an increase in their number on one peduncle.
The pedigrees of almost all varieties of this group contain the following species ancestors (one of them, or all together): Phalaenopsis schilleriana (photo 3), Ph. stuartiana (photo 4) and Ph. equestris (photo 5). Note, the same as with multiflora.
Photo 3. Phalaenopsis schilleriana 
Photo 4. Ph. stuartiana 
Photo 5. Ph. equestris Schilleriana and stuartiana have branching peduncles with many small flowers. Accordingly, all hybrids based on these species also have branching peduncles and a large number of flowers, and this is the second characteristic of this group.
Here are some of the most famous and prominent representatives:
- Phal. Be Tris
- Carmela's Pixie
- Be Glad
- Timothy Christopher
- Cassandra
- Sogo Vivien A
- Brother Pico Stripe
- Formosa Dream
Miniature Phalaenopsis
Some varieties of novelty can be called miniature, although they have quite large flowers (up to 8 cm), but the leaf span of many does not exceed 20 cm.
But still, the term “miniature” was assigned to one small group, standing apart. Compared to novelties, representatives of this group are miniature in the full sense of the word, including flowers (up to 3 cm).
All varieties have the following species as parents: Phalaenopsis parishii (photo 6), Ph. maculata (photo 7), Ph. lobbii (photo 8).
The very first hybrid miniature appeared in 1980, it was created by Henry Walbrunn - this is Phalaenopsis Micro Nova = Phal.parishii x Phal.maculata.
Among the dozen Micro Nova hybrids, the most famous was Phalaenopsis Mini Mark = Phal.philippinense x Phal.Micro Nova.
The Mini Mark variety itself (photo 9), as well as many of its clones ("Valle Pixie", "Polka Pup", "Mt. Mitchell", "Finally", "Banner Elf"), received high awards.
Photo 9. Mini Mark Mini Mark, in turn, does not have many hybrids, and the most significant of them is Phalaenopsis Tricki Woo = Phal.equestris x Phal.Mini Mark.
All these varieties, as well as some others, not very well known, make up a small group of miniature phalaenopsis.
Watch out baby!
It is also worth mentioning that some unscrupulous seller can sell you a seeded baby of a standard phalaenopsis under the guise of a miniature one (photo 10).
Photo 10. Phalaenopsis baby It happens that babies appear on the flower stalks and even begin to bloom. Such children, if they have roots, are removed from the mother plant. And these little ones can very easily be mistaken for real miniatures. So, be careful! Be sure to ask for the name of the orchid when purchasing.
Commercial classification
In practice, you can find another classification based on the general size and size of flowers.
Depending on overall size Phalaenopsis are divided into mini, midi and standard.
For example, on sale you can see all 3 copies of one variety, which will simply be at different stages of development. Moreover, all 3 specimens will have the same size of flowers, because it is genetically determined; only the size of the leaves will differ (photo 11).
Photo 11 Depending on the size of the flowers, phalanxes are divided into multiflora, standard and grandiflora. Just like the type of flowering, but sellers are only interested in the size of the flowers.
This is not an official classification, but rather applies only to the orchid trade. Most likely, the characteristics of these groups influence the pricing of exotic beauties. The larger, the more expensive.
Well, let them call them whatever they want. But now you will know exactly who is who!
As the name implies, the word Mini in the name of phalaenopsis indicates its small size compared to its standard-sized “brethren”, which can most often be found in flower shops and large hypermarkets.
In this article we will look at what care the Phalaenopsis Mini requires at home, and also tell you about the most popular varieties mini phalaenopsis and look at their photos.
The word mini itself speaks of small size– up to 20 cm (this is the height of an adult plant). Standard - can be found up to a meter in height. But usually 50-70 cm.
Phalaenopsis Mini: variety varieties
Pink girl
- Phalaenopsis Jiaho's Pink Girl and Phalaenopsis Wenlong Pink Girl;
- This pink girl maybe with a smell. Or maybe without it.
Pink Girl (Jiaho's Pink Girl).
Mark fragrant
Phalaenopsis Mini Mark:
- Phalaenopsis Mini Mark is the most famous. This is a hybrid of created miniature phalaenopsis from the novelti group;
- Grows up to 10-15 cm in height u. And you need a miniature pot - 6-9 cm;
- The leaves are the color of malachite and can be 10-15 cm long;
- The flowers are small, only 3-4 cm. There are orange dots on the white petals. It is also aromatic;
- On other Mini Stamps there are inclusions of other colors (yellow or pink). And the lip is orange-brown.
The mark is fragrant.
Variety Multiflora
Multiflora (abundantly flowering) is the name orchids with many small flowers (up to 6 cm). They may be medium in size. Often multiflora flower stalks constantly grow during the entire flowering cycle, while they branch, creating the opportunity for further growth more buds.
Those. The presence of both the words Multiflora and Mini in the name of the variety can be understood as a small plant (mini) with many small flowers (multiflora).
Multiflora.
Philadelphia
- . Hybrid ( and );
- And originally from the Philippines;
- Occurs in natural environments;
- The silvery-green leaves seem to be painted with marble;
- Flowers come in different colors, but mostly pink-violet.
Philadelphia.
Hummingbird
- Miniature orchid notable for its star-shaped flower;
- And more like a hummingbird bird;
- Small in size and original in appearance;
- The peduncle is also small. But there are several flowers on it.
Phalaenopsis hummingbird “at the withers” reaches 40 cm.
A lyrical digression, or a little about the history of orchids
Activation of root growth
Analyze. Maybe you haven't created the necessary conditions for the plant.
Reproduction
How often do they give babies?
- appear on peduncles. Healthy plants also produce good children;
- And they do this by separating new side shoots. If they have grown to 5-6 centimeters. They are called children;
- Can be transplanted directly into prepared containers (pots). Very often they use cut plastic bottles. With numerous holes;
- You can place them in special greenhouses with wet sphagnum moss. If they exist.
Remember! It is necessary to cut with a disinfected instrument (knife, scalpel, scissors).
Transplant from moss - carry out for phalaenopsis purchased in stores:
- You can implement it immediately;
- Or you can wait. Until it blooms;
- At the same time, ensure proper care.
Useful videos
Video about the main rules for growing Phalaenopsis Mini:
The video below shows one of the landing methods:
The following video is about transplanting mini phalaenopsis:
The following video shows how to properly care for a dwarf orchid:Conclusion
- The long flowering of phalaenopsis increases the number of people who want to have such flowers. And not just one copy.
- It is enough to buy one. And there's excitement. And experience appears. It turns out it is possible. Yes, and the Internet will help;
- A miniature orchids give additional features grow them.
