Phalaenopsis Tetraspis Is The Most Undemanding Orchid. Home Care. Photo

2023 Author: Ava Durham | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 07:13

Among the species orchids, Phalaenopsis are real Spartans. And one of the most hardy species is the four-shield phalaenopsis, or Tetraspis. He is content with minimal care, not capricious at all, easily adaptable. And, unfortunately, it almost completely disappeared from the windowsills. Varietal hybrids with their spectacular flowering are found at every step, but you will have to hunt for each specific specimen. And shell out a hefty price tag. But if you love exotic things and are tired of such predictable beauty, then the magnificent four-shield phalaenopsis will gladly win the title of the most undemanding epiphyte in your collection.

Content:

• Phalaenopsis four-blade - the most reliable of the species phalaenopsis
• Phalaenopsis varieties
• Growing conditions for phalaenopsis tetraspis
• Caring for phalaenopsis four-shield at home
• Diseases, pests and problems in growing
• Reproduction of four-flowered phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis four-blade - the most reliable of the species phalaenopsis

Among the specific orchids, general admiration and attention is usually attracted not by the specific phalaenopsis, but by their competitors. They are considered so rare that just a decade ago, the only way to get a copy was to order plants in their homeland.

But as soon as the first phalaenopsis of Thai or Malaysian origin settled on collectors' windowsills, their merits became apparent. And along with other rare species orchids, "butterflies" began to appear in catalogs and on the shelves.

Looking closely at the phalaenopsis, which gave rise to the collection of thousands of luxurious varieties that we see at every step, we should first of all pay attention to the four-shield phalaenopsis. This species is valuable for the simplicity of its cultivation, but it is also worth taking a closer look at the decorative characteristics.

Phalaenopsis tetraspis (Phalaenopsis tetraspis) is best known by its specific name, and not by the translated name of the four-shielded phalaenopsis. This unique plant, widely distributed in the tropical forests of Asia, is amazingly tenacious, durable and hardy.

Phalaenopsis four-shield is a monopodial epiphyte belonging to the number of medium-sized orchids. In general, it is similar to its heirs - both in leaves, and in structure, and in development cycles. But still a little more modest and "simpler" in all respects.

The phalaenopsis tetraspis root system is amazingly developed and strong. Thick, light green roots develop constantly and form a dense network. They are quite fragile, often directed upward and knocked out of containers, resembling aerial roots and gradually drying out with insufficient air humidity.

One orchid is capable of producing from 2 to 10 leaves. A new leaf can grow after each flowering, and at the same time. In tetraspis, the leaves are quite wide, elongated-oval, with a slightly pointed tip, with a central fold, folded at the very beginning and straightening as they grow into flat leaf plates.

The tip of the leaves is most often curled gracefully. With a length of up to a maximum of 22 cm, the width of the leaves does not exceed 6 cm, the base is narrowed. The greens of the phalaenopsis chetyrehshchikatsev looks very elegant and graceful.

Flowering phalaenopsis four

The flowering period of the phalaenopsis tetraspis can be extended, but the favorite flowering time of this orchid is spring and summer.

The ability of phalaenopsis to develop further and release new flower stalks on one shoot modern varietal pets inherited just from the four-shield phalaenopsis.

The peduncle of the plant not only does not begin to dry out after flowering, but continues to grow and develop. Moreover, on healthy and adult orchids, new flower stalks can develop simultaneously with the flowering of the old one, and the plant is often not limited to 2 to 5 peduncles in the outlet.

Peduncles develop on this orchid very low, close to the base, between old leaves. They are rarely straight, most often curving in a beautiful arc or bending over.

In adult phalaenopsis tetraspis, simple peduncles can change to branching ones. Most often, the height of peduncles in this type of phalaenopsis is limited to a modest 30 cm, but they combine surprisingly well with the leaves and the whole plant looks harmonious and compact.

The duration and relentlessness of flowering is the main advantage of this species. It is one of the revolving orchids or the relentless blooming species. Flowers bloom one after another for several months.

The flowers do not open as quickly as in varietal phalaenopsis, but one after the other. Most often, the period from the opening of the first bud to the last flower in the inflorescence stretches for 8-9 weeks. Each flower on the phalaenopsis tetraspis can last more than 10 days. Although the rate of flowering depends primarily on the temperature at which the orchid is kept. In each branch, plants can simultaneously show off from 4 to 8 open flowers.

The charming and seemingly waxy flowers of Phalaenopsis quadruplet, glowing in diffused light, seem strikingly rustic-elegant. Their diameter will not exceed 5 cm, but they still seem large. Oval-lanceolate, almost symmetrically spaced and identical petals and sepals create a simple, cute, but somewhat unusual star-shaped flower for orchids.

Tetraspis differs from the rest of the species phalaenopsis by its strongly pointed "petals" at the ends. The lip is small, intricately curled, triple, with straight lateral parts and a small "fluffy" outgrowth in the center, which looks like white fur due to fine hairs.

Color scheme of tetraschemes

The side lobes of the lip adorn with watercolor shades of yellow and lilac, an almost elusive color.

Phalaenopsis tetraspis is considered one of the white-colored orchids. But also one of the most volatile. A dark red, cinnabar, with a reddish-brick blur, the shade appears spontaneously on different flowers of the plant, as if mutating.

Sometimes there is no red on the flowers at all, and sometimes it covers now a whole petal, now part of it, now several petals - as if someone had dropped paint on white silk.

The manifestation or absence of color on the inflorescences of tetraschemes depends on the flowering season, lighting, drop in night temperatures, care, orchid age. Moreover, it is almost impossible to trace the relationship and find certain patterns in it. Unless at high humidity and at lower temperatures, red spots appear much stronger.

The buds are always unevenly light green, the real color and shape of the phalaenopsis tetraspis shows only after the flower is fully opened. But if a red color appears in the flower, then it is already visible in the bud.

Phalaenopsis tetraspis scent

Phalaenopsis four-shield, unlike varietal hybrids, surprises with a rather strong aroma. It contains alcoholic-cognac notes mixed with subtle trails of lily of the valley perfume and a sweet aftertaste of ripe fruit.

To appreciate the smell of phalaenopsis tetraspis, you will have to wait until the 3rd-4th day after the start of blooming. The smell and its nuances change from the first bloom on one peduncle to the last, usually enhancing the herbaceous and vanilla notes (from flower to flower).

And the most pleasant surprise from this type of phalaenopsis is that the aroma is not nighttime, but daytime. It appears only in sunny weather at the height of the day and pleases until sunset.

Phalaenopsis varieties

Despite the fact that the tetrascript remains one of the most recognizable species of orchids, its clones are increasingly found on sale - breeding forms with improved color characteristics.

The brightest white-red variations are characteristic of the tetraploid, which has the C1 prefix in its name. This plant has almost ousted genuine species tetraschemes from catalogs.

Of the varieties or clones of the plant, 'Red and White' is also known, with its almost completely red flowers and red buds.

A very expensive and rare variety 'Cofee', which became famous for its beige-coffee-brown “replacement” of the red hue, can boast of a rarer shade of color. The purple buds of this orchid are covered with lines, after blooming, surprising with unusual brown tones. Another coffee variety is perhaps the most expensive phalaenopsis - LFW1.

The latest novelties among tetraschemes are 'Purple Blue' with a fuchsia-lilac shade of petals and 'Blue Steal' with a grayish-faded beige shade.

Growing conditions for phalaenopsis tetraspis

This species orchid is rightfully dubbed the Spartan. She can argue with many relatives in the status of an unpretentious and hardy plant. But on one condition - protection from the cold and the right choice of lighting.

In order for the tetrascript to become a truly growing addition to the collection almost by itself, the conditions for it must be selected carefully and correctly. This is a special orchid that loves high temperatures and soft light.

Lighting and placement

For phalaenopsis chetyrehchitkovoy you need bright lighting with diffused soft light, but with sufficient intensity and duration of daylight hours. This orchid blooms best with a day length of about 12-13 hours. With additional lighting in winter, it can bloom tirelessly.

This phalaenopsis species is the most sensitive to direct sun and too bright lighting. Even for a few hours of evening or morning sun, he can react like stress.

The best place for placing species phalaenopsis, and in particular, tetraspis, remains the northern window sill. Western and southern window sills are unacceptable, the plant will be able to grow only at some distance from the window, but this orchid develops quite well on the eastern window with a scattering screen.

Phalaenopsis four-shield should not be displayed next to varietal phalaenopsis. If you introduce it to the collection of orchids and exotic plants, then it is better to group the plant with other species of orchids. In collections, they look great, suitable for large orchid display cases and florariums, all variants of tropical collections.

They are not afraid of the neighborhood of larger plants, which can replace shading screens. When choosing partners, it is worth making sure that they have the same requirements for lighting, temperatures and high humidity.

Temperature regime and ventilation

It is one of the most heat-loving and heat-resistant orchids. The ideal regime for keeping the phalaenopsis tetraspis is considered to be an increased room temperature with a nighttime drop of 5 degrees.

This orchid blooms most luxuriantly at temperatures of about 30 degrees during the day and 25 degrees at night. But ordinary room temperatures with a difference from 22-25 in the daytime to 16-18 at night are suitable for them.

You should not grow phalaenopsis four-shield indoors, where the temperature even at night in winter drops below 16 degrees (and it is better not to let it drop to 18 degrees at all).

This is one of the orchids that like stable heat with daily fluctuations and do not need any changes in temperature at different stages of development. Even for a period of rest, the temperature does not change (in fact, their rest period is absent or is almost imperceptible 1-2 weeks).

Unlike many other orchids, tetraspis is an indoor culture. Due to the thermophilicity and the fear of too bright light, you should not take the four-shield phalaenopsis to the balconies or to the garden. Airing for this orchid is carried out very carefully, it does not tolerate drafts and temperature changes during the day.

Caring for phalaenopsis four-shield at home

This is one of the easiest orchids to care for. Quite hygrophilous, not demanding on watering methods, Phalaenopsis tetraspis is almost indifferent to feeding and does not complicate the schedule of household chores. It can be grown by beginners - but this requires patience and willingness to observe the plant.

Watering and air humidity

Unlike many other species orchids, phalaenopsis tetraspis is able to be content not only with submerged watering. Phalaenopsis chetyrehshchitkovy can be watered using the classical method, and when grown on blocks - using a shower or microspray.

Phalaenopsis tetrascripts outside the substrate develop best with hot showers, which are usually repeated 2 times a day in summer.

This phalaenopsis is more hygrophilous than its varietal descendants. When watering, you need to focus on the color of the roots (a more saturated green tint when the soil dries up is replaced by an almost colorless whitish) and, accordingly, the substrate dries out. It is dried efficiently between waterings, but the soil is never allowed to dry out completely.

Watering for growing leaves and peduncles should be more intense. During flowering, they are not greatly reduced (tetraschemes, with excessive drying of the soil, can shed flowers and bloom much faster at low humidity). And during the dormant period, if orchids stop growing or just "sit", they are made as rare as possible, drying the soil more strongly, but still never completely drying it out.

Water quality is very important for this species of orchid. Phalaenopsis four-leaf prefers watering and spraying with distilled water. Watering is best done in the morning. The optimum water temperature is from 35 to 54 degrees. With any method of watering, excess water is removed between the leaves, drying the plant after it gets wet.

Phalaenopsis tetraspis adapts surprisingly well to average air humidity when grown in a potted form, but only with good watering. The orchid retains its decorative effect and the ability to bloom, and at humidity levels of about 60%, it usually grows well in any living space.

When grown on blocks, 60% is considered the minimum acceptable moisture content. Of course, with any growing method, the recreation close to the natural environment with a moisture content of about 80-90% will enhance both flowering and decorativeness of leaves, increase the number of peduncles and flowers.

But if it is impossible to keep the four-shield phalaenopsis in optimal conditions, they will not be too capricious in a more modest environment.

Methods for increasing air humidity can be selected at your discretion. Phalaenopsis tetraspis love spraying, but only in the morning. But it is much more efficient to use industrial humidifiers and their home counterparts.

Top dressing and composition of fertilizers

For phalaenopsis, four-blade feeding is not an obligatory care item. This orchid blooms both with regular fertilization in the phase of active leaf growth and vegetation, and with only 1-2 dressings in the summer.

During flowering, and if a dormant period is issued, the phalaenopsis tetraspis cannot be fed. But otherwise, it is better to use the standard strategy - add fertilizers to the water in the standard dosage indicated by the manufacturer every third watering.

Trimming and shaping the phalaenopsis tetrascis

Pruning is contraindicated for this specific orchid. Phalaenopsis tetraspis does not tolerate any injuries, and even if the leaves dry out or turn yellow, then before they are completely dry or signs of serious rot and damage do not appear, they should not be separated.

But even in the latter case, pruning is best done only slightly wider than the damaged areas of the leaves, along with a thin strip of healthy tissue and, if possible, leaving at least some trimming of the leaf plates. Peduncles on tetraschemes cannot be cut categorically until they are completely dry.

Transplant, containers and substrate

Phalaenopsis are transplanted every 2-3 years, with a complete replacement of the substrate or moss with a block. It is advisable to transplant in March.

Phalaenopsis four-shield can be grown both in special containers for orchids, and on blocks. They prefer pine blocks and fixation with sphagnum and soft natural twine rather than wire. But they develop no worse in the substrate. Moreover, acceptable cultivation options include both pots and special hanging baskets.

You can regularly change the soil culture to a block and vice versa, orchids are easily adaptable, subject to quality care. The main condition for the selection of containers is good air access to the roots and the absence of the risk of stagnation.

The selection of a suitable substrate when choosing the classic growing method for four-shield phalaenopsis is not a difficult task. This orchid grows well in any special orchid substrate, both containing several components and in pure bark. Charcoal additives are desirable, as is the use of sphagnum. But in general, the main thing for this orchid is quality bark.

Phalaenopsis are very adaptable. Even seedlings completely without roots gradually build up a full-fledged root system. Therefore, you should not be afraid of a transplant. The roots are fragile, but they are rarely injured with accuracy. When transplanting this orchid, you should carefully examine the roots, removing all damaged areas.

After transplanting, the orchid is not watered, leaving relatively dry until it adapts, but high humidity is maintained to compensate for the lack of watering. When planting on a block, a very high layer of sphagnum should be laid under the orchid.

Diseases, pests and problems in growing

This is one of the most resistant orchids. Rot is the only thing that threatens it, with the exception of the risk of infection in severely neglected and damaged collections, where the problems of neighbors can "spread" to the phalaenopsis tetraspis.

Reproduction of four-flowered phalaenopsis

Despite the fact that phalaenopsis are so popular, one can judge the difficulties of reproduction by their luxurious varieties. Children are rarely formed, and in order to wait for the offspring, you will have to be patient.

There is simply no other way to grow a new phalaenopsis at home. Babies are formed only in heat and at very high humidity.

Phalaenopsis daughter plants are often formed not on the stems, but on peduncles, when cute miniature rosettes of several leaves grow from dormant buds, which the aerial roots themselves do not always release.

If there are signs of root development, then the separation is carried out after they grow up to a length of 5 cm. If the roots do not form for months, then it is better to try to root the baby, the development of which will go to the detriment of flowering on this peduncle.

Careful separation and rooting in a wet substrate (more risky - in water with added charcoal), allows you to get a fast growing mini-orchid that will release a peduncle in a few years.