The Mokara Orchid doesn’t boast elegant beauty but also carries profound meaning. It’s easy to grow these orchids at home. You need to understand the planting and fertilizing methods. Let’s delve into these aspects together in the following article!
What is the Mokara Orchid?
The Mokara orchid is a mix of three orchid types. They are Arachnis, Ascoentrum, and Vanda. It gets the best features from both parent plants. It has the strong health of Ascoentrum and the beauty of Vanda.
These orchids belong to the monopodial group. They grow upright and taller towards the top. On average, they’re about 60 cm tall. Mokara leaves are lively green, long, and shaped like tubes or cylinders. Instead of bunching, the leaves spread in different directions. They spread on both sides of the stem. The roots grow. They weave between the leaves. As they age, they stretch along the plant, parting and sticking out between the leaves.
When it comes to flowers, Mokara orchids are both male and female, and their flower cluster is unique. It grows in the middle, from the spots where the leaves meet the stem. Mokara stands out for its flowers. Each has five petals and a mix of colors. These colors range from purple, red, and pink to gold, the color of Vanda orchids. This makes them very attention-grabbing. With good care, Mokara orchids can bloom all year. They bring 6 to 8 flowers each time and add beauty to your garden.
Cultivating Mokara Orchids
Mokara orchids are grown through a method known as cutting propagation.
For the parent plants, choose Mokara orchids that are 1-2 years old or older and over 1 meter tall. Look for plants that are healthy and sturdy. They should be free from pests and diseases and have strong roots. When cutting stems for propagation, aim for lengths between 25-50 cm. Ensure each cutting has at least one root, 2-4 layers, to promote strong growth.
Remember: use fertilizers with lots of phosphorus and potassium. Do this about a month before taking cuttings. This will boost root growth and toughen the plants against pests, fungi, and diseases. After planting the cuttings, put them in a cool, well-ventilated area. Use nitrogen-rich fertilizers like NPK 30-10-10. Also, use root-stimulating substances. Examples include Rootlet, Vitamin B1, Terra-sorb-4, Atonik, and Bimix Super Root. Spray them on the plants. Or, soak the cuttings in a rooting solution for 8-12 hours before planting.
Also, apply root-stimulating agents to the parent plant. This will speed up healing at the cutting site and encourage new root growth. Around 3-4 weeks later, the parent plant will start sprouting again. Within 3-6 months, the offshoots will meet the necessary standards for further propagation. Some think that propagating harms the parent plant. But, leaving offshoots on it too long can weaken it. This affects flower production. Thus, when the offshoots are ready, feel free to proceed with propagation.
Growing Mokara Orchids
To ensure your orchids thrive, a crucial element to focus on is the planting setup. Mokara orchids do well in a blend of soil, charcoal, peat moss, and peanut husk. Or, you can mount them on wooden stems. Given the lofty nature of the Mokara orchid, potting is the more favorable method.
For potted growth, start by choosing a pot that fits the plant’s size. Or, choose a larger one to allow room for expansion. Place a layer of charcoal at the pot’s base, then mix soil with peat moss and add it in. After planting the orchid, secure it and top it with a layer of peanut husk. If these are unavailable, it’s fine to skip this step.
If mounting on wooden stems, pick sturdy, aged wood to avoid harming the plants. To attach the orchid to the wooden stem, use coconut coir to tightly bind the orchid’s base. Secure it further with strings to prevent swaying and encourage growth. Coconut coir helps keep the medium moist. It also helps orchids grip wood. After securing it, hang the orchid in a well-ventilated spot. Water it often to keep the needed moisture for growth.
Caring for Mokara Orchid
Light and Temperature:
Mokara orchids can thrive in various temperatures. But, they do best in places with plenty of light and warm temperatures (22–28°C). They can handle sunlight well and grow in shade. But, it’s good to give some shade, especially during intense sunlight or hot days. Using shading nets can protect the orchids, preventing leaf burn and dehydration.
Watering:
Mokara orchids need a good amount of water. Use clean, non-saline water with a pH level between 5.5–6.5 for watering. Water the orchids twice a day. Do it in the early morning and evening. Avoid watering at midday to prevent dehydration. When watering, use a mist spray or water lightly to avoid harming the plants.
Fertilization:
Mokara orchids have higher nutritional needs compared to other orchids. Regular fertilization is crucial to supply nutrients. You can use organic fertilizers. Or, you can dilute NPK fertilizer with water. Then, use it for watering or spraying on the plants.
Pest and Disease Management:
Mokara orchids often get black spots on their leaves. If left untreated, the spots can turn yellow and fall off. This is due to the Guignardia fungus. Prevent and treat this with fungicides like Ferbam or Mancozeb as soon as you notice it. In severe cases, consider using Topsin. Also, use fungicides often as a preventive measure. Mokara orchids are often fertilized with organic matter, which can cause fungal infections.
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