Description and care of the Dracula or Monkey Face orchid

Orchids are one of the most popular indoor flowering plants. Many gardeners enjoy growing them at home or in greenhouses. There are a huge number of species and varieties of this flower in nature: Brassia, Dracula, and Cattleya. The Monkey Orchid gets its name from its distinctive appearance. This species has a variety of colors: white, burgundy, dark green, and so on. But all these flowers have one thing in common: the three petals are fused at the base, forming a single cup, while extending outward. The Monkey Orchid is quite rare in indoor cultivation.

Description and growing conditions

The orchid was named Dracula because it dislikes bright light, so creating shade is key to growing it successfully. Its scent can vary depending on the color. The aroma can be reminiscent of ripe orange or tangerine, or sweet, not tart vanilla.

The Dracula orchid does not tolerate heat. This species prefers cool temperatures of at least 13 degrees Celsius in winter, and summer temperatures no higher than 27 degrees Celsius. Some argue that for the plant to grow and bloom, it needs a daytime and nighttime temperature fluctuation of approximately 4-5 degrees Celsius. In the wild, it reproduces from seeds and offspring.

In its natural habitat, it thrives in the lower reaches of the forest floor, so avoid placing it in hot areas or near a stove or radiator. Ideally, it should be placed on windowsills on the east or southeast side of the house; this will allow the plant to bloom longer. Dracula is native to the wild forests of South America. The climate there is very humid and damp, with morning fog and brief light rains during the day and evening, so indoors, it's important to provide maximum humidity for the plants. Humidity can be maintained in the home using any available methods:

• sprayer;
• a tray with water on which the pot is placed;
• regular watering.

The room in which the monkey orchid is located must be freely ventilated, because stale air is a good breeding ground for numerous bacteria and infections.

Watering and soil

The degree of watering depends on the climate and temperature in the area where the monkey-face orchid lives. If the room is hot and sunny, watering should be more frequent; if the opposite is true, gentle, less frequent watering is best for monkey orchids. However, regular and adequate watering is essential to ensure a healthy plant.

Rules for the monkey face:

1. The water should be soft, non-chlorinated and free of heavy substances.
2. It's best to use warm tap water mixed with distilled or otherwise purified water for watering. The plant should absorb and evaporate approximately equal amounts of water.
3. But water should not stagnate in the roots for a long time, as there is a risk of rotting.

Orchids are typically grown in a basket or pot. The plant can be placed in a substrate or on slabs. Finely chopped coniferous bark (spruce, fir, cedar, cypress, larch, thuja, and others) along with sphagnum moss, charcoal, and fern roots can be used as soil. The pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5.

These flowers don't like frequent repotting. Repotting should only be done when truly necessary, for example, if the roots begin to rot or new shoots begin to grow. Otherwise, it's best to leave the orchid alone and avoid subjecting it to unnecessary stress. Repotting is necessary when the soil around the plant becomes salty or compacted. This procedure involves digging up the plant, replacing the soil, and replanting it in fresh, clean soil.

Proper planting and care involves that a favorable moment for transplantation Spring is considered the time after active growth of foliage before flowering. The Dracula orchid doesn't require rest like other flowers. It blooms on its own. It doesn't require a recovery period either after flowering or in winter.

One method of propagating Dracula is vegetative. This means division is simple. It's recommended to divide the bush into several sections, planting them apart. Each plant should be left with 4-5 young shoots to promote growth and flowering indoors. Dracula can also be propagated by regular seeds, which can be purchased at a flower shop.

Dracula Orchid: Home Care

The Dracula orchid is considered a cultivated plant. It requires special care. This means creating a climate as similar as possible to its native habitat. Monkey orchids are most often grown in a greenhouse. It's better to underfeed than overfeed, as overfeeding is more dangerous. Fertilize when actively growing. You can use regular orchid fertilizer, but reduce the dose by half or half.

Like any other plant The orchid is affected by various bacteria and diseasesEspecially spiders, ticks, worms, cockroaches, and various small parasites. Dracula has its own diseases:

• root rot;
• aphid infestation;
• anthracnose;
• black and gray rot.

The most well-known pests include:

1. Thrips are insects that reproduce quickly and are difficult to eradicate from plants. One treatment is to spray the plant with a garlic infusion.
2. Aphids are contagious and resemble spider webs. To remove them, wash the plant using cotton pads or swabs, or use a damp cloth or napkin.
3. Whiteflies are insects that can lay large numbers of eggs, damaging the stems, leaves, and roots of plants. To combat the disease, it is recommended to spray the plant with calendula infusion and remove the larvae with a swab or cotton pad.
4. Fungal infections are very common on orchid flowers. They are treated with special plant fungicides.
5. Scale is a common orchid disease. It can be treated with a cloth or pad soaked in sunflower oil, or by washing the plant with dish soap, but be very careful.

Reviews

Many gardeners love Dracula orchids for their year-round blooms and their incredibly striking appearance. Here are some reviews:

Natalia, 19 years old

Draculas aren't as difficult to care for as other species. They're fairly easy to maintain, and don't require a special atmosphere to promote flowering, as they bloom year-round. Their care is simple, which is why I love them.

Sveta, 32 years old

The monkey orchid is an incredible creation of nature. It has a unique appearance that captivates with its beauty. It's in high demand and quite difficult to find in regular flower shops, but it's not impossible. The monkey orchid is easy to propagate. I recommend trying it yourself, and you'll be proud of the flower you've grown.

When growing Dracula, keep in mind the climate requirements for this plant, remembering that it is sensitive to direct sunlight. It requires temperatures no higher than 25 degrees Celsius, and clean, tidy growing conditions.