Kaoda Orchid: How to Properly Care for It at Home

Phalaenopsis Kaode twinkle is a black orchid hybrid with a white lip. Despite its short existence in the flower world, this heterotic hybrid has many subspecies and varieties. To ensure this "beauty" delights with long-lasting, high-quality blooms, it's important to properly care for and propagate the plant.

Description

P. kaode twinkie is an epiphytic plant. Upon closer inspection of the flowering hybrid, you'll notice that its color isn't black, as it appears at first glance. The color is achieved by the rich purple-burgundy petals. The hybrid's rich purple hue and white-yellow lip create a visual illusion. The effect is enhanced by the light tepals, which contrast sharply against the dark petals.

The plant has a light, unobtrusive aroma that is most noticeable in the morning or evening. The hybrid's fragrance increases with increased humidity around the trunk. At the beginning of development, each successive leaf of the phalaenopsis is larger than the previous one. The foliage reaches uniform size after the plant reaches two years of age.

Phalaenopsis Kaoda history of origin

The orchid plant owes its name to a student of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato. The scientist and naturalist Theophrastus discovered an unusual plant with two bulbous roots in the mountains. He eventually named the plant Orchis, which means "little eggs" in ancient Greek.

Several legends surround the origin of the phalaenopsis flower. According to one tale, the flower originated from fragments of a rainbow scattered on the ground. Another story claims that phalaenopsis flowers began to grow in the place where the ancient Greek goddess of love lost her sandals.

The plant was first mentioned 2000 BC in China. The first orchid was discovered by a German naturalist on one of the Maluku Islands. The genus was named after two Greek words: phalaina and opsis, which literally translate as "flower-like moth."

In the mid-eighteenth century, a Swedish pastor-naturalist discovered another orchid and sent it to the naturalist Carl Linnaeus for study. Two years later, Linnaeus described the plant in his scientific work as Epidendrum spectabilis, which translates from ancient Greek as "tree-dweller."

A century later, the Dutch botanist and mycologist Carl Ludwig Blume discovered another wild Phalaenopsis in the Philippines. While examining the forest at night through binoculars, he mistook the plant for a large white owl. In memory of his "mistake," he named the plant Phalaenopsis (butterfly-like). Thanks to the efforts of breeders, the discovered orchid varieties became the parents of the Phalaenopsis hybrid Caoda Twinkle.

You may be interested in:

How to prune an orchid after flowering: basic pruning rules
Orchids like phalaenopsis bloom twice a year, lasting about two weeks, while another variety…Read more…

External characteristics

The modified terminal leaves of the Kaoda Twinkle orchid hybrid, which form the corolla, are a very dense, dark cherry color with a strong waxy coating. When exposed to sunlight, the petals shimmer and shimmer. This heterotic hybrid is medium in height, with a stem concealed by leaf blades reaching 25 cm to 75 cm.

The leaves, which grow up to 35 cm long and 15 cm wide, are a rich green. Depending on the plant subvariety, the length of the Kaoda twinkle phalaenopsis leaves may vary. Key characteristics of the hybrid:

• height of the stem with peduncle 35 cm-75 cm;
• the number of leaf blades of an adult phalaenopsis is six to seven;
• maximum height of the peduncle – 55 cm-65 cm;
• The flower is of regular shape with symmetrical modified apical leaves reaching a diameter of 6.5 cm–8.5 cm.

Difference from other species

The epiphytic plant has about 39 species, which are characterized by:

• powerful, not very long stem;
• wide leaf blades that do not change color throughout their entire existence;
• aerial root system;
• tall flower stalks with butterfly-shaped flowers.

The main distinguishing feature of this orchid hybrid is the petal color. However, its flowers also differ from other orchid subspecies in their dense structure and glossy sheen, as well as their distribution range.

Subvarieties

Each sub-variety of Phal kaoda twinkle has similarities with each other in the structure of flowers, the color of petals, and leaves.

Dark hybrids will look exquisite on crisp white windowsills, alongside lighter-hued phalaenopsis. These ornamental plants will complement each other beautifully, adding a touch of flair to any interior.

Chocolate drops

A subvariety of the Kaoda Twinkle orchid, popular with gardeners for its unique color and pleasant scent. The hybrid's modified terminal leaves are dark purple, and the flowers reach 4.5 cm to 7.5 cm in diameter.

Black Butterfly

A sub-variety of Kaoda with petals reminiscent of cherry-colored butterfly wings. It boasts a large number of flowers, enhanced by the delicate white speckling on the lip.

Twinkle

A hybrid based on the Phalaenopsis kaodai with bright burgundy, fleshy petals. The plant's stem reaches 19 cm-25 cm in length, and its leaf blades are 21 cm-28 cm. A profusely blooming hybrid that only becomes fragrant in high humidity.

The Black Prince

A variety of Phalaenopsis 'Kaoda' with intricate white stripes located down the center of the flowers. The stem reaches 45 cm-55 cm in height, with a flower diameter of 7.5 cm. The number of flowers produced by this hybrid may vary depending on growing conditions.

Bloom

Phal kaoda twinkle will delight its owners with its flowering constantly if you follow these simple rules:

• maintaining proper watering;
• placing the plant in a place where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight;
• increasing daylight hours in the autumn-winter period using fluorescent or phyto lamps;
• moderate feeding.

Following the necessary cultivation practices, the orchid will produce one to five flower stalks in early spring, which will gradually open into deep, dark flowers within two to three weeks. Flowering can last from two and a half to nine months, depending on the plant's surrounding microclimate.

Conditions of detention

Phalaenopsis kaoda is a heterotic hybrid developed by breeders to be suitable for indoor cultivation. Therefore, when purchasing an orchid, you don't have to worry about it being affected by viruses or pathogens.

Despite the plant's robust immunity, it's important to note that kaoda twinkle should not be fertilized during flowering. If you apply fertilizer during blooming, the hybrid will quickly fade and shed its unopened buds.

After flowering, give the hybrid a forced rest period of two to three weeks. During this time, reduce watering by a third and do not fertilize.

What to do if there are no buds

In some cases, an orchid plant fails to bloom. To stimulate flowering, it's worth creating a temperature fluctuation. To do this, place the orchid in a room with an air temperature of 3 to 5 degrees Celsius for two to three weeks. Reduce watering during this period.

Although the hybrid was bred by its creators for continuous flowering, to ensure proper bud formation, the plant needs at least two weeks of rest. During this time, the phalaenopsis will gain strength to produce fruit.

Home care

To ensure your orchid houseplant thrives and delights its owners with lush blooms, it needs to be provided with conditions that allow it to thrive. Since this plant loves light but does not tolerate direct UV exposure, it should be provided with diffused lighting.

Ideally, the pot should be placed on the west or east side of the room. To prevent the foliage from getting sunburned, cover the windows with thin curtains or blinds. To ensure the stem grows symmetrically, without reaching for the sun, rotate the pot occasionally.

Preparing the soil and pot

The plant's container should be small in diameter and transparent. The pot should be made of a material that allows almost complete light transmission to ensure the roots can effectively participate in photosynthesis. Experienced gardeners recommend choosing pots with smooth surfaces to prevent roots from growing into rough, indented walls.

It's best to purchase the soil mix for planting Kaoda from a store. However, if you prefer to prepare the soil yourself, you'll need:

• peat moss Sphágnum;
• finely chopped pine bark;
• calcined sand;
• peat or coconut substrate.

Before planting, combine the ingredients in equal proportions and mix well.

Temperature

To ensure good conditions for the growth, development, and lush flowering of this "dark beauty," maintain a temperature of 17 to 26 degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate both heat and cold for several days. However, it's not worth taking risks, as deviations from the normal temperature for five to six days will result in the death of the flower.

Humidity

The Kaoda hybrid is undemanding and flexible when it comes to humidity. However, humidity levels below 40% are undesirable for the plant. During hot months, it's worth increasing the humidity by regularly misting the trunk. Avoid dripping on the buds and petals. You can increase the humidity around the plant by filling saucers with water and placing the containers near the pots.

Lighting

During the summer months, the best light source for Kaoda is not the hot morning rays, but the subdued light of the setting sun. Placing phalaenopsis on south-facing windows is only permissible if the glass is completely shaded. In winter, plants can also be placed on the south side of the room. However, it's important to remember that with short days, the plant will require fluorescent lighting to provide at least 13 hours of illumination per day.

You may be interested in:

Orchid in hydrogel: planting, growing, and care
The orchid is a decorative flower that has appeared on windowsills relatively recently. Among the various species, the most…Read more…

Watering

In summer, the hybrid should be watered twice a week. In winter, reduce the water supply to the root system by half or a third. Based on the condition of the soil mixture, moisten the substrate only after it has completely dried out. Remember that the top layer of soil evaporates faster than the lower layers.

https://youtu.be/YLDpMftN4qk

By observing the plant, it's easy to tell when it needs watering based on the condition of its aerial root system. A plant that has received sufficient moisture will have bulbous roots extending outward from the stem. A plant whose roots need water will have their lower portions reaching down toward the moist substrate. A good way to water a Phalaenopis is to immerse the pot in a container of water for 40-50 minutes. Once the roots are saturated, remove the plant, let the water drain, and then return it to its original location.

Top dressing

For good development of the Kaoda twinkle phalaenopsis, feed the hybrid two to three times a month with complex fertilizers such as: Agricola, RET Joy or Rainbow of Flowers from IRIS OHYAMA.

In rooms with high humidity and at least 20 hours of light per day, the hybrid should be fertilized weekly. However, the dosage should be halved. Hybrids with this fertilizing method produce a large number of flowers, up to 70 per stem.

Transfer

The plant should be repotted once every three to four years. More frequent repotting is not recommended, as the process can damage the root system. When repotting:

• carefully remove the plant from the pot;
• To avoid damaging the roots, the flowerpot can be cut with a hot knife;
• After removing the flower, rinse the roots under running water, cut off rotten and dried parts;
• sprinkle the cut areas with powdered activated carbon;
• cut off yellowed and dried areas of leaf blades;
• After pruning, place the plant on a clean cloth to dry;
• fill the container in which the orchid will grow with the prepared soil mixture, plant the flower;
• After planting, water the plant and place it in a semi-dark place for ten days for better survival.

Reproduction

The simplest and most common method of propagating indoor epiphytes is separating and replanting natural clones from the mother plant. This is done 35-45 days after the flowers have faded. During this period, offspring form on the flower stalk or at the base of the rosette. After the small clones produce primary roots, they can be separated and replanted in other containers.

Clones can be planted in substrate or kept in non-chlorinated water for one to two weeks. Then, transfer them to a potting mix in their permanent location.

Rejuvenation

Over time, plants can become unkempt. In this case, it's time to rejuvenate the plant, which involves trimming away exposed stems and dried-out leaves. To prevent damage to the Kaoda from pruning, follow these guidelines:

• the flower stalk should be removed completely only when it is completely dry, as new ovaries will form on it;
• If the flower stalk partially dries out, remove only the withered part, leaving the part where the buds are developing.

Diseases and pests

If improperly cared for, the hybrid plant can be susceptible to infectious and non-infectious diseases. Most commonly, the plant is affected by Fusarium wilt, which first appears on the root system and then destroys the flower. This disease is caused by overwatering. If the plant is infected with Fusarium spores, the Kaodu will have to be discarded.

Excessive moisture can cause root rot in the bulbs and young shoots. Therefore, allow the roots to dry out between waterings. If kept indoors for 10-12 days, orchids can develop hives, which appear as small, oval, light-brown spots on the leaves. Raising the room temperature and allowing the roots to dry out slightly can quickly resolve the problem.

In addition to pathogens, the plant is threatened by pests such as scale insects and spider mites. Sucking parasites that attack the undersides of the leaves can be eliminated using products such as Actofit and Actellic.

Problems in cultivation and prevention

Caring for this hybrid is very easy. However, gardeners sometimes encounter the following problems:

• yellowing of leaf blades due to lack of moisture or damage by sucking pests;
• swelling of leaves due to prolonged contact with water;
• cracking of leaf blades due to excess fertilizer;
• shedding of vegetative parts due to lack of light or a drop in air temperature;
• Frostbite of a plant in winter when ventilating the room.

You may be interested in:

Is there a blue orchid in the wild? How to care for an orchid
Orchids are perhaps the most attractive plants in the world, and they are popular among flower lovers in every…Read more…

To avoid problems with flowering and achieve luxurious inflorescences, carry out preventative agricultural practices:

• do not allow excess nitrogen in the substrate after fertilizing;
• do not spray phalaenopsis in autumn and winter, when the room temperature is low and there is poor ventilation;
• carry out preventive spraying with fungicides to prevent the development of diseases;
• do not allow the root system to overheat.

The vibrant, deep burgundy phalaenopsis kaoda twinkle is a favorite of both the most discerning and inexperienced gardeners. With proper care, these "stately beauties" will add a touch of solemnity and chic to any interior.