Orchid "Sogo": description, features of flowering and care

Orchid "Sogo" is one of the most beautiful varieties of phalaenopsis, which has large beautiful flowers that grow in a cascade on a rather long peduncle. The distant homeland of the plant is Asia, and it got its name due to its bright colors, reminiscent of a butterfly (as it means the name of a flower in translation). With proper care, it can bloom several times a year, and there are constantly flowering varieties.

"Sogo" is a hybrid plant because it was bred by crossing different species. Belongs to epiphytes: in nature it grows on stones, stumps, trees, in gorges and forests. According to its color, the orchid belongs to variegated plants. Leaf plates can acquire various shades of green with impurities of various colors. The stripes on them are also very different: thin, bright, blurred, wide or in the form of a border.

The main characteristics of the variety include:

• the height of the plant can reach 80 cm, therefore, supports are used for greater strength of the trunk, although there are many small varieties of this phalaenopsis;
• a mature orchid has 5-6 medium leaves, and dwarfs have small leaf plates, the length of which is 8-10 cm and the width is 5 cm;
• the shape of the leaves is oblong, they are dense and rough;
• the size of the peduncle may vary depending on the type of orchid, with an average height of 50 cm;
• in most of the representatives of this species, the diameter of the flowers reaches 6-8 cm, in mini-varieties - 4-5 cm, colors from white to purple, bright purple.

Home flowering in the orchid is quite long, the flowers effectively cascade down the arrow. In order to enjoy this beauty for as long as possible, you need to create the necessary favorable conditions:

• to stimulate flowering, you can slightly lower the temperature in the room, as well as reduce the amount of moisture in winter;
• with the beginning of spring, the ground is watered more often, the plant is sprayed;
• immediately after the end of flowering, the peduncles should not be cut off, since after a while the buds appear again.

For good growth and flowering of an orchid you need:

• proper hydration;
• daytime temperature +20 degrees;
• air humidity - 50-60%;
• light.

The room should not be damp or very dry, the plant does not like drafts, but it is very demanding for airing, even in winter. The orchid does not tolerate both lack and excess of moisture, so watering should be moderate. The color of the roots serves as a guide to moisture: if they become gray-brown, then it's time to water. It is optimal to do this once every 2 weeks during cool periods and once a week in summer. Flowers cannot be wetted so that spots do not appear on them, but you can irrigate the leaves.

Along with the moistening, the plant is fertilized; for this, any rooting agent for orchids is used, alternating feeding with watering with plain water. When the buds begin to appear, they stop fertilizing. Place "Sogo" on well-lit windowsills, but shade from direct sunlight. In winter, it needs extra light.

Chopped pine bark is ideal as a substrate, and it is better to plant it in transparent plastic pots with side holes and holes in the bottom.

Experienced florists recommend replanting the orchid immediately after purchasing. For this:

• the composition is prepared as a substrate - drainage, charcoal, crushed bark, coconut chips and moss;
• the plant is carefully taken out of the container, it is not shaken off strongly and is kept in a solution of succinic acid (the soil components are also treated);
• in the absence of damage and rotten roots, it is transplanted by the transshipment method;
• in the presence of rotten parts, the roots are cleaned;
• for preventive purposes, leaf plates and parts above the roots are sprayed with a peroxide solution, and coal is added to the substrate;
• Phalaenopsis is planted in a pot and prepared soil is laid;
• the plant is generously moistened, excess moisture is carefully removed from the leaf plates and all points of growth in order to avoid rotting.

Orchid breeding is carried out by seeds or by dividing, when the shoots are cut off from the main plant. It is better to carry out this procedure in late winter or early spring at the end of the flowering period:

• a healthy orchid is selected with a peduncle that has not yet lost its freshness;
• an incision is made with a pre-disinfected knife to the "dormant" kidney and for disinfection is treated with a solution of charcoal or cinnamon;
• the shoot is transplanted into a small container with a previously prepared substrate (pour over the bark of trees and moss with boiling water);
• do not water the orchid for several days so that it can recover.

Phalaenopsis "Sogo" is prone to certain diseases and pest attacks.

• Mealybug. Control measures - the larvae are removed, and the flower is treated with insecticides, after spraying, the excess is wiped off (after 40 minutes) and repeated after a week.
• A spider mite envelops the orchid in cobwebs. Use Fitoverma solution against it three times at intervals of 7-8 days.
• Rot. Appears with stagnant air, when there is no ventilation and air exchange. The plant should be well cleaned and transplanted into a new substrate, watering should be stopped for a certain period, and the roots should be treated with "Fundazol" and coal.

Pots and tools used should be treated with a copper sulfate solution. And also containers with plants can be placed on special grates to avoid infection with diseases or parasites when watering. The room where the orchid is located must be regularly ventilated, to prevent stagnation of moisture and air.

Phalaenopsis "Sogo" has many hybrids that have both similar features and differences. Let's consider a description of the main varieties.

Orchid leaves of a beautiful color: dark green with a wide border of a much lighter shade, dense, rounded, with a slight sheen. The flowers are exquisite with luxurious shimmering tints, pale pink petals have bright crimson veins.

This variety is slender and elegant. The flowers are large - white or pink. The petals are dense, rounded, with a beautiful shine. The lip is small, bright, effectively stands out against the background of a delicate flower. The leaf plates are voluminous, bright green, have a small longitudinal depression in the middle.

It stands out for its large, very beautiful flowers of a deep crimson hue and a pleasant aroma.

This is a variety with a pronounced pleasant smell. The flowers are small, 6-7 cm in diameter, the petals are smooth, as if covered with wax. Plant height is 35-40 cm.

It has an unusual color scheme. The bright yellow base of the petal is richly decorated with large red dots. The lip is distinguished by a crimson color and a white border. Has a light, pleasant smell.

Belongs to dwarf varieties, the height of the arrow reaches 25 cm. The flowers are relatively small, with bright yellow petals covered with dense lilac dots, and a crimson lip.

A hybrid with red flowers bordered by yellow stripes. The lip is also red, sometimes with a white or light purple edge.

Beautiful red flowers with a thin yellow border around the edge and a crimson lip, their appearance resembles bright stars.

The flowers are unusually dark in color, almost black, with a blue border.

It has beautiful crimson flowers that bloom for a long time.

Belongs to mini orchids. Flowers of a delicate milky color with light shades of pink and small yellow droplets. Lip with a yellow center, edged with a white stripe

. Possesses an unusual color: the center of the flower is purple, and the edges are white, the lip is large, bright pink. The diameter of the flowers is small, up to 6 cm.

If you decide to buy an orchid, but do not yet have experience in caring for such plants, Phalaenopsis "Sogo" is perfect. This variety is not very picky about the conditions, but still requires attention and care.

You can learn more about how to care for the Sogo Vivienne orchid at home.