The fascinating world of Denphal orchids
Paulo Vilar, who lives in Aldeia, in the metropolitan region of Recife, is a passionate orchid grower.
He grows more than 300,000 orchids – a hobby that has become a career, rewarded time and again by the spectacle of a new flower opening. Orchids come in an incredible variety of shapes, colours and sizes.
Orchid species in the world
There are 35,000 registered orchid species in the world. If you take into account the hybrids created by crossing species, this number rises to an impressive 140,000.
Video about orchid cultivation in Recife
Cultivador de Orquídeas
Growing the Denphal orchid
One of the species Paulo grows is the Denphal orchid, which is very common and easy to grow. He imports it from Thailand or buys it from a laboratory in São Paulo.
“These seedlings can come from a laboratory in flasks, grown in culture media. They are then transferred from the flask to individual cell trays, where each seedling is placed in a pot,” explains Paulo.
Flowering time
Denphal orchids usually take an average of two and a half to three years to start flowering and become attractive to the trade.
Market quality standards
Although the Denphal orchid may bloom several times a year, the appearance of a single flower does not mean that the mission is accomplished. “The orchid must have a standard that the market will accept.
You can see a beautiful flower, but if the plant only has one flower in the first bloom, we discard that flower so that the next bloom comes with two, three, four or five flowers,” Paulo explains.
Growing the Denphal Orchid
The Denphal Orchid, a popular hybrid orchid variety, requires special care to ensure its healthy growth. Here are some important tips:
- Light: Denphal prefers bright, indirect light. It is best placed near a window where it will receive filtered light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves.
- Temperature: These orchids like warm temperatures, around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius during the day and slightly cooler at night. A stable environment is important.
- Watering: Water the plant when the substrate is almost dry. In general, this means watering every 5 to 7 days, but the frequency may vary depending on the humidity of the environment. Avoid waterlogging the roots.
- Humidity: The ideal humidity for Denphal is between 50 and 70 percent. If the environment is too dry, consider using a humidifier or placing the plant in a bowl of rocks and water (without the bottom of the pot touching the water).
- Substrate: Use a well-drained substrate such as a mixture of pine bark, charcoal and peat moss. This will help prevent root rot.
- Fertilising: Apply a balanced orchid food every two weeks during the growing season. Reduce fertilisation during the dormant period.
- Pruning: After flowering, it is important to cut off the dried flower stems, which can encourage the growth of new flowers.
- Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for signs of pests such as mealybugs or aphids and treat quickly if necessary.
With proper care, the Denphal orchid can bloom several times a year, adding incredible beauty to the environment!
Orchids in Recife
Publicações Relacionadas
Orchids: Tips and Techniques for Efficient Cultivation and Care
Boqueirão da Onça: A Unique Brazilian Eco-Treasure
Marechal Newton Cavalcanti Educational Centre Overview
Sea turtle species found in Brazil
Tropical flowers are grown on a large scale in northeastern Brazil
Environmental Wealth of Maranhão: A Tropical Paradise
Spinner Dolphins in Fernando de Noronha: A Guide
Candombá is a typical flower of the Chapada Diamantina
Orchids of the Chapada Diamantina in Bahia
This post is also on:
Português 
English 
Deutsch 
Español 
Français
