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Description
Prosthechea Livida, also known as Encyclia Livida, is a species of orchid that is native to South and Central America. It belongs to the Orchidaceae family, which is one of the largest families of flowering plants. This orchid is popular among gardeners and orchid enthusiasts because of its beautiful flowers and ease of care.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Prosthechea |
| Species | Prosthechea Livida |
Appearance
The Prosthechea Livida orchid produces clusters of small flowers that are usually pink, purple, or lavender in color. The petals and sepals are narrow and pointed, and the lip of the flower is broad and flat. The flowers can last for several weeks, and they have a sweet, pleasant fragrance. The leaves of the orchid are long and slender, and they are a deep green color. The overall height of the orchid can range from 12 to 24 inches.
Care Guide
Prosthechea Livida is a relatively easy orchid to care for, but it does require some specific conditions to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for this orchid:
- Water: This orchid should be watered once a week, or when the top inch of the potting mix is dry to the touch. Use room temperature water and avoid getting water on the leaves or flowers.
- Fertilization: Use a balanced orchid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer), and once a month during the dormant season (fall and winter).
- Soil: Use a well-draining orchid potting mix, such as a mix of bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss.
- Sunlight: This orchid prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves and flowers.
- Hardiness Zones: Prosthechea Livida is not cold hardy and should be kept indoors in most climates.
Common Pests & Diseases
Prosthechea Livida can be susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause leaves to yellow and drop. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: These pests appear as white, cottony masses on the leaves and flowers. They can be treated with rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap.
- Crown rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. It can cause the leaves to wilt and turn brown. To prevent crown rot, make sure the potting mix is well-draining and only water when the top inch of the mix is dry to the touch.
Habitat
Prosthechea Livida is native to South and Central America, where it grows in humid forests and on rocky cliffs. It prefers warm temperatures and high humidity, and it is often found growing on trees or rocks.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I fertilize Prosthechea Livida?
A: Use a balanced orchid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer), and once a month during the dormant season (fall and winter).
Q: Can Prosthechea Livida be grown outdoors?
A: Prosthechea Livida is not cold hardy and should be kept indoors in most climates.
Q: What is the best potting mix for Prosthechea Livida?
A: Use a well-draining orchid potting mix, such as a mix of bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss.
Q: How often should I water Prosthechea Livida?
A: This orchid should be watered once a week, or when the top inch of the potting mix is dry to the touch.
Related Plants
- Prosthechea radiata
- Prosthechea cochleata
- Prosthechea prismatocarpa
- Prosthechea vespa
References
- “Prosthechea livida.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287843&isprofile=0&pt=7
- “Prosthechea livida.” Orchids Made Easy. https://www.orchidsmadeeasy.com/prosthechea-livida/
- “Prosthechea livida.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=119079
