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Description
Dracula Carlueri, commonly known as the “Monkey Orchid,” is a unique and exotic orchid that is native to the Andean cloud forests of Ecuador and Peru. This orchid is named after the famous vampire count, Dracula, due to its eerie appearance, which resembles the face of a monkey.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocots |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Dracula |
Appearance
The Dracula Carlueri orchid has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other orchids. It grows up to 10 cm in height with leaves that are 10 cm long and 4 cm wide. The flowers are large and flat, with a diameter of up to 5 cm, and they come in various shades of brown, green, and yellow.
What makes this orchid truly unique is the shape of its lip, which is reminiscent of a monkey’s face. The lip is brown with a white fringe, and it has two long, pointed extensions that resemble the monkey’s ears. When viewed from the front, the lip looks like a monkey’s face, complete with eyes, nose, and mouth.
Care Guide
Dracula Carlueri is a low-maintenance orchid that is easy to care for. Here are some essential care tips:
- Water: This orchid requires moderate watering. Water it thoroughly once a week, and allow the potting mix to dry out slightly before watering again.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the orchid once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix that is specifically formulated for orchids.
- Sunlight: This orchid prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves.
- Hardiness Zones: Dracula Carlueri is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like all orchids, Dracula Carlueri is susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some common problems to watch out for:
- Spider mites: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause yellowing leaves. Treat with an insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: These insects can cause distorted growth and silvery streaks on the leaves. Treat with neem oil.
- Crown rot: This fungal disease can be caused by overwatering. Cut away any affected tissue and repot in fresh soil.
- Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease can cause yellowing leaves and wilting. There is no cure, so affected plants should be destroyed to prevent further contamination.
Habitat
Dracula Carlueri is native to the Andean cloud forests of Ecuador and Peru, where it grows at elevations of 1,500 to 2,500 meters. It prefers cool, humid conditions and grows on trees and rocks in its natural habitat.
Question and Answer
Q: Does Dracula Carlueri require a lot of light?
A: No, this orchid prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves.
Q: How often should I water my Dracula Carlueri orchid?
A: Water the orchid thoroughly once a week, and allow the potting mix to dry out slightly before watering again.
Q: Can I grow Dracula Carlueri in a terrarium?
A: Yes, this orchid can be grown in a terrarium as long as it has adequate ventilation and bright, indirect sunlight.
Q: Can I propagate Dracula Carlueri by division?
A: Yes, this orchid can be propagated by division. Wait until the plant has finished flowering, then divide it into smaller sections, making sure that each section has at least one pseudobulb.
Related Plants
- Dracula vampira
- Dracula gigas
- Dracula simia
- Dracula chimaera
References
- “Dracula Carlueri.” OrchidWeb. Accessed 20 May 2021. https://orchidweb.com/products/dracula-carlueri.
- Fair, Mary. “Dracula Carlueri.” American Orchid Society. Accessed 20 May 2021. https://www.aos.org/orchids/driving-and-diving/driving-and-diving-dracula-carlueri.aspx.
- “Dracula Carlueri.” Orchids Wiki. Accessed 20 May 2021. https://www.orchids.wiki/index.php?title=Dracula_carlueri.
