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Description
Schenkia is a genus of orchids that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It is native to the Caribbean and Latin America, and its natural habitat ranges from sea level to high altitudes. The genus was first described by Carl Ludwig Blume in 1859 and named after the German botanist, Heinrich Schenk.Schenkia orchids are epiphytes, which means that they grow on other plants without causing them any harm. They have thin, elongated stems that can reach up to 50 cm in length. The leaves are few, small, and succulent, and they grow in a rosette at the base of the stem. The flowers are small and white, green, or yellow, and they have a sweet fragrance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————-|————-|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Tracheophyta|| Class| Liliopsida|| Order| Asparagales || Family| Orchidaceae || Genus| Schenkia|
Appearance
Schenkia orchids are small and delicate plants that can grow up to 50 cm in length. The stems are thin and elongated, and they can have up to 15 flowers per stem. The flowers are small, measuring only about 1 cm in diameter, and they have a sweet fragrance. They can be white, green, or yellow, and they have a lip that is shaped like a spur. The leaves are few, small, and succulent, and they grow in a rosette at the base of the stem.
Care Guide
Schenkia orchids are relatively easy to care for, and they can be grown indoors or outdoors. Here are some tips on how to care for your Schenkia orchids:Water: Schenkia orchids prefer to be watered once a week, but they can tolerate drying out between waterings. Make sure to water them thoroughly, but do not let them sit in standing water.Fertilization: Schenkia orchids need to be fertilized once a month during the growing season, which typically lasts from spring to fall. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer and follow the instructions on the package.Soil: Schenkia orchids are epiphytes, which means that they grow on other plants without causing them any harm. They do not need soil to grow, but they can be grown in a well-draining orchid mix.Sunlight: Schenkia orchids prefer bright, indirect sunlight. They can be grown indoors near a window that receives plenty of light, or they can be grown outdoors in a shaded area.Hardiness Zones: Schenkia orchids are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Schenkia orchids are relatively pest and disease-free, but they can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs are small, white insects that can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be treated with a solution of water and dish soap, or with an insecticide. Spider mites are tiny insects that can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They can be treated with a solution of water and neem oil, or with an insecticide.
Habitat
Schenkia orchids are native to the Caribbean and Latin America, and they can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and grasslands. They prefer to grow in areas with plenty of light and airflow, and they can be found at elevations ranging from sea level to high altitudes.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Schenkia orchids?
A: Schenkia orchids prefer to be watered once a week, but they can tolerate drying out between waterings.Q: What kind of fertilizer should I use for my Schenkia orchids?
A: Use a balanced orchid fertilizer and follow the instructions on the package.Q: Do Schenkia orchids need soil to grow?
A: No, Schenkia orchids are epiphytes and do not need soil to grow.Q: What hardiness zones are Schenkia orchids hardy in?
A: Schenkia orchids are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Schenkia:- Brassavola- Cattleya- Epidendrum- Laelia- Oncidium
References
– The Royal Horticultural Society. (2021). Schenkia. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/53721/schenkia/details – The Orchidaceae Source. (2021). Schenkia. Retrieved from http://www.orchidspecies.com/schenkia.htm – American Orchid Society. (2021). Schenkia. Retrieved from https://www.aos.org/orchids/orchids-a-to-z/letter-s/schenkia.aspx