Akampa Orchid

This orchid variety got its name Akampa from the Greek word "σκληρός", which means "hard" in Russian. The plant probably got this name for a powerful stem, about half a meter long, on which large but thin leaves are located, located on the stem in two parallel rows.

In the wild, the Akampa orchid variety grows both on trees and on rocky slopes. The plant receives the nutrients necessary for favorable growth from dew and air, which in the tropics is filled with a large amount of moisture. Orchids of the genus Akampa have about a dozen epiphytic varieties, these are types of orchids that are located on trees, but do not harm them. Quite often, orchids of the genus Akampa can be found in the tropical forests of Africa, Southeast Asia, and also in India.

Acampa: planting an orchid

Acampa: photo of an orchid

Lighting

When grown at home, for Acamp orchilea, it is better to choose a window located to the north or east side as a permanent place. If this is not possible, then it is necessary to ensure that burning direct sunlight does not fall on the plant, especially for windows located on the south side.

Akampa orchids love light, but not direct sunlight, but diffused, but bright. A favorable light period for an orchid will be 10-12 hour daylight hours. In winter, when in most Russian latitudes the daylight hours are short and there is little sunlight, the plant will have enough artificial illumination.

In the absence of sunlight or artificial light, or an insufficient amount of it, the foliage of the plant begins to turn yellow, such a plant, unfortunately, cannot bloom fully.

Root system

In the cold season, to protect the root system of a plant that grows in a pot on a windowsill, experienced flower growers advise placing a wooden stand under the bottom of the flower pot. Acampa orchids are grown in plastic pots. It is very easy to make such a pot yourself; for this, it is enough to make a large number of holes in any plastic container so that the soil passes both water and air well. Ceramic containers are not used for growing orchids.

The root system of an adult plant of the Akampa orchid variety is rather large and branched. For her favorable growth, she needs a well-ventilated place where she will not meet natural or artificial barriers. That is why this plant must be planted in large pots with numerous holes.

If the room has constant good humidity, then the plant can be grown not in a pot, but on blocks. This method is somewhat similar to the growth of an orchid in natural conditions. An orchid is transplanted onto a block from a pot exclusively in the spring, this is the time of active growth of the plant's root system.

At home, you can also prepare land for growing orchids. This mixture should contain tree bark, charcoal, moss, fern roots, polystyrene and coniferous soil.

Akampa: orchid bloom

Acampa: photo of an orchid

Akampa blooms for 25-30 days, flowers are small, collected in tassels, yellow-green in color. During flowering, the plant develops a pleasant sweetish aroma. In the spring and during flowering, the plant must be monitored for the regularity and abundance of watering.

Acampa: orchid care

The soil should always be moist and watered evenly.In winter, the number of twigs and feeding of the plant must be reduced to a minimum, this is due to the fact that the plant practically does not grow in winter.

Orchids that are grown on the watering block must be placed in a container of water for a few minutes. Thanks to this method, the soil will be able to fully and evenly be saturated with moisture, and allow excess moisture to drain.

It is worth paying close attention to watering orchids, since a large amount of excess moisture leads to the appearance of fungal and not only diseases. And its lack will affect not only the leaves of the plant, but also new processes, which can be thin and weak, and the plant itself can completely stop its growth.

Akampa orchids are very demanding on air humidity, so to maintain it, it is enough just to regularly spray the plant. For watering and spraying, you should choose clean, preferably soft or softened water, at room temperature. The most suitable time for watering and spraying the plant is the first half of the day.

Transplanting and feeding a plant

Acampa: photo of an orchid

The best time to transplant Akampa orchids is spring or early summer. During this period, the plant wakes up from winter sleep and a period of active growth begins. The most important thing when transplanting an orchid is to be careful. It is important not to damage the root system of the plant; plants of three or more years are best tolerated by transplanting. After transplanting, the plant should not be watered for 10-14 days, so as not to strain the plant's root system too much. And the required moisture level can be maintained by spraying the plant.

In the spring-summer period, the plant can be fed 2-3 times a month. You should not make fertilizers yourself at home, it is more likely to harm the plant more. It is better to use products that are sold in specialized stores.

Reproduction

Acampa: photo of an orchid

There are several ways to propagate the Akampa orchid. The most popular method is similar to propagation by cuttings. To do this, you need to cut off a part of the stem, on which there must be several air roots of the plant. This stalk must be placed in orchid soil and sprayed constantly for the first time. With a favorable combination of circumstances, after 7-10 days, new branches of the Akampa orchid appear from the buds on the handle.