Sakda Beauty

Description

• Type: Epiphytic orchid (grows on trees in nature).

• Origin: Hybrid, not naturally occurring.

• Size: Medium-sized plant with tall, upright canes.

• Flowers: Multiple blooms per spike, usually 2–3 inches wide, with rich coloration and a glossy texture.

• Blooming Season: Mainly late winter to spring, though some rebloom under ideal conditions.

🌿 Caring and Handling Tips:

🌞 Light:

• Requires bright, indirect light.

• Can tolerate some morning sun, but avoid harsh afternoon rays which can scorch leaves.

• A south or east-facing window with filtered light is ideal.

💧 Watering:

• Water thoroughly when the potting mix is nearly dry.

• Typically once or twice a week during growing season; reduce in winter.

• Avoid letting roots sit in water—good drainage is essential.

🌡️ Temperature:

• Thrives in warm to intermediate temperatures:

  • Day: 75–85°F (24–29°C)

  • Night: 60–65°F (16–18°C)

• Can tolerate slightly cooler temps during rest periods after blooming.

💨 Humidity & Airflow:

• Prefers 50–70% humidity.

• Use a humidity tray or room humidifier if air is too dry.

• Good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues.

🌱 Potting Mix:

• Use a well-draining orchid mix: typically bark-based with perlite and charcoal.

• Repot every 2–3 years or when the medium starts to break down.

🌼 Feeding:

• Feed with a balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20) every 2 weeks during the growing season.

• Reduce to once a month or stop feeding entirely during winter dormancy.

✂️ Post-Bloom Care:

• Do not cut the canes even after flowering—they may rebloom or support new growth.

• Remove only spent flower spikes and dead leaves.

💡 Extra Tips:

• Provide a slight cool-down period in fall to encourage flowering.

• If leaves become leathery or wrinkled, it may be underwatered or exposed to too much light.

• Monitor for pests like scale, spider mites, or mealybugs, especially on the undersides of leaves.