Bartolina or Spider Orchid is a miniature elegant plant with an unusual flower shape. Initially, Bartholin grew on the sand dunes of South Africa, but today it can be found in almost any corner of the globe.
Description
The plant is quite elegant and miniature, its height does not exceed 15 cm. One or several flowers are located on a thin straight stalk. The upper part of the stem has a hairy coating and a light reddish tint. Under the weight of the bud, the stem bends somewhat. The base is decorated with a single sheet of round shape. It persists from the beginning of winter until the end of flowering.
Delicate original white flowers with purple streaks are located singly on short pedicels. The lip is dissected into many long longitudinal petals in the shape of spider legs. Flowering begins in April.
Growing
Bartolina needs careful care, gardeners consider her a troublesome plant. From dry and dusty air, it hurts, so you have to create a humid and warm atmosphere. Additionally, it is necessary to spray it several times a day.
For planting, use a special substrate with high drainage properties. It is optimal to grow an orchid in special greenhouses on sandy soil with the addition of fern rhizomes. During the period of active growth and flowering, plentiful daily watering is required. And during rest, the pot is placed in a cool place and occasionally moisten the soil.
