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The Monkey Face Orchid Plant: A Complete Guide and Care Tips
When it comes to unique and intriguing plants, the monkey face orchid plant is hard to beat.
This exotic orchid boasts a distinctive flower that resembles the face of a monkey – complete with eyes, nose, and mouth.
If you’re looking to add something truly special to your garden or indoor plant collection, a monkey face orchid is definitely worth considering.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about caring for these fascinating plants.
About the Monkey Face Orchid Plant
The scientific name of the monkey face orchid plant is Dracula simia (which means “monkey-like little dragon”).
This species of orchid is native to Central and South America – specifically Ecuador and Peru – where it grows in cloud forests at elevations between 3,000-7,000 feet above sea level.
The flowers of this plant are its most distinctive feature.
They typically bloom in late spring or early summer and can last for several weeks on each spike.
The petals are deep red or maroon with white spots while the lip looks like a small hairy monkey’s head.
Caring for Your Monkey Face Orchids
If you’re interested in growing this unusual flower in your garden or home environment here are some tips:
- Light: Monkey face orchids prefer bright but indirect light so they should be placed near east-facing windows if grown indoors; outdoors they should be exposed dappled sunlight under trees.
- Temperature: These plants do best when grown under cool temperatures ranging from 60-65°F (16-18°C) during winter nights so if indoors move them away from heaters during cold months while providing good ventilation.
- Humidity: Monkey face orchids thrive in high humidity environments.
You can increase humidity by growing them near other plants or placing a tray of water near the plant to encourage evaporation.
- Water: This type of orchid prefers moist soil, but not soggy.
Water the plant when it is dry around an inch deep but do avoid leaving it in standing water as that may lead to root rot.
- Fertilizer: Like many other types of orchids, monkey face orchids require regular fertilization during their growing season with a balanced fertilizer at half strength (1/2 tsp per gallon) every two weeks.
- Potting and Repotting: These plants should be grown in fine bark mix or sphagnum moss which is best suited for their roots; repot them once every two years after blooming during the dormant period before new growth starts again
If you take care of your monkey face orchid properly and follow these tips, you should be able to enjoy its unique beauty for years to come!
The Significance Of The Monkey Face Orchid Plant
The monkey face orchid plant isn’t just unique – it’s also significant from a cultural perspective.
In parts of South America where this species grows naturally, indigenous peoples have long used it for medicinal purposes.
Additionally, locals have created festivals surrounding this distinctive flower due to its association with fertility and love.
In Conclusion
The monkey face orchid plant may seem like a quirky addition to any garden or indoor collection but there is so much more behind its interesting appearance.
Its origins run deep through centuries-old traditions that celebrate its medical benefits as well as love and fertility.
If you’re looking for a unique and extraordinary plant to add to your collection, the monkey face orchid is undoubtedly worth considering!
