Mokara Orchids
Mokara orchids are inter-generic hybrids of arachnis X ascocentrum X vanda
which have the largest number of colors compared to other orchids. Mokara is
probably the only flower with such broad spectrum of color shades like purple,
pink, blue, red, orange, yellow, coral with each and every color has its own
range which definitely will be able to relay thousands of expression.
The purple color for instance, could be associated with spirituality and
nobility. The deep purple communicates riches, while the light purple or
lavender purple of Mokaras reflects delicacy and sweet romance. In some
countries like Thailand and China purple is
the expression of grief and sadness. While in many cultures purple is the
symbol color of sovereigns.
Mokara, commonly named by the Smile Orchid, is native to Asia
where it has been first discovered and cultivated. At present this tropical
orchid can almost be found in all continents with the exception of the extreme
cold region such Antarctica . The Sanskrit name
Mokara derives from a Hindu philosophy stating that every individual possesses
three states of well being which are the causal body, the astral body and the
physical body, where Mokara represents the physical body or the state of form.
Mokara possesses a long stem which can produce
10 flowers per stem. Due to their delicacy and bright colors with its striking
form of a starfish, Mokaras are popular in wedding bouquets. You can cut the
blooming long stem and put them in a vas of water. To prolong their decorative
life you can re-cut the underwater stem by ¼ inch every 3 days and replace the
water in the vas with lukewarm water until it is filled near the vas edge.
Mokara orchids are included in the bright light orchid group. Placing it in
a spot with morning sunlight until noon will be most sufficient in terms of
lighting. If there is any doubt whether you provide enough light to your Mokara
you can watch the color of the leaves.
Generally healthy orchid leaves are bright green rather than dark green
which indicates insufficiency of light. When you see the leaves turn to reddish
green, this is a clear indication of over lighting your orchid. Although Mokara
can tolerate full sun but avoid exposing it to this direct sunlight since their
leaves have flattened surfaces which tend to absorb more heat that can
eventually burn the leaves.
I
t has been proven that Mokara, especially the modern hybrids, could stand
in low lights and show good health and successful flowering. But this could be
possible if you alter light intensity from bright to low gradually, meaning
that you have to provide a time period for adaptation, unless your orchid will
surely die. If you wish to care for this orchid in low light intensity, then
you should lessen the frequency of watering and fertilizing.
The most suitable temperature for a Mokara is between 50º – 100ºF or 10º –
38ºC. In terms of feeding, Mokaras are a bit greedy in the sense that they are
strong feeders especially when they are in full growth. You need to fertilize
them in spring to fall once in a week plus some pure watering in between. While
in fall throughout the winter fertilizing them once in a month will be
sufficient.
Well, if you are looking for an orchid that has multi colors and shapes,
easy to care for, which are available during the whole year round, Mokara
orchids should be the one you are looking for.
