Blue orchid: does this exist in nature, features of home care

From left to right: Igor Gubanov, Alexei Drozdov, Eduard Lapatik, US Customs Officer Marshal Heeger, Sergei Sokolov after being presented with the US Customs Service Medal for Best Investigation. Washington, 2001

The international operation to eliminate child porn site turned into a prison for 2,000 Americans and became the impetus for toughening the law in Russia.
ART WITH EROTIC ELEMENTS

At the end of the nineties, the elements of the "free market" splashed a barrage of various pornographic products onto the shelves of stalls and shops. In Moscow, this business has acquired a particularly large scale. Porn films were sold in almost all the booths that sold videotapes. And soon in the assortment in huge quantities there was child pornography, and what is most terrible - domestic production.

In this difficult situation, the deputy head of the Moscow Criminal Investigation Department, Igor Gubanov, who led the operational-search activities, the head of the 2nd department of the Moscow Criminal Investigation Department, Alexander Bynenko, the head of the department, Eduard Lapatik, and senior operative Alexei Drozdov and Boris Yakovchenko, had to not only find manufacturers of mass child pornography, but also imprison them. behind bars.

From left to right: operational officers of the Criminal Investigation Department Vadim Lytchenko (OUR VAO), Alexey Drozdov, Denis Adamenko, Eduard Lapatik, Boris Yakovchenko, Alexander Ponomarenko. (Lytchenko and Adamenko did not participate in the investigation of the Blue Orchid case. - Ed.)

In the framework of the present time, the manufacturers of such a "strawberry" clearly committed a criminal offense. But then it was presented as "art with elements of eroticism." One of these "production directors" did not even hide his activities. A certain Timofeev, a resident of Novokuibyshevsk, Samara region, was a famous person in his city: everyone from young to old knew that he was the author of such films. Moreover, a significant part of the male population of the city took part in the video filming.

MUR operatives, having been on a business trip to Novokuibyshevsk, learned a lot of interesting things from local detectives. They said that in Timofeev's "studio", even for generations, they participated in the filming: they say, first, dad visited there, and then took his son there. Murovtsy also talked with Timofeev. For a long time he convinced that his products are aesthetic in nature. He slipped out like a burbot, and in order to take him "by the gills," it was necessary to establish the entire circle of his accomplices.

At this time, through the US intelligence services, a message came about a site popular among pedophiles in English "Blue Orchid" - "Blue Orchid". Marshal Heeger, an assistant to the US customs attaché who worked at the embassy, ​​and a former policeman himself, told colleagues from the Moscow Criminal Investigation Department that the site was created and operates in Russia, accordingly, fully fueled by domestic porn products. There was no reason to doubt: Russian telephones were openly indicated on the site. Further operational-search activities were carried out jointly with the employees of the criminal police of the Central Internal Affairs Directorate of Moscow, the Main Directorate of Criminal Investigation and the NCB of Interpol of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia with the participation of the Customs Attaché at the US Embassy in Moscow and the police of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Western countries are very concerned about the site's unpunished criminal activity.

Member of the criminal group Vsevolod Solntsev-Elbe

The detectives quickly identified one of the authors of the scandalous porn site. It was the well-known "master" of "children's erotic" photography Timofeev. Identified by the "decorations", the situation in the room and the participants in the filming, the so-called models, which were already known to the operatives.

This time Timofeev did not manage to get out. The operatives have already established the circle of his business partners, Moscow business guys. They, too, having a keen and unhealthy interest in children, decided to turn this business into profit. Timofeev was convicted in Novokuibyshevsk for the production and distribution of pornography.

But the Blue Orchid website was still open to pedophiles around the world. And soon the soft "strawberry" was supplemented by another genre. Video footage of scenes of violence and beating of children appeared, with full sadomasochistic props: chains, leather whips, handcuffs. And this whole nightmare was openly accompanied by an advertisement for a video product sold by the "Blue Orchid" with a postal address and contact numbers.

POLITICIAN BECAME A PORN PRODUCER

The owner of the Solntsev-Elbe studio was, by the way, a very respectable person, an assistant to a State Duma deputy. In addition to his political activities, he was involved in the recruitment of children, the production of pornographic products and the supply of direct sexual services to adult clients.

But who was the creator of the site? It was organized, filled and provided technical support by an unknown computer specialist, a 30-year-old resident of Balashikha, Sergei Garbko.

When the entire criminal scheme became known, on December 20, 1999, it was decided to detain Solntsev-Elbe and Sergei Garbko. Their rented apartments and places of residence were searched. A total of 588 video tapes, 112 floppy disks and CDs containing child pornography, more than a thousand photographs and negatives with images of naked boys, video equipment, and computer equipment used to produce pornography were seized.

The porn dealers had a clear division of labor. Solntsev-Elbe was in charge of the "video part" (supply and renewal of the assortment), and Garbko - for the Internet (search for a buyer, execution of a transaction). The illegal business, which had flourished earlier (one cassette brought in 150-200 dollars), began to decline since February - after the Murovtsy "covered" Dmitry Kuznetsov's underground porn studio on Khlobystov Street. In his circles, he had the nickname "KDV" - Dmitry Kuznetsov, it was he who was the first in Russia to implement the idea of ​​making money on child and other pornography. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were spinning in this business. And when the default struck in 1998, they were “covered in chocolate”, as they received foreign currency for their products.

It is now the turn to answer to justice and foreign lovers of child porn. Moreover, our colleagues from the United States were impatiently waiting for the necessary information to be provided to them. The detectives meticulously confiscated the entire accounting department of postal items, the second copies of the receipts with the addresses and surnames of the recipients. Joint operational activities with colleagues from overseas were the result of a fantastic number - 2000 criminal cases initiated in the United States!

In Russia, at the beginning of 2000, Solntsev-Elbe, Kuznetsov and Garbko were sentenced to short terms in the Blue Orchid case. In the same year, in connection with an amnesty timed to coincide with the 55th anniversary of the Great Victory, they were released. At that time, the Criminal Code of Russia punished "for this" with one article - 242nd, according to which it was possible to get a maximum of 2 years in prison. In Italy, our porn dealers would be at least 8 years old, in the USA - 10 years. The trouble is that our legislation suffered from amazing myopia, not seeing the difference between "adult" and "child" pornography.

THE SADISTS SENT TO THE BARS

It was a matter of honor for the operatives not only to crush the poisonous "orchid", but also to find the "heroes" who tortured the 14-year-old boy. Under the plausible pretext of "commercial interest", using advertising phones, they were looking for these people by signs. We went indirectly, along the "chain", and found the main villain from the film. Someone Viktor Razumov, born in 1959, previously convicted several times, lived on Kostromskaya Street in Moscow. On February 22, 2001, operatives of the Altufevsky police department went there. But as soon as they entered the apartment, the unexpected happened, they did not even have time to react. An unknown man who was there, having thrown open the window, jumped down. The deceased was identified: it was a native of Moscow Yuri Arkhipov, without a definite place of residence, born in 1960 - one of the three participants in the video filming with the torture of the boy.

Viktor Razumov was arrested a month later at the same address. He was the "hero" of many similar shootings, including the movie "The Thief's Punishment". During interrogations - nowhere to go, Razumov handed over everyone he knew from this business.

In addition to Viktor Razumov, who was facing a serious punishment, one more torturer of the boy was previously convicted: a native of Moscow, Alexei Toromzov, born in 1979. In December 1999, these people, fulfilling the order of Solntsev-Elba, repeatedly committed violent acts of a sexual nature against 14-year-old Maxim, everything that happened was filmed on a video camera.

And yet the high-profile case of the Blue Orchid child pornography site was the impetus for a critical review of our pedophile-friendly legislation. Nonsense! Our villains, who organized the porn business, were given only a year in a colony-settlement, and in America several thousand defendants in the case were convicted and closed for tens of years.

In the State Duma, the chairman of the Committee on Women, Family and Youth Affairs Svetlana Goryacheva initiated hearings on the issue of toughening penalties for crimes against children. But a lot of time has passed before the legislation in our country has really become more effective in protecting children and in retaliation for those who commit crimes against them.

Where does the blue come from?

Many orchid lovers are wondering where this bright and rich blue color comes from in orchids. And is there a similar species in nature? Let's try to understand this issue.

Interested in whether the blue orchid is dyed or not, buyers are trying to find a clue, which, with the acquisition of such a plant, will soon find itself. The next time it blooms, it will regain its natural shade. The buds are likely to turn either dirty blue or white.

This phenomenon is justified by the fact that in nature, orchids are not as deeply blue as we see them on store shelves. Therefore, plants are often dyed with a special chemical dye. In many stores selling such flowers, small labels are attached to the bowls, where visitors are honestly warned about this. But still, more often they try not to disclose such information, so many buyers, after purchasing a blue orchid, a photo of which is in this article, are subsequently disappointed in their purchase.

For such painting, most often those types of orchids are chosen that are naturally either white or blue. But over time, the dye disappears, and the flower again returns to its natural shade.

What to do if a painted orchid loses color

This is normal and is indicative of a healthy orchid. The petals may take on a purple hue, their brightness may fade, or light spots may appear.

This means that the orchid returns to its natural state: from blue to white.This process can be slowed down by moving the orchid pot to a location where the lighting is less intense. Or you can try watering with dyes, but in this case there is a risk of ruining the plant with your own hands.

Read more about caring for a dendrobium flower.

The history of the appearance of blue orchids

For the first time, the blue orchid, the photo of which is in this article, was presented in 2011, when an exhibition of rare tropical plants was held in Florida (USA). A flower of an unusual color was presented for the first time by the inhabitants of the southern farm Silver Vase. The curiosity caused a resonance. And after 3 months, a plant called Royal Blue Phalaenopsis was presented at one of the flower exhibitions.

As a result, the exotic Phalaenopsis blue orchid received an award in the Sales Concept category. One of the jury members suggested that this particular plant is expected to be hugely popular in the near future.

Orchid growers do not hide the fact that blue is not a natural color. They immediately warn that the next bloom will be white. They also patented the technology of this orchid color, but they try to keep the nuances of the "coloring" secret.

"Petrovka, 38"

One of these "production directors" did not even hide his activities. A certain Timofeev, a resident of Novokuibyshevsk, Samara region, was a famous person in his city: everyone from young to old knew that he was the author of such films.

He slipped out like a burbot, and in order to take him "by the gills," it was necessary to establish the entire circle of his accomplices.

At this time, through the US intelligence services, a message came about a site popular among pedophiles in English "Blue Orchid" - "Blue Orchid".

How does the plant stain blue

Manufacturers do not like to talk about how a flower is stained. But the essence of their method usually consists in placing the plant in a specially created environment. This environment will not do any harm to the orchid, as it is itself of natural origin.

A hybrid bred in this way by breeders is a fairly successful marketing ploy that allows you to sell more orchids.

It is much more dangerous and harmful for the plant when sellers, wanting to make a big profit, decide to paint the orchid blue on their own. After all, if such a procedure is successful for them, then the cost of this plant will be several times higher.

Most often, these sellers produce the color by barbaric methods. As a dye, they use ink, which, with the help of an injection, is injected either into the root of the plant, or into the peduncle itself, or into the stem. Therefore, when buying a plant with a blue color, it is recommended to immediately carefully examine it. Each such injection is stressful for the phalaenopsis, which is precisely the cause of the death of the flower.

Poisoned by harmful dyes, a blue orchid, a photo of which shows all its beauty, can easily die. But it is worth remembering that when there is a trace of an injection on the peduncle, the plant can still survive. If the injection is made directly into the root of the flower, then there is practically no chance of recovery.

There is another method for dyeing orchids. Sometimes the plant is watered with colored water, so soon a blue tint appears not only on the flower itself, but also on the roots and leaves.

You should not also paint Phalaenopsis yourself. Many amateurs try to ink it over. This will not give the orchid a blue color, and the plant itself will die.

Is there really no blue phalaenopsis in nature?

There is no such bright blue color as painted ones. There are pale blue, blue with a lilac tint, white with a gray-blue tint. Such shades are very rare for phalaenopsis. These are mainly species plants with small flowers and primary hybrids based on them.

For example, natural blue forms:

• Phalaenopsis violacea coerulea
• Doritis pulcherrima coerulea
• Phalaenopsis equestris cyanochilus

And some famous hybrids:

• Doritaenopsis Peter "Blue Sky"

Rating 5.00

Phalaenopsis orchid can be grown at home. This flower will blend harmoniously with any indoor setting. To date, a large number of phalaenopsis species have been bred by geneticists. The color of the flowers of a plant can be very different, so you can always choose a phalaenopsis according to your taste for your interior. After all, not every person needs to have a classic color orchid.

Collecting not only attractive, but also rare plants is widespread among florists. And Phalaenopsis is quite capable of taking a place in their collection due to its unusual blue color.

The blue phalaenopsis orchid is a rather rare species, and it is not always possible for breeders to bring out a flower with a blue color. For this reason, it is easiest to carry out a simple staining with chemical components.

In the wild, of course, there are specimens that are vaguely similar to blue orchids: light azure, grayish, whitish with pale blue flowers, but you will have to try hard when looking for such a plant.

Blue Phalaenopsis Royal (Royal Orchid) was presented to the world in the Dutch province at a floristic competition. This is a special flower with whitish-blue flowers, which, according to experts, will soon become quite popular among residents of different states.

The only pure blue plant species found in Japanese climates is Phalaenopsis Aphrodite. It was obtained as a result of many years of painstaking work on breeding orchids using genetic engineering and conventional selection by scientists from the Chiba Institute.

For this, the gene responsible for the blue color was transplanted into the whitish plant. The plant "Sineglazka" from Central Asia was the donor. As a result of transplantation we got a blue (blue) orchid Aphrodite. A potted plant can actively reproduce, releasing several dozen flowers with a radius of 2.5 cm during one growing season.

Seeds and saplings of Aphrodite is impossible for an ordinary person to get. For this reason, the overwhelming majority of phalaenopsis suppliers use their own method of obtaining a blue color. Companies have found a solution: it is necessary to use special dyes.

Care features

After purchasing an orchid, there is no need to rush to transplant it. The dyed plant is already undergoing stress after coloring, so it may get sick or even die after transplantation. Basically, the rules for caring for a blue orchid are the same as for other plants of this species. First of all, it is worth making sure that a certain temperature regime is constantly observed in the room where the Phalaenopsis blue orchid is located. The air temperature should not drop below +7 degrees.

In such a room, it is necessary to maintain high humidity, so the flower should not only be sprayed, but also used pallets in which expanded clay will be wet. In order for the flowering process of an orchid to occur in winter, additional lighting will be required. Both watering and feeding should always be done in a timely manner. It is required to choose the right substrate and flower pot.

Gallery: Phalaenopsis orchid in nature (25 photos)

Watering features

The blue orchid prefers a small amount of moisture, so when watering it is better to underfill than overflow. It is recommended to use melt water for irrigation. It gathers in the rain. The container in which the orchid grows is placed in a basin of melt water for several hours. Then the water is poured out.

But after watering, be sure to perform a few more steps. They will help save the flower.First of all, you must first wipe the leaves, and then lay them on a special wire rack to dry out.

Exceptions to the rule

Although Mother Nature has deprived us of this miracle, some varieties of orchids have a color that is as close as possible to the blue-blue palette. First of all, this is Queen Wanda. Under natural conditions, it grows in the tropical forests of Thailand and China.

Purple and lilac vanda, strewn with white spots, looks unusual. The flower crosses well with other species, which is used by breeders. The result is different shades of petals.

Another representative of the orchid family is Cattleya. Not too demanding plant in the content. Large flowers exude a pleasant aroma. Of course, the natural bud will not be painted in deep blue. But the lilac, pink-blue gamut is quite possible to find.

Orchid feeding

To carry out root and foliar feeding, you need to purchase special additives in the store. In the summer months, Phalaenopsis blue usually needs to be fed several times a month. In winter, you can do this less often.

It is imperative to constantly monitor the soil, since drying out can lead to phalaenopsis disease. You cannot leave such a flower in the sun, because the bright rays of the sun will destroy it. In winter, provide the beauty with the right lighting - dim and metered. Watering and feeding in winter are less frequent and in smaller quantities.

Choosing a dye for coloring orchids

For coloring orchids, flower growers are trying to use different chemical dyes - from stationery inks to food paints. Practice shows that plants react differently to these substances. The quality of staining itself is also different:

• Stationery dyes (ink, ink, gouache paints, etc.). The most problematic material in terms of plant safety. Stationery paints contain phytotoxic components - alcohols, viscosity and wettability modifiers, acids, etc. Coloring with such substances is guaranteed to lead to the death of the orchid.
• Food colorings. Most often, flower growers take paint for Easter eggs. Blue colors give dyes marked from E130 to E139. Most of them are products of coal processing or oil refining, therefore, they are also unsafe for plant tissues.
• Floristic aerosols. They practically do not have phytotoxicity, since they are applied only to the surface of the petals. For coloring orchids in blue shades, you can take the paint "Spring pro florist": for light blue - "Soft blue", for blue - "Royal blue".
• Floristic liquid paints for fresh flowers. It is this product that is used by some unscrupulous orchid growers to give plants rare colors. The speed and quality of dyeing is high, due to the good solubility in water and the rapid spread of the pigment through the tissues. The full color of the orchid flower occurs within a few hours after the injection.

Among liquid floristic paints, the following have proven themselves well:

Advantages:
Delivery of pigment through watering	· The dye dissolves in irrigation water;
Advantages:
Delivery of pigment by injection	· A special dye is drawn into the syringe;
Advantages:
Name	Description	average cost
"Vase Color"	Dyes available in 300 ml glass bottles. Can be added to irrigation water or used in pure form for injection. For coloring in shades of blue, the dyes "Light Blue" and "Dark Blue" are suitable.	380 rubles per bottle
Erelia	Dyes produced in containers of different sizes - from 250 ml to 5 liters. Can be used with irrigation water or injections. To obtain blue shades of varying degrees of intensity, paints numbered 4, 7, 8 and 21 are suitable.	150 rubles for 250 ml

Tip # 1.To keep the color of the dyed orchid as pure as possible, it is better to test the dyes on white varieties.

How to save a blue orchid from death?

The blue orchid, the photo of which attracts many flower growers, requires very careful attention to itself. If the flower suddenly begins to fall off, then you should understand that this is a negative effect of the paint, which it cannot cope with. Therefore, all measures should be taken to save Phalaenopsis Blue.

First of all, it is worth cutting off the peduncle itself, which most often contains the most harmful dye. After that, you must thoroughly and carefully rinse the roots. It is best to use warm water. Be sure to remove those places that have rotted or turned blue. The cut points of the plant should not be left open; they should be dried and sprinkled with ash. After purchasing a painted orchid, it is recommended to fill the pot with new soil.

What to do right after buying a blue orchid

If all the recommendations are followed when choosing a plant, then at first after purchasing a flower, nothing special should be done, just watch it carefully.

If the phalaenopsis retains its normal appearance and only over time the artificial color is lost, then everything is in order with the orchid, and there is no reason for concern.

In the case when the rapid wilting of the flower is noticeable, it is necessary to transplant it. The algorithm for plant transplantation will be discussed below.

Planting an orchid at home

It is known that the blue orchid, the flower of which changes its color over time, prefers to grow not in a pot of soil, but in a container where forest moss, bark, sand, peat and even polystyrene are placed. Such a substrate for growing a plant can be either purchased in a store or made at home on your own.

If such soil is made independently, then you should know that it is better to use the bark from "dead" pine. Before using it for growing, it is necessary to grind, then boil thoroughly and dry the raw material. You must first prepare the moss in the same way.

It is best to select coarse sand for growing. You can add fine expanded clay mixed with charcoal and foam chips to it. Before planting an orchid in this mixture, it is necessary not only to mix everything thoroughly, but also to moisten it.

The color of the pot in which the blue orchid will grow will also be important. It is best to choose light-colored plastic pots. The flower will feel great both in pots, and even in wicker baskets.

When planting, all actions must be performed carefully, as you can damage the roots of the plant, which are quite fragile.

Short video

Some stores do not even hide this and write on the plate under the price tag that this is not a natural color and the orchid blooms with blue flowers only once. This is at least fair to the buyers.

However, not everyone is so honest. There are many sellers who pass off dyed phalaenopsis as a supposedly very rare natural species and fight for it at exorbitant prices. And they call it - Phalaenopsis Royal Blue, which can be translated as Royal blue phalaenopsis.

But in the DNA of natural phalaenopsis there is simply no gene that gives the blue pigment. Therefore, if you are convinced that this is a species orchid, this is pure deception.

Although Phalaenopsis Royal Blue does exist, it is not a natural species, or even a hybrid. You will not find such a name in the list of officially registered hybrids. And what is it - you will find out below ...

Japanese kind of orchid

It is known that in 2013 a blue orchid species was bred in Japan, which, after many years of work, was presented by breeders. To obtain a transgenic plant, Japanese scientists took as a basis the white orchid Aphrodite, which produces more than 30 flowers in just one flowering.

Then this prolific plant was grafted with a gene from another variety.Commelin's orchid was taken for the blue gene. But until now, this flower with a blue color is considered exclusive, so it is not available for orchid lovers. At the moment, this variety is not available commercially.

Pedophiles from Uktus

The last high-profile rape, which may be associated with the activities of pedophile porno dealers, took place in Yekaterinburg on November 7 this year. at about 17:30 in the Shinny microdistrict of the Chkalovsky district, a 12-year-old girl was thrown a bag over her head and stuffed into a car. The attackers brought the victim to the apartment. Moreover, the child was carried from the car to the home in a large bag. Then, for several hours, the girl was raped by two men - under video recording. It is not yet clear whether the process was accompanied by an online broadcast on the Internet, but after the abuse, the girl was handed a piece of paper with the website's web address and photographed in this form.

As follows from the testimony of the victim, after all the bullying she was thoroughly washed in the bathroom (however, it was not possible to hide all traces, later the investigators collected the biomaterials of the criminals from the victim's body), loaded into a bag, carried into a car, taken to Polevskoy tract and left on the side of the road.

The best police forces were "raised" to search for the rapists. On November 18, they detained the first suspect, Alexander Shiryaev, the victim's cohabitant who had previously been convicted of property crimes. And on November 25, a second suspect, originally from Perm, was detained in a suburb of Kazan. It was not possible to find carriers of information with a record of the torture of a minor. However, it is not completely clear whether the rape was broadcast online.

The detectives checked all the Moscow hospitals, but found no one.

After that, they turned to their St. Petersburg colleagues. It turned out that in one of the hospitals in St. Petersburg there is a resident of Balashikha.

After an appropriate check, it turned out that this is exactly the person who is wanted by the Moscow Criminal Investigation Department.

Blue orchid varieties

If, nevertheless, there is a great desire to purchase a blue orchid, then you can buy a variety with blue flowering. For example, Wanda, who looks incredibly impressive and is able to decorate any room. But it certainly requires special care. Beginners may not be able to handle it.

If the atmosphere that the owner creates for Wanda suits her, then the flowering will be lush. The color of the flowers of such a plant is deep blue. Another type of blue orchid is Cattleya. Its fragrant flowers are not only large in size, but also varied in color: there are pinkish, lilac, pale blue shades. In care, the orchid is considered the most unpretentious and is suitable even for beginners.

Varieties

For years, unscrupulous sellers have been selling tinted orchids. Unfortunately, it was possible to find out this only after the first watering, when the ink was washed out with water. Such methods often lead to the death of flowers from intoxication, and in rare cases, when a new pet still survives, the flowers no longer delight in blue.

Modern breeders have developed blue orchids. Hybrids belong to different families, such as Wandas, Cattleyas, Phalaenopsis.

For those who do not have much experience in growing orchids, blue Phalaenopsis is perfect. These hybrids are created for indoor conditions and are unpretentious in care (

Useful Tips

In order for the purchased orchids to please with their flowering, you need to know and follow a few simple tips. For example, you need to purchase such rare flowers at special exhibitions or in stores. You should not buy an orchid with blue flowers without experience in growing phalaenopsis, as it will soon get sick and may even die.

Always remember that a dyed plant requires more careful and careful maintenance. Therefore, it is recommended to think about whether to buy a blue orchid. You don't need to paint it blue yourself. If you follow all these recommendations, then an indoor orchid garden will delight any amateur gardener with its varied flowering.

Staining methods

First you need to choose a flower. A light-colored orchid works best. Next, you need to decide on the method:

1. watering paint;
2. paint application with blue pigment.

Staining method No. 1.

The first method is characterized by gentle effects on the potted plant, however, it is not as effective as the second method. In addition, in the future, not only the petals, but also the stem will be covered with paint, while the duration of the color change will be short.

After the cessation of watering with blue dye, the renewed flower will almost immediately try to regain its natural shade.

The procedure for staining by applying paint by watering and subsequent maintenance is simple. Consider the sequence of actions:

1. Dissolving the dye in water is required. The coloring rule is as follows: with an increase in the amount of pigment, the color saturation and damage to the plant becomes greater.
2. After the first painting, the flower must be periodically watered with this aqueous solution.

Staining method No. 2.

This method of painting is extremely harmful, however, if the grower chose to use it, it is required to carry out the most careful procedure for introducing paint.

The dye enters the stem or root part, into the peduncle by injection. The introduction of a coloring pigment into the stem or root part seems to be the most harmful effect for the plant. In this case, the plant's immunity is significantly weakened, which is externally manifested by rashes of ulcerative structures on the body of the plant organism.

If the dye was introduced into the peduncle, then the plant is quite capable of compensating for the dangerous effect by counter-action from its defense mechanisms. In other words, the likelihood that the plant will not die increases markedly. Therefore, it is preferable to choose this option so as not to create an unnecessarily negative effect on the flower.

The procedure for staining by injection is as follows: it is necessary to absorb an aqueous coloring solution into a syringe and inject this mixture into the peduncle. The advantage of this staining method over the previous one is that it is not required to constantly water the plant.

The consequences of staining for a plant.

After staining orchids, it is imperative to carefully look after them, because for some time after such a procedure the plant is in a weakened state. If the phalaenopsis still blooms with whitish buds the next calendar year, you do not need to try to re-paint it.

Watering staining is unable to alter the amino acid sequence in the DNA structure of the plant. After all, painting is only a cosmetic operation.

The blue orchid is not a natural miracle, but a marketing ploy by flower distributors. Many buyers are delighted with azure phalaenopsis. They just dream of replenishing their home flower collection with such an unusual representative of exotic plants.

The Blue Orchid first appeared at the 2011 Florida Tropical Plants Show and then as the Royal Blue Phalaenopsis in Holland in a flower competition.

The fact that this is a dyed flower, no one hid. But everyone was delighted with the appearance of an orchid of this color. The method of dyeing a flower blue is patented and kept in strict confidence.The manufacturers only shared the general essence of the coloring process: the flower is immersed in a special environment where elements of natural origin are used, which ensures the safety of the procedure and does not harm the plant.

Artificial

New color schemes of orchid flowers are produced in the following ways:

• injection using ink;
• watering using colored water.

Experts say that both methods have a negative effect on the plant

... This is especially true of the second option, since when watering with colored concentrated water, the plant is very likely to simply die due to poisoning with chemical elements.

When you enter a flower shop, your eyes run up from the variety of varieties presented. What colors you just do not find, often such colors do not even exist in nature, but only experienced florists know this.

Bright, for example, does not exist in nature. And if such a specimen flaunts on the counter of the store, then, most likely, this is a clear result of staining, and not a selectively bred variety.

Diseases and parasites of the royal blue

Blue orchids are susceptible to the following diseases:

Tick ​​infestation	A spider mite is able to attack leaves and shoots, braiding them with a thin cobweb and causing part of the living tissue to dry out (the plant is covered with small dry brown patches). Against this parasite, soap foam, ethyl alcohol, factory products (Fitoverm, Aptellik, Neoron)
Schervets (small, a few millimeters, white caterpillar-like animal)	Confidor, Mospilan, Biotlin and other means help against them. From folk remedies, a mixture of soapy water with alcohol is effective (a liter of water, 15 grams of soap, 10 ml of alcohol)
Rot	Can usually hit roots or stems... Brown spots cover the plant, after which the decayed part dries up and dies. The reason here is high humidity or an incorrectly selected substrate. Don't water the plant as often; change the substrate. The best substrate is dry pine bark or a special store-bought mixture for orchids.

A plant affected by ticks is easy to diagnose by characteristic leaf damage.

Hot shower technology for orchids.

First, water the plant with warm water, as usual - so as not to sprinkle on dry roots. Half an hour after watering, we put the orchid in the bath and pour the whole plant from head to toe with hot (not warm) - + 47 ... + 52 and above degrees, within 15-30 seconds. Water gets on the pot, bark, stems, leaves from both sides.

You can cover the pot and bark with polyethylene and apply a hot sprinkler over the leaves, keeping the plant tilted. It should be borne in mind that too high a temperature can cause burns to leaves and roots. The water temperature should be comfortable for your hand.

After this procedure, do not water or spray for two weeks, depending on the size of the flowerpot and plant. If the orchid is small, then the procedure lasts about 15-20 seconds, the next watering (in the usual way), respectively, may be earlier. Adult specimens take longer to process and the substrate, accordingly, dries longer.

In winter, we leave the plant in the bathroom to dry out, let the excess moisture drain off, blotting it with a paper napkin at the point of growth and in the axils of the leaves. Only then we put it in place, but not on a cold windowsill. In summer, the orchid can be returned to its place without drying, minimally removing water from the sinuses and growth points.

Where to order a real one?

The cost of this blue orchid is from 1000 rubles.

It is necessary to care for indoor flowers, taking into account their type. All types of this orchid are thermophilic

... For this reason, it is necessary to place them on the sunny side of the apartment: an acceptable view is diffused sunlight.

The best temperature is + 25 / + 30 degrees.At night - +16 degrees. For good flowering, a huge difference between day and night temperatures can be useful - up to 10 degrees. Significant humidity and optimal atmospheric circulation are also significant.

The flower needs a high-quality substrate, since its health and the likelihood of blooming depend on this.

For the normal growth of a blue orchid, the soil in the pot should be loose, not chewed, with a huge number of pine shavings and good drainage. In its capacity, it is possible to use crushed stone, pieces of foam. Much of it should be in the center of the pot, which must have many large holes for excellent ventilation. The substrate should be close to the walls of the pot

.

Top dressing should be stable, at least once a month. The fertilizer must be well balanced, this is directly reflected in the flowering. From a significant number of high-calorie elements, the top of the stem becomes soft, and from an insufficient number, it blooms weakly.

The features of watering a plant are as follows: the higher the air temperature, the more often it is necessary to water. Due to stagnant water, root decay can occur, and the plant can die. It should be that the water completely drains after any watering.

Unlike Wanda, it is more correct not to spray a blue orchid.

... The structure of a leaf of this type is such that water can accumulate at the base.

Execution technique

First of all, choose a flower. The best choice is a white orchid.

To make your flower turn blue, you can choose one of two ways:

1. watering staining;
2. staining with the introduction of blue pigment.

The first method is more gentle for the plant, but less effective. In addition, later, not only the petals, but also the stem will be colored, and the duration of the color change will be short. As soon as you stop watering with the blue substance, the dyed flower will quickly return to its original state.

The dyeing technology using watering is simple: dissolve the dye in water (the dyeing rules state: the higher the concentration of the pigment, the brighter the color will be, and the more dangerous it is for the plant). Then you should water your flower with this composition as usual.

The second type of staining is very dangerous, but if you decide to stay on it, try to choose the most gentle way of introducing the dye. The paint is injected into the peduncle, stem or root. Injection of pigment into the root system and stem is the most dangerous - it not only greatly weakens the plant, but also leaves external defects resembling ulcers on it.

If the injection was made into the peduncle, then the plant has a better chance of survival. As for the technology for introducing a dye, it is quite simple. Fill a syringe with a solution of dye and water and gently inject this solution into the selected part of your subject.

Reproduction methods

If you bought not a Vanda or Cattleya, but a painted orchid, be guided by the phalaenopsis breeding technique. It reproduces mainly by children and cuttings.

Cuttings

Cutting is an effective, fairly simple way. Cuttings are cut only from a healthy plant that is not affected by pests and diseases. Take a side shoot. Cut it into several pieces. On each, two nodes with axillary buds are left. The container is filled with wet sand or sphagnum moss. The cuttings are laid horizontally. Cover the container with foil on top.

The ground in the greenhouse is regularly moistened, the film is removed daily for ventilation. In about a month, full-fledged children will form on the shoots. Separate and plant them in separate containers after the formation of their own root system.

Growing up from kids

Babies develop from dormant kidneys. Formed on the stem, peduncle. Children are rarely formed on their own.Usually their development has to be stimulated. Several methods of stimulation are used.

• Division of the main plant. The method is risky, only suitable for completely healthy plants. In the case of a painted orchid, it is better not to use it. The essence of the method is that the top is cut off and rooted. The lower part is continued to look after until the appearance of children with roots.
• Reducing watering and temperature drops. Watering is stopped for 15 days, daily temperature drops of 7-9˚С are achieved.
• Hormonal stimulants. A special hormonal paste is sold in flower shops. With its help, you can quickly wake up a sleeping kidney, stimulate the formation of children from it. Covering scales are removed from the upper bud of the peduncle. They work carefully, using a sharp blade and tweezers. Every four days, the sleeping kidney is treated with a paste. The orchid is kept in a warm room at temperatures up to 30˚С. In the cool, a bud forms instead of children. Grown up children are separated from the peduncle and planted.

As cuttings, you can take pieces of the peduncle. After flowering, it is cut off, divided into pieces of three to four centimeters and planted in the same way as cuttings from a lateral shoot. At each segment, one dormant kidney is left.

The consequences of painting for a flower

Unfortunately, a rare flower is able to withstand such aggressive interventions in its environment without serious consequences. Inadequate care of the orchid and excessive zeal for its transformation can lead your pet to death. An artificially dyed orchid will become a constant concern.

Painted orchids need more careful care, since they can hurt for some time after staining. Also, remember: if the next year the phalaenopsis has bloomed with white buds, you should not be surprised or try to color it again.

Painting does not change the genetic code. Painting is only a temporary change. Orchids with artificial blue flowers can always be replaced with other types of phalaenopsis, which will have their own natural blue hue.

Use of dyes

For dyeing at home, it is most often used specialized paint for flowers, which you can easily find on the Internet.

An excellent alternative would be conventional food coloring... As practice shows, these two options are the safest for the further growth and development of the orchid. It is better to forget about such a barbaric method as staining with ink.

As a rule, after staining, blue inflorescences appear only during the first flowering. If, after chemical intervention, the flower does not die, the subsequent buds will be pinkish or white.

In order to save an orchid with a colored peduncle, the area affected by the dyes should be cut off and the resulting cut should be treated with charcoal. If the paint was introduced through the peduncle, the plant can still be saved.

IMPORTANT! After removing the affected area, the root system should be rinsed and the plant should be transplanted into fresh soil and substrate.

After transplanting a flower you need to put in a lighted and warm place, out of direct sunlight. After the procedures, the plant will most likely plunge into a dormant period in order to recover. During this period, it is recommended to keep watering to a minimum and not fertilize the flower until it wakes up.

This is where the manipulations to save the painted orchid end, only remains:

• Loving home beauties;
• Care;
• And believe in a speedy recovery.

Home care

When purchasing or receiving a royal blue phalaenopsis as a gift, you need to know some of the features of caring for it. You should be prepared for the fact that beautiful inflorescences of an unusual shade will fade, and new ones of the same will no longer appear.But so that the plant does not wither, but continues its vital activity and releases, albeit of a different shade, buds, you need to protect the orchid from new stresses, because it has already endured one and it is not a fact that it will endure the next. Colored orchids need more scrupulous care, since at first they will be susceptible to disease.

Take a close look at the roots of the phalaenopsis. If the flower was given a blue color by injecting a dye into the root system, then it has no chance of survival. In the absence of traces from the introduction of the dye into the root, the plant will continue to exist.

In no case should you transplant a new inhabitant of the house right away: this is stress for the plant. You need to care for him in the same way as for any other flowers.

If the blue orchid began to rapidly shed its buds, it means that the plant is experiencing the negative influence of the dye. You need to immediately do the following:

• remove the peduncle with blue inflorescences;
• cut off rotten and blue roots;
• process the cuts with ash or cinnamon and dry the roots of the flower;
• fill a clean pot with new soil intended for orchids;
• put a flower there.

The main components of blue phalaenopsis care are light, moisture and warmth. The flower needs periodic washing from a spray bottle with water at room temperature.

Lighting is of great importance for orchids. They cannot stand direct sunlight, but a small amount of light is destructive for them. Putting it on windows facing south is not advisable in summer; in winter, it is better to create additional lighting for the plant using fluorescent lamps.

Blue orchids, like any other, need the right ratio of lighting and watering. The brighter the light, the more the plant needs to be watered. You should focus on the state of the substrate in the pot: if it is dry, there is no condensation on the inner walls of the container and the roots of the orchid have acquired a light shade, then watering is necessary. This can be a warm shower or lowering the pot into a tray of warm, settled water. The second option is more convenient. Its duration should be 30-40 minutes. The usual method of watering for orchids is destructive.

After all the flowers on the blue orchid have bloomed, you need to pay attention to whether there is a green bud at the top. If there is one, then there is no need to rush to cut the peduncle. In case of blackening of the top, it can be cut off or not touched at all, because there may be dormant buds that can still turn into "butterflies" of amazing beauty, but no longer blue.

It is possible that there are traces of the introduction of blue paint at the base of the orchid peduncle. The very condition of the plant is important here. If it is satisfactory, then nothing is worth doing. It is necessary to care for the flower as before. The arrow needs to be cut in a situation when the phalaenopsis has thrown off all the buds on its own. This means that he is under stress. It must be protected from harmful dye from getting into other parts of the flower.

Orchids should be fed at least once a month with specially formulated fertilizers for these flowers. This has a beneficial effect on the flowering of the plant.

Long-term non-flowering of phalaenopsis indicates insufficient illumination of the room in which it is located. The orchid cannot stand drafts yet.

Flower disease is manifested by a change in the shade of the leaves, rotting of the roots, and lack of flowering. It can be caused by a viral disease, the appearance of a tick, bacteriosis, burns, fusarium wilting. Any manifestation of the disease requires a plant transplant and its treatment.

The blue orchid, meaning phalaenopsis, has long been sold in flower shops. However, this is a kind of deception, since the flower was originally white, and it was painted, a blue dye was introduced.

The Japanese raised blue phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis lack the gene responsible for the production of blue pigment. But in nature, blue flowers are not uncommon. For many years, researchers and breeders have tried to grow a true blue phalaenopsis orchid. After various experiments, genetic engineers from Japan's Chiba University succeeded. They used a gene from the Asiatic commeline (native to Asia and Africa), which gives it a blue color, and based on the phalaenopsis "Aphrodite". The newly developed blue orchid has flowers that are smaller than those of their hybrid counterparts, only 5 cm in diameter, but many of them can bloom on the peduncle, up to 30 pieces. The miracle plant was named "Phalaenopsis Aphrodite - Royal Blue". Naturally, it is not yet widely sold.

Blue phalaenopsis on sale

The blue orchid on the shelves is a crippled plant. If you look closely, the injection site can be identified. In some plants, which are relatively lucky, it is on the peduncle, in others, less lucky, in the stem or roots.

Abroad, where blue orchids are "produced", they are seen as temporary, one-off interior decorations. After losing their original beauty, they are simply thrown away. And Russian flower growers are compassionate people, they certainly want to leave a sick plant. And the fact that the next peduncle will be white does not stop them at all. There is a category of people who like the process of reanimating plants, they bring dying specimens or they buy discounted orchids, and the question is not only about money.

New orchid in the house

If you have a blue orchid, then it will need to pay some attention. Examine the roots initially. If the root system is good, then there is no need to replant. If there are few healthy roots, and the bulk is rotten, dry, damaged, then a transplant is needed immediately.

Transfer

You can buy a special primer or mix pine bark with charcoal in a 5: 1 ratio. The bark can be collected from fallen trees without rotting. Before use, it must be boiled, cooled. Remove the plant carefully from the pot. Cut out all dry, rotten (to healthy tissue) roots. Sprinkle the slices with ground cinnamon. If there are almost no healthy roots, then it is better to cut the peduncle, it will stand in the water for a long time. Rinse the pot thoroughly, disinfect. It is advisable to make holes in the walls to facilitate air access to the roots. In phalaenopsis, they are involved in the process of photosynthesis. Pour drainage at the bottom, immediately install a support for the peduncle, add prepared soil. Arrange the treated plant and add soil.

Conclusion

If the peduncle was cut off, then the blue orchid turned into a phalaenopsis mix. Caring for her needs appropriate to the genus.

An incredible palette of colors will satisfy the most sophisticated preferences, and the plant will fit into any interior.

Growing up has long become a kind of hobby. Fans of these exotic plants often think about what kind of unusual specimen they can buy for their collection.

In the difficult search for originals and unique ones, it is very easy to fall into the trap of cunning sellers. Due to ignorance of what flowers orchids are, you can accidentally purchase a flower colored artificially.

Nature itself has taken care of the variety of orchid colors.

How to achieve the desired color

Most growers do not hide the fact that the shade of the flower is obtained artificially, but they try to keep the dyeing technology a secret. But upon closer examination of the plant, this mystery is easy to unravel: at the base of the peduncle you can see the place of injection of the dye, which changes the color of future buds even before they bloom.

The high cost of blue orchids is due to the fact that not all plants survive after such injections: many of them die, reacting poorly to outside interference.

When purchasing such a plant, carefully study the label, and be prepared for the fact that the next peduncle will give you ordinary white flowers in order to avoid bitter disappointments. But after all, snow-white orchids are incredibly beautiful, aren't they?

Consequences of color change

Any paint contains aggressive chemicals. Their introduction into the peduncle does not pass without consequences.

• Violation of gas exchange. The capillaries become clogged, the plant cannot breathe fully.
• Diseases and pests. Natural immunity is lost, resistance to diseases and pests is lost. Ulcers and rot may appear at the injection site. When a dye is introduced into the roots, they inevitably rot.
• Plant death. This is the most common outcome of an experiment. At best, it partially recovers, but still remains weakened.

Post-flowering care for a colored orchid will vary slightly. It is better to cut the peduncle immediately, without waiting for the re-formation of buds or children. It will take longer to recover. The flower needs to be provided with the most comfortable conditions.

Painting does not affect the plant's genetic code in any way. This is a temporary change, from which not a trace will remain for the next flowering. If you want to diversify your collection with blue orchids, look in stores for Vanda or Cattleya.

Choosing paint

When buying a blue orchid in a store, you always run the risk of stumbling upon unscrupulous sellers who use materials that are extremely harmful to plants and do not follow professional staining technology. Having taken up the coloring on our own, we, as a rule, approach the process more carefully, because the responsibility for the further life of the plant lies only with us.

If you nevertheless decide to paint phalaenopsis at home, try to use special flower paints for this (you can order them on the Internet) or food coloring. Some growers resort to the barbaric method of painting - ordinary ink. But staining with ink is categorically not recommended, because they contain harmful solvents, surfactants, penetrants, and so on.

Frequent illnesses

The likelihood of getting a painted orchid disease is much higher. At the slightest sign of illness, treatment begins immediately. A weakened plant is much less likely to survive. Below is a table showing the symptoms of the main diseases and how to treat them.

Table - Orchid diseases and methods of their treatment

Disease	Signs	Treatment
Bacterial spot	- The appearance of spots; - yellow leaves; - darkening of the leaves; - softening of the leaves; - the appearance of ulcers	- Removal of diseased leaves; - fungicide treatment
Powdery mildew	- White bloom; - drying of damaged parts	- Spraying with colloidal sulfur; - spraying with Skor or Topsin-M preparations
Sooty fungus	- Black bloom; - weakening and death of the plant	- Treatment with drugs "Mikosan", "Ridomil", "Topsin-M"
Rot	- Softening of roots and leaves; - the appearance of rot	- Pruning decayed parts; - transplant with a change of capacity and substrate; - fungicide treatment

Difficulties of growing

So, we remember that next time we can count on bluish flowers, or even completely snow-white, at best. But if we want to keep a plant that has already survived stress healthy, it will have to be carefully looked after.

When the last blue flower has wilted, remove the colored peduncle and allow the orchid to rest for a while in a moderately warm room (with a temperature of + 20 ... + 22 ° C) with diffused lighting. A resting orchid should be watered regularly, but rarely, focusing on the state of the substrate.The latter should have time to dry completely before the next watering. We water by immersion, lowering the pot with the plant in a container of water for at least 1 hour. After that, carefully drain the remaining water so that it does not linger between the roots (otherwise the process of decay of the root system may begin). For the dormant period, fertilization should be abandoned - the culture should recover on its own after flowering.

As soon as you notice that the orchid looks strong and healthy, and even tries to knock out new leaves, it means that the rest period has come to an end. Now you can gradually apply top dressing, and think about re-flowering. We transfer the orchid to a room where the air temperature will be more varied: about +22 ° C during the day and +18 ° C at night. Such temperature fluctuations stimulate the formation of new buds.

Some people prefer to take the flower out for a certain time on a glazed loggia in order to achieve the desired effect. But in this case, it is necessary to ensure that the temperature does not drop below +15 ° C, since such hypothermia is fraught with serious problems for the plant.

Sometimes amateur flower growers are interested in the question of how to paint an orchid blue at home. It would seem that everything is simple: we take an ordinary syringe and blue ink from a color printer, and inject it into the flower stalk of an orchid, rubbing our hands in anticipation of the appearance of blue buds.

Of course, you can decide on such an experiment, but only if you are tired of your orchid and you want to get rid of it. After such an injection, not only the peduncle will die, but also, with a high degree of probability, the entire plant. Therefore, you should not risk it, and still buy a blue orchid in the store if you like it so much.
blue, which would not be stained.
You can read more about the only true blue Phalaenopsis hybrid called Aphrodite, which was bred by Japanese breeders. This article will focus on colored orchids and whether you can paint the plant yourself at home.

Important!

During the dormant period, the temperature should be slightly lower than with the active growth of the orchid.

You also need to remember about correctly selected light mode.

In the spring and summer, it is recommended to keep the plant on the balcony so that it can get enough sunshine. In this case, it is necessary to avoid sunburn on the leaves or flowers of the orchid. In the winter-autumn period, special lamps are used to increase the level of illumination.

All phalaenopsis need good lighting.

How to water to preserve the blue pigment?

number depends on the season

- in summer, it is necessary to moisten the flower more often than in winter. On average, it is recommended to water in summer 1 time in 3-4 days, in winter - 1 time in 7-10 days.

In order to understand whether it is necessary to water the orchid, it is enough to touch the soil: if it is very dry, then the plant requires moisture. For better use quality water at room temperature.

Root and foliar feeding

It is carried out in the same way as for other varieties of orchids: during vegetative growth.

In the resting phase, the plant needs rest, so it is not recommended to add fertilizers. For best use
ready-made mineral mixtures,
which are sold in specialized stores.

Seasonal features

After dyeing an orchid, it is important to remember that the blue pigment is immortal. After the amount of dye dries up, the orchid throws out the usual white buds.

You should not engage in frequent coloring, as this will lead to the death of the plant.

It is very important to monitor the condition of the flower, since after the introduction of the pigment, it is more susceptible to diseases and damage by harmful microorganisms.

Bloom

Stimulation of flowering occurs due to temperature changes... For example, if the difference between day and night temperatures is about 10 degrees, then the natural drop is ensured and the happy owners of a blue orchid have nothing to worry about.

If this method does not work either - you should change the watering mode or rearrange the flower to a new location. However, such stimulation should be performed carefully, too much stress can be detrimental to the blue orchid.

The duration of flowering depends on the health of the orchid. On average, it can last for several months. If the flowering period is too short, you need try to transplant an orchid, perhaps the flower does not have enough space for further development.

Re-flowering occurs, as a rule, six months later, and falls on the summer-autumn period.

IMPORTANT! After flowering at home, the next time the inflorescences will acquire a pinkish tint - these will be the remains of the dyes. As a result, with proper treatment and proper care, the flowers will regain their natural white color.

Photo

In the photo below you can see what a blue and blue orchid flower looks like.