Description
SUN: Monkey face orchids grow naturally in dim cool misty conditions. They do not enjoy sun. Keep yours in a cool dark spot or in full shade. You do not need to place it near a window to get direct sun as it will damage the plant. Bright light is also not essential. SOIL: Monkey face orchids cannot be grown in normal potting soil. They require a specific orchid mix that has a chunky consistency. You can purchase this mix or make it yourself using fir bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss. PH levels should be acidic to neutral, with a range of 5.5 to 7.0. WATER: Monkey face orchids must remain damp but should not be overwatered. Water once every 7 days and mist spray regularly to keep the plant damp and cool. Do not use tap water. Rainwater or cooled boiled water is preferred. Choose a pot with drainage holes at the base and on the sides. TEMPERATURE: This plant does not respond well to temperatures that fluctuate a lot or are too hot. Ideal temperatures are between 42��F to 46��F (6��C to 8��C) and 66��F to 68��F (19��C to 20��C). Do not stand your plant in a draught or directly in front of an air conditioner. PLANTING SUGGESTIONS: monkey face orchids do not like too much nitrogen. Do not feed them with a fertilizer that has a high nitrogen component as it will harm the plant. Feeding can be done weekly or monthly. Dracula simia, called also monkey orchid or the monkey-like Dracula, is an epiphytic orchid originally described in the genus Masdevallia, but later moved to the genus Dracula. The arrangement of column, petals and lip strongly resembles a monkey’s face. The plant blooms at any season with several flowers on the inflorescence that open successively. Flowers are fragrant with the scent of a ripe orange.
