Mokara orchids are intergeneric hybrids of arachnis X ascocentrum X vanda that have the highest number of colors compared to other orchids. Mokara is probably the only flower with such a wide spectrum of color shades such as purple, pink, blue, red, orange, yellow, coral, and each and every color has its own range that will definitely be able to convey thousands of expressions.
The color purple, for example, could be associated with spirituality and nobility. Deep purple conveys richness, while Mokaras’ light purple or lavender reflects delicacy and sweet romance. In some countries like Thailand and China, purple is the expression of pain and sadness. While in many cultures violet is the color of the symbol of sovereigns.
Mokara, commonly named after the Smile Orchid, is native to Asia, where it was first discovered and cultivated. Today, this tropical orchid can be found almost on all continents with the exception of the extreme cold region such as Antarctica. The Sanskrit name Mokara derives from a Hindu philosophy that states that each 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 has a long stem that can produce 10 flowers per stem. Due to its delicacy and bright colors with its striking starfish shape, mokaras are popular in wedding bouquets. You can cut the long flowering stem and put them in a glass of water. To extend its decorative life, you can re-cut the stem under ¼ inch water every 3 days and replace the water in the glass with warm water until it is full near the rim of the glass.
Mokara orchids are included in the group of bright light orchids. Placing it in a place with morning sunlight until noon will be more sufficient in terms of lighting. If you are in doubt as to whether you provide enough light for your Mokara, you can observe the color of the leaves.
Generally healthy orchid leaves are bright green rather than dark green, indicating insufficient light. When you see the leaves turn a reddish green, it is a clear indication that the orchid is over lit. Although Mokara can tolerate full sun, avoid exposing it to this direct sunlight as its leaves have flattened surfaces that tend to absorb more heat which can eventually burn the leaves.
Mokara, especially modern hybrids, have been proven to be able to stay in low light conditions and show good health and successful flowering. But this could be possible if you gradually modify the intensity of the light from bright to low, which means that you must provide a period of time for adaptation, unless your orchid will surely die. If you want to care for this orchid in low light intensity, you should decrease the frequency of watering and fertilization.
The most suitable temperature for a Mokara is between 50º – 100ºF or 10º – 38ºC. In terms of food, Mokaras are a bit greedy in the sense that they feed well, especially when they are in full growth. You need to fertilize them in spring so that they drop once a week plus a little pure watering in between. While in autumn throughout the winter it will be enough to pay them once a month.
Well, if you are looking for an orchid that has multiple colors and shapes, easy to care for, that are available throughout the year, Mokara orchids must be what you are looking for.