The Dendrobium primulinum, commonly known as the Lan Long Tu orchid, is a beautiful flower species native to Laos and Vietnam, with a particularly strong presence in Lam Dong province. Let’s explore the unique features, uses, and significance of this exquisite orchid.
1 Introduction to Lan Long Tu
Lan Long Tu is predominantly found in Laos and Vietnam
Scientifically known as Dendrobium primulinum, this orchid species is widely distributed in Laos and Vietnam, especially in the large forests along the Truong Son mountain range towards the south, and in the northern mountainous region of Lam Dong province, including Bao Loc pass and Cat Tien forest.
Additionally, Lan Long Tu can also be found in other parts of the world, such as India, China, Myanmar, and Thailand.
2 Characteristics of Lan Long Tu
Lan Long Tu is a type of Dendrobium orchid
Lan Long Tu is a species of Dendrobium orchid characterized by its large pseudobulbs, ranging in size from 30 to 60 meters. During its growth phase, the orchid’s stem is green, later turning a striking purple color as the plant ages and enters the leaf-dropping phase. The stem features indented “sleeping eyes,” and is typically plump and rounded.
Lan Long Tu boasts a dense foliage of narrow, lanceolate leaves, measuring up to 9 centimeters in width.
This orchid exhibits a unique growth habit, forming cascading bushes that spill out of pots like a waterfall. It thrives in both hot and cold environments, although it tends to grow better in colder regions while producing more vibrant flowers in warmer climates.
The flowers of Lan Long Tu are its most striking feature. Different varieties of this orchid exhibit a range of colors, including pinkish-purple, pale purple, white, and deep purple. As the plant enters its flowering phase, the leaves drop, and flower buds form from the indented “sleeping eyes.” When cultivated under ideal conditions, Lan Long Tu can produce a stunning display of large, uniform flowers from root to tip.
In Vietnam, there are three main types of Lan Long Tu: Lan Long Tu Laos, Lan Long Tu Da, and Long Tu Xuan Lam Dong. These varieties share similar floral characteristics, with each flower featuring five small pinkish petals and a large, round central lip. However, their flowering seasons differ slightly.
– Long Tu Xuan Lam Dong: This variety has long, curved stems and typically blooms around the Tet Holiday. Its flowers exude a gentle, pleasant fragrance, and its purple and yellow hues make it a vibrant addition to any space. Long Tu Xuan is easy to cultivate, and its timely blooming makes it a favorite among orchid enthusiasts.
Long Tu Xuan Lam Dong
– Long Tu Laos: This variety blooms approximately one to two months after Tet. Its pseudobulbs are a deeper purple, and its shorter flower stems result in a shorter, more compact plant compared to Long Tu Xuan.
Long Tu Laos
– Lan Long Tu Da: This variety has short, green stems with long white stripes. Its flowers are covered in a velvety indumentum, and their colors are more intense, featuring white and deep purple hues. The leaves of Long Tu Da are slightly thinner than those of other Lan Long Tu varieties. This particular orchid is more challenging to cultivate and requires careful attention to produce desirable results.
Long Tu Da
In addition to these natural varieties, breeders have developed numerous Lan Long Tu hybrids to meet the demands and interests of orchid enthusiasts.
3 Significance of Lan Long Tu
Lan Long Tu carries multiple symbolic meanings
Lan Long Tu, like other orchids, symbolizes love and perfection. Orchids, in general, represent allure, elegance, refinement, nobility, and sophistication. Additionally, this particular flower is a renowned symbol of wisdom, decisiveness, and a pure and noble spirit.
Lan Long Tu also conveys a message of commitment and enduring bonds in relationships. It is an excellent choice to offer to loved ones as an expression of profound gratitude for cherished moments spent together.
Furthermore, Lan Long Tu symbolizes prosperity and sustainable development, making it an ideal gift for celebratory occasions, grand openings, and other special events.
For further exploration:
4 Uses of Lan Long Tu
The primary uses of Lan Long Tu are for propagation and ornamental purposes. Its abundant, fragrant flowers and aesthetic appeal make it a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardening, whether displayed on balconies, in home gardens, or as part of landscape designs.
Lan Long Tu enhances aesthetics and holds economic value
Additionally, Lan Long Tu is of significant economic value to flower growers. Orchid enthusiasts are willing to pay a premium for aesthetically pleasing orchid varieties, and Lan Long Tu, with its unique beauty, is highly sought-after.
In Yunnan, China, Lan Long Tu is used medicinally to treat burns, itching, and paralysis. The prepared medicine has a cooling property and a slightly bitter taste. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor or traditional medicine expert to maximize the medicinal benefits of this orchid.
5 Cultivation and Care of Lan Long Tu
Growing Lan Long Tu on a wooden medium
Cultivation Techniques
– Prepare Lan Long Tu seedlings by carefully separating the plants using a knife, taking care not to damage the “sleeping eyes.” Trim the old roots, leaving only 2-3 centimeters of the root system.
– Soak the prepared seedlings in a 1:1 solution of physan for 5-10 minutes, then remove and allow to air dry.
– Suitable growing media for Lan Long Tu include bark and rotten wood. Among these, wood is the more commonly used medium and offers a higher success rate. You can group plants of similar ages together on a board or separate them based on their lengths.
– Fix the orchids to the board using staples. Use as few staples as possible to allow for the plant’s growth. Once fixed, hang the board in a sunny location and cover it with a net, approximately 1.2-1.5 meters above the orchids, to provide 60-70% shade, optimizing their growth.
Care Instructions
– During the cold winter months, remove the net to allow the orchids to receive 100% natural sunlight.
– In the hot summer months, expose the orchids to direct sunlight for 1-2 hours before the sun’s rays become too intense.
– Water the plants regularly, approximately 1-3 times a week, depending on weather conditions.
– In December, when the plants start shedding their leaves and preparing to flower, cease watering and fertilizing to allow the plants to rest. Move the orchids to a sunnier location to encourage abundant and large blooms.
– The flowering season ends in February-March. Resume watering with a small amount of water around the roots and fertilize once a week to provide essential nutrients for the plants’ continued growth and the development of the next flowering season.
– When new shoots reach a length of 5-7 centimeters and new roots are about 3-5 centimeters long, spray the orchids with a growth stimulant solution. Prepare the solution by mixing one spoonful of specialized orchid fertilizer or NPK (20-20-20) with four liters of water. Water the orchids 2-3 times a week.
Proper care ensures abundant and timely flowering of Lan Long Tu
6 Beautiful Images of Lan Long Tu
Lan Long Tu Lao features a stunning combination of yellow and white
Long Tu Xuan showcases a vibrant array of colors
Long Tu Da is a favorite among orchid connoisseurs
Lan Long Tu produces a stunning display of uniform flowers
Another captivating image of Long Tu Da
7 Where to Buy Lan Long Tu and Price Range
Purchase Lan Long Tu from flower gardens or online vendors
Lan Long Tu is typically priced between 500,000 and 1,500,000 VND for larger plants and 200,000 to 400,000 VND for smaller ones. You can find Lan Long Tu at flower shops, garden centers, or online through e-commerce platforms and flower-selling websites.
We hope this comprehensive guide to the Lan Long Tu orchid has been informative and inspiring. Stay tuned for more fascinating insights into the world of flowers and gardening in our upcoming articles!
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