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White nun
White nun
White nun
White nun
White nun
Lycaste virginalis
Also known as : Monja blanca, White nun orchid
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Every week
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care guide

Care Guide for White nun

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Watering Care
Watering Care
Details on Watering Care Watering Care
Fertilizing Care
Fertilizing Care
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Pruning
Pruning
Trim the diseased, withered leaves once a month.
Details on Pruning Pruning
Repotting
Repotting
Potted prayer plants should be repotted every 1-2 years.
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Partial sun
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White nun
Water
Water
Every week
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Hardiness Zones
Hardiness Zones
10 to 12
Planting Time
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
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Questions About White nun

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What should I do if I water my White nun too much or too little?
Overwatered White nun Symptoms of overwatering include limp and wrinkled leaves, yellowing or decay, and general failure to thrive. When White nun owners see their plant’s leaves looking limp and shriveled, they can sometimes assume that is a sign that it isn’t getting enough water so they keep adding more. This just compounds the problem, so it’s important to look beyond the leaves to identify what’s happening with the roots. Healthy White nun roots are silvery green, green, or white and feel firm to the touch. When White nun has been overwatered, the roots will look mushy, limp, and brown or black in color. Rescue an overwatered White nun by cutting off any rotted roots with a sterile knife or garden shears and repotting them into a new growing medium. It is always better to avoid overwatering because it is possible you won’t be able to save your plant if root rot sets in, so be conservative with water to avoid this issue. Underwatered White nun Unfortunately, the initial symptoms of underwatering and overwatering are almost identical in White nun. Check the growing medium with your finger or a moisture meter to get a sense of how much water is being retained. You may need to increase the frequency of watering to get back on track with watering. Once again, the best way to understand the situation is to take a look at the roots. Underwatered roots look crisp, brown, and brittle. Healthy roots are pliable and green, so the difference should be obvious. Luckily it’s easy to revive a thirsty White nun, as long as the plant still has some healthy roots left. Trim off any dried up or dead root pieces, as they won’t be able to come back to life. Then repot the plant and water thoroughly. Within a week or two, shriveled and limp leaves should start to firm up and look healthy. If the leaves are too damaged to be revived once you water them thoroughly, they can be removed to make room for new growth.
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How often should I water my White nun?
Regardless of which type of medium you use, your White nun should be watered when the mix is mostly but not completely dry. This can vary depending on the environmental conditions, but generally it will be about once or twice a week in summer and as infrequently as once every 2 weeks in winter.
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How to water White nun?
White nun is a epithet plant, which means that they do not grow in soil as most plants do. In order to grow a happy and healthy White nun, you’ll need to choose your growing medium carefully. Regardless of what your White nun grows in, the container needs to have plenty of drainage holes. White nun pots are specifically designed to hold a chunky potting mix with lots of ventilation compared to other plant pots. They also tend to be tall and narrow, allowing air to circulate around the center of the roots, not just the edges. One popular potting medium for White nun and other White nun is bark. It is generally sourced from fir trees and drains very well. Since White nun grows on bark in the wild, it makes sense that they would do well with a similar substrate when grown indoors. The disadvantage of using bark is that the plant needs watering more often since bark dries out quickly. The other common planting medium for orchids in sphagnum moss. Most commercially grown White nun specimens will be sold in moss, because it is lightweight, cheap, and it allows nurseries to water less often. Unfortunately, sphagnum moss is not very forgiving for those who aren't experts in orchids. Because it is extremely absorbent, moss runs the risk of holding too much water next to the roots, resulting in root rot. If your White nun is planted in sphagnum and you plan to keep it that way, be very judicious in your watering. Less is more when it comes to watering in general, and it is quite difficult to reverse root rot once it has set in. Watering your White nun from below is recommended, as this allows you to avoid splashing water on the leaves, stem, and flowers. To water from below, set the pot into a container of water and allow the roots to soak up moisture for 10-15 minutes. Normally, you can stop this process when the surface of sphagnum is wet. Drain thoroughly before returning your White nun to its normal location, as these plants hate to sit in water.
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Key Facts About White nun

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Attributes of White nun

Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
Bloom Time
Early spring, Winter
Plant Height
51 cm to 61 cm
Spread
50 cm to 60 cm
Flower Size
15 cm to 30 cm
Flower Color
Pink
White
Cream
Purple
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃

Name story

White nun

Trivia and Interesting Facts

Scientific Classification of White nun

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Common Pests & Diseases About White nun

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Distribution of White nun

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Habitat of White nun

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Northern Hemisphere
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Distribution Map of White nun

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More Info on White Nun Growth and Care

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Basic Care Guide
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Lighting
Partial sun
White nun has a preference for environments where light is moderated, rather than fully exposed to the sun. This tendency reflects its origin from habitats with dispersed light. While it will not suffer under lower light conditions, inadequate light may hamper its healthy, vibrant growth. Excessive light exposure can damage the plant.
Best Sunlight Practices
Transplant
1-2 feet
Best to transplant white nun during the late winter to early spring (S2-S3), as the new growth is just beginning. For location, a spot with bright filtered light is ideal. Ensure to keep the root system undisturbed while transplanting for perfect adaptation.
Transplant Techniques
Temperature
5 - 43 ℃
White nun is native to environments where temperatures fluctuate between 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 °C). It's a heat-lover and thrives in temperate conditions. Adjust the temperature accordingly with the change of seasons to mimic its natural habitat.
Temp for Healthy Growth
Pruning
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Renowned for its striking white flowers resembling a nun's habit, white nun thrives with proper care. Prune to remove spent blooms and dead or diseased pseudobulbs, enhancing plant health and vigor. Timing is crucial, with pruning best done post-flowering in spring or early summer. Over-pruning can stunt growth, so focus on maintaining shape and encouraging air circulation. Regular pruning yields stronger plants and potentially more blooms in the following season, reflecting white nun's resilience and beauty.
Pruning techniques
Feng shui direction
West
White nun may serve as an auspicious symbol in Feng Shui when placed in the West direction. This inclination stems from its symbolization of purity and strong life force, aligning with the Metal element of the West. However, interpretations may vary and one should consider personal resonance with white nun.
Fengshui Details
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Plants Related to White nun

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Arius
Arius
This conifer is unique to the Philippines and Taiwan, where it is now endangered due to plants being taken from the wild to satisfy horticultural demands. Arius is often confused with a relative, P. polystachyus, which is a popular bonsai specimen. The plant was first documented by Carl Borivoj Presl, an 18th-century Czech botanist, physician, and naturalist.
Propeller plant
Propeller plant
The propeller plant (Crassula perfoliata var. falcata) is a succulent named for its fleshy, gray-green leaves that are shaped like airplane propellers, but it blooms in summer with a stunning cluster of red flowers. Flowers are small but clusters are dense and bloom for a month or longer. It prefers full sun in sandy, well-drained soil.
Yoshino cherry
Yoshino cherry
The yoshino cherry is native to Japan and produces small black fruits and characteristic white-pink blooms in the spring that give off a peculiar faint almond fragrance. A batch of these trees were famously gifted to the United States by the government in Tokyo and now stand in Washington D.C.
Yellow jasmine
Yellow jasmine
Yellow jasmine (Chrysojasminum fruticans) comes from the Mediterranean region so is accustomed to heat and can tolerate drought. With its yellow flowers during the summer, the shrub makes a colorful feature in a lawn or a border, and the black berries provide valuable winter food for birds.
Wild yam
Wild yam
Despite its name, the wild yam's tubers are not edible. It does, however, serve as cover and nesting grounds for small animals. This perennial vine is native to the eastern side of North America. It produces small greenish flowers and distinctive heart-shaped leaves and can be trellised for an attractive addition to garden landscaping.
Wild cucumber
Wild cucumber
Wild cucumber (Marah macrocarpa) is an odd-looking plant that features a 'hairy looking ball' or 'hairy cucumber.' A soap-like extract can be processed from the large tuber of the manroot. Wild cucumber is able to self pollinate with a little help from insects moving between the male and female flowers.
Cape jasmine
Cape jasmine
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
Golden pothos
Golden pothos
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
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White nun
White nun
White nun
White nun
White nun
Lycaste virginalis
Also known as: Monja blanca, White nun orchid
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What should I do if I water my White nun too much or too little?
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How often should I water my White nun?
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How to water White nun?
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Key Facts About White nun

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Attributes of White nun

Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
Bloom Time
Early spring, Winter
Plant Height
51 cm to 61 cm
Spread
50 cm to 60 cm
Flower Size
15 cm to 30 cm
Flower Color
Pink
White
Cream
Purple
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
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Name story

White nun

Trivia and Interesting Facts

Scientific Classification of White nun

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Common Pests & Diseases About White nun

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Distribution of White nun

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Habitat of White nun

Beach
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere

Distribution Map of White nun

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Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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Lighting
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Requirements
Partial sun
Ideal
About 3-6 hours sunlight
Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.
Essentials
White nun has a preference for environments where light is moderated, rather than fully exposed to the sun. This tendency reflects its origin from habitats with dispersed light. While it will not suffer under lower light conditions, inadequate light may hamper its healthy, vibrant growth. Excessive light exposure can damage the plant.
Preferred
Tolerable
Unsuitable
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Artificial lighting
Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
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Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Insufficient Light in %s
White nun thrives in partial sunlight but can tolerate full sunlight in cooler weather. However, during winter when cultivated indoors, it is more prone to light deficiency due to being placed in rooms with insufficient lighting.
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Small leaves
New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.
Leggy or sparse growth
The spaces between leaves or stems of your White nun may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.
Faster leaf drop
When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.
Slower or no new growth
White nun enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.
Lighter-colored new leaves
Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to develop irregular color patterns or appear pale. This indicates a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients.
Solutions
1. To optimize plant growth, shift them to increasingly sunnier spots each week until they receive 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, enabling gradual adaptation to changing light conditions.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.
Symptoms of Excessive light in %s
White nun thrives in partial sun exposure but can handle full sun in cooler weather. However, in the summer, they are prone to sunburn as they cannot tolerate intense sunlight in high-temperature environments.
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Chlorosis
Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.
Sunscald
Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.
Leaf Curling
Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.
Wilting
Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.
Leaf Scorching
Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.
Solutions
1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.
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Temperature
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Requirements
Ideal
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care.
Essentials
White nun is native to environments where temperatures fluctuate between 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 °C). It's a heat-lover and thrives in temperate conditions. Adjust the temperature accordingly with the change of seasons to mimic its natural habitat.
Regional wintering strategies
White nun is a tropical plant, so during the winter, if the minimum temperature drops below {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}, it is recommended to bring White nun indoors for cultivation. Maintaining indoor temperatures above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min} is highly beneficial. Choose a location near a south-facing window to ensure ample sunlight. Additionally, regularly mist the plant or use a humidifier to maintain humidity levels. For orchids that need to overwinter outdoors, it is essential to ensure they are in a sheltered position that receives sunlight. During colder temperatures, you can set up a temporary greenhouse or use materials such as plastic film or fabric to wrap the plants.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Low Temperature in White nun
White nun thrives in warm environments and is not tolerant of low temperatures. It grows best when the temperature is above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min}. During winter, it should be kept above {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}. When the temperature falls below {Limit_growth_temperature}, the leaves will exhibit extensive water-soaked necrosis, wilting, and drooping.
Solutions
Trim off the frostbitten areas. Immediately bring indoors to a warm environment for protection against the cold. Choose a location near a south-facing window to place the plant, ensuring ample sunlight. Additionally, avoid placing the plant near heaters or air conditioning vents to prevent excessive dryness in the air.
Symptoms of High Temperature in White nun
During summer, White nun should be kept below {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. When the temperature exceeds {Tolerable_growing_temperature_max}, the plant's growth will cease, and its leaves will gradually wilt. It becomes more susceptible to root rot and can be easily sunburned when exposed to direct sunlight.
Solutions
Trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts. Move the plant to a location that provides shade from the midday and afternoon sun. Water the plant in the morning and evening to keep both the plant and the environment moist.
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