What to Do After Phalaenopsis orchid Blooms
As an indoor ornamental plant with high value, the end of the blooming period of the Phalaenopsis orchid is a critical care point. Proper handling of the spent flowers and adjusting the care strategy can not only help the plant recover its vitality but also store energy for reblooming. This article will systematically analyze four core steps from pruning to revitalization to help you master post-bloom management techniques with ease.
Post-Bloom Pruning Techniques for Phalaenopsis Orchids
Two Methods of Pruning Spent Flowers
When the last flower of the Phalaenopsis orchid begins to wilt, it is recommended to prune in the morning: use a sterilized pair of scissors to make a diagonal cut 2-3 cm from the base of the flower spike, retaining the bud points to promote reblooming. If the plant shows weak growth, a thorough pruning method should be adopted—cut the flower stem entirely 1 cm above the substrate surface to conserve nutrients.
Post-Pruning Wound Treatment
Immediately seal the cut with cinnamon powder or a specialized wound healer after pruning to prevent infection. Stop watering for 3 days, place the plant in a location with ample diffused light and good ventilation, and maintain a stable ambient temperature of 18-25°C.
Inspection and Treatment of Phalaenopsis Orchid Roots
Criteria for Identifying Healthy Roots
After removing the pot, healthy, silvery-gray fleshy roots are visible. If there are brown, soft decayed, or withered hollow roots, they should be pruned promptly. Retain at least 5 plump aerial roots, soak them in a fungicide solution for 20 minutes after pruning, and then let them dry for 12 hours before repotting.
Golden Ratio for Substrate Replacement
Use a mixed substrate of sphagnum moss, pine bark, and charcoal in a ratio of 5:3:2, and choose a breathable ceramic pot or a special orchid pot. When repotting, make sure the roots are in a natural, relaxed state and avoid excessive compression.
Nutrition Supplement Plan for Phalaenopsis Orchids
Selection of Post-Bloom Specialized Fertilizer
Begin applying a specialized orchid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-10-10 15 days after pruning, and spray the leaves twice a month. In the summer, switch to a high-nitrogen fertilizer with a ratio of 30-10-10 to promote leaf growth, ensuring the dilution concentration is controlled at 1500 times.
Techniques for Supplementing Trace Elements
Add a calcium-magnesium liquid fertilizer weekly through the immersion method. During the flower bud differentiation period (September-October), switch to a phosphorus-potassium fertilizer, and use a potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution (1:2000) for root irrigation.
Humidity Control Strategies for Phalaenopsis Orchids
Watering Cycle Judgment Method
Use the "weight-judging method": water when the weight of the pot is reduced by 1/3. Keep the substrate slightly moist in the summer and wait until the sphagnum moss is completely dry before watering in the winter. It is recommended to use rainwater or tap water that has been set aside for 3 days.
Environmental Humidity Maintenance Plan
Maintain 60-70% air humidity through methods such as placing wet pebbles in a tray and misting in the morning and evening. Ensure that water droplets do not accumulate in the leaf core and that the leaves are dry at night to prevent rot.
Through scientific pruning care, reasonable nutrition supplementation, and precise humidity control, Phalaenopsis orchids can bloom multiple times a year. It is recommended to conduct a systematic care check every quarter, adjusting the management plan based on the plant's growth status, allowing this "Queen of Orchids" to continue blooming with grace.