Raising Phalaenopsis orchids at home: Methods and techniques
Compared to the common methods and techniques of raising Phalaenopsis orchids at home and the correct method of growing Phalaenopsis orchids in pine needle soil, the following details are provided:
Phalaenopsis orchids are epiphytic plants, and their growth environment is very special. Normal planting and maintenance methods are not suitable for Phalaenopsis orchids. The flowers of Phalaenopsis orchids are elegant and grand, with large clusters of butterfly-like flowers hanging on the branches and dancing, graceful and magnificent, and they brighten up any space they are placed in.
Every spring and summer, there are many Phalaenopsis orchids in the garbage bins, mainly because some people don't love flowers and think it's meaningless to keep them after their blooming period is over. Therefore, to grow Phalaenopsis orchids well, one must understand their characteristics and growth environment. Today, Sister Ding is sharing some tips with flower enthusiasts.
1. Soil requirements for Phalaenopsis orchids
Phalaenopsis orchids mainly grow through their roots, and ordinary soil is not suitable for them. The soil for growing Phalaenopsis orchids needs to have good drainage and water retention, and should be prepared using materials like sphagnum moss, bark chips, ceramic pellets, and charcoal. The soil mixture must be properly prepared.
Many flower enthusiasts directly use sphagnum moss for cultivation, which is not suitable at home because it has very strong water retention. Our indoor environment often has poor ventilation, and after watering, the soil stays wet for a long time, leading to root rot. The sphagnum moss substrate will basically rot after 1 to 2 days, so it needs to be replaced regularly during maintenance.
2. Watering techniques for Phalaenopsis orchids
We all know that spring and summer are the peak growing seasons for Phalaenopsis orchids, and water supply is crucial. You can water them once a day, basically keeping the soil slightly dry and slightly moist, and spray the leaves 2 to 3 times to maintain plant humidity. In summer, it's best to adjust the humidity of the surrounding air to ensure that the entire plant grows in a humid environment and thrives.
In autumn and winter, as the temperature drops, the watering amount for Phalaenopsis orchids should also be reduced, averaging once every 2 to 5 days, and no longer spraying the leaves. Just keep the substrate slightly moist. Adjust the watering amount based on the situation to ensure the potting soil is moist but not wet.
Raising Phalaenopsis orchids at home: Methods and techniques
The aerial roots of Phalaenopsis orchids can absorb nutrients and moisture from the air, so many of their aerial roots stick out and grow very vigorously. As for watering time, it's best to water in the morning or evening during hot days and in the afternoon when the temperature is low.
When the temperature is below 15°C, watering should be controlled. Don't let the pot of the Phalaenopsis orchid at home have too much water. Especially in a room with poor light and ventilation, sphagnum moss does not dry easily. After watering, its water retention is very strong, and poor ventilation can lead to root rot.
3. Light requirements for Phalaenopsis orchids
Most of us don't like to place Phalaenopsis orchids in the most prominent positions, but they need light. If kept in a dark place for a long time, you will find that their leaves curl, the sphagnum moss doesn't dry easily, and the pot always feels damp after watering. The flowers will wither within half a month, shortening their blooming period, which is due to insufficient light.
Phalaenopsis orchids also like a semi-shaded environment, so when growing, provide them with plenty of diffused light. In summer, proper shading is necessary to prevent leaf burns. In winter, you can place them in a sunny spot to receive full-day light. Phalaenopsis orchids are not suitable for growing on balconies and can be placed in the living room as long as there is plenty of diffused light.
It's best to let Phalaenopsis orchids receive the gentle morning and evening sun, and when placed indoors, put them in a place with sufficient scattered light. Don't place Phalaenopsis orchids in overly dark places. Many people think that Phalaenopsis orchids look like artificial flowers and place them in the living room for display, often in the most prominent position.
4. Temperature requirements for Phalaenopsis orchids
Do you know that the most suitable temperature for Phalaenopsis orchids to grow is around 18 to 28°C? As a subtropical plant, Phalaenopsis orchids need to go through moderate low temperatures and certain temperature differences to induce flowering. Research shows that moderate drought also benefits the flowering of Phalaenopsis orchids.
Phalaenopsis orchids are very sensitive to cold, and the temperature during winter should not be lower than 15°C. When caring for Phalaenopsis orchids in winter, watering should be reduced. If the environmental temperature is below 15°C, Phalaenopsis orchids will show signs of stress, and their roots will stop absorbing water. In the late autumn, Phalaenopsis orchids should be moved indoors to keep warm for the winter.
Phalaenopsis orchids are sensitive to low temperatures, which can cause the plant to freeze and show symptoms such as yellowing and falling leaves. Mastering the method of growing Phalaenopsis orchids in winter is very important. Every year before winter arrives, you can move the Phalaenopsis orchids indoors and cover the plants with a plastic bag. You can also sprinkle water on the ground around the plants, and cover the Phalaenopsis orchids with a bag to keep them warm when the temperature is too low.