The simplest Phalaenopsis orchid care method for potting soil replacement
The editor introduces the simplest Phalaenopsis orchid care method for potting soil replacement and the plant cultivation tips for caring for the orchid after repotting. Let's understand this together next.
Phalaenopsis orchids are very beautiful, and many flower enthusiasts buy a pot to place at home before the Spring Festival. The flowers come in a variety of colors and shapes like fluttering butterflies, which is quite beautiful. The biggest fear in cultivating Phalaenopsis orchids is root rot. The potting soil for growing Phalaenopsis orchids is usually moss or bryophytes, but these materials are like sponges with strong water retention, which can easily cause root rot if not careful. Phalaenopsis orchids are epiphytic, and their ancestors originally survived in tropical rainforests, growing on tree trunks. Therefore, we should try to mimic the wild environment when growing them at home. The growing medium should be loose and breathable, with good drainage and water retention properties. Ordinary garden soil cannot be used for cultivation; materials such as moss, bark, tree fern roots, and coconut shells can be chosen. The Phalaenopsis orchids we buy are usually grown in moss, and the moss generally decays after about a year. If the new moss is not replaced in time, it can easily affect the healthy growth of the Phalaenopsis orchid or even cause root rot. Below, I will share a small method I use for potting soil when growing Phalaenopsis orchids. This method has persistent fertility and good water permeability, and is not prone to root rot.
The best time to repot Phalaenopsis orchids is at the end of spring to early summer each year, after the flowers have bloomed. By this time, the nutrients in the growing medium have been exhausted, and some have started to rot. New roots are just beginning to grow, so repotting at this time will not harm the new root growth. Timely replacement of the potting soil can also provide more nutrients for the new roots. At this time, the temperature has stabilized above 20°C, which is more conducive to the recovery and growth of the Phalaenopsis orchid after repotting. If the temperature is below 20°C, it is not recommended to repot.
About the potting soil used for repotting Phalaenopsis orchids at home, I have a good method to share with you, which I have been using for many years with very good results. Its benefits include persistent fertility, good breathability, resistance to decay, and not prone to root rot. This growing medium is a relatively easy-to-obtain material—peanut shells. Rotten peanut shells have particularly good water retention and breathability, making them very suitable for growing Phalaenopsis orchids and other orchid varieties. Adding rotten peanut shells to the potting soil can slowly release nutrients. Peanut shells are naturally loose and breathable, which is suitable for Phalaenopsis orchid growth. The method of rotting peanut shells is simple: put them in a plastic bag, then add an appropriate amount of clear water to soak them through, tie the plastic bag tightly, and place it in the sun to bake until the surface becomes soft and black, indicating that the fermentation is complete.
Before repotting, reduce the watering of the Phalaenopsis orchid so that its fleshy roots become soft, preventing them from breaking during pot removal. After removing the pot, clean away the rotted and empty roots first, then soak them in a solution of 0.001% carbendazim or potassium permanganate for ten minutes to disinfect before drying.
Soak the prepared moss for two hours, then squeeze out the excess water and mix it with the fermented peanut shells in a 1:1 ratio. Use peanut shells to cover the bottom of the pot, turn the Phalaenopsis orchid upside down with the roots facing up, fill the middle of the roots with the mixed growing medium, wrap the entire root with the growing medium, and slowly place it in the pot. Then, fill the edges of the pot with the growing medium, water it several times, and after watering thoroughly, place it in a ventilated and shady place for care. The advantage of using this growing medium for Phalaenopsis orchids is that it provides sufficient nutrition and has better water permeability than pure moss, making it less prone to root rot. The above is my experience in growing Phalaenopsis orchids for many years. If you find it useful, please like and encourage me.
The above is the full content of the simplest Phalaenopsis orchid care method for potting soil replacement and the care tips after repotting. I hope it is helpful to plant enthusiasts!