How to grow Phalaenopsis orchids to bloom
The web introduces how to grow Phalaenopsis orchids to bloom and teaches you the correct care for these green plants. Here is a comprehensive introduction.
Phalaenopsis orchids are named for their butterfly-like blooms and belong to the orchid family, Phalaenopsis genus. They have bright colors, numerous flowers, and a long blooming period, making them a common ornamental potted plant in winter and early spring. They are also a common choice for the New Year. Many plant enthusiasts enjoy Phalaenopsis orchids but struggle to care for them. In fact, Phalaenopsis orchids are not as difficult to grow as you might think. Today, Lan Yao will introduce the key points for caring for Phalaenopsis orchids.
Key Points for Growing Phalaenopsis Orchids
The blooming period of Phalaenopsis orchids can last for 2-3 months. Phalaenopsis orchids cultivated at room temperature usually bloom in April and wilt in June. With proper care, the blooming period can be extended. To grow Phalaenopsis orchids well and ensure they bloom every year, Lan Yao suggests focusing on the following four points.
1. Growing Medium
After receiving the Phalaenopsis orchid seedlings, if they come with a flower spike, it is recommended not to repot them immediately. Continue to care for them in the original pot and place a more attractive pot outside. Repotting can be done after the blooming period.
When repotting Phalaenopsis orchids, it is recommended to use pure sphagnum moss as the growing medium, which makes it easier to care for and manage. When repotting, gently remove the old sphagnum moss, being careful not to break the roots. Remove any rotten roots, then fill the center of the root system with new sphagnum moss, wrap it around the outside, and place it in a transparent pot.
It is recommended to use a transparent pot for planting Phalaenopsis orchids, which makes it easier to observe the root system and the moisture of the sphagnum moss. This is very important for determining when to water.
2. Moderate Watering and Fertilizing
Phalaenopsis orchids do not tolerate waterlogging. The moisture cycle of the sphagnum moss should be controlled within a week, which means that the sphagnum moss should dry out and be watered every 5-7 days. If the sphagnum moss does not dry out within 7 days, it may be because the pot is too large or the sphagnum moss is packed too tightly during planting, slowing down the drying cycle.
The watering timing for Phalaenopsis orchid potted plants is generally determined by observing the roots of the orchid, which is why the use of a transparent pot was emphasized earlier, for easy observation.
If the roots of the Phalaenopsis orchid are green, it means they are not short of water, and watering is not needed. When the roots turn white or grayish-white, it indicates they are dry, and watering is appropriate. After watering, the roots will gradually turn green.
When watering Phalaenopsis orchids, it is important to water around the edge of the pot, avoiding the center of the orchid and not staying in one place, as this can easily cause localized wetness or dryness. Watering around the edge of the pot is the correct method.
The spring, summer, and autumn seasons are the growing seasons for Phalaenopsis orchids. It is important to pay attention to top-dressing, which can be done by adding a small amount of water-soluble fertilizer to each watering, such as Huaduo No. 1 or soybean cake fertilizer. You can also place a little slow-release fertilizer around the pot. In winter, when temperatures are lower, the use of water-soluble fertilizers should be stopped. When the Phalaenopsis orchid produces a flower spike, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be increased. During the initial flowering period, fertilization should continue. Only with sufficient fertilizer can the flower buds of Phalaenopsis orchids fully open and extend the blooming period.
3. Light Control
Phalaenopsis orchids tolerate shade but not direct sunlight. They can be placed on an east-facing windowsill or in a bright living room. In late autumn, winter, and early spring, when the light is soft, they can receive moderate sunlight. However, too much sunlight can shorten the blooming period, so during the blooming period, they should be placed in a bright environment with scattered light. Avoid direct sunlight when it is strong, as it can easily cause burns.
4. Temperature Control
Phalaenopsis orchids are heat-tolerant but not cold-tolerant. In summer, avoid direct sunlight and maintain sufficient water and fertilizer. In winter, when the temperature drops below 15 degrees, the growth of Phalaenopsis orchids will stop. Therefore, it is best to maintain a room temperature of around 10 degrees during winter, at least above 5 degrees. Below 0 degrees, frost damage may occur.
The above content on how to grow Phalaenopsis orchids to bloom and how to care for them correctly is hoped to help you. Also, we hope everyone will visit the Green Plant Enthusiast website to learn more about green plant and flower experience and knowledge!