How to Care for Phalaenopsis orchids During Bloom
Today, the editor will explain how to care for Phalaenopsis orchids during their bloom and share some tips on caring for these flowers. Let's delve into the details.
Phalaenopsis orchids have very vibrant flowers and a relatively long blooming period. Orchid enthusiasts know that Phalaenopsis orchids require a higher level of air humidity. However, with proper care, the blooming period can last over two months. The question of how to manage Phalaenopsis orchids after they bloom is also unknown to many orchid enthusiasts. Due to lack of knowledge on proper care, Phalaenopsis orchids may experience yellowing leaves, root rot, or even death. Let's talk about the management of Phalaenopsis orchids after they bloom.
I. Appropriate Pruning
The faded flowers at the base of the flower spike should be pruned. Daily management should be thorough, and appropriate fertilization will continue to promote growth and blooming, potentially extending the blooming period by about half a month.
When the top of the flower spike stops growing or the external temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, the flower spike should be cut off from the base all at once, which can save more nutrients for the plant.
II. Regular Potting
Most of the Phalaenopsis orchid pots purchased by enthusiasts are planted in sphagnum moss. After about a year or two, the moss may decompose, affecting the growth of the orchid roots. After the Phalaenopsis orchid finishes blooming, check if the moss has decomposed. If it has, replace it with new moss. When replacing the moss, make sure to wash and soak the new moss in clean water for one day.
The process of replacing the moss should be gentle to avoid injuring the orchid's roots. Also, be careful not to wrap the existing aerial roots of the Phalaenopsis orchid with the moss.
III. Light and Humidity
After blooming, Phalaenopsis orchids need ample light. In the summer, when the sunlight is too intense, it should be appropriately shaded.
Enhance the humidity in the small environment, keeping the air humidity above 60%. Regularly spray water mist on the plants to increase air humidity. Especially in the summer, water mist should be sprayed daily. In winter, with indoor heating, it is also necessary to spray water mist.
IV. Watering and Fertilizing
Phalaenopsis orchids like moisture, but the growing medium should not retain too much water. After watering, if the moss absorbs too much water, gently squeeze it to remove excess moisture without damaging the roots. Water the orchids only when the soil feels dry to the touch and avoid frequent watering.
Each time you water the Phalaenopsis orchid, add a small amount of nutrient solution to the water, keeping the concentration dilute. After flowering, fertilize with a water-soluble multi-element compound fertilizer, also keeping the concentration dilute. After autumn, you can add a small amount of potassium dihydrogen phosphate to the water, which helps with bud differentiation.
V. Temperature Management
After flowering, control the temperature to maintain it between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. Avoid temperatures that are too high or too low.
The above is a brief explanation on how to care for Phalaenopsis orchids during bloom and some tips for their care. I hope it brings a bit of help to your life!