How to grow Phalaenopsis orchids
The following is a detailed introduction for netizens on how to grow Phalaenopsis orchids and related cultivation techniques and management of green plants and flowers, let's learn about it together.
Phalaenopsis orchids belong to the genus Phalaenopsis of the Orchidaceae family, which are perennial herbaceous plants. In the springtime, the plant produces long flower spikes from the leaf axils and blooms flowers that look like butterflies dancing, making them deeply loved by orchid enthusiasts and known as the "Queen of Foreign Orchids." Phalaenopsis orchids come in various colors, from pure white, pink, yellow with spots, to lines.
The flowers of Phalaenopsis orchids resemble butterflies dancing, hence the name, and they are deeply loved by flower enthusiasts.
The white, thick aerial roots of Phalaenopsis orchids are exposed around the leaves, which not only absorb nutrients from the air but also play a role in growth and photosynthesis.
Phalaenopsis orchids are native to the tropical rainforest regions of Malaysia. They prefer a hot, humid, semi-shaded, and well-ventilated environment. The optimal growing temperature is between 15-20°C. Growth will stop below 10°C in winter, and it is prone to death below 5°C. The most suitable relative humidity range is 60-80%, with a shade level of 60%. Phalaenopsis orchids are epiphytic, attaching to rocks or tree trunks with aerial roots to absorb moisture and nutrients from the air. Therefore, the planting material should be loose and breathable.
I. Propagation methods of Phalaenopsis orchids: The propagation methods of Phalaenopsis orchids include seed propagation, division, and tissue culture, with division being the main method. Division is usually carried out before the spring sprouts or during the flowering period when nutrients are concentrated, and the orchids have strong disease resistance. High temperatures in summer can cause rot, and low temperatures in winter lead to slow recovery. Cut the sprouts, apply wood ash to the cut, and then plant them. This method is simple, easy to survive, does not affect flowering, but has a small繁殖量. Under suitable temperature conditions, new roots can usually grow in 30-40 days after transplanting.
II. Pot cultivation: Generally, pot cultivation is used for growing flowers, mainly placed indoors or on balconies. The pot for growing Phalaenopsis orchids should have holes in the side walls for good ventilation. The potting soil should be loose, well-draining, and commonly used with moss, vermiculite, humus soil, and roots of ferns to facilitate drainage and nutrient supply. Place pebbles at the bottom of the pot and then mix and fill the pot, placing the Phalaenopsis orchid in the pot, spreading the roots, covering a layer of moss or potting soil, gently lifting the orchid upwards, and then adding potting soil until the surface, shaking the pot to ensure good contact between the soil and the orchid roots, then covering the top with moss and watering.
III. Daily care
1. Water and fertilizer management: During the growing period, fertilization should be applied frequently, such as every 20 days with a thin, decomposed cake fertilizer solution. In the seedling stage, more nitrogen fertilizer should be applied, and for adult plants, more phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be used. For example, using a 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution as a foliar fertilizer can promote larger and more beautiful flowers. After the flowers fade each year, fertilization is necessary, and in autumn, the proportion of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be increased. In spring and autumn, water every 2-3 days; in summer, water 1-2 times a day; in spring, when the climate is dry, spray water on the leaves to increase humidity; in summer, with high temperatures, sufficient water should be supplied; in winter, with low temperatures, watering should be controlled.
2. Adjusting shade: For Phalaenopsis orchids cared for under trees, branches that are too dense should be pruned every winter and spring.
3. Pruning: Before the spring sprouts, cut some old and dead branches and prune dense branches to allow proper light penetration.
4. Stop watering after the beginning of winter and pay attention to keeping warm and preventing frost.
5. Set up stakes to prevent the plant from falling over and affecting the view.
6. Control temperature: Phalaenopsis orchids grow best in an environment of 18-28°C. In summer, they can be moved to a shady place to prevent overheating and entering a dormant period. In winter, they should be moved to a warm room to prevent frost damage.
7. Disease and pest control: Common diseases include brown spot and soft rot, which can be treated with a 50% wettable powder of benomyl at a concentration of 1000 times. Common pests include red spiders and scale insects, which can be controlled by spraying with an 80% diazinon emulsion or 40% omethoate at a concentration of 1200-1500 times.
The above sharing on how to grow Phalaenopsis orchids and detailed introduction of related cultivation techniques and management hope to bring some knowledge of flowers to green plant enthusiasts.