How to Care for Phalaenopsis Orchids in Summer
Core introduction to the text: This article provides information on how to care for Phalaenopsis orchids in summer and related knowledge about their cultivation methods and techniques, as detailed below:
Phalaenopsis orchids are native to subtropical rainforest areas and are epiphytic plants. They are famous for their butterfly-like appearance and are loved by many. Phalaenopsis orchids prefer to grow in warm environments and are sensitive to cold. In winter, they can easily die if the temperature drops below 5 degrees Celsius, so they should be placed in a warmer environment. Regular fertilization is also necessary to ensure nutrient supply. Moreover, repotting should be done in spring and autumn. Let's understand how to care for Phalaenopsis orchids in summer from six aspects: temperature, fertilization, repotting, lighting, water and fertilizer, and pest and disease control.
1. Temperature
Phalaenopsis orchids enjoy sunlight and dislike shade. Therefore, it is easier to care for them in summer than in other seasons. Keeping them in an environment of 12-15 degrees Celsius is fine, and in summer, they can be exposed to full sunlight. Phalaenopsis orchids can tolerate high temperatures of up to 28 degrees Celsius, but during the hot summer sun, direct exposure should be avoided to prevent leaf burn, with a shading of 50% being sufficient. On cloudy or rainy days, additional lighting should be used to supplement, which can help advance the blooming period.
2. Fertilization
Due to the long blooming period and heat tolerance of Phalaenopsis orchids, regular fertilization is required, especially in the hot summer when the evaporation of water and nutrients accelerates. It is important to ensure nutrient supply, with fertilization usually done after watering. However, it is necessary to rinse the pot and the plant with clean water after fertilizing to prevent the salts in the fertilizer from burning the roots and leaves.
3. Repotting
The best time for repotting Phalaenopsis orchids is at the end of spring or the beginning of summer, when they are just about to grow new roots, so repotting during this period will not damage the root system. If the temperature remains above 20 degrees Celsius, it will be even more conducive to the plant's growth after repotting. If the temperature is below 20 degrees Celsius, it is not recommended to repot.
4. Lighting
The sunlight in summer is quite intense, so it is best to take shading measures for the plants promptly. Do not place them in an area that receives direct sunlight. Instead, keep them in a location with diffused or slanting light, and during extremely hot weather, keep them in a shady place. However, since summer is the blooming season for Phalaenopsis orchids, they should not be kept away from sunlight for too long.
5. Water and Fertilizer
Phalaenopsis orchids require more water and fertilizer in summer. The watering frequency is about once every 1-2 days, and the amount of water should be double that of spring. Additionally, you can spray water around the plant to increase air humidity. In terms of fertilization, liquid fertilizer should be applied once every 7 to 10 days, preferably organic fertilizer, and the concentration should not be too high. The best time for fertilization is in the afternoon, combined with watering. After watering, apply fertilizer and then water again to rinse.
6. Pest and Disease Control
Pest and disease control for Phalaenopsis orchids focuses on prevention. Regular ventilation and maintaining a clean growing environment are important, and fungicides and insecticides can be sprayed periodically. If pests or diseases are found, prompt measures should be taken to prevent further damage.
This article shares how to care for Phalaenopsis orchids in summer and related content about their cultivation methods and techniques for green plant enthusiasts, hoping to solve problems in green plant and flower management.