How to best care for Phalaenopsis orchids
You may not be aware of the best way to care for Phalaenopsis orchids and the correct methods for beginners to grow them. Please refer to the detailed introduction below.
Phalaenopsis orchids are perennial herbaceous plants with a blooming period from February to April every year. Their flowers resemble butterflies, with华丽 colors and graceful postures, making them very popular among people. During the New Year and the Spring Festival, they are among the best-selling flowers as potted plants, highly sought after by flower enthusiasts. Placed in the living room, balcony, or study at home, they exude elegance and luxury; placed on a windowsill, dining table, or coffee table, they appear refined and dignified. So how can one grow Phalaenopsis orchids well at home? What issues should be considered? Let's share the care methods and注意事项 that need to be known during the home potted care of Phalaenopsis orchids.
1. Selection of planting soil. The soil for growing Phalaenopsis orchids should be made of loose, breathable, and fertile substrates such as bark, moss, and snake wood chips, which must be fully fermented and decomposed before use. To maintain the fertility and breathability of the potting soil, Phalaenopsis orchids need to be repotted once a year. The pot for planting Phalaenopsis orchids should have a diameter of 15-20 centimeters.
2. Requirements for temperature and lighting. Since Phalaenopsis orchids belong to the tropical high-temperature orchid genus, they prefer warmth and are not tolerant to severe cold, with an optimal growth temperature of 18-30 degrees Celsius. When the temperature drops below 15 degrees Celsius in winter, they enter a dormant state, and the leaves start to turn yellow and fall off; below 10 degrees Celsius can easily cause the entire plant to die. However, excessively high temperatures are also not suitable, as 35 degrees Celsius can affect the normal growth of Phalaenopsis orchids. They prefer bright diffused light and dislike direct strong light and sun exposure. When flowering, they need bright diffused light, or else the flower buds will not open easily. However, too much light can burn the leaves, especially in summer, where just 2-3 hours of sunlight can turn the leaves yellow. If the light is too dim for an extended period, the plant will grow weak and spindly, with soft leaves, elongated flower stems, and dull, lackluster flowers. Therefore, growing Phalaenopsis orchids in a bright diffused light area is best.
3.注意事项 for watering and fertilizing. Phalaenopsis orchids prefer humidity and dislike dryness, drought, or waterlogging. In regular care, the soil should be slightly moist, and watering should follow the principle of not watering until it's dry and watering thoroughly when needed, especially in the hot summer. While keeping the soil moist, it's also necessary to spray the plant to increase the humidity in the air. Fertilizing Phalaenopsis orchids should be done with frequent light fertilization, avoiding heavy and raw fertilizers, which can easily burn and rot the roots. During the late spring and early summer, when Phalaenopsis orchids are growing new roots and leaves, fertilize with nitrogen-potassium fertilizer once a week. Fertilizing in summer is slightly less, and in autumn, every half month is appropriate. Before flowering, to promote the formation of flower buds and the development of ovaries, apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizers such as monopotassium phosphate. After entering the flowering period, fertilization should be stopped.
How to best care for Phalaenopsis orchids
4. How to prune Phalaenopsis orchids. After flowering, withered flowers should be removed as soon as possible to avoid affecting the opening of other flowers. After all the flowers have faded, cut off the flower spike and continue to water and fertilize properly to store enough nutrients for the next flowering season. The flower spikes of Phalaenopsis orchids are long, the flowers are large, and the stem is tall. To prevent the flower stem from falling over and affecting its ornamental value, it should be tied with a支柱.
5. How to prevent and treat diseases and pests. Common diseases of Phalaenopsis orchids include leaf spot, root rot, and anthracnose, which can be controlled by spraying and drenching with a 1000-fold solution of methyl thiophanate or sterilizing cleaner.
The above is a detailed explanation of the best way to care for Phalaenopsis orchids and the correct methods for beginners, for everyone's reference and suggestion!