How to Care for Phalaenopsis Orchids in Summer
Let me share some small experiences on how to care for Phalaenopsis orchids in summer and the key points of their daily maintenance. Let's take a look together.
Phalaenopsis orchids are native to subtropical rainforest areas and are epiphytic orchids. They are famous for their butterfly-like appearance and are loved by many people. Phalaenopsis orchids prefer to grow in warm environments and are sensitive to cold. In winter, when temperatures drop below 5 degrees Celsius, they can easily die, so they should be placed in a warmer environment to grow. It is also necessary to fertilize regularly to ensure nutrient supply. Additionally, repotting should be done in both spring and autumn. Next, let's understand how Phalaenopsis orchids are cared for in summer from six aspects: temperature, fertilizing, repotting, lighting, fertilizer and water, and pest and disease control.
1. Temperature
Phalaenopsis orchids enjoy sunlight and dislike shade. Therefore, caring for them in summer is easier than in other seasons. Usually, keeping Phalaenopsis orchids in an environment of 12-15 degrees Celsius is sufficient. In summer, they can be exposed to full sunlight, as they can tolerate high temperatures of up to 28 degrees Celsius. However, due to the intense summer sun, direct exposure should be avoided to prevent leaf burn, with a shading level of 50%. On cloudy and rainy days, additional lighting is needed to supplement, which can help advance the blooming period.
2. Fertilizing
Since Phalaenopsis orchids have a long blooming period and can tolerate high temperatures, it is necessary to fertilize regularly, especially in the hot summer when the evaporation of water and nutrients accelerates. Fertilizing is usually done after watering. However, after fertilizing, it is important to rinse the pot and the plant with clean water to prevent the inorganic salt components in the fertilizer from burning the roots and leaves.
3. Repotting
The best time to repot Phalaenopsis orchids is at the end of spring or the beginning of summer, when they are preparing to grow new roots. Repotting during this period will not harm the roots. If the temperature remains stable above 20 degrees Celsius, it will be more beneficial for the growth of Phalaenopsis orchids after repotting. If it drops below 20 degrees Celsius, it is not recommended to repot them.
4. Lighting
The sun's rays are quite strong in summer, so it is best to take timely shading measures for the plants and not place them where they can be directly exposed to the sun. Instead, they should be placed in areas with diffused or slanted light, and in very hot weather, they should be placed in shady areas. However, since summer is the blooming season for Phalaenopsis orchids, they should not be kept away from sunlight for too long.
5. Fertilizer and Water
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 humidity. For fertilizing, apply liquid fertilizer once every 7-10 days, preferably organic fertilizer, and the concentration should not be too high. The best time to fertilize is in the afternoon, which can be combined with watering. After watering, apply the fertilizer and then water again to rinse.
6. Pest and Disease Control
Pest and disease control for Phalaenopsis orchids mainly focuses on prevention. It is important to ensure good ventilation and a clean growing environment, and to regularly spray fungicides and insecticides. If pests or diseases are found, prompt measures should be taken to prevent further damage.
The above sharing provides a comprehensive introduction to how to care for Phalaenopsis orchids in summer and their daily maintenance tips, hoping to bring some knowledge about green plants to greenery enthusiasts.