Detailed tips on how to grow Phalaenopsis (how to water and maintain Phalaenopsis to make it more vigorous)

Phalaenopsis, also known as butterfly orchid, belongs to the orchid family. Phalaenopsis has been very popular among the public in recent times.

Phalaenopsis likes a cool environment, is afraid of drought, is not cold-resistant, afraid of dryness, and afraid of lack of ventilation, so it is a good choice to grow it indoors, but good ventilation must be maintained at all times.

Some people think that Phalaenopsis is particularly picky and afraid of this and that, so how can we grow it well? What issues should we pay attention to in breeding?

1. What kind of soil is most suitable?

It is best to choose a larger pot for growing Phalaenopsis, with a diameter of about 30 cm, and a strong drainage system at the bottom, otherwise water will easily accumulate.

The soil should also be loose and breathable. When planting, you can add some leaf mold, peat soil, etc. to the soil. You can also add some small stones to the bottom before planting. In addition, you can also spread a layer of moss on the surface of the soil to achieve a moisturizing effect.

If you want to repot Phalaenopsis, it is best to do so in late May. It will acclimate faster and will be less likely to get diseased.

2. Proper watering can make it grow more vigorously

You should know that Phalaenopsis has fleshy roots, which have a certain degree of drought resistance, and it is also an epiphytic plant.

As an epiphyte, Phalaenopsis can obtain nutrients and water from the air. Therefore, Phalaenopsis does not need a lot of watering, just keep a certain humidity, so it is most afraid of waterlogging.

Generally, the Phalaenopsis orchids bought in the market are wrapped with sphagnum moss to cover their roots. Sphagnum moss has good water retention and air permeability. Therefore, as long as the sphagnum moss does not accumulate water, it is difficult for the Phalaenopsis orchid to rot.

Phalaenopsis can be watered every 3 to 4 days in spring and autumn . In winter, the temperature is too low, so you can stop watering the Phalaenopsis.

If it is hot in summer, you only need to water it once a day to avoid waterlogging.

Water more during the Phalaenopsis flowering and bud formation period . Water less during the period from bud to flowering. Be careful not to let the flowers get wet each time you water, otherwise the buds will fall off, and be careful not to let water accumulate in the heart of the orchid leaves.

Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering. The easiest way to judge whether the plant is completely dry is to weigh the pot. If the pot is obviously lighter, it means it is lacking water.

If the aerial roots are slightly white and there is no moisture on the pot wall, it means that watering is needed. Also use a wooden stick to insert it 2cm below the soil, and take it out after 2 minutes to observe whether it is moist.

If it is dry, it means it lacks water and needs watering . When watering, use a watering can to spray water until water flows out from the bottom of the pot.

Regarding the correct way to water Phalaenopsis, we must first know its growth habits. It can absorb moisture from the air and has fleshy roots. This means that Phalaenopsis should be watered only when the soil in the pot is completely dry, otherwise it is easy to cause water accumulation and root rot .

3. Fertilizer

If you want the Phalaenopsis to fill the pot, fertilizer is the most critical part. For some Phalaenopsis that have just been repotted, they are in a state of recovery and their roots are also damaged, so fertilizer should not be applied at this time.

The best time to fertilize is in spring or when new leaves grow after repotting. In order to replenish the nutrients needed for flowering, fertilize once every two weeks.

Stop using fertilizer when the weather is above 35 degrees, especially in summer. Continuing to fertilize will cause root rot.

4. Pruning

When all the Phalaenopsis buds have withered, you need to cut them off in time. Even if you don't cut them, they will fall off by themselves, but it will consume a lot of nutrients, so it is better for us to prune them manually.

If the roots of the Phalaenopsis orchid grow outside, you need to repot it. At this time, you can cut off the part above the root, cut it in half and plant it in two pots. With careful care, it will sprout soon.

The above are the cultivation methods and precautions for Phalaenopsis. As long as you master these 4 tips, the Phalaenopsis at home can easily fill up the pot.