Phalaenopsis cultivation methods and precautions

1. Soil

1. Phalaenopsis has relatively high requirements for soil. The soil suitable for its growth needs to be breathable, resistant to decay, and slightly acidic.

2. You can choose to use a mixture of pine needles, peanut shells, bark silk, and clay balls as the soil matrix, or you can go directly to the flower market to buy special soil for Phalaenopsis cultivation.

2. Temperature

1. Phalaenopsis is native to tropical rainforest areas, so it grows best in a high temperature and high humidity environment. The temperature during the growth period should not be lower than 15℃, and it is best to keep the temperature between 16-30℃.

2. Effective warming measures should be taken in late autumn, at the turn of winter and spring, and in winter when the temperature is low. However, the bamboo should not be placed in direct contact with the heater or too close to it in winter. When the temperature is higher than 32℃ in summer, Phalaenopsis will enter a semi-dormant state and needs to be cooled appropriately to avoid the adverse effects of continued high temperature.

3. The main flowering period of Phalaenopsis is around the Spring Festival. The night temperature during the flowering period should be kept between 13-16℃ and not lower than 13℃.

3. Moisture and humidity

1. Phalaenopsis can only maintain healthy growth in an environment with ventilated and humid air humidity maintained at 60-80%.

2. Water when the soil is dry and water when it is wet. Water thoroughly when the surface of the soil in the pot is dry. The water temperature should be close to room temperature. If the indoor air is relatively dry, you can spray the leaves to keep them moist, but you cannot spray water on the flowers during the flowering period. Tap water should be stored for 72 hours before use.

3. Phalaenopsis requires a lot of watering during the extension period of new roots, and a small amount of watering during the dormant period after flowering. In spring and autumn, water the plants once around 5 p.m. every day; in summer, when the growth season is peak, water the plants once at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day; in winter, the plants need very little water and only need water once every week, before 10 a.m. Stop watering when there is a cold wave, keep the soil in the pot dry, and resume watering normally after the cold wave.

4. Lighting

Phalaenopsis is suitable for growing in a semi-shaded environment, with scattered light, and not direct sunlight. During the flowering period, moderate light will promote the flowering of Phalaenopsis.

5. Fertilization

1. Phalaenopsis should be fertilized throughout the year, and fertilization should only be stopped when there is long-term low temperature weather. Fertilization should be carried out after watering in the afternoon. After multiple fertilizations, it is also necessary to wash the pots or plants with a large amount of water to prevent the inorganic salts remaining in the fertilizer from damaging the roots.

2. Winter is the differentiation period of Phalaenopsis flower buds. Stopping fertilization will easily result in fewer or even no flowers next time. Spring and summer are its growing seasons. Apply thin liquid fertilizer every 7-10 days. Note that you cannot apply fertilizer when there are flower buds, as this will cause the buds to fall off. After the flowering period, appropriate amount of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers can be applied. Autumn and winter are the growth period of flower stems. During this period, apply dilute phosphorus fertilizer, about once every 2-3 weeks.

6. Ventilation

Phalaenopsis also needs flowing fresh air to ensure normal growth, so make sure the cultivation environment has good ventilation.

VII. Precautions

1. Some friends are always worried about Phalaenopsis lack of water. Regardless of whether the cultivation medium is dry or not, they water it every day, causing serious root rot. Although water is the source of life, soaking in water all day will cause edema!

2. Some friends apply fertilizer whenever they have it, and do not pay attention to the concentration, thinking that applying fertilizer will make the plant grow faster. It should be noted that Phalaenopsis should be fertilized with thin fertilizers in small amounts and multiple times. Remember not to overdo the tonic, otherwise it will be counterproductive.

3. Some friends think that using a large pot can provide a relaxed environment for Phalaenopsis and sufficient materials. In fact, after using a large pot, the aquatic plants are not easy to dry out. You must know that Phalaenopsis likes ventilation, and it will feel comfortable if the air flows.