Phalaenopsis cultivation methods and precautions

The luxurious Phalaenopsis orchids often attract a lot of attention, especially those large-flowered Phalaenopsis orchids in combination pots . The flowers are as big as butterflies, competing for beauty, full of fragrance, and colorful, which are particularly eye-catching. In fact, the care of any flower should follow its natural growth laws, and Phalaenopsis is no exception. Let’s learn about the cultivation methods and precautions of Phalaenopsis .

1. Avoid using large basins

Phalaenopsis is suitable for growing in small pots. Many people do not understand the growth characteristics of Phalaenopsis and move it into a large pot. The roots of Phalaenopsis are aerial roots, which are thick and can store water and nutrients, so they are relatively drought-resistant. Sphagnum moss mainly plays a fixing role, and the roots can absorb nutrients and water directly from the air. Using a large pot will make it difficult for water to evaporate, and the sphagnum moss will be difficult to dry, which can easily cause root rot. Therefore, using small pots and keeping the soil slightly moist are the keys to caring for Phalaenopsis.

2. Avoid strong direct sunlight

Phalaenopsis flowers have a long blooming period, which can last up to two or three months. They prefer an environment with sufficient diffuse light. One or two hours of light a day is enough, and they should not be exposed to direct sunlight. This property makes it very suitable for maintenance in the living room, where the light is usually not too strong. At the same time, avoid placing it in a dark place for a long time to avoid affecting its growth and flowering.

3. Avoid excessive drought

Although Phalaenopsis is drought tolerant, it needs the soil to remain slightly moist. When watering, wait until the roots appear slightly dry before watering thoroughly. Excessive drought can cause the roots to shrivele and become difficult to recover, or even cause the roots to dry up and rot. Therefore, when you observe that the sphagnum moss turns white and the roots wilt slightly, you should water it thoroughly in time.

4. Attention should be paid to the maintenance of sphagnum moss

Phalaenopsis orchids in flower shops are mostly maintained with sphagnum moss, which has good water retention but is also prone to root rot, especially when indoor ventilation is poor. Therefore, when using sphagnum moss, excess water should be squeezed out after watering and ventilation should be increased. If the indoor ventilation is poor, it is recommended to use pine bark which has better air permeability.

5. Avoid low temperature environment

Phalaenopsis prefers cool weather and the suitable temperature for growth is 15-25 degrees. When maintaining indoors, the temperature should not be lower than 10 degrees to avoid frostbite. If the indoor temperature is too low, it is not advisable to care for Phalaenopsis in winter to avoid wasting resources.

6. Avoid over-fertilization

Phalaenopsis is sensitive to fertilization, and excessive or too concentrated fertilizer can easily damage the roots. Since Phalaenopsis has only aerial roots but no capillary roots, thin fertilizers should be applied or slow-release fertilizers should be used, which will be slowly absorbed with water. During the growing period, thin fertilizer can be applied two to three times a month, and fertilization should be stopped during the dormant period.

In short, if the Phalaenopsis is not well cared for, it may be that the method is wrong. If you do a few things, your Phalaenopsis will be able to grow healthily and bloom year after year.