How to take care of the Phalaenopsis you bought home during the Chinese New Year

temperature

Phalaenopsis is native to the tropics and prefers a high temperature and high humidity environment. The Phalaenopsis in the flower market are all grown in a greenhouse with high temperature and high humidity, so it is best to ensure that the temperature of the Phalaenopsis you bring home is between 15-27. Pay special attention to the sudden drop in temperature at night, and do not let the Phalaenopsis stay in an environment below 13 degrees for too long, especially when you just buy it home.

Note: Although the temperature must be maintained, the Phalaenopsis orchid must never be placed near a radiator or air-conditioning outlet, otherwise it will easily be burned to death.

Moisture

In their native places, Phalaenopsis mostly grows on tree trunks with its roots exposed to the air, absorbing moisture from the air. However, the roots of the Phalaenopsis we see now are buried in the soil, which has much poorer air permeability. Therefore, once there is too much water in the soil, the roots of the Phalaenopsis will easily rot.

Therefore: When watering Phalaenopsis, follow the principle of watering when the soil is dry and wet. Water it when the soil surface is dry and white. Phalaenopsis planted with sphagnum moss only needs to be watered 1-2 times a month. When watering, water thoroughly until water flows out from the bottom of the pot. In winter, it is best to water during the warmer noon, keeping the water temperature close to the room temperature.

In addition, the indoor environment in the north is relatively dry. When watering, you can use a spray bottle to spray the leaves and the surrounding area to increase the humidity, but be careful not to spray the water on the flowers, otherwise the flowers will rot.

Fertilization

Phalaenopsis likes fertilizer and needs to be fertilized almost all year round, unless the temperature is below 10 degrees or above 32 degrees and enters a dormant period.

In autumn and winter, when Phalaenopsis is in the budding or flowering stage, it is advisable to apply light phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, but not nitrogen fertilizers. Flower lovers can use Phalaenopsis-specific fertilizers or potassium dihydrogen phosphate every 2-3 weeks, at a ratio of fertilizer: water = 1:1500 or 1:2000, and spray the leaves or soil surface. The best time to fertilize is in the afternoon after watering.

Spring and summer are the growing seasons for Phalaenopsis. You can apply a thin layer of compound fertilizer (mainly nitrogen and phosphorus) every 7-10 days. Organic fertilizer is better.

soil

It is best not to use pure soil to grow Phalaenopsis. In the north where the air is dry and windy, you can use sphagnum moss to grow it. In the south where the air humidity is relatively high, you can use tree bark or tree bark + sphagnum moss + orchid stone to grow it.

Note: Pure sphagnum moss has strong water retention, so be sure not to water it too much, otherwise the roots will easily rot.

illumination

Although Phalaenopsis is relatively shade-tolerant, it also needs proper light to grow vigorously, especially Phalaenopsis before and after the flowering period, which must receive sufficient light but not direct sunlight.

After flowering, the Phalaenopsis orchid needs to be exposed to less light and placed in a diffused light environment in the living room. This will not only prolong the flowering period, but also make the flowers larger and brighter.

ventilation

Phalaenopsis also has very high requirements for ventilation. Domestic Phalaenopsis generally needs to be ventilated frequently to prevent the occurrence of pests.

Post-flowering care

It takes about two years for Phalaenopsis to grow from a seedling to bloom. After the flowering ends during the Spring Festival, the flower arrows can be cut off from the base to reduce nutrient consumption and replenish compound fertilizer in time.

Some Phalaenopsis orchids can bloom again in summer if properly cared for, but if they are not properly cared for, it is better to cut off the flower arrows in summer, otherwise it will easily affect their flowering next year.

Here are the tips for Phalaenopsis home care.

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