Phalaenopsis cultivation methods and maintenance

Phalaenopsis is a plant belonging to the genus Phalaenopsis in the orchid family. It has bright colors, abundant flowers, and a long flowering period. It is a popular indoor ornamental potted plant in winter and early spring, and is also a common choice for New Year flowers. The following are the cultivation methods and maintenance of Phalaenopsis.

1. Cultivation medium

When you receive a Phalaenopsis seedling with a flower arrow, it is recommended not to rush to change the pot, but to maintain it in the original pot and put a more beautiful pot on the outside. Wait until the flowering period is over before repotting. It is recommended to use pure sphagnum moss as the substrate when repotting, which is easier to manage. During the repotting process, gently remove the old sphagnum moss to avoid damaging the root system, cut off the rotten roots, then fill the middle of the root system with new sphagnum moss, wrap the outside, and place it in a transparent flowerpot. Using transparent pots to plant Phalaenopsis orchids helps to observe the dryness and wetness of the roots and sphagnum moss, which is crucial for determining the right time to water.

2. Proper watering and fertilization

Phalaenopsis cannot tolerate stagnant water, and the dry-wet cycle of sphagnum moss should be controlled within a week, that is, watering once every 5-7 days. If the sphagnum moss has not dried out after more than 7 days, it may be that the flowerpot is too large or the sphagnum moss is filled too tightly, affecting the dry-wet cycle.

The timing of watering should be determined according to the condition of the Phalaenopsis roots, which is why it is recommended to use transparent flower pots. When watering, water evenly along the edge of the pot, avoiding pouring into the core or fixed positions to prevent local over-wetting or over-drying.

Spring, summer and autumn are the growing seasons for Phalaenopsis. At this time, water-soluble fertilizers should be applied, such as Huaduoduo No. 1 or bean cake fertilizer water. At the same time, slow-release fertilizers can be placed beside the pot. When the temperature drops in winter, stop using water-soluble fertilizers. When Phalaenopsis orchids grow flower arrows, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be added, and topdressing should be continued during the initial flowering period to ensure that all flower buds open and extend the flowering period.

3. Lighting control

Phalaenopsis is shade-tolerant but not sun-tolerant, and is suitable for placement on an east-facing windowsill or in a bright living room. Appropriate light can be received in late autumn, winter and early spring, but too strong light will shorten the flowering period. During the flowering period, it should be placed in a bright diffuse light environment and avoid direct sunlight to prevent sunburn of the leaves.

4. Temperature control

Phalaenopsis is heat-resistant but not cold-resistant. In summer, it only needs to be avoided from direct sunlight and kept under sufficient fertilizer and water. When the temperature is below 15℃ in winter, the growth of Phalaenopsis will stop. Therefore, when caring for it in winter, you should try to keep the room temperature at around 10℃, at least not lower than 5℃, to avoid frost damage.

As long as you pay more attention to the above maintenance points, you can ensure the healthy growth of Phalaenopsis at home. Do you have any other questions about Phalaenopsis cultivation?