What kind of soil is best for growing Phalaenopsis?

The Phalaenopsis orchid is shaped like a butterfly, and its flowers are large, numerous and brightly colored, making it extremely ornamental. It is known as the "Queen of Orchids" and is deeply loved by flower lovers. So what kind of soil is best for growing Phalaenopsis? Let’s learn more about it below.

What kind of soil is best for growing Phalaenopsis?

Phalaenopsis is an epiphytic plant, and aerial roots can easily grow out to absorb water and nutrients, so sphagnum moss, vermiculite, bark , etc. are generally used as cultivation media . It is not recommended to use general soil such as garden soil for cultivation, otherwise it will easily cause root rot.

How to care for Phalaenopsis?

1. Temperature

Phalaenopsis prefers a high temperature and high humidity environment. The minimum temperature during the growth period should be kept above 15℃. The suitable growth temperature for Phalaenopsis is 16℃ to 30℃. Attention should be paid to warming up during the turn of autumn and winter, winter and spring, and when the temperature is low in winter.

2. Lighting

Although Phalaenopsis is a shade-tolerant plant, lack of sufficient sunlight will affect its flowering. Be sure to provide sufficient light before flowering, which can promote flowering and make the flower color bright and lasting. According to maintenance experience, the flower pot can generally be placed in a place with scattered light.

3. Watering

Phalaenopsis orchids need to be watered twice a week during the growing season. Just keep the soil moist. You should also spray water around the plant to keep it moist and pay attention to indoor ventilation. However, be sure to avoid water accumulation when watering, as water accumulation can easily cause root rot. Also, do not water the center of the leaves when watering, otherwise spots will appear, and in severe cases, it will lead to stem rot.

4. Fertilization

Fertilization is generally based on chemical fertilizers . Commonly used chemical fertilizers include potassium dihydrogen phosphate, diammonium phosphate and special fertilizer for orchids, with an application concentration of 0.1%-0.2%. Apply once every 5-7 days during the peak growing season; apply once every 20-30 days during the slow growing season; stop fertilizing when the temperature drops below 15℃ in winter.

5. Repotting

After the Phalaenopsis flower is planted, the pedicels should be cut off and the pot should be changed in time. After removing the plant from the pot, remove the original substrate, cut off the rotten and dead roots, and replace it with a new substrate before continuing to care for it.

In general, Phalaenopsis has relatively high requirements for soil, and it is generally recommended to use cultivation media such as sphagnum moss, vermiculite, and bark. Of course, if you find it troublesome, you can go directly to the flower shop to buy special soil for Phalaenopsis cultivation and pay attention to the maintenance methods.