Phalaenopsis,also known as moth orchids,is a genus of about seventy species of plants in the family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus are monopodial epiphytes or lithophytes with long, coarse roots, short, leafy stems and long-lasting, flat flowers arranged in a flowering stem that often branches near the end.

Phalaenopsis flowers are gorgeous and delicate, with a long flowering period and a large number of flowers, which can absorb harmful indoor gases, purify the air and can be used as a potted ornamental.

Phalaenopsis has a long growth cycle. In nature, it takes about 3 to 4 years from seedling to flowering. Under good artificial cultivation conditions, extending the daily light exposure to 14 hours, maintaining the night temperature at about 21 °C, and strengthening the management of water and fertilizer can shorten the time from seedling to flowering, which takes about 1 to 2 years from seedling to flowering. Most phalaenopsis species bloom in spring, but also in summer; the pedicels are drawn from the leaf axils, and there are several flowers on them, which open in sequence, and each flower can open for more than a month.

1. Method of changing the basin

Phalaenopsis growth substrates must be well-drained and have some water-retaining properties. Commonly used substrates are moss, fern roots, bark, charcoal, ceramsite, etc.

Repotting should be carried out in the summer of the growing season. The method is to first pour out the plants, remove the old cultivation substrate, and cut off the aging and rotten aerial roots, and then put a layer of charcoal particles on the bottom of the new pot, and then put it in. Plants, filled with new substrate.

2. Method of Watering

Phalaenopsis can easily rot if exposed to rain or excessive watering. Watering is the key to ensuring its normal growth. Do not splash the leaves when watering, as the leaves will rot after splashing, especially in winter. During the growth period in spring and summer, it should be watered once a day and sprayed 2 to 3 times a day; in autumn and winter, as the temperature decreases, the amount of watering should be gradually reduced, water once every 2 to 5 days, and stop spraying and keep The soil is moist.

3. Method of Fertilization

Fertilization is generally dominated by chemical fertilizers. Topdressing is applied once every 5 to 7 days in the peak growth season, and once every 20 to 30 days in the slow growing season. Fertilization is stopped when the temperature drops below 15°C in winter.

4. Method of Shade

Summer is the period of vigorous growth of Phalaenopsis, and it must be shaded to prevent leaves from burning. Generally shading 50% to 60%; the sunlight in autumn is also relatively strong, therefore, 50% shading is still required until September, and the shading material can be removed after October.

Have you mastered the above planting methods?