How do you grow Phalaenopsis orchids well? These care tips you need to master

Phalaenopsis orchids are highly favored by flower lovers because their blooms look like dancing butterflies. They have over seventy varieties and are widely grown indoors and in gardens, so how do you grow Phalaenopsis orchids? Which points need attention?

Phalaenopsis orchids are mainly produced in the humid regions of Asia, and are distributed in Myanmar, the Malay Peninsula, the South China Sea Islands and other areas. Among them, the most famous are the Phalaenopsis orchids produced in Wusenyong and Green Island in Taitung. The native varieties of Phalaenopsis orchids are not very brightly colored; most of the brightly colored Phalaenopsis orchids we see today are the result of artificial hybridization and selection.

Phalaenopsis orchids have spike-like inflorescences that grow laterally from the base of the stem. The flower stalk is green, the flowers are fragrant, and the flower colors are numerous and varied. They can bloom for more than one month. Most Phalaenopsis orchids have no fragrance; very few varieties are fragrant, and their fragrance is rather special, so not everyone can accept it. Some people feel nauseated and dizzy after smelling the scent.

How to grow Phalaenopsis orchids

The first step in growing Phalaenopsis orchids is choosing the soil. The growing medium for Phalaenopsis orchids needs to be a bit loose, because they are not tolerant of waterlogging and the root and stem area needs good ventilation.

Next is understanding their growth habits. Phalaenopsis orchids like high-temperature and humid environments, and growing them requires maintaining good ventilation. The growing spot is best in a semi-shaded environment, as they dislike direct sunlight. Phalaenopsis orchids are not tolerant of waterlogging, so when growing them, be careful not to water frequently. The optimum growing temperature for Phalaenopsis orchids is 22 to 28 degrees Celsius, and the overwintering temperature should not be lower than 15 degrees Celsius.

Finally, there is daily care. Watering is relatively complicated in growing Phalaenopsis orchids. Usually you should pay attention to keeping sufficient moisture. The leaves of Phalaenopsis orchids have poor water storage capacity, but the plant itself is not tolerant of waterlogging, so usually you should pay attention to watering frequently, and the amount of water should be appropriate. Never pour a large amount of water at one time just to save effort. When new roots of Phalaenopsis orchids are growing vigorously, they need more watering; during the dormant period after flowering, water less.

Points to note when growing Phalaenopsis orchids

1. Temperature

Phalaenopsis orchids like high-temperature and high-humidity environments. During the growing period, the minimum temperature should be kept above 15°C. After the Spring Festival, appropriately lowering the temperature can extend the flowering period, but note that the growing temperature must not be lower than 13°C.

2. Water

In spring and autumn, you can water after 5 p.m. every day. Summer is the vigorous growing season, so you can water once each in the morning before the sun comes out and after the sun goes down. Note that the principle of watering is to water when dry and stop when wet, and water thoroughly when you do. In dry regions, you can use misting to keep the leaves moist.

3. Light

Phalaenopsis orchids do not need much light and must never be exposed to strong direct light. If you want to place them on a balcony to grow, you can first block part of the light; two or three hours of light per day is enough.