Post-blooming care methods and precautions for Phalaenopsis orchids

Some flower enthusiasts think that Phalaenopsis orchids are one-time blooming flowers and have little care value after blooming. In fact, as long as they are cared for properly, Phalaenopsis orchids can bloom normally in the years to come.

1. Remove the flower spike. After all the flowers of the Phalaenopsis orchid have withered, promptly cut off the flower spike from the base to reduce the consumption of nutrients within the plant.

2. Keep it warm. In northern regions, Phalaenopsis orchids should be kept warm in winter. First, cover the flower and pot with plastic film, control watering and stop fertilizing; second, place the film-covered pot in a sunny indoor spot, using light to raise the temperature of the micro-environment.

3. Repot early. After blooming, Phalaenopsis orchids should be repotted promptly, no later than mid-April.

4. Water skillfully. Watering is crucial in the care of Phalaenopsis orchids. According to the author's experience, after blooming and removing the spike until before "May Day," the potting soil should be kept moist, generally with a thorough watering once a week; after "May Day," a thorough watering can be given every 4-5 days, and the leaves can also be misted at noon when the temperature is high. It should be noted that water in the north is highly alkaline, and long-term watering tends to make the potting soil alkaline, so about once a week, some ferrous sulfate solution should be applied appropriately.

5. Sufficient light. Before mid-May, place it in a spot with ample light; after mid-May, because ultraviolet radiation is stronger, avoid direct strong light at noon, and in summer, provide semi-shade.

6. Prevent pests and diseases. Spring is a season when Phalaenopsis orchids are prone to pests and diseases. If pests or diseases occur, in addition to strengthening water and fertilizer management and improving ventilation, leaf spot disease can be controlled with broad-spectrum fungicides such as chlorothalonil; soft rot should be treated differently: bacterial soft rot can be controlled with a 1000-fold dilution of 72% agricultural streptomycin, while fungal soft rot can be controlled with chlorothalonil, carbendazim, thiophanate-methyl, etc.; for scale insects and aphids, when the number is small they can be manually removed, and when the number is large they can be controlled with a 1000-fold dilution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate.