Latest Prices for Phalaenopsis Seeds and a Detailed Guide to Growing Them

Phalaenopsis is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Phalaenopsis in the orchid family (Orchidaceae), native to subtropical rainforest regions. It is an epiphytic orchid that can survive by absorbing nutrients from the air. Its flowers are as beautiful as dancing butterflies and are deeply favored by flower enthusiasts, earning it the title of “Queen of Foreign Orchids.” Let us take a look together at the price of Phalaenopsis seeds and how to grow them!

How much does a jin of Phalaenopsis seeds cost?

The price of Phalaenopsis seeds is about 90 to 120 yuan per jin, but prices vary greatly depending on seed quality, variety, market conditions and other factors. The main propagation methods for Phalaenopsis include seed sowing, flower stalk bud propagation, crown-cutting bud propagation, stem-cutting propagation and tissue culture. Using seeds can produce a large number of excellent seedlings, and they are less likely to transmit viruses and other diseases. Hybridization can also be used to cultivate new varieties that are superior, more novel, and have more flower colors and flower shapes.

How are Phalaenopsis seeds sown?

1. Natural sowing method: The natural sowing method involves sowing the seeds released from already split capsules into the pot of the parent plant. It is simple and easy, requiring no complex sterile procedures or operating tools, and is suitable for ordinary home Phalaenopsis growers, but the chance of success is very slim.

2. Sterile sowing method

① Capsule treatment: After washing the unopened mature fruit of Phalaenopsis, immerse it in 75 to 90% ethanol or chloroform for 2 to 3 seconds, then soak it in a 5 to 10% bleaching powder solution or 3% hydrogen peroxide for 5 to 20 minutes, and take out the seeds.

② Seed treatment: Soak the Phalaenopsis seeds in the same disinfectant solution for 5 to 20 minutes, then remove the solution by filtration, and use a fine needle to spread the seeds evenly on the surface of the prepared culture medium in the bottle.

③ Post-sowing management: The culture conditions are a light intensity of 2000 to 3000 lux, 10 to 18 hours per day, and a temperature maintained at 20 to 26°C. After 9 to 10 months, when the seedlings have grown 2 to 3 leaves, they can be taken out of the bottle and planted in pots.

How to grow Phalaenopsis

1. Light: Phalaenopsis prefers shade, but still needs to receive some light. Especially before and after the flowering period, appropriate light can promote flowering, so it is generally placed in a spot indoors with scattered light, and direct sunlight should be avoided. If placed on an indoor windowsill, use a window screen to block part of the sunlight.

2. Soil: Phalaenopsis has high requirements for soil. You can choose pine needles, peanut shells, bark strips, clay balls, etc. If you cannot prepare these materials yourself, you can directly buy special orchid soil for Phalaenopsis at a flower market.

3. Temperature: Phalaenopsis likes a high-temperature, high-humidity environment. During the growing period, the minimum temperature should be kept above 15°C, and the suitable growing temperature is 16°C to 30°C. When the temperature is low in autumn and winter, at the turn of winter and spring, and in winter, attention should be paid to increasing the temperature.

4. Watering: Phalaenopsis likes high humidity, but water must never accumulate. At the same time, avoid letting Phalaenopsis be in a state of water shortage, especially during its growing period. Once water shortage occurs frequently, it will cause the leaves to turn yellow and be very difficult to recover.

5. Fertilizing: The principle of fertilizing Phalaenopsis is to apply less fertilizer and apply diluted fertilizer. Fertilizers suitable for Phalaenopsis include foliar fertilizer, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, fermented farmyard manure diluted with water, special orchid fertilizer, etc. During the growing period, foliar fertilizer and potassium dihydrogen phosphate can be applied alternately.

6. Ventilation: The normal growth of Phalaenopsis requires flowing fresh air, so ventilation must be good when growing Phalaenopsis, especially during the high-humidity period in summer. Good ventilation must be used to prevent heatstroke, and it can also avoid infection by pests and diseases.

7. Repotting: Phalaenopsis must be repotted once a year. Late spring and early summer are the most suitable times for repotting. Timely repotting can prevent poor growth caused by decayed substrate, because Phalaenopsis likes soil with strong aeration, and decayed substrate will make the soil impermeable.

Precautions for Phalaenopsis

1. The natural flowering period of Phalaenopsis is from March to May, and the ornamental period can generally reach more than 2 months. Many flower lovers think it is quite difficult for home-cultivated Phalaenopsis to bloom, but in fact, as long as attention is paid to care, it can definitely bloom.

2. Phalaenopsis needs low temperatures to promote flower bud differentiation. Generally, temperatures below 20°C can achieve the purpose of forcing flowers, but in winter the indoor temperature is sometimes lower than 10°C. It can be placed in places such as a windowsill with ample sunlight or near heating equipment to increase the temperature.

3. During the growing period, the substrate for Phalaenopsis should be kept moist. Slightly dry conditions are beneficial to root growth, while long-term excessive moisture will cause root rot. The indoor relative air humidity should reach above 60%.

4. When the weather is dry, Phalaenopsis needs to be sprayed with water to retain moisture, which can create a microclimate beneficial to the growth of Phalaenopsis. If conditions permit, a humidifier can be used to increase air humidity.

5. Phalaenopsis seedlings have low light requirements and can be maintained in a semi-shaded environment. Adult plants like ample scattered light. In spring, summer and autumn, full light can be given in the morning and evening, with shading at noon, and in winter, light can be given all day.

6. After Phalaenopsis blooms, the flower stalk should be cut off in time and the pot changed. After removing the plant from the pot, remove the original substrate, cut off rotten roots and dead roots, and after replacing it with new substrate, continue maintenance.