How to Grow Phalaenopsis? Cultivation Methods and Precautions for the Queen of Orchids

During the Chinese New Year season, Phalaenopsis plants send out long flower stalks from the leaf axils and bloom with flowers shaped like dancing butterflies, greatly favored by flower enthusiasts and known as the “Queen of Orchids”.

Phalaenopsis, as the name suggests, is an orchid as beautiful as a butterfly. If you keep a pot of Phalaenopsis as a bonsai at home, it is sure to be a very pleasing sight. So how should Phalaenopsis be grown? What precautions should be taken during cultivation?

Cultivation Methods

① The growing medium for Phalaenopsis is mainly moss and water grass. General soil cultivation requires slightly loose soil.

② As for temperature, Phalaenopsis has fairly strict requirements, generally 15-30°C. If the temperature is lower or higher than this, it will stop growing or develop yellow leaves.

③ Water should be sufficient. The leaves of Phalaenopsis are not the type that easily store water, so the soil needs to have enough moisture. During the vigorous growth period of new roots, water more; during the dormant period after flowering, water less. In spring and autumn, water once a day around 5 p.m. In summer, when the plant grows vigorously, water once each at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. In winter, when light is weak and temperatures are low, watering once every other week is enough, preferably before 10 a.m. If a cold wave hits, do not water; keep it dry, and resume watering after the cold wave passes.

④ Light should be appropriate. Although Phalaenopsis is a plant that likes shade and cool conditions, all green plants need sufficient light to produce the energy they need. Especially when flowering, Phalaenopsis needs sufficient light, but direct sunlight should be avoided.

⑤ Ventilation. Phalaenopsis also has quite high requirements for air quality. Home-grown Phalaenopsis generally needs frequent ventilation to prevent pests.

⑥ Fertilize in moderation. Especially in winter, if the number of fertilizer applications is too few, the plant will bloom very little the following year. Spring is the growing season, so a special nutrient solution for Phalaenopsis can be used.

⑦ After flowering, cut off the withered flowers, which consume nutrients, and withered flowers hanging on the plant also look unattractive.

Precautions

① Water in moderation, not too frequently; too frequent watering will rot the roots of Phalaenopsis.

② Pay attention to maintaining temperature. Home-grown Phalaenopsis very easily stops growing due to temperatures being too low. In winter, be sure to keep Phalaenopsis warm.

③ Fertilize in moderation. Do not think that once it enters the growing season you should fertilize heavily. Fertilizing once every 7-10 days is generally enough. If you do not understand, you can ask the fertilizer seller when buying, or read the fertilizer instructions.

④ Use a suitable flower pot. Do not use a small pot for a large plant or a large pot for a small plant; either will give Phalaenopsis a poor growing environment.