A Complete Guide to Research on Phalaenopsis Cultivation Substrates

① Differentcultivationsubstrates have a clear effect on the leaf growth of Phalaenopsis. Among the four substrates tested, D perlite + coconut coir (2:1) was relatively favorable for Phalaenopsis leaf growth, followed by C fern root + coconut coir. Because these two substrates are loose and breathable while also having a certain water-retention capacity, they allow Phalaenopsis to grow and develop under suitable humidity. This is especially true in summer and autumn. The other two substrates are both granular types; although they have good breathability, their moisture retention is poor, so they are not suitable as acultivationsubstrate for the Guangzhou area. ② Differentcultivationsubstrates also have a clear effect on Phalaenopsisflowerbud formation and flower stalk development. Among the five substrates tested, D perlite + coconut coir still performed best as a cultivation substrate, with a high flower bud formation rate and early, fast flower stalk development, followed by C fern root + coconut coir. Adding a small amount of peat soil to ceramsite substrate to retain moisture also made the ceramsite substrate good, with a high flower bud rate. (Wang Huaiyu)