How to care for Phalaenopsis in winter? Master these key points to get through winter safely
Since Phalaenopsis is native to the tropical regions of Asia, care work needs to be done well in winter. In the winter in northern China, Phalaenopsis needs to be cultivated in high-temperature greenhouses. The editor will introduce to you which issues need attention when cultivating Phalaenopsis in winter.
Phalaenopsis
1. Temperature: The suitable temperature for the growth of Phalaenopsis is 25-30 degrees during the day. Above 32 degrees, it is unfavorable for growth and flower bud differentiation. At night, 18-20 degrees, and it must not be lower than 15 degrees. If a relatively high temperature is maintained consistently, it is beneficial for flowering.
2. Humidity: Phalaenopsis likes relatively high air humidity. During the growth period, it should be maintained at 70%-80%. Therefore, water should often be sprayed into the surrounding space to increase humidity, but the moisture in the substrate must not be too much, otherwise root rot easily occurs. A slightly dry substrate is beneficial for the growth of new roots.
3. Light: According to weather conditions, open the shade net promptly every day to promote photosynthesis in Phalaenopsis. When the temperature is relatively high or the humidity is too high, open the skylight to allow ventilation.
3. Fertilization: Fertilization of Phalaenopsis follows the principle of "light fertilizer applied frequently." You can mix 1500 times compound fertilizer with 5000 times boric acid and spray it, then apply 1500 times compound fertilizer once every 1 week thereafter. In addition, Phalaenopsis has fleshy roots. To make its root system thick, the application of potassium fertilizer is relatively important.
Key points for home care of Phalaenopsis
Key point one for Phalaenopsis care: reasonable temperature
Phalaenopsis likes warmth and humidity, so when we grow Phalaenopsis at home, we must be sure to guarantee the temperature. Generally speaking, during the growth period of Phalaenopsis, the minimum temperature should be kept above 15°C, the suitable temperature is 18-28°C, and during the flowering period the temperature should be kept at 23-25°C as the optimum. Particular attention should be paid to summer and winter. In summer, to avoid excessively high temperatures harming the flowers, more attention should be paid to ventilation and cooling. In winter, the temperature is relatively low, which may cause the roots of Phalaenopsis to stop absorbing water and stop growing, causing the plant to die. Therefore, in winter, attention should be paid to heat preservation work.
Key point two for Phalaenopsis care: suitable sunlight
Phalaenopsis should be placed beside a bed with sufficient light and smooth ventilation for care. Placing it in a dark place easily affects plant growth and makes it susceptible to pest infestation. However, at the same time, attention should also be paid to sunburn on the leaves caused by light under high temperatures. For this reason, when high temperature and high humidity arrive in summer, it is necessary both to do a good job of ventilation and heat protection and to make preparations for shading.
Key point three for Phalaenopsis care: reasonable humidity
Insufficient humidity in the air will cause the leaves of Phalaenopsis to wrinkle. Therefore, Phalaenopsis is suitable for growing in an environment with air humidity of 50%-80%. During the flower-growing process, a water basin can be placed next to the flowerpot to increase humidity.
Key point four for Phalaenopsis care: reasonable fertilization
Phalaenopsis needs fertilization throughout the year. In spring and summer, it is recommended to fertilize once every week. In autumn and winter, it is recommended to apply phosphorus fertilizer once every more than half a month. After each fertilization, rinse the flowerpot and plant with water.
Several key points for caring for Phalaenopsis
Phalaenopsis is an epiphytic orchid native to the tropics and has long been known by the beautiful title "Queen of Orchids." It has a raceme, bears many flowers, and the flower shape resembles a butterfly. The flower colors are gorgeous and rich, and the flowering period is very long. It is one of the most widely and commonly cultivated species among orchids and is deeply loved by people around the world. As a very important indoor flower, it can often be seen in homes and offices, and in some regions it is also often used as a bride's bouquet.
Phalaenopsis is generally propagated mostly by tissue culture and division, but when no tillering buds are produced and it cannot be propagated under home conditions, many flower lovers indeed feel very regretful. Here I recommend to everyone a technique for propagating Phalaenopsis using flower stalks.
After flowering, cut off the remaining flowers on the flower stalk together with the stalk, taking care to retain the ungerminated node buds (about 3-4 nodes); carefully remove the bracts on the buds of the top 1-2 nodes to expose the node buds, being careful not to damage the buds; take a small amount of germination promoter (plant hormone) and evenly apply it to the node buds; place the treated orchid in a suitable place, maintaining the temperature at 25-30°C and humidity above 75%. After 2-3 months, 1-2 new flower seedlings can grow; when the new seedlings have grown to a certain size, wrap a small amount of sphagnum moss around their base with plastic film. When the young seedlings grow 2-3 thick roots, they can be cut off and planted separately.
When caring for Phalaenopsis at home, the following points should be noted:
(1) Temperature: Phalaenopsis is native to tropical regions and likes a high-temperature and high-humidity environment. During the growth period, the minimum temperature should be kept above 15°C, and the suitable growth temperature is 20-30%. In summer, when it exceeds 35°C, or in winter, when it is below 10°C, its growth will be inhibited. Around the Spring Festival is the full flowering period. Properly lowering the temperature can prolong the viewing time, but it must not be lower than 13°C.
(2) Water: In its place of origin, Phalaenopsis mostly grows on tree trunks, with its roots exposed in the air, and can absorb water from the moist air. Air humidity should be kept at 70%. When cultivated artificially, the roots are buried in the cultivation substrate. If watered too much, the aeration of the substrate will become poor, the fleshy roots will rot, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off, and in severe cases this can lead to death. The principle of watering: water when dry, and water thoroughly when watering. When the indoor air is dry, a sprayer or watering can may be used to spray the leaf surfaces, but note that during the flowering period, water mist must not be sprayed onto the flowers, so as to avoid flower and bud drop.
(3) Light: Phalaenopsis does not need much light, about 1/3 to 1/2 of the light for ordinary orchids, and strong direct light must be avoided. If it is grown on an indoor windowsill, use a window screen to shade part of the sunlight: 80% shading in summer, 60% shading in autumn, and 40% shading in winter. Before and after the flowering period, appropriate light can promote flowering in Phalaenopsis and make the flowers more brilliant and long-lasting.
(4) Nutrition: For cultivating Phalaenopsis, sphagnum moss and moss are generally chosen as the cultivation substrate. The principle of fertilization should be to apply less fertilizer and apply dilute fertilizer. During normal growth, apply 2000 times orchid special fertilizer for root fertilization, once every 2-3 weeks depending on growth conditions. Before flowering, a compound flower fertilizer mainly based on water-soluble high-phosphorus and high-potassium fertilizer at 1000-2000 times can be chosen and sprayed once about every 10 days. Stop fertilizing during the flowering period and in seasons with relatively low temperatures.
(5) Repotting: It takes about 2 years from young seedling to flowering. For mature Phalaenopsis, it is advisable to repot and replace the planting material after flowering each spring, otherwise dirt and moss easily accumulate, and the planting material also easily decays and breeds pests and diseases. For potted Phalaenopsis, it is advisable to use a porous, breathable unglazed clay pot. When planting, the planting material placed at the bottom of the pot should account for at least 1/2 of the pot's capacity, and part of the roots should be exposed on the pot surface. Do not bury them completely and deeply, otherwise respiration and growth will be hindered.