How to care for Phalaenopsis in autumn? A detailed guide to the key care tasks

Growth status of the plants in autumn (October-December)

Because Phalaenopsis grows much later in spring than other epiphytic orchids, its growth stop period is also relatively late. Usually in the 10th month, when other epiphytic orchids stop growing, it still produces new leaves and new roots, and only stops growing completely by late autumn. At the same time as new roots grow, the old leaves near the base turn brown and fall off, which is a normal phenomenon in autumn.

Because of the stimulation from low temperatures, flower buds begin to differentiate. In some fast-growing varieties, a flower-bud-like protrusion can be seen at the base of the leaves, and soon the flower stem will emerge. During this period, the plants should be kept from rain as much as possible.

Sunlight is the same as in spring.

Watering. After entering autumn, the growth of Phalaenopsis gradually slows down, but its water requirement is still considerable, so a "small amounts, more frequently" watering method is suitable.

Fertilizing. At this time, it has already begun to enter the flower bud differentiation stage. Before that, liquid fertilizer still needs to be applied once a week until around the end of the 10th month, while solid fertilizer can be stopped.

Spraying pesticides. The tender new leaf buds and flower buds are the favorite food of slugs and snails, so before the flower buds appear, pesticides for killing slugs and snails should be spread, or some traps should be used to lure them away from the plants.