Phalaenopsis schilleriana care tips for beginners, including its species characteristics and dried flower making

Today's recommendation is a variety of Phalaenopsis that originates from the island of the Philippines, and its name is "schilleriana."

Overall, Phalaenopsis schilleriana does not have a particularly large flower count, but its looks are excellent. In terms of flower shape, the size is about 7.5 cm, and the leaves are not especially large, about 20 cm in size, with tiger-stripe markings and a naturally drooping feel. As for the petals, they are pinkish-white, with no line-like patterns in the middle of the petals, and a few scattered speckles on the petals. After the flowers fully open, they carry a fragrance, making it one of the more strongly scented Phalaenopsis varieties.

So for such a lively and graceful Phalaenopsis schilleriana, how should it be cared for in daily life to better preserve its beauty? In fact, besides using methods to make it rebloom, we can also cut the best flowers during its blooming period and make them into dried flowers to keep permanently. How exactly is this done? Let's take a look together.

Generally speaking, to make dried flowers from Phalaenopsis, you can choose either the natural air-drying method or the desiccant method. The advantage of the former, the natural air-drying method, is that it costs nothing at all; you just need to find a place with good ventilation and no direct sunlight. First, choose to cut it from the stem when the Phalaenopsis petals have not yet fully opened, then find a fishing line and gently thread it through the stem, then hang it in a well-ventilated place such as a garage or attic, making sure the air can circulate around it. Finally, the ventilation time is about 2-3 weeks. You can touch the texture of the petals with your hand; when they become crisp and hard or the color darkens, it means drying is complete. Then carefully protect the fragile petals and place them in a container, or use them directly to make floral arrangements.

In addition, there is also a desiccant method, which requires buying silica gel desiccant and a transparent container online or from a craft store in advance. Before making it, first fill the container about half full with desiccant, then carefully place the Phalaenopsis in the desiccant, making sure as much as possible not to damage the petals. If conditions allow, you can use a small paper cup or another tool to help. After putting the flower in, pour in the remaining desiccant until the flower is completely covered, which means it is done. Then seal it for about 7-10 days, and the desiccant will absorb the moisture from the flower and dry it out. Finally, open the container and gently remove the desiccant attached to the flower with a makeup brush, and then it can be used for decoration.