Why can't Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) be grown in soil, and what growing medium is best?

Among the countless flowers, every kind has its own unique beauty as well as its own temperament and preferences. Today let's talk about the "Phalaenopsis" (moth orchid) that many people like.

When buying one, many people have probably noticed that it feels a bit lighter than an ordinary potted plant when carried around, and the reason is that its growing medium is mostly leaf mold, coconut coir, bark, sphagnum moss and similar materials, and these media are much lighter than fertile garden soil. But why can't Phalaenopsis be planted in fertile garden soil? The answer is that it will lose its vitality if grown in garden soil, and the reason is that the roots of Phalaenopsis are not as strong and sturdy as those of other plants; its roots are mostly thin and fragile, so it is especially sensitive to its needs for water and air. If it is grown in garden soil that easily retains water, its roots will be unable to breathe. Afterwards, conditions such as root rot and yellow leaves will gradually appear.

So, how can this problem be avoided? The answer lies in the media that flower growers love to use. The common points of sphagnum moss and coconut coir are that they have good air permeability, and their advantage is that they can properly maintain humidity and also let the roots of Phalaenopsis get enough air, so that the roots of Phalaenopsis can breathe air normally and thus avoid root rot. Therefore, the health of the medium is actually also the key to whether Phalaenopsis can grow healthily, so it is recommended to frequently observe, repot, prune the roots and carry out similar operations.

In addition, besides following the growing medium for Phalaenopsis, during care you also need to accurately grasp the environment such as light, temperature and humidity. Among these, it likes a light intensity of between 1500-3000 lux, and increasing the light duration stimulates its flower buds to bloom faster. Its temperature requirement is 20-25 degrees Celsius; if the temperature is too low or too high, it will also affect its flowering period and plant health. As for soil moisture, it likes a humid environment, and in daily care you can pay more attention to the weather conditions. For example, in summer when water absorption needs to be increased, you can place a water tray next to the flower pot; in autumn when it is dry, you can spray water regularly to raise the air humidity; and in winter you should reduce the frequency of watering.