What soil and medium are best for growing Phalaenopsis orchids?

Have you ever thought about buying a pot of Phalaenopsis with great anticipation, then choosing rich, fertile soil for it, carefully planting it, only to find that before long the orchid's roots begin to rot and its leaves lose their luster one after another? Do you wonder whether you failed to care for it in the traditional way, and that is why you cannot get your Phalaenopsis to grow healthily? The following article reveals the "soil trap" in Phalaenopsis care!

As the white moonlight in everyone's heart, the Phalaenopsis differs from other orchids in its roots. The roots of the Phalaenopsis are plump and fleshy, and they themselves have relatively high requirements for moisture and air permeability. Once the soil is too sticky or tends to hold water, the roots of the Phalaenopsis will have difficulty breathing and rot.

When caring for Phalaenopsis, many flower lovers habitually use ordinary soil or garden soil as its soil medium. However, this kind of soil is often rather sticky or tends to hold water, and cannot provide the air permeability that Phalaenopsis roots need. When its roots remain in this kind of environment for a long time, they will gradually lose vitality and then easily die outright.

So how can this situation be avoided in daily care? The answer is to cater to the characteristics of the Phalaenopsis and provide it with a loose, airy, well-draining substrate. Generally speaking, the substrates that flower growers favor include sphagnum moss, coconut coir, perlite and so on. This kind of medium not only meets the Phalaenopsis's need for air permeability, but also helps control moisture and does not easily retain standing water.

In addition, besides choosing a suitable medium for the Phalaenopsis, you should also pay attention to watering it. Although the Phalaenopsis is said to like a moist environment, that does not mean it should be watered often. Before watering, follow the principle of "water when dry, dry out between waterings." In daily care, it is recommended to touch the surface of the medium with your hand and water only when you find it is dry. And when you do water, water thoroughly, but avoid standing water. Of course, in subsequent care, you should also pay attention to details such as light and temperature, because only in this way can the plant grow healthily.