Is the Niuji Black Face Phalaenopsis a large-flowered orchid? Solutions for short flower spikes
The New Year is drawing nearer and nearer, and it is time once again to add some Lunar New Year flowers to the home! Today I simply must introduce you to the hugely popular Niuji Black Face Phalaenopsis, which is both beautiful and festive, filling the New Year atmosphere to the brim!
Niuji Black Face Phalaenopsis has an elegant air all its own. With medium-to-large blooms that are neat and full, every petal looks as if it were meticulously carved. The petals are rich red and deep purple, and their velvety texture adds a touch of mystery and luxury. Placed at home, it instantly becomes the visual focal point, showing off distinctive taste, and is the perfect choice for decorating the home at New Year. What is more, its flowering period is relatively long, so this beauty can accompany us through the entire New Year holiday - outstanding value for money!
Some growers may run into the problem of short flower spikes on Niuji Black Face Phalaenopsis - do not panic! This may be caused by insufficient light, temperature or nutrients. You can place it somewhere with bright light but out of direct sunlight, so it can photosynthesise fully. A spot in the living room near a window, for example, guarantees plenty of scattered light without scorching the plant. Keep the temperature at 18 - 25°C, the range that suits its growth best.
If you grow plants in the north and have central heating at home, be sure to ventilate properly to avoid the temperature getting too high; those in the south should watch out for low winter temperatures and take some warming measures if necessary.
Nutrients are essential too. Apply a dilute phosphorus-potassium fertiliser once every 1 - 2 weeks to stimulate flower spike growth. Monopotassium phosphate is a great choice: dilute it at a ratio of 1:1000 and water the plant with it. Keep this up for a while and the flower spike will grow strong and healthy.
Want your beautiful Niuji Black Face Phalaenopsis to bloom for longer? Do not water too often: wait until the soil surface is dry before watering, and water thoroughly each time to prevent waterlogging and root rot. You can insert a finger 2 - 3 cm into the soil and water again when it feels dry. Temperature is crucial: a night temperature of 15 - 18°C and a day temperature of 20 - 25°C; this temperature difference can extend the flowering period. Also avoid moving it around frequently - let it grow in a stable environment.
In addition, spray a diluted monopotassium phosphate solution once every 1 - 2 weeks to supply nutrients and make the flowers last longer. During the flowering period, reduce the concentration and frequency of fertilising as much as possible to avoid fertiliser burn.