How to care for and manage Phalaenopsis after it grows a flower spike

Everyone knows that Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) look especially beautiful when in bloom, but when they finally manage to send up a spike, it would be such a shame if the follow-up care can't keep up! Don't worry, the care tips below are sure to help everyone keep their Phalaenopsis perfectly happy and produce big, beautiful flowers.

Light Management 

After a Phalaenopsis sends up a spike, it needs more sun. You can place it somewhere in the home with good light, such as near a window, so it gets 6 - 8 hours of bright, indirect light each day. However, don't put it directly under the blazing sun, especially the strong midday sun, which is far too harsh and can easily scorch the Phalaenopsis leaves. In the morning or late afternoon, letting it get a little direct light is fine. 

Temperature Control 

Phalaenopsis loves a warm environment, and after it sends up a spike, keeping daytime temperatures at 25 - 28°C and nighttime temperatures at 18 - 20°C is the most comfortable. If the temperature is too high, the flower stalk will grow wildly out of control, and the flowers are also prone to fading early; if the temperature is too low, the flower stalk grows very slowly and may even suffer cold damage. In winter, be sure to keep it warm, using an air conditioner, a heater, or whatever you have on hand; if it's too hot in summer, turn on the air conditioner or use a fan to cool it down. 

Watering Management 

You need to get watering just right, following the principle of "water when dry, let dry between waterings." After a Phalaenopsis sends up a spike, its water needs increase, but don't water heavily over and over, as soggy conditions and root rot can be a big problem. Water when the surface of the growing medium looks dry, watering thoroughly each time so the medium is fully soaked, but never let water collect at the bottom of the pot. The best time to water is in the morning, so the Phalaenopsis has enough time to take up the water and the leaves won't stay wet at night, reducing the risk of disease. In addition, keep the air humidity at 60% - 80%; if your home is too dry, you can mist it with a spray bottle or place a bowl of water nearby. 

Fertilizing Key Points 

To get your Phalaenopsis to produce big, beautiful flowers, you can't be careless with fertilizing. After it sends up a spike, reduce the use of nitrogen fertilizer, or the leaves will grow too vigorously and the flowers won't have the energy to bloom. Apply more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer; a diluted solution of monopotassium phosphate works very well, used once every 7 - 10 days at the concentration stated on the label, either sprayed on the leaves or poured into the soil. However, once the flowers open, stop fertilizing, or the flowers may wilt early. 

Other Care Details 

When the flower stalk reaches 10 - 15 cm, it's best to find a thin bamboo stick or a dedicated flower support and gently tie the stalk to it with soft string to keep it from leaning this way and that. Also keep an eye out day to day; when you see yellow leaves, diseased leaves, and spent flowers, remove them promptly, so the Phalaenopsis looks clean and tidy and is less prone to disease.

 In short, if you care for them using these methods, your Phalaenopsis will definitely bloom beautifully, so give it a try right away!