How to handle Phalaenopsis orchids after the flowers fade, and can you cover them with plastic film?

The Spring Festival is already over, and many flower lovers still have beautiful flowers bought during the New Year season. Among them, the most popular choice on New Year flower market streets is the "Phalaenopsis orchid," simply because its blooms have a special form, dancing like butterflies. However, as time goes by, many flower lovers begin to worry: after its flowers fade, how should we handle it properly?

Faced with the problem many flower lovers are about to encounter, the editor recommends the following approach. First, after the flowers fade, you can prepare a roll of plastic film and seal the flower pot with it. The benefit of doing this is that it provides a relatively warm and humid environment for the Phalaenopsis orchid, while also reducing water evaporation, which helps the roots later produce new flower buds.

Second, for care after the flowers fade, you need to pay attention to controlling water and stopping fertilizer, because usually after the flowers fade, the Phalaenopsis orchid enters a semi-dormant state. At this time, watering should mainly be done in small amounts and more frequently. If you pour too much water at once, its roots are easily damaged. It is recommended to water once a week, keeping the soil in a moist state. Next is to stop fertilizing. During semi-dormancy, its growth rate is slow. If there is excess nutrients in the soil at this time, the flower buds will be unable to develop.

After the flowers fade, the placement location also matters, because at this time the Phalaenopsis orchid is relatively fragile, like a baby still developing, so absolutely do not let it be scorched by strong sun. It is best to move it to a spot indoors with good light.

Finally, after doing the above work well, you also need to regularly check its actual condition more often. During the process, if you find any leaves or flowers that seem off, do not delay, handle them immediately. Because there are too many flower lovers who, after seeing the Phalaenopsis orchid bloom, cannot bear to prune even when the flowers wither and the leaves turn yellow. This is actually the worst thing for the health of the Phalaenopsis orchid; the old withered flower buds are the ones that most rob the plant of nutrients.

In short, whether during the stage when the Phalaenopsis orchid is blooming or the stage of handling it after the blooms fade, you need to master the correct factors such as light, temperature, humidity, water and fertilizer.