What is the floral meaning of orchids? Detailed explanation of care methods and precautions

Phalaenopsis orchids are also called "moth orchids"They are native to the tropical regions of South Asia and Oceania, and are now widely distributed across Asia. They get their name because the flowers look like dancing butterflies; Cattleya and Dendrobium orchids both belong to the phalaenopsis family.

Phalaenopsis orchid flowers are fan-shaped or butterfly-shaped, with wavy or finely toothed petal edges, and come in a rich range of colors and sizes. The leaves are thick and strap-shaped in a deep green, giving them very high ornamental value.

Phalaenopsis orchids bloom from late winter to spring, and some can bloom again in autumn, with an ornamental period of 2-3 months. It symbolizes fortitude and courage, and in the West it is the flower of Father's Day; purple phalaenopsis orchids represent "no matter how far apart we are, I wish you well from the bottom of my heart," and also symbolize elegance, nobility and happiness.

Soil culture and care

Potting medium: Use a mixed potting medium of bark chunks, sphagnum moss, coconut coir and perlite; a ratio of 3:2:1 for bark chunks, sphagnum moss and perlite is best, ensuring air permeability, drainage and nutrient retention.

Watering: Follow "water when dry, water thoroughly" when a finger inserted into the potting medium feels dry at 2-3 cm, water it. In spring, water once every 2-3 days, in summer once every 1-2 days, in autumn once every 3-4 days, and in winter once every 5-7 days; when you water, water thoroughly.

Water culture and care

Plant: Choose a transparent glass container, wash the soil off the phalaenopsis orchid roots, remove bad petals and leaves, cut the base at a 45° angle, and revive the flowers in deep water for 4-6 hours. Cut the base at an angle again, remove excess leaves, keep it in shallow water and add preservative to inhibit bacteria.

Water quality: Use purified water or tap water that has been left to stand for 2-3 days, with the water temperature close to room temperature; change the water once every 3-5 days to keep the water clean; if the roots show signs of rot, cut them off promptly and disinfect.

Nutrient solution: During the peak growing season, add 5-10 drops of special nutrient solution when changing the water; during the flowering period, apply extra nutrient solution with a high phosphorus and potassium content; in winter reduce the amount or stop using it.

Light and temperature: Similar to soil culture, it needs plenty of bright, indirect light; the suitable temperature is 15-28°C; in winter keep it warm.

Daily notes

Regularly check phalaenopsis orchids for pests and diseases; if red spider mites or scale insects appear, wipe them off with a damp cloth or spray a special insecticide; when the air is dry, often spray water around the plant to increase air humidity, but do not spray the flowers.