How to handle and acclimate a mail-order Phalaenopsis after it arrives
Once your newly ordered Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) arrives, don't rush to just put it anywhere, because improper handling can very likely affect its later growth. Below, we'll explain how to handle a Phalaenopsis bought online, so it can smoothly adapt to its new environment and grow vigorously.
1.Inspect: After receiving the Phalaenopsis, unpack and inspect it right away. Focus on the condition of the roots and leaves. A healthy Phalaenopsis has plump roots that are mostly white or pale green and glossy; the leaves are intact, with no obvious disease spots, insect holes or mechanical damage. If you find roots that are blackened and mushy, or leaves with yellow or black spots, take appropriate action promptly so that pests and diseases do not spread further.
2.Environment: Phalaenopsis is native to tropical and subtropical regions and prefers a warm, humid growing environment. The most suitable growing temperature is 20 - 30°C, and the relative air humidity is 60% - 80%. In winter in the north, because the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors is fairly large, you need to create a suitable acclimation environment in various ways. You can use a humidifier to raise indoor humidity, or place a tray filled with pebbles and water under the pot, using natural evaporation to raise the humidity in the local area.
3.Location: Phalaenopsis is best placed in a spot with good ventilation and plenty of bright, indirect light. For example, near an east- or north-facing windowsill, it can receive enough indirect light to meet its photosynthesis needs while avoiding leaf scorch from direct sunlight. Being in a dark environment for a long time will cause poor growth, while light that is too strong will sunburn the leaves and affect the healthy growth of the Phalaenopsis.
4.Watering: During the acclimation stage, Phalaenopsis is quite sensitive to water needs, so follow the watering principle of "water when dry, not when wet." In practice, you can insert a finger 2 - 3cm into the growing medium; if the medium feels dry, you can water it.
When watering, make sure to water thoroughly and let the excess water flow out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, so waterlogging does not cause root rot from lack of oxygen. It is recommended to water on a sunny morning, so the plant can fully absorb water while the excess moisture can evaporate in time.
5.Fertilizing: In the early acclimation stage, the roots of the Phalaenopsis have not yet fully adapted to the new environment and their ability to absorb nutrients is weak, so the amount of fertilizer should be reduced appropriately at this time. You can apply a dilute liquid fertilizer once every 2 - 3weeks, with the liquid fertilizer concentration kept at about half the normal concentration used for regular care. Once the plant grows new leaves and new roots, which shows that it has adapted to the new environment, you can gradually return to the normal fertilizing frequency and amount.