How to Fix Soil and Medium Problems in Phalaenopsis Orchids and Annual Repotting Advice
During Chinese New Year, many flower lovers stop at the main Phalaenopsis orchid stalls to admire their blooms; each flower looks like a lively little butterfly dancing on the stem. After buying one and bringing it home, even if you casually place it in some corner, it still becomes a focal point. At the same time, when relatives and friends come over for a meal, it looks quite stylish in photos and is especially photogenic. However, that said, good looks aside, these Phalaenopsis orchids are not as easy to care for as people believe.
When it comes to care, quite a few flower-growing friends have complained: they happily brought it home, raised it for about a year, and the stems began to grow slowly. In everyday care, they did not do anything wrong: when it was cold, they moved it back indoors, gave it bright indirect light, watered only after the medium had dried out completely, and bought fertilizer from an orchid specialty store. What should be done in a situation like mine?
After reading about your situation, the editor's analysis is that the medium may be the problem, because Phalaenopsis orchids like loose, soft, breathable and well-draining potting material that is also rich in organic matter, such as bark, sphagnum moss, coconut coir, perlite and so on. However, even if it is suitable, that does not mean it will never compact. Phalaenopsis orchids are best repotted with fresh medium once a year, precisely to avoid many common problems.
But when it comes to growing flowers, accidents are common. Take compacted potting soil, for example: the medium feels hard to the touch, like a "brick." If at this point you are unwilling to spend money on fresh medium, the roots of the Phalaenopsis orchid will suffer badly. Not only can air not get in, but water cannot seep through either; the situation is as uncomfortable as having your mouth and nose covered. Moreover, the soil's water retention will also be greatly reduced. No matter how much you water, it cannot be held and all flows away. Grown this way, of course it will not grow well.
If during care you notice the Phalaenopsis orchid is not doing well, with leaves starting to look listless and growth slowing down, the most likely thing to consider is that there is a problem with the soil. At this point, do not delay; give it a suitable new medium. In practice, first shake and loosen the soil in the old pot, then take the Phalaenopsis orchid out. Next, gently pat the roots of the Phalaenopsis orchid to clean off the old soil, and you can also rinse it lightly with water. Finally, replant the Phalaenopsis orchid in fresh medium. After repotting, give it an appropriate amount of water, just enough to moisten the soil.