Treating Overwatered Phalaenopsis and the Correct Watering Method

Phalaenopsis orchids grow in tropical rainforests and belong to the genus Phalaenopsis. Once their flowers bloom, they flutter like butterflies, and their broad, glossy green leaves make the whole plant quite eye-catching. They are suitable as indoor decorations in the living room during holidays when entertaining relatives and friends.

In recent years, as more and more people buy Phalaenopsis orchids, various issues of different kinds have appeared in their care. One follower left a message in the background asking, "What should I do if the flowers of my Phalaenopsis wilt after watering? What is the correct way to water a Phalaenopsis?" and other such questions.

If the flowers have wilted, in most cases you need to check the amount of water given, because once there is too much water, it easily accumulates in the pot, and the roots then rot from soaking, so at that point nutrients cannot be absorbed and the flowers naturally wilt. But note that this does not mean you should also wait a long time without watering, because if the soil is too dry, the plant likewise cannot grow normally. You need to follow the rule of watering only after the soil surface has dried, and when watering, do not aim a stream of water at the flowers and leaves, or else the plant will get sick.

Also, light needs attention, because after exposure to strong sun the petals wilt, but with too little light the flowers also do not grow well. It is suggested to give sunlight around 9 in the morning, then around 1 in the afternoon move the plant to a place without direct light, or pull up a shade board at the right time.

In addition, quite a few flower lovers ignore changes in the weather. Like now, when spring and summer alternate, it can be very hot at times, but after a rain it turns cold again. At such times, pay more attention to conditions such as root rot and leaf spot, and if you find anything abnormal about the plant, quickly cut off the bad leaves. The most suitable temperature for orchids is 16°C to 30°C. When it is hot in summer, place them in a cool, ventilated spot, and when it is cold in winter, be sure to keep them warm.

As for the home version of the watering method, it is actually not difficult. Before watering, first see whether the soil is dry: feel the soil surface with your hand, or insert a bamboo stick into the soil and pull it out again. If the soil surface is dry and the soil that comes out with the bamboo stick is also dry, then it is time to water! The secret to watering is to use a fine-spouted pot and slowly water along the edge of the pot; this gives the medium time to absorb it. Finally, when you see water seeping out of the bottom of the pot, be sure to pour it all off.