Caring for Phalaenopsis Orchids After the Blooming Period: Methods and Precautions

Don't rush to throw away your Phalaenopsis orchid (moth orchid) after the flowers fade! Master thesecare tips, and it will not only recover its strength quickly, but also have a chance to bloom a second time.

1. Pruning

1.Counting up from the base of the flower stalk, make a slanted cut at the3-4node; this preserves the nutrient transport channel of the flower spike, and under the right conditions new flower buds will appear in6-8weeks.

2.Cut the flower stalk right down to the base, removing it completely to reduce unnecessary nutrient consumption; this suits beginners or weak plants.

Tips:Sterilise the scissors with alcohol beforehand to prevent wound infection.

2. Watering

1.Water only when the surface of the sphagnum moss turns white and dry-hard: every10-14days in spring and autumn,1time in summer every7-10days, and every15-20days in winter.

2.Water on a sunny morning, using room-temperature water, slowly and thoroughly, until water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

Tips:Standing water causes root rot, so after watering use a fan for1hour to speed up evaporation.

3. Temperature

1.In summer, if it exceeds32°C, turn on the air conditioner or use a fan to cool it down, and keep it away from heat sources.

2.In winter, if it drops below10°C, move it back indoors, cover it with a plastic bag at night to keep it warm, and let it bask in the sun and get some air during the day.

4. Indirect Light

1.3-4hours of indirect light a day is best. An east- or west-facing windowsill is recommended, or a south-facing windowsill with a sheer curtain drawn.

2.By all means avoid the midday sun; black spots scorched onto the leaves are irreversible.

5. Fertilising

1.Starting1week after flowering: apply orchid-specific nutrient solution diluted1000times, drenching the roots once every10days to promote new root growth.

2.Before reblooming, switch to spraying the leaves with a potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution, once every7days, to maximise the flower-forcing effect.

Tips: strong fertiliser burns roots, so it is better to use too little than too much.

6. Repotting

1.2-3weeks after flowering, during the period of active root growth.

2.Soak the sphagnum moss until soft, then take out the plant and rinse the roots; cut off the blackened, hollow, rotten roots and keep the white, healthy ones; wrap the roots in new sphagnum moss that has been soaked and wrung out, and plant it into a transparent root-control pot.

7. Routine Care

Regular checks: inspect the leaves every week, and deal with any yellowing or soft rot promptly.

Clean the leaves: wipe off dust with a damp cloth to boost photosynthesis.

Avoid moving it: keep it in a fixed spot, as frequent moving can cause bud drop.

In short, the Phalaenopsis orchid is not a one-off plant; as long as you care for it diligently, it can bloom again year after year.