How do you get Phalaenopsis orchid leaves to grow well? How can you make Phalaenopsis orchid leaves emerald green?
Emerald-green, thick Phalaenopsis orchid leaves not only boost their ornamental value but also provide ample nutrients for the flowers to bloom. Want the Phalaenopsis orchid at home to have big, emerald-green leaves? It is actually not that hard.
Many people think all plants need blazing sun, and end up scorching their Phalaenopsis orchid! Phalaenopsis comes from the tropical rainforestand is a "delicate little princess", best suited to indirect light. Just place it on an east- or west-facing windowsill at home, pull a sheer curtain to filter the sunlight, and 4-6 hours of light a day is just right. If the leaves turn yellow and develop spots, it is most likely sunburn, so move it to a shady spot to "cool down" right away!
The roots of Phalaenopsis are actually extremely afraid of being smothered. Never water by rigidly memorizing"once every few days". The simplest way is to lift the pot and water when it feels lighter; or pull back the top layer of sphagnum moss and water when it has turned white, dry and cracked. When watering, water thoroughly until water runs out the bottom of the pot, but do not let water pool in the saucer, as it easily causes root rot! If the leaves are limp, it may be thirsty; if they turn black and translucent, it is most likely overwatered, so rescue it quickly!
If you want leaves that are thick and glossy, you cannot skimp on fertilizing! But Phalaenopsis is very"picky" about food, and ordinary compound fertilizer will "burn" it. It is recommended to use a special orchid nutrient solution, diluted1000times, and add a little each time you water, once every half month during the growing season (spring to autumn), and do not feed it during the winter dormant period. If the leaves are as thin as paper and develop small brown spots, it means it lacks fertilizer, so give it a "extra meal" quickly!
Phalaenopsis is super sensitive to temperature and humidity!15-30°C is most comfortable, below10°C it easily gets frostbitten, and in summer when it exceeds35°C you need to turn on the air conditioner to cool it down. Air that is too dry is also no good, as the leaf tips will dry out; you can place a basin of water nearby, or turn on a humidifier. If you find something sticky on the leaves and small black bugs, it may be red spider mites, so wipe them off quickly with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, then spray a little Huahuashen!
Do not always touch the leaves for no reason, as the oil on your hands will clog the stomata. Every half month, gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth, which both removes dust and helps them breathe better. If leaves age and turn yellow, do not hesitate, cut them off from the base so they do not waste nutrients. Rotate the pot regularly, otherwise the leaves tend to grow crooked and ruin its looks!
Actually, to grow Phalaenopsis, just give it plenty of sunlight, water and nutrients, plus a little patience, and your Phalaenopsis will surely grow glossy, thick, large leaves. Put these methods to use right away.