Where is the best place to put a Phalaenopsis in summer, and should you water more or less?

When growing Phalaenopsis in summer, where is the most suitable place to put it? Should you water more or less? Actually, once you understand these two things, your Phalaenopsis can still stay plump and healthy in summer, so don't think of it as too delicate.

The summer sun is harsh, and Phalaenopsis cannot withstand direct blazing sun. If you put it right in the middle of a south-facing balcony, just two hours of midday sun can scorch spots onto the leaves, like a burn, and it hurts to look at. Also, don't put it under an air conditioner vent. The cold air blowing directly on it can easily chill the roots, and the leaves will become dry and shriveled. The kitchen is even worse. Once greasy fumes get to it, the leaves are covered in oily spots, and it struggles even to breathe.

So where is a good place to put it? A north-facing windowsill is quite suitable. In the morning it can get a bit of slanting sun, and at noon there is no direct sunlight. The temperature can generally stay steady at 25 to 30 degrees, and the Phalaenopsis is very comfortable staying there. If your home has no north-facing window, behind the living room sheer curtain also works. The sheer curtain can block out more than half of the strong light, and when the light softens in the afternoon, a little can still come through. Ventilation is also good, so it won't feel stuffy. A corner of the study is also nice, away from heat-generating things like the TV and computer, with small temperature differences. Put a hydroponic plant next to it, and the air will be humid, so the leaves can stay glossy green.

Now let's talk about watering. This is the key to growing Phalaenopsis in summer. Many people think that because it is hot and evaporation is fast, they should just keep watering, and what happens? The roots all rot. The roots of Phalaenopsis are aerial roots, plump and fleshy, and they are afraid of sitting in water. In fact, in summer you should water less. Better dry than wet is definitely correct.

How do you judge whether it should be watered? Look at its roots. Normally they are green with a few silvery spots. If they turn white and dry, it is thirsty. You can also weigh the flower pot. If it is noticeably lighter, it means the sphagnum moss or bark inside has dried out completely. Sometimes the leaves at the bottom curl a little. Don't panic. That is also a sign of lack of water, and it will recover two hours after watering.

The watering time also matters. Before nine or ten in the morning or around six or seven in the evening, do not water during the hottest part of midday, because the sudden cold and heat can easily shock the roots. When watering, use a narrow-spout pot and slowly water along the edge of the pot until water leaks from the bottom. Do not blast the roots directly. If it is planted in sphagnum moss, water about once every ten to twelve days. If it is planted in bark, once every seven to eight days is enough.

After watering, remember to raise the flower pot so that no water accumulates in the tray. If ventilation is not very good, turn on a small fan for one hour to let the moisture evaporate faster. If you do these things, your Phalaenopsis can get through summer smoothly, and it might even sprout flower buds in autumn.

Actually, if you find the right place for growing Phalaenopsis and control your hands and don't water randomly, it will naturally grow well. How do you usually grow yours? If you have any little tips, you can share them too.