How do you care for Phalaenopsis in autumn so it blooms again? The key is temperature and light
Autumn care for Phalaenopsis orchids is"the key period for reblooming". If details like temperature, light and watering are not handled well, you may not see any flowers next year! In fact, as long as you understand its autumn"little quirks" - do not let the temperature swing up and down, give it enough soft light, and adjust watering and fertilizing according to"the season", and the Phalaenopsis will steadily send up flower spikes and bloom spectacularly next year.
1. Temperature: don't let the"Indian summer"and"cool nights"harm it
The most comfortable temperature for Phalaenopsis in autumn is15°C-25°C. Just as people add clothes when the seasons change, you need to help it avoid the"hot-and-cold pitfalls".
Northern regions: after autumn arrives, mornings and evenings are cool, so do not put it by a window where cold wind blows directly. During"Indian summer", also do not expose it to full sun; once the temperature exceeds25°C, move it to a spot with diffused light; before the heating comes on indoors, pay attention to keeping it warm at night and do not let the temperature drop below15°C, otherwise the roots can easily"slack off"and stop working.
Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region: autumn temperatures are just right, so placing it indoors in diffused light is enough. No need to run the air conditioner or heater, and do not leave it outdoors to freeze; a mild environment is best for it to store up energy.
2. Light: give it enough"soft light", and only then will flower buds emerge
Phalaenopsis does not like strong light, but in autumn a lack of light makes it hard to grow flower buds. About3hours of bright diffused light each day is just right, just like people getting gentle autumn sun to boost their vitamin D.
Put it in the right spot: an east-facing windowsill is best, as it gets gentle morning sunlight; if you place it by a west-facing window, keep it2m away from the window to avoid the strong afternoon light; never expose it to direct sun, otherwise the leaves can easily get scorched and flower bud differentiation will be affected.
If light is lacking: if your home has weak light, there is no need to worry, and no need to add extra lighting; just do not put it in a fully shaded corner and keep the environment bright, and it will slowly adapt.
3. Watering: "water when dry, dry out between waterings"and pick the right time too
In autumn, watering still follows"water when dry, dry out between waterings", but the frequency must be adjusted with the season, and you must water at its"comfortable time". - Watering frequency: once or twice a week1-2is enough. First reach your finger into the sphagnum moss2cm deep; when it feels dry, water thoroughly, and pour out any standing water in the saucer promptly so the roots are not left soaking--the fleshy roots of Phalaenopsis fear stuffy, wet conditions most of all, just as a person's feet feel uncomfortable when soaked in water.
Watering time: choose morning or evening, and avoid the high heat at noon, otherwise once the water is poured, the roots are suddenly stimulated by hot water and can easily contract and stop taking up water; if the north is dry, you can also mist around the leaves (avoiding the flowers and the leaf center!), or place a basin of clean water beside the pot or turn on a humidifier to bring the air humidity to50%-80%, and the leaves will look more spirited.
Water quality note: if using tap water, let it sit for1day to let the chlorine dissipate before watering, otherwise it irritates the roots, and over time the roots will develop problems.
4. Fertilizing: 9month and 10month, in stages"feed nutrients"
Autumn is the key period for Phalaenopsis to send up flower spikes, so fertilizing must be"according to its needs", just as people need extra nutrition in autumn and winter, but you cannot supplement at random.
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