Can Phalaenopsis orchids be grown on an enclosed balcony? Care tips

A flower lover asked:"My home only has an enclosed balcony, can I grow Phalaenopsis orchids?" Actually, there is no need to worry, an enclosed balcony can still let Phalaenopsis orchids bloom abundantly; the few pots at my home bloom twice every year, personally tested and proven to work!

Phalaenopsis orchids are especially afraid of strong sun, particularly the direct light on an enclosed balcony in summer; after half a day of exposure the leaves get scorched, developing unsightly spots. Usually just place it in the east or north corner of the balcony, where it gets2-3hours of soft, diffused light a day, which is best. If the balcony light is too weak, do not panic either; get anLEDgrow light, turn it on for3hours every evening, and it will still meet its light needs; just remember not to use too bright a lamp, otherwise it will "exhaust" it.

Next is temperature, which is the key to Phalaenopsis orchids blooming. The biggest advantage of an enclosed balcony is that it can control temperature, but it also easily causes temperature roller coasters. The temperature Phalaenopsis orchids love most is15-25°C; in winter the balcony should not go below10°C, otherwise the roots will get frostbitten and the leaves will turn yellow; in summer when the temperature exceeds30°C, open the windows for ventilation, then spray some water around the flower pot to cool it down; do not let hot air stifle it. In winter I move the Phalaenopsis orchids a bit farther from the window to avoid the cold air coming through the glass, and in summer I open the windows morning and evening to let the air circulate.

Then there is watering; many people kill Phalaenopsis orchids by watering too much. The roots of Phalaenopsis orchids are fleshy roots and are most afraid of waterlogging and root rot. Judging whether to water is very simple: look at its sphagnum moss or bark potting medium; water again when it feels dry to the touch, the flower pot becomes lighter, or the root tips look a little white. When watering, do not pour directly on the leaves and flowers; slowly water along the edge of the pot until water leaks from the bottom, then pour out the water in the saucer after watering, and do not let the roots sit in water. I generally use tap water that has been left standing for1day, with the water temperature close to room temperature, so it will not shock the roots.

Humidity is also a difficult point in growing Phalaenopsis orchids on an enclosed balcony. If the balcony is too dry, the leaves of Phalaenopsis orchids will wrinkle, and the buds easily drop. To raise humidity there is a simple method: find a shallow dish, put a few stones in it, pour in some water, place the flower pot on the stones, and be careful not to let the flower pot touch the water; evaporation will increase the surrounding humidity. You can also use a spray bottle to spray water on the balcony floor every day, but do not spray it on the petals, otherwise the petals will rot. I also put a hygrometer on the balcony, keeping the humidity at50%-70%, and the leaves of the Phalaenopsis orchids will be glossy green and especially lively.

Finally, fertilizing and repotting. Phalaenopsis orchids need nutrients to bloom, but do not fertilize randomly; usually use diluted orchid-specific fertilizer, applying it once every half month, and the concentration must be low, otherwise it will burn the roots. After the flowers fade, promptly cut off the flower stem, then fertilize once more to help it recover its strength. Repot once every spring, use new sphagnum moss or bark, cut off the aged roots, and switch to a transparent flower pot slightly larger than the original, making it convenient to observe the root condition.

Growing Phalaenopsis orchids on an enclosed balcony is not that hard; as long as you pay more attention to light, temperature, and watering, and care patiently, it will repay you with beautiful flowers. Do not worry about being a beginner; figure it out slowly, and your Phalaenopsis orchids can also bloom every year.