Will Phalaenopsis Freeze to Death in the North in Winter? Grow It This Way to Thrive

Heard that Phalaenopsis orchids are easy to freeze to death when grown in the north? Don't panic! Actually, as long as you get a handle on the environmental characteristics of the north and avoid a few fatal pitfalls, Phalaenopsis can not only survive, but also bloom year after year.

-- this is a sign of frost damage! If the low temperature persists, once the whole plant freezes through there is really no saving it.Phalaenopsis is a typical tropical flower and is most averse to low temperatures; its suitable growing temperature is15-25°C. Once the temperature drops below10°C, the roots stop working and the leaves begin to turn yellow and wilt; if it drops below5°C, it will suffer frost damage within a few days, with brown frost spots appearing on the leaves, and in severe cases the whole plant will simply wither. In the north in winter, outdoor temperatures are minus ten-odd degrees Celsius; indoors with heating it is fine, but places like windowsides and doorways that "leak wind" often have temperatures that fluctuate, making Phalaenopsis especially prone to "falling victim," so keeping warm is absolutely the number one priority for growing Phalaenopsis in the north.

So how exactly should you grow it? First let's talk about winter's"temperature management." In a heated room the temperature is basically around20°C, which is just right for Phalaenopsis, but be careful to avoid two "pitfalls": first, don't put the pot directly on the radiator or too close to it, as the heat will bake the growing medium dry quickly and the roots can easily dehydrate; second, don't put it by the window, especially old windows that aren't tightly sealed, as cold air will blow through the gaps onto the plant. It's fine during the day when there's sun, but once the temperature drops at night, frost damage is very likely. It's recommended to find a place away from heat sources and drafts, such as a corner of the living room or the middle of a desk; stable temperature is the key.

Another difficulty of growing Phalaenopsis in the north -- the air is too dry. Once the heating is on in winter, indoor humidity is often only around30%60%-80% humid conditions. Insufficient humidity causes the leaf tips to dry out, the edges to become brittle, and even the buds to drop. The solution is simple, and you don't need to buy expensive equipment: you can place a shallow dish of water next to the pot, put a few stones in the dish, and set the pot on the stones (don't let the bottom of the pot soak in the water); the evaporating water can raise the surrounding humidity. You can also mist around the leaves daily with a spray bottle, but be careful not to spray the leaf crown or the buds, or they may rot. If you have a humidifier at home, remember to place the Phalaenopsis within the range the humidifier can reach, and the humidity will rise quickly.

Watering and light also need attention. In the north in winter the growing medium dries slowly, so don't water every day like in summer. Wait until the surface of the sphagnum moss or bark is dry and the medium feels no longer moist when you squeeze it, then water; when watering, pour slowly along the edge of the pot until water comes out the bottom, and don't give"half-way water." As for light, the winter sun in the north isn't harsh, which is just right for giving Phalaenopsis some extra light. Give it2-394

In spring and autumn the temperature difference in the north is also large. When the temperature is low in the morning and evening, don't rush to move it outdoors; wait until the daytime temperature is steadily above1510 

The key points of growing Phalaenopsis in the north are"control the temperature, increase humidity, and don't water haphazardly." As long as you do these few things well and don't let it freeze in winter, it will surely send up flower spikes the following spring and bloom beautiful flowers. Don't always think "the north can't grow them well" -- many flower friends around me have grown Phalaenopsis for three or four years and they still bloom every year. You should give it a try too!