Why is there foam padding at the bottom of a Phalaenopsis pot, and should it be removed?

Phalaenopsis orchids have become internet-famous in recent years thanks to their elegant flowers. Walking through the flower market, everyone eagerly rushes to buy them and take them home. After buying one, many observant flower lovers notice that there is some white foam padded at the bottom of the Phalaenopsis pot. What is this foam for? Should it be taken out during care?

For beginners, the foam padded at the bottom of a Phalaenopsis pot may seem "unsightly," and you may always want to pull it out. In fact, this is the wrong approach, because it is not random trash stuffed in by the seller; keeping it is especially beneficial for the orchid.

The principle behind placing foam is the same as padding a flower pot with bark or clay pebbles: it makes it harder for water to accumulate at the bottom of the pot and improves aeration. Because foam plastic itself has many small holes, laying it at the bottom of the pot is like installing a "breathable net" for the flower pot. After watering, excess water can quickly flow away through the gaps in the foam, and air can also get into the bottom of the pot, giving the roots space to breathe.

Moreover, some people worry about "whether the foam will burn the roots," but there is really no need to fear this. Foam plastic itself is stable, unlike some fertilizers that ferment and generate heat, and it does not release any harmful substances either. Placed at the bottom of the pot, it will not harm the delicate roots and can steadily do its job.

In addition, caring for Phalaenopsis in daily life also requires following principles for the environment, fertilizing, and watering. As for the placement environment, because it grows in tropical rainforests, it likes soft, diffused light. Therefore, if you place it in a spot with strong light, it will close itself off and be unable to receive light normally. At this time, we can additionally set up a shade awning for the Phalaenopsis to ensure healthy growth. As for fertilizing, it needs regular fertilization during growth. For beginners, it is recommended to directly buy fertilizer specially made for Phalaenopsis, or dilute decomposed organic fertilizer and pour it on as irrigation.

Finally, the watering principle is "water when dry, stop when wet," and judging wetness and dryness accurately is quite a test for beginner flower lovers. Here it is suggested that you can feel it with your hands; the method is to poke your finger 2 cm into the sphagnum moss and water again when it feels dry. As a rough reference for watering frequency, once every 5 to 7 days in summer and once every 10 to 15 days in winter. After each watering, promptly pour out the accumulated water in the tray, and do not let the roots sit in water.