How to handle a mail-order Phalaenopsis after unpacking it, and what should you pay attention to when buying one?

In today's society, online shopping has gradually become the first choice for young people; whether it is clothes and shoes, or flowers and plants, everyone's first instinct is to buy online. However, buying online is like buying a cow from the other side of a mountain - for friends who are just starting out growing Phalaenopsis, it is definitely a big disadvantage, because they do not know how to tell good from bad.

Generally speaking, when we buy a Phalaenopsis online and it arrives, the first thing to do is check whether the leaves and flower stems have turned black, and whether the roots are hollow or rotten. After checking that everything is normal, we also need to give the Phalaenopsis a "full-body cleaning". This removes dust and also prevents some unnecessary pests and diseases.

Specifically, first prepare a bottle of 75% alcohol and lightly spray a circle over the front and back of the leaves, the flower stalk, the neck, and the surface of the potting medium. Be careful not to spray the flowers and flower buds, as alcohol will burn them. After spraying, wait one or two minutes, then use an alcohol wipe or an ordinary wet wipe to wipe along the leaf veins. This process wipes away dust and leftover dirt on the leaves, and also kills surface insect eggs and bacteria, reducing the risk of illness later on.

After cleaning, it enters the key acclimatisation stage, which usually takes 7-10 days. At this time you must remember the "four no's": no repotting, no fertilising, no direct sun exposure, no watering. A Phalaenopsis that has just arrived in a new environment is rather "sensitive": repotting will damage the roots, fertilising can easily burn the roots, direct sun can scorch the leaves, and watering may suffocate the roots. All of these operations can easily make it drop its flower buds or rot its roots.

For the acclimatisation spot, choose a place with plenty of scattered light and good ventilation, such as a corner of the living room near a window but without direct sun, or a spot on the balcony with a thin curtain drawn. Note here that a Phalaenopsis with flower buds or one that is blooming must avoid strong light and wind, otherwise it will easily lose its buds and drop its flowers. If there are other plants at home, it is best to put the new Phalaenopsis separately and isolate it for 7-10 days of acclimatisation, to avoid hidden pests and diseases carried by other flowers and plants. Once you are sure there is no problem, put them together. Afterwards, once the acclimatisation period is over, the Phalaenopsis has basically adapted to the new environment, and normal care can begin.