文章
Rainbow
2016年12月27日
#phalenopsis-orchids #moth-Orchids-care
1. Find the Perfect Location
Finding an area that receives bright, indirect light. A moderately bright windowsill or similar spot would be perfect. Phals grow beautifully in an east window and can be grown in a south or west window if protected by a sheer curtain.
PS：The color of the phal’s leaves is a good light indicator – if they are olive green then the plant is getting enough light, if they are darker it means it is not getting enough light.
2. Temperature
Phals will thrive best in a room with a daytime temperature of around 75°F and night temperature of 65°F .95°F is the maximum temperature recommendation. Although occasional deviations will not harm your plant, this can be a problem when it is in bud – chilly temperatures may cause the plant to stop budding.
3. Watering
The amount of water that your orchid needs depends mostly on the potting medium. Phals are usually grown in bark or moss, so if your orchid is potted in bark water once a week , if it is potted in moss, water when the top feels dry. Do not over-water.There are other factors that will determine your watering routine, like light and heat. For example, in the summer months the plant will need more frequent watering while in winter it will need less. Another thing to have in mind is that it is best to water your phal in the morning. Here is how the process should go: place the plant in the sink and use tepid water, let the water run through the plant for a minute or so and be sure to let the plant drain completely.
4. Humidity
Humidity is very important for moth orchids. They ideally require a humidity level of 55-75%. So how to increase moisture around your orchids? Simple place a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water under your plant. Make sure the pot does not sit in water as this will rot the roots.
5. Feeding
First rule about feeding your phal –do not over do it! Good results may be obtained by using any balanced orchid fertilizer. Feed your plant weekly. Once a month, use clear water to flush any accumulated salts from the potting mix.
6. Flowering
One of the things that makes Phals so popular is surely their blooming period which can last from 2 to 6 months. They are one of the longest blooming orchids. Phalaenopsis have also been known to bloom 2 to 3 times per year once they have reached a mature size. When the blooming period is over, don’t throw away your orchid because with just a little care it will flower again.
7. Care After Blooming
When all the pretty flowers fall out of your phal’s stem there are three options to consider leave the flower spike intact, cut it back to a node, or remove it entirely. If you leave it intact, it may produce new blooms from the tips. If you cut it back it may produce a new flower spike where you made the cut. If the existing stem starts to turn brown or yellow，hen remove it entirely. You can also trick your plant into bloom by placing it a cooler area where the night temperature is slightly lower, about 55°F. Once a bloom spike appears, return your orchid to its normal setting.
8. Repotting
As we said Phals are long term bloomers and will be in bloom for most of the year. When the flowers fall off, it is a good chance to repot your plant. It will be the best if this happens in spring or fall as the temperatures are mild and you will avoid unnecessary shock for the plant. Make sure you use a top quality orchid mix for repotting. Water sparingly until new roots are well established because a good root system ensures blooming.
9.Bud Blast
Bud blast is the main reason why some people think Phals are hard to maintain. Yes, it does happen – buds dry up and drop off the plants without ever opening. But there is always a reason for this and if you make sure you have everything right, you can avoid this. Some of the factors for bud blast are high room temperature, very low light, too much watering, too much fertilizer , using softened water etc. Your orchids love clean air! Exposure to smoke from an open fire, cigars, cigarettes, paint fumes and even old fruit (which exudes ethylene) can cause wilting and bud drop.
1. Find the Perfect Location
Finding an area that receives bright, indirect light. A moderately bright windowsill or similar spot would be perfect. Phals grow beautifully in an east window and can be grown in a south or west window if protected by a sheer curtain.
PS：The color of the phal’s leaves is a good light indicator – if they are olive green then the plant is getting enough light, if they are darker it means it is not getting enough light.
2. Temperature
Phals will thrive best in a room with a daytime temperature of around 75°F and night temperature of 65°F .95°F is the maximum temperature recommendation. Although occasional deviations will not harm your plant, this can be a problem when it is in bud – chilly temperatures may cause the plant to stop budding.
3. Watering
The amount of water that your orchid needs depends mostly on the potting medium. Phals are usually grown in bark or moss, so if your orchid is potted in bark water once a week , if it is potted in moss, water when the top feels dry. Do not over-water.There are other factors that will determine your watering routine, like light and heat. For example, in the summer months the plant will need more frequent watering while in winter it will need less. Another thing to have in mind is that it is best to water your phal in the morning. Here is how the process should go: place the plant in the sink and use tepid water, let the water run through the plant for a minute or so and be sure to let the plant drain completely.
4. Humidity
Humidity is very important for moth orchids. They ideally require a humidity level of 55-75%. So how to increase moisture around your orchids? Simple place a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water under your plant. Make sure the pot does not sit in water as this will rot the roots.
5. Feeding
First rule about feeding your phal –do not over do it! Good results may be obtained by using any balanced orchid fertilizer. Feed your plant weekly. Once a month, use clear water to flush any accumulated salts from the potting mix.
6. Flowering
One of the things that makes Phals so popular is surely their blooming period which can last from 2 to 6 months. They are one of the longest blooming orchids. Phalaenopsis have also been known to bloom 2 to 3 times per year once they have reached a mature size. When the blooming period is over, don’t throw away your orchid because with just a little care it will flower again.
7. Care After Blooming
When all the pretty flowers fall out of your phal’s stem there are three options to consider leave the flower spike intact, cut it back to a node, or remove it entirely. If you leave it intact, it may produce new blooms from the tips. If you cut it back it may produce a new flower spike where you made the cut. If the existing stem starts to turn brown or yellow，hen remove it entirely. You can also trick your plant into bloom by placing it a cooler area where the night temperature is slightly lower, about 55°F. Once a bloom spike appears, return your orchid to its normal setting.
8. Repotting
As we said Phals are long term bloomers and will be in bloom for most of the year. When the flowers fall off, it is a good chance to repot your plant. It will be the best if this happens in spring or fall as the temperatures are mild and you will avoid unnecessary shock for the plant. Make sure you use a top quality orchid mix for repotting. Water sparingly until new roots are well established because a good root system ensures blooming.
9.Bud Blast
Bud blast is the main reason why some people think Phals are hard to maintain. Yes, it does happen – buds dry up and drop off the plants without ever opening. But there is always a reason for this and if you make sure you have everything right, you can avoid this. Some of the factors for bud blast are high room temperature, very low light, too much watering, too much fertilizer , using softened water etc. Your orchids love clean air! Exposure to smoke from an open fire, cigars, cigarettes, paint fumes and even old fruit (which exudes ethylene) can cause wilting and bud drop.
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kensong：Very good care guide for phals. Thanks a lot.
