Who has never bought or received an orchid as a gift? This unique floral plant is highly prized for its beauty and delicacy.
Among the many varieties, the phalaenopsis orchid is undoubtedly the most widespread and the easiest to grow, as it is the one that best adapts to the climate of our country.
The orchid, however, is also famous for being a plant that causes quite a few problems: sometimes the roots can rot, the leaves fall. But above all, flowering sometimes does not last long.
In this variety, flowering can occur starting from March and usually lasts during the warm months.
But what is the best way to care for the phalaenopsis orchid and ensure abundant and long-lasting flowering?
Let’s see together how to do it.
Attention : for any problems or doubts, please contact your trusted florist or gardener .
Water carefully
The right amount of water is essential for prolonged flowering.
This plant doesn’t need too much water, but it still needs to be watered properly to stay healthy.
In spring and summer, water once a week.
In autumn and winter , however, one every two weeks .
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The ideal is to water by submersion . How to do? It’s very simple.
Place your orchid in the sink or sink with about 5cm of water and let it soak for at least 10 minutes . Then drain.
During this time, the orchid will absorb all the water it needs through the pot’s drainage holes .
Don’t forget to pay
Fertilizing the Phalaenopsis orchid is important so that it can have longer and more abundant flowering .
Choose specific fertilizers or ones based on potassium , nitrogen and magnesium .
These elements strengthen the plant so that it can perform at its best during the flowering period.
Some fertilizers or fertilizers are liquid and simply need to be diluted in the irrigation water according to the production instructions.
Administer the feed once a month during the hot months , once every two months during the cold months .
Put it in the right place
Where to place the phalaenopsis orchid during the flowering period?
The ideal would be to keep it indoors, at a temperature between 18 and 26 °C .
Furthermore, light is fundamental: abundant, but not direct . It can be placed on the sill of an oriented window , keeping it somewhat sheltered when the sunlight is too intense.
If you have a window with opaque glass (like those in bathrooms) you can put it there.
However, it must be remembered that the orchid needs to feel a thermal recovery between summer and autumn to start developing new branches and new buds that will bloom in spring .
Therefore, in the autumn period, store it in an unheated place and away from direct heat sources, such as stoves or temperature radiators .
Choose a transparent vase
Normally, the phalaenopsis orchid is sold in clear plastic pots . Many people put it in terracotta or ceramic pots: it’s a big mistake.
This plant, in fact, has very sensitive roots that must be reached by sunlight: otherwise, there could be problems with flowering.
For this reason it is necessary to always store it in transparent bottles .
Do not cover or prune the roots , otherwise the plant could suffer irreparable damage.
Store in a humid environment
This plant gives its best when the humidity level is quite high (between 40 and 60%). For this reason, one of the best places to have it is the bathroom which, compared to other rooms, has a higher humidity level.
Alternatively, you can spray some water on the leaves and flowers with a spray bottle: do this every 3-4 days to naturally increase the humidity level of the orchid. .
Protect it from parasites
Pests, unfortunately, are around the corner, especially lice and aphids which can weaken the plant and cause problems during the flowering period.
If you keep the plant indoors , there is less chance of it being attacked by these insects. However, it can still happen.
The remedy? You can spray the plant with a mixture of water and Marseille soap , repeating the process every 2-3 days .
However, if the infestation continues, you need to choose a specific product.
Other orchid problems?
If these plants give you other problems