It is a flower of love, luxury, and beauty. For centuries, it has been fascinated with its flowers of unusual shapes and incredible color combinations.
Phalenopsis orchid can be grown in a pot that is not transparent, e.g. it can also be clay, although plastic is recommended because the root also has the ability to perform photosynthesis, it is important to provide it with plenty of light and moisture.
It belongs to the epiphytic plants, which means that it does not live on the ground but on the trees that serve as its support.
We often see aerial roots in this plant, it should not return to the pot because it can shoot.
Orchid growth
The leaves are 10-30 cm long and form a rosette in which there are flower stalks and aerial roots. The Phalenopsis Orchid itself can bear a dozen flowers. After flowering, the stem should be shortened to 20-25 cm above the ground and always above the so-called. knees on the stalk.
Flowering
The flowers of the Phalenopsis orchid last between 12 and 16 weeks. The size of the flower is on average, 3-6 cm in diameter. The flowers gradually open on the flower stalk, first the lower ones, and as they bloom, new ones open at the top of the stem. They are of various colors and patterns, from pure white without patterns and freckles to dark purple with patterns and freckles.
How is the Phalenopsis orchid maintained?
The orchid is not watered but submerged. It is necessary to take a deeper pot, for 5-7 days, and to immerse the plant in it. Leave it to stand for up to half an hour, then take it out and let the excess water drain away, never leave water in the base of the pot or in the decorative pot. Also, the Phalenopsis orchid likes to be sprayed, taking care that the water does not reach the center of the rosette or the flowers. Use lukewarm water for spraying. Do not hold the plant above the radiator. In winter the temperature should not be lower than 16, and in summer higher than 32 degrees. It also requires adequate nutrition, due to the increased consumption of nutrients during flowering. Phalenopsis orchid loves semi-shade and does not tolerate direct sunlight.
Orchid as a gift.
Orchids are one of the most popular flower gifts. Whether it is an orchid flower in a decorative package with an ampoule or an orchid in a pot with one or two branches, you will never go wrong with them.
A great gift for people who like potted flowers and to follow and grow their plants. The enthusiasm that comes after flowering at home and the best indicator that a potted orchid gift was a great choice.
Find out the age of the orchid before buying
Orchids bloom between the ages of 1.5 and 3 years. An adult plant, which is ready for flowering, should have 5 to 8 shots. If the plant is young and has bloomed, it is not good. Too young a plant does not have enough strength to recover from flowering, so it can dry out or rot.
Do not move it
Moving an orchid from place to place is a real stress for her. This flower does not like even minor movements. Orchid reacted position in relation to light. If you also moved it for watering, you must immediately return it to the identical place. Displacement adversely affects flowering.
Pay attention to the roots
Orchid roots also need light. Instead of ceramic pots, it is very important to use plastic permeable pots that will allow the root to participate in the process of photosynthesis.
Take care of the light
Sunlight is a very important factor that affects the flowering of orchids. Orchids need daylight from 10 to 12 hours a day, otherwise, they will not bloom. If the flowers do not have natural light in autumn or winter, you must illuminate it with lamps.
Appropriate temperature
In order for an orchid to bloom, the night temperature should be 4 to 6 degrees lower than the day temperature. During the summer, it is advisable to keep the orchid outdoors, while during the winter, the room where the orchid resides must be ventilated.
But be careful - the orchid does not like drafts!
Water the orchid properly
Before and during flowering, the orchid should be watered intermittently. During the dormant period, water the orchid every 12 days. If its leaves are pale, leave it to rest for a while. When you water it, immerse it in water and leave it for an hour or two. Then drain any excess water well and put the orchid back in its place.
Air humidity
Another important condition for orchid flowering is humidity. To increase the humidity, place a plate of water next to the orchid. During the winter, when the heating is on, spray the plant with water. Orchid loves humidity up to 60%.
Choose the right fertilizer
Orchid loves calcium and phosphorus because it encourages flowering. Never water an orchid with nitrogen-based fertilizer, it will only destroy it.
The orchid must be scared
It takes a little stress for your orchid to bloom! Yes, you heard right! You have to do that if the orchid has all the conditions and never blooms. This happens because the orchid is too good. That's why you have to "threaten" it a bit, to shock it: reduce watering or move the plant to a cooler place!
Note: When the orchid stops blooming, you must cultivate it in the same way as in the flowering phase.
It is transplanted after 2 to 3 years, and when its roots start "coming out" of the pot.
Also, the orchid does not like a "comfortable" pot, so take care when transplanting it that it is a smaller pot that will keep the roots close to each other.
Orchids are among the most beautiful houseplants, and their advantage is that they are very easy to maintain.
Orchids do not require much light
When it blooms enough, make sure to put it in the light, but not directly in the sunlight. May your enlightenment be headed east. While the orchid is blooming, do not worry about light conditions. So place it where it looks best in the room.
They grow if you "ignore" them
This plant often grows in the wild in the cracks of trees. Therefore, feel free to release them a little, do not water too much, but once every two weeks.
If you notice that their leaves are too dusty, sometimes wash them a little with lukewarm water. Water the plant by immersing the pot in room temperature water for about 30 seconds. Then shake the bowl a little to drain all the water from the bottom before returning it to the decorative bowl. Keep in mind that orchids do not like roots soaked in water.
Do not cut it when it blooms
Do not cut the stems until they get a completely brown color because it can produce another. Do not cut the stem of the orchid bloom if it is not completely brown.
Orchids do not require a lot of fertilizer
Do not fertilize flowers that are in a bud or bloom. Add a small amount of orchid fertilizer to the water of a plant that does not bloom every three months.
Transplanting does not suit them
The root of this plant does not like disturbance. So it is by no means recommended to transplant them but just add a little bark or moss to the top of the pot where the orchid looks unstable.
Keep them outdoors during the summer
This plant feels pleasant outside during the summer days. So empty the containers after the rain. When the colder months arrive, bring her back home.
The author
@Andjela99
