The method of growing newly purchased Phalaenopsis orchids is a topic of great interest to many people. The article below will help you grasp the simplest method for growing Phalaenopsis orchids.
Phalaenopsis orchids are a type of flower that can last from 3 to 4 months, or even up to 6 months if carefully cared for. They are considered a symbol of noble and luxurious beauty in space decoration.
Phalaenopsis orchids are the longest-lasting orchids. Currently, these orchids are favored by plant enthusiasts and are widely cultivated. For the plants to bloom and for the flowers to stay fresh for a long time, growers must pay attention to the relatively complex techniques for planting and caring for this ornamental plant.
Phalaenopsis orchids are the longest-lasting orchids and can easily bloom in various conditions. Thus, in many European countries, Phalaenopsis orchids are always seen as a gift of love. They also symbolize brightness and prosperity.
Phalaenopsis orchids are not flamboyant or intense, but with their many petals, they attract all eyes with their luxurious and noble beauty, regardless of where they bloom. According to Eastern feng shui, Phalaenopsis orchids bring luck and abundance to families, and in Japan, they symbolize royalty and are regarded as a symbol of wealth.
Therefore, placing a pot of Phalaenopsis orchids in the house for the New Year symbolizes prosperity, wealth, and fortune for the coming year. But how can you achieve a beautiful blooming orchid pot as desired? This will be very simple if you follow the correct planting and care techniques outlined below:
How to Plant Phalaenopsis Orchids in Pots
How to Make Wild Orchids Bloom?
Guidelines for Planting Phalaenopsis Orchids
Mountain Flower Species
In fact, this wildflower has a planting and care technique that is not as difficult as many people think. Phalaenopsis (scientific name: Phalaenopsis) belongs to the largest family in the plant kingdom, the Orchidaceae family, and originates from Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and Australia. These plants typically cling tightly to trees in deep forests or attach themselves to rocks. They have large, broad, succulent leaves and curved flower stalks that bear many flowers. Usually, a plant will have 5 to 10 leaves and numerous white roots.
The technique for growing Phalaenopsis orchids is not as difficult as many think
Some species have flower stalks that bear large round flowers. These species have short flower stalks and come in vibrant colors such as white, pink, yellow, or flowers with stripes, edges, or spots. In addition to these species, many hybrids are more adaptable to artificial conditions than to their natural environment. An important factor about Phalaenopsis orchids is that under artificial conditions, the blooming duration is about 3 months. Some other species and hybrids have a longer freshness period. Some varieties can bloom year-round. The orchid season begins from December to the end of May.
Phalaenopsis orchids come in various shapes and sizes. Growers can place the plants in separate pots or combine several plants in one pot. A typical pot can hold multiple plants, and the plants can bloom within two years if properly cared for.
Light and Temperature Requirements
Phalaenopsis orchids need light to thrive. Indoors, this plant should be placed near a window with light but should avoid direct sunlight. Flower enthusiasts can use artificial lighting. The lights should be placed above the plants and should shine for at least 12 to 16 hours a day. If kept in a greenhouse, the plants should be covered with a cloth, especially during the summer.
To have a beautiful pot of plants as desired and long-lasting, growers need to pay attention to some basic planting techniques
This orchid species requires daytime temperatures of 18-29°C and nighttime temperatures of 13-18°C. During the fall, the temperature should be maintained below 16°C continuously for 3 weeks when the flower spike begins to appear. Generally, unusual changes in temperature and humidity can cause buds to drop.
Ensuring Humidity and Watering the Plants
Phalaenopsis orchids need humidity levels between 50-80%. If the humidity in the environment is lower, growers can use a canopy to limit the plant’s moisture loss. Another precaution is to keep the plants in pots containing gravel or pebbles with water. Flower enthusiasts must ensure that the plants are always above the gravel, pebbles, and not touching the water. Watering this plant is very important, and growers should do it carefully.
Phalaenopsis orchids come in a variety of colors
In the summer, the plants need to be watered every 2-3 days, while in winter, flower enthusiasts only need to water about once every 10 days. The best time to water is in the afternoon so the leaves will dry by evening. Water that remains can cause leaves to rot, so the best approach is for growers to water according to each season, while also considering the water needs and the growing medium used (common substrates include bark, perlite, fern bark, charcoal).
Fertilizers and Pesticides
Fertilizing the plants should be done more frequently during the summer and when the plants are in the growth phase. In winter, the plants will use organic matter less. Growers should always ensure the plants are well-watered before fertilizing. A stable formula fertilizer like NPK 14-14-14 is best for the plants. Plants that are blooming need fertilizers with a higher phosphorus content (10-30-20%).
Flower enthusiasts can adjust the blooming time as desired
Phalaenopsis orchids are very attractive to pests such as bud worms, spider mites, aphids, and snails. Pests that cling to leaves should be removed with soapy water or pesticides, after which growers should rinse the leaves with a soft cloth.
Stimulating Blooming
Phalaenopsis flowers typically wilt after blooming for 3 months. After the flowers fade, growers can encourage the plants to bloom again by cutting off the entire flower stalk; this method is very effective if the flower stalk is old and brown. However, if the flower stalk is still green, flower enthusiasts should only cut one node on the flower stalk. The cut section should be about 10-12 cm long, which can help the plant form a new branch within 2-3 weeks.
Creating Ventilation for Phalaenopsis Orchids
Compared to other orchid species, ventilation for Phalaenopsis orchids is a necessary action. This is a very important factor in preventing rot and many common fungi in this orchid species. The greater the ventilation, the fewer diseases the plants will have because it helps them dry quickly after watering. However, too strong ventilation can easily cause the plants to lose moisture. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the ventilation to a moderate level, keeping the leaves of Phalaenopsis orchids dry is ideal, depending on the position of the orchid pot and the surrounding space.
Repotting Phalaenopsis Orchids
Phalaenopsis orchids have a very long lifespan, so proper repotting is essential for their health. There are two main reasons why an orchid may need to be repotted: first, the plant can no longer thrive in its current pot, and second, the growing medium may have degraded, resulting in insufficient air for the roots to develop properly. Repotting should be done once every year or two, with spring being the most suitable season for this task.
As the roots of the plant spread, they can cover the pot and the growing medium, sealing off the gaps between the roots and causing an absence of space for air circulation. It’s important to keep a short section of the stem just above the growing medium. After repotting, the plant should be kept in a shaded area and watered three days later.
Caring for Phalaenopsis Orchids After Tet
After Tet, when most of the flowers on the orchid stems have wilted, it is crucial to ensure the plant survives and recovers quickly. This can be done by removing the orchids from their pots and caring for each individual plant.
During Tet, Phalaenopsis orchids are often arranged in large pots, creating stunning displays. However, post-Tet, families tend to be busy and might neglect the orchids, resulting in many plants dying, failing to thrive, or gradually wilting due to lack of attention or knowledge on how to care for them after the flowers have faded.
Use scissors to cut off the flower spike, leaving about 3 cm above the last dormant bud. Avoid cutting too close to the spike, as this can damage the leaves and lead to rot. The remaining dormant buds on the flower spike have the potential to produce new shoots. Using medical cotton, dab a small amount of rooting hormone onto the dormant buds for about a week, then remove it; new shoots may appear in 1-2 months.
- For leaves with minimal disease, where yellowing does not exceed 1/3 of the leaf, try to preserve the leaf by using a razor blade or a very sharp knife to cut away the damaged parts.
- For leaves with significant disease, including fungal or spider mite signs on the underside, cut them off completely.
Next, treat the roots and base: Growers should inspect the plant’s roots. Most industrially grown Phalaenopsis orchids are planted in water moss, and during Tet, due to excessive watering or transport, the roots may suffer from rot. The plastic pot should be removed.
- If the roots are still green and only slightly rotten, try to keep the root ball intact, using clean scissors to cut away all rotten roots while preserving the healthy ones. Apply lime, nail polish, or tree wound healing compound to all cut areas, then place the root ball back into the pot, securing the orchid’s base with ties to prevent movement. Fill the pot with treated moss, pressing gently without covering the roots to observe their development.
- If the roots are significantly damaged, remove all the water moss from the root ball to cut away any rotten or broken roots. Apply lime or glue to the cut areas, then add some foam to the bottom of the pot.
With nearly all the roots removed, the plant may struggle to stabilize in the pot. Use a rectangular piece of foam to support the base of the plant, placing the orchid on top of it. Secure the plant with ties on both sides to prevent it from wobbling when moving the pot.
- Place the plant in a cool area, avoiding rain completely, and allow it to dry for about three days before watering thoroughly.
- Dilute B1 fertilizer or growth stimulants like Atonic at a ratio of 1/2 teaspoon per 20 liters of water and mist the plant daily.
- In about 1-2 weeks, new roots should start to emerge. Once the new roots are anchored in the growing medium, add another layer of soil.
- After 1-2 months, once the plant has stabilized, resume regular fertilizing and watering.
The Significance of Phalaenopsis Orchids
In Eastern feng shui, Phalaenopsis orchids symbolize good luck, wealth, elegance, and abundance. In Europe, they are viewed as a symbol of passionate love. Additionally, Phalaenopsis orchids represent the beauty of women, embodying ideals of perfection and allure.
Furthermore, having a Phalaenopsis orchid in your home symbolizes fertility. This is why they are often chosen as decorative flowers during the Tet festival. Each variety of Phalaenopsis orchid in different colors carries its own unique meanings.
White Phalaenopsis Orchids
The pure white color of these orchids suggests their significance. White Phalaenopsis orchids symbolize beauty and dignity, while also bringing wealth and prosperity to the family.
White Phalaenopsis orchids also represent a smooth new beginning and make a wonderful gift to express sincerity and unconditional love to loved ones as you move forward together into the future.
Red Phalaenopsis Orchids
Red is a color that embodies the passionate and fiery nature of love, like a flame igniting between lovers. Additionally, red signifies power and seductive conquest. If you want to express your deep love, choosing vibrant red Phalaenopsis orchids is the perfect way to let this flower speak for your heart, combining meaning with romance.
Yellow Phalaenopsis Orchids
Yellow symbolizes brightness and prosperity. Yellow Phalaenopsis orchids carry the meaning of abundance and a fresh, promising new beginning. They embody elegance and make a very meaningful gift to welcome the new year. Thus, you can gift these orchids to loved ones, friends, colleagues, and customers.
Purple Phalaenopsis Orchids
The purple hue of Phalaenopsis orchids is unique compared to other flowers, as the grace of each petal contributes to a luxurious, majestic, and irresistibly alluring beauty. Purple symbolizes loyalty and fidelity, and purple Phalaenopsis orchids also represent royalty. Choosing purple orchids as gifts for your boss is a fantastic decision, as their significance conveys respect and admiration.
Green Phalaenopsis Orchids
Green Phalaenopsis orchids have a very special and rare color, making their cultivation somewhat more challenging. The green hue symbolizes the sky and the sea, evoking feelings of peace and a connection to spiritual values. Therefore, green orchids are often suitable for tranquil places like temples.
Orange Phalaenopsis Orchids
While not as fiery as red, glaring as yellow, or soft as pink, orange Phalaenopsis orchids convey warmth akin to the golden sunlight of late afternoon. The orange color represents the dynamism of youth, filled with vitality, enthusiasm, and a playful sense of humor. If you wish to send optimistic wishes along with the positive energy of youth, selecting orange orchids is the right choice.
Pink Phalaenopsis Orchids
Pink is a beloved color, reflecting gentleness and freshness; it is not as vibrant as red but offers a pleasant, harmonious feeling. Pink Phalaenopsis orchids symbolize the gift of joy and happiness, representing beautiful love that is idealistic and romantically tender. Express your unwavering heart by conveying that message through a pink Phalaenopsis orchid pot!
