home House and garden Houseplants Phalaenopsis orchid: home care and transplant after purchase

Phalaenopsis orchid: home care and transplant after purchase

Phalaenopsis orchids are known for their wide flat petals, and large flowers look like butterflies - hence the name, which translates as “Moth Orchid”. These exotic beauties are very popular, have a long flowering period, are elegant and often reward the hostess with lush blooms in return for proper handling. What care for Phalaenopsis orchid at home? Let's get it together.

Phalaenopsis: features

Phalaenopsis looks wonderful in any interior. Depending on the type and variety, the flowers appear year-round, even at the end of winter, or in early spring. The name Phalaenopsis is taken from the Greek term “phalaina”, which means “moth”, because the flowers resemble the appearance of a butterfly. Phalaenopsis species range from Asia to the Philippines, New Guinea, and parts of Australia. These areas have a constant temperature, warm weather, humid environment which, of course, provides Phalaenopsis orchids and Phalaenopsis mini orchids with all conditions for existence. Plants are epiphytes. This means that they grow on other plants, such as trees, but do not parasitize on them. In the wild, they get moisture and food from the air and rain. The flower has no rest periods, and growth continues continuously.

How to choose the Phalaenopsis orchid

By purchasing orchids during the flowering period, you can check not only the flowers, but also the stems, leaves, buds, and understand the state of the plant by its appearance. Take a closer look at the substrate, try how tightly the flower in the pot sits. A weakened plant has a weak root system, it can be easily reached by pulling the stem.
The smell of rot should not come from the pot. Take a close look at root system development. The roots should be dense, green, without dry ends.
A traditional butterfly orchid has white petals, but today breeders have bred hybrids. They are distinguished by wide or spotty leaves and the most diverse palette of flowers: pale pink, yellow, purple, brown and even green. Some species have interesting inclusions or veins.
Once you have chosen your preferred look, pay particular attention to the leaves. Healthy Phalaenopsis orchids have hard, succulent leaves without spots or pallor. A plant that suffers from environmental influences, diseases, or pests reflects obvious symptoms, especially on the leaves. Avoid buying if spotting or yellowing of leaves is noticed, there is any withering.

Adaptation after purchase

When purchasing an elegant beauty, you need to take special care, maintaining her condition and growth. But first look at the flower. Watch his condition every day. Set the plant in a warm, bright place, protected from direct sunlight. And do not rush to transplant! Give him time to adapt to new conditions.

Quarantine conditions

Any move for a graceful flower is considered stress.

Therefore, it is necessary to take measures aimed at isolating the new pet, which include:

isolation;
observation;
peace.

If during this time the state of the flower does not change, then after a week you can spend a moderate watering at room temperature. This should be done carefully so that the drops do not fall on the plant itself. Two weeks later, Phalaenopsis is considered adapted to the new conditions of existence.

Do I need an orchid transplant after purchase?

A transplant is required if the flower is planted in sphagnum moss. It contributes to increased moisture accumulation, which can negatively affect the root system of the plant. In the event that the substrate where the orchid is located is fresh, the plant does not need a transplant. It is recommended that after two years the transplanted flower be transplanted into a special soil mixed with expanded clay and pine bark.

Orchid Care

Phalaenopsis refers to tropical plants. This means that it needs an abundance of light, it does not tolerate direct sunlight, it is demanding for high humidity, but sudden changes in temperature are not desirable. The recommended daytime temperature in the winter is 20-22 ° C, and the nighttime temperature is 15-16 ° C. It is these parameters that contribute to the formation of ovaries and flowers.

Lighting, temperature, humidity

The orchid especially loves light and lighting is an important criterion that contributes to the favorable growth and flowering of the plant. Orchids need diffused light, but direct sunlight should be avoided. Preference is given to the east or south side. If a new sheet is pulled out, this indicates a lack of light.

Orchids adapt to the temperature conditions of the room.

The ideal daytime temperature is 18 - 29 ° C.
The ideal night temperature is 13-18 ° C.
Normal home temperature of 22-26 ° C is great for orchids.

To induce the plant to initiate awakening of the kidneys, it is necessary to lower the temperature regime to 16 ° C and below.After sustaining the plant for three weeks under these conditions, an intense burst of flowering will begin. The flower stalk will grow in the direction of the light source.

Phalaenopsis can be grown under artificial lighting. Applying growing from 20 to 30 cm under fluorescent light or from 1.2 to 1.8 m under high pressure sodium lamps, Phalaenopsis should give rapid flower growth.

Like most orchids, Phalaenopsis appreciate a more humid environment from 40 to 70% relative humidity. In addition to irrigation, which can provoke infection with a fungus, to increase humidity, you can install the pot in a saucer with a small amount of pebbles, pouring them with water. Placing orchids above the liquid level will slightly increase the moisture around the plant. In a hot period of time, trays of water can be placed.

Watering Phalaenopsis Orchids

The plant should not completely dry. You need moderate watering every seven, ten days in the winter, five days in the summer. It is important that moisture is present in a small amount and that the plant does not dry out. This will help clear pots. Condensation on the inside suggests that there is enough moisture. If there are no droplets on the walls of the pot, then it's time to water. For watering, place the plant in a sink or large container and water it several times for 15 minutes.

Phalaenopsis, like Dendrobium and other varieties of orchids, is prone to rot, so it is advisable to water it in the morning. It is not permissible to leave water for a long period in the pan of the pot. It is necessary to ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizer

Fertilize according to a balanced formula once every two weeks, diluting the fertilizer to 1/4 and 1/2 of the recommended dose of dilution, adhering to the principle of "better less, but more often." In this case, it is necessary to reduce the amount of fertilizing in the winter months, when most plants are not in the phase of active growth, to one. Fertilize the plant only after plentiful watering, using a special liquid complex product with microelements.

Transfer

Every two years, a flower is recommended to be replanted to avoid exposure to root rot. Use plastic clear pots, as the roots are believed to stick to clay containers. A porous mixture is suitable for orchids. You can make it yourself from the bark of spruce, large perlite, charcoal and red lava, but it is better to purchase a ready-made substrate for orchids.

If the roots are strongly intertwined, and it is difficult to clear the substrate, dip them in water to soak. Clean the root of dry and rotten parts. Treat all cut parts with activated carbon. Conveniently place the roots in a pot. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy orchid.

A safe time for transplantation is when the plant does not bloom and is in a dormant period.

Orchid propagation

Like most plants, orchids are able to reproduce themselves in two different ways: pollination and vegetative propagation. At home, vegetative reproduction is usually used to create a collection of orchids.

It can be achieved in three ways:

by division;
bulbs;
cuttings.

Although large orchids can be difficult to separate, it provides an effective result and a strong plant, which will then lead to rapid growth.
When the flowers on the shoot fade, it should only be cut in half. A new inflorescence may appear on it.

The main problems when growing plants

Leaves will tell about flower health. If the leaves turn yellow, it means that you are not providing proper care for the flower. There are a number of factors that can lead to discoloration of orchid leaves, including direct sunlight, low temperatures, and root rot.

Here are instructions for eliminating yellow leaves on Phalaenopsis orchids:

Phalaenopsis orchid leaves may dry and turn yellow if exposed to direct sunlight.Shade or place the orchid in a place where there will be enough light;
too low temperature. Make sure that the temperature is between 18-26 degrees during the day and 15-21 at night;
excessive moisture leads to root rot, which in turn can cause the leaves to turn yellow. To avoid this, water the plant only when the topsoil is dry and the roots are white, and make sure there are enough holes in the pot to ensure proper drainage.

If the orchid suffers from root rot, but it is clear that the plant has healthy green roots, cut the decayed parts and transplant it into a new environment.

Pests of orchids and methods of dealing with them

Sometimes with good care, Phalaenopsis orchids are exposed to diseases and pests. The main thing is to notice in time what happens to the plant, then there will be more chances to save the graceful beauty.

If several pests have to apply treatment measures again, every seven to ten days, three times. Insects lay eggs that are resistant to processing, appear again. Repeating the cleaning process several times will kill the next generation.

Aphid

These are the most ubiquitous pests that come in many colors - including green, red, pink, black and yellow. They are usually found on young shoots, including flower buds. Especially damaged are the kidneys, which are deformed at the time of blooming. Aphids are also carriers of diseases and various viruses.

If you see transparent sticky drops in any part of the plant, pay attention to aphids. This so-called honey dew is actually its waste.

Mealybugs

The name of this creature to a large extent means what the insect looks like - mealy or cotton masses. They are found in the same areas as aphids - on shoots, buds and flower stems, the most delicate parts. One type is found on the roots. This is an annoying pest, which can be eliminated by using several methods of treatment with insecticides.

Thrips

Thrips can be quite damaging, especially on flower buds, ripe flowers and young leaves. They are quite small and difficult to see with the naked eye. It is much easier to detect damage from them - it manifests itself in the form of light streaks on flowers or on leaves. Flower buds are also usually damaged.

Shield

It is a creature that has a hard shell that serves as armor for the body of the insect and protects it. They are found on the underside of leaves, near the central veins, along the edges, are also visible on flower stems. To destroy an insect, some persistence will be required.

Tick spider

These are small inaccessible pests, the effect of which can be fatal. Being not insects, but spiders, pests appear in dryness and heat. They can be green or red, but in any color they are very difficult to see, because they are quite small. When they are exposed, the foliage acquires a hatching effect, which is the result of their nutrition.

Slugs and Snails

Snails and slugs can damage young orchid roots and stems, as well as hinder the development and ripening of flowers. Usually they go out at night, so if you suspect, shine a flashlight to detect them. Look at the bottom of flower pots - this is another of their favorite hideouts. They like cool, wet places. If they travel on dry surfaces, they leave behind a control trail of mucus.

Bees and other pollinating insects

They do no physical harm to orchids, but if they land on flowers and pollinate them, they will very soon wither.

Pest Control Methods:

Pest	First way	Second way	Comments
Aphid	Wash with warm water	Insecticidal soap Horticultural oil Isopropyl alcohol	If the aphids are on flower buds, try rinsing them again with warm water. Using any chemical can damage delicate developing buds or flowers.
Mealybugs	Use a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol.	Insecticidal soap Horticultural oil	For orchids with powdery mildew on the roots, remove it from the pot, soak the roots in a solution of insecticidal soap for several hours, then transfer to a clean pot with new soil.
Thrips	Horticultural oil Insecticidal soap	Malathion, Orten	Malathion and Orthene are effective in resolving a range of insect problems, but both of them smell great, so be sure to use them outside the living area.
Shields	Use a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol	Insecticidal soap Horticultural oil	It is a difficult pest to eradicate. You will have to apply the treatment several times to get rid of it. Rinse the leaves thoroughly with mild soapy water. Leave the foam solution for an hour. Rinse the pot, as well as the surface: window sill, floor or glass.
Tick spider	Place the plant under running water	Insecticidal soap Horticultural oil Orten	To prevent tick infection, keep the orchid properly watered and not too warm.
Snails and slugs	Old beer (yeast in beer is a strong attractant for snails and slugs). Put a shallow plate of beer and wait until they drown in it. Lay out slices of lettuce that will attract slugs and snails. Soon you will find feeding pests attached to it, and you can remove them.

Phalaenopsis orchid: home care and transplant after purchase

Phalaenopsis: features

How to choose the Phalaenopsis orchid