Phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis orchid: variety description

Phalaenopsis orchid: flower photo

Phalaenopsis orchids are incredible plants that have already gained great popularity among gardeners and florists in completely different parts of the world. Florists like them so much for many reasons: phalaenopsis have long flowering, the colors of the plant are unusually bright and attractive, there are a lot of varieties, which means there is plenty to choose from and satisfy your interests and needs in this matter. In addition, the plant gives an unusually attractive aroma, which makes it stand out against the background of many other crops.

As for leaving, then of course it is worth knowing a few rules here, and the florist himself must have knowledge and skills. But, one way or another, the Phalaenopsis flower has long been recognized as one of the most optimal and versatile options for orchids that lend itself well even to novice growers. In this article, we will consider in more detail what this species is, how to care for it so that the plant becomes more powerful and decorative. This article will be very useful to those gardeners who are just starting their difficult, but incredibly interesting path in this activity, as well as to those gardeners who already have some experience, but would like to expand their knowledge and capabilities, and therefore constantly strive to study new species and varieties of such attractive and incredible plants.

Phalaenopsis: growing and care at home

Phalaenopsis orchid: flower photo

In general, the modern floriculture industry invites us to familiarize ourselves with a huge number of phalaenopsis orchids, which are originally grown in special nurseries. Most of these plants are hybrid varieties that are perfectly adapted to the most versatile, standard conditions that develop in a house or apartment. But nevertheless, some plants still have genetic memory, and therefore, along with the plants acquired directly from nurseries, plants have developed immunity to diseases and the ability to adapt to a variety of conditions, and this is really a huge plus.

Before talking in more detail about how to care for a Phalaenopsis flower, you must first decide which plant the gardener will deal with - is it a hybrid plant, or is it a varietal type of orchid. Information about this can be immediately clarified with the seller of the nursery, in which this plant is actually purchased. Knowing such subtleties, you can choose the optimal conditions for caring for the plant and get a really very ornamental plant that will stand out against the background of many other plantings. It is important to remember that hybrid varieties are more likely to adapt to home conditions than varietal orchids.

Phalaenopsis varietal orchids can be distinguished by their external characteristics, but this is also quite difficult. In Russia, as well as in the CIS countries, these plants usually come to us from Asian countries as early as adolescence, and most often you can purchase these plants and planting materials simply from your hands. But this does not mean at all that the plant is bad. You just need to take this fact into account and take proper care of the plant, and then you will get a decent and very decorative home Phalaenopsis. Further, within the framework of this article, we will consider how exactly it is necessary to care for an orchid of this species, especially if the orchid grows indoors and at home.These rules have some distinctive features from those rules that are observed if orchids grow outdoors, so this issue should be taken into account.

One of the main factors due to which the plant is saturated with useful substances is moisture. But the nature of Phalaenopsis is inherently epiphytic, and therefore this species is not very adapted to extract useful and mineral substances from soil silt or moisture. Basically, this plant receives liquid from the air, and this point must always be taken into account. When watering orchids, it is very important to pay attention to the quality of the water, and it is soft water that is needed - rain or melt. Water from under the filter will do. You can also take an ordinary, tap liquid, but before it is used, it is necessary to settle it for several days so that all the salts contained in the water gradually settle, and the water itself acquires a better quality and better structure.

Taking proper care of your Phalaenopsis orchid at home is a serious job. This includes timely and moderate soil moisture, from which the plant will draw out the bulk of moisture. In general, today gardeners use several methods of watering phalaenopsis at once. We will also list and characterize them:

• strait - water is poured along the edge of the container with the plant, thanks to the large holes, it does not stagnate in the area of ​​\ u200b \ u200bthe roots, but flows into a pots or into a pallet. A small amount of moisture remains in the root system, as well as inside the pine bark, from which the plant then takes the required amount. This method is usually used after the plant has been transplanted and is experiencing some stress: it needs a little more time to adapt to new conditions, and therefore watering must be carried out as carefully as possible.
• full immersion - the home flower Phalaenopsis is dipped right in the container for about ten minutes into a larger container, which is filled with water. through the holes in the pot, moisture enters the substrate, and from it the phalaenopsis roots are fed with moisture, gently pulling it out. This method can only be suitable for absolutely healthy plantings, as well as for plants that are in a special, moisture-absorbing soil or soil composition.
• partial immersion - this method is used only when the plant itself needs to be moistened
• Phalaenopsis can be placed in a tray filled with water and kept there for six to twelve hours. During all this time, the roots will slowly but surely draw out moisture through the lower holes in the pot, while the substrate will be moistened, but not too abundantly so that the roots do not start to rot. This method can be used for unhealthy plants that have root diseases. Also, the method is completely safe for plants that have obvious problems with the neck, and watering for the gardener in this case is a whole art.
• warm shower - the plant is put into the bathroom and poured from the shower with warm water, the temperature of which should be from 38 to 40 degrees. This method is preferable among a large number of orchid plants, but even here there are conditions and subtleties that must be observed. For example, after watering, the plant cannot be immediately abruptly transferred from a warm and comfortable environment to a cool one, since the plant will experience stress, which will greatly affect its general condition and external characteristics. First, the plants must cool naturally, and only then can they be taken back to the windowsill. It is also worth blotting the sinuses with a napkin to rid the plant of excess moisture. If this is not done, then harmful bacteria and microorganisms will begin to multiply rapidly in the neck of the plant, which will also lead to rotting of the plant and to its death.

If we talk about watering Asian varietal phalaenopsis, then it must necessarily be made in the form of a strait. You can also water these plants by partial immersion, but follow all the rules so that the plant does not get damaged and there is no risk of developing diseases. Despite the fact that these varietal orchids are excellent for tropical showers, at home the plants are at risk, they can die if the gardener does not give them enough attention and care. As for the frequency of watering, it all depends solely on the gardener himself and on how he assesses the conditions of his room. It is also important to keep track of the state of the root system. If suddenly it turns into silver shades, then this just means that there is no moisture in the pot, and it should also be brought in. Until the end of drying, you need to wait some time (about 1-2 days), and only then add moisture in any way convenient for the gardener.

Phalaenopsis can reach different sizes, there are also dwarf, miniature orchids that need more intensive watering. Here, the system that the plant abstains for a long time before watering does not withstand, so it is better to completely immerse miniature phalaenopsis in moisture, or use the partial immersion method so that the plant receives enough liquid and is always able to develop normally, resist various pests and bacteria.

Thanks to the light in the plant, the processes of photosynthesis are carried out, and therefore it is important to control the level of illumination of the planting. In an apartment, this is also extremely necessary - experienced flower growers say that if daylight hours are optimal for planting, then flowering will occur more abundantly and more often. If the plant lacks lighting, then the plant will give a lot of leaves, since all its strength will go to this. If the plant does not have enough lighting, then this will immediately affect its external characteristics - the leaves will become very light, but the characteristic purple pigmentation will disappear on the reverse side. This will become a sign that the plant lacks lighting, and it gradually loses its decorative effect. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the intensity of light - in natural conditions, phalaenopsis prefers to be located in a shaded area. Accordingly, in indoor conditions, the plant should be in partial shade. It is best to expose the plant to the sills of windows with a south, east or southwest orientation. In general, we must not forget that these plants adapt perfectly in absolutely any conditions, but nevertheless, if a suitable microclimate is created, then the plant will respond with excellent flowering and no less decorative appearance.

North windows are considered less attractive places for installing phalaenopsis containers there. But the situation can be corrected by phytolamps, which create artificial lighting. They will just make the phalaenopsis bloom even where it was initially not adapted to do this. In winter, care also involves additional lighting options for the plant. Of course, this condition should be observed only if the gardener still wants to get flowering from the phalaenopsis. If this moment does not matter at all, then you can wait for the period when the daylight hours will naturally increase, and then the phalaenopsis will certainly begin to bloom and delight the grower with its decorativeness and brightness.

The duration of daylight hours ranges from 12 to 16 hours, but if these are young plants that have not yet had time to adapt, their immunity is rather weak, then such a bush should be illuminated for about 18 hours a day, no less, and here the gardener should try hard.

Taking care of Phalaenopsis at home is much easier in terms of illumination. For this reason, if the gardener does not yet have experience in growing orchids, then it is best for him to purchase non-varietal plants or those orchids that are less whimsical species.

Indoor air temperature is perhaps one of the determining factors for a plant to start active photosynthesis processes. It is thanks to photosynthesis that phalaenopsis receives the necessary level of nutrition, and also spends its energy on all the necessary life processes. It is thanks to photosynthesis that new cellular connections are built, phalaenopsis grows and develops. The air temperature must vary from 18 to 30 degrees in order for all the processes that we have indicated, as well as many others, to be successfully carried out.

Phalaenopsis orchid: flower photo

Phalaenopsis orchids are distinguished by increased immunity, if we are talking about a variety of diseases. In addition, it is the hybrids that perfectly adapt even to those conditions that were not initially so favorable for the plant. Many varietal plants would not be able to survive in the conditions of our Russian cold weather, as well as in conditions of low temperatures and lack of lighting - but for hybrid varieties these conditions are just close to natural ones, and therefore they take root well in them, and this does not affect either on their health, nor on their external characteristics and signs. But still, in order for the plant to feel as comfortable as possible, it is still worth observing the temperature regime within 20-25 degrees. Care in this case will be reduced to very simple aspects - regular watering, top dressing, and we will just talk about fertilizers just below in the same article.

In order for the Phalaenopsis orchid to bloom, it must be in a certain temperature difference, which ranges from three to five degrees. You should not lower the temperature by more than five degrees, since due to hypothermia, fungi, other viruses and infections can develop on the plant, which will lead to damage to the root system, growth point and, in the end, there is a great risk that the plant will simply die For phalaenopsis, temperature changes can be very useful, since the tops become even denser in structure, the buds ripen much faster, the plant gives new shoots. The structure itself becomes more pleasant, the flowers become much brighter and more attractive in color. In the summer, when the air temperature can rise, it is worth ventilating the room, but avoiding drafts.

Air humidity - this issue for plants is very relevant in winter. Heating is turned on in the apartment or in the house, and the conditions change slightly along with the microclimate for planting. Batteries and other technical devices for heating reduce the humidity in the air, and then the gardener may have difficulties. A plant that has just bloomed can abruptly drop all flowers, the buds will begin to dry, the foliage will fall off en masse. In addition, this all affects the state of the root system - the roots will begin to dry out. The best solution in this situation (and perhaps the only one) is that the gardener will have to use electronic humidifiers. But not everyone can afford to buy equipment, and therefore it is also possible to humidify the air manually - pots and jars filled with water are placed next to the plant, and wet towels are hung around the plants.

But it cannot be said that all these measures are quite effective, especially if Phalaenopsis is on the windowsill, because the heat source - the battery - is located directly under it. But it's worth trying. As for the question of whether to spray an orchid, then we can say the following: if the air is completely dry, then it is necessary to do this, but for this, a spray bottle with the finest dispersion is used. The jet should be shallow, like fog. Moisture should not accumulate on the leaves or stems of plants, as well as on the buds, otherwise it will become an excellent habitat and reproduction for microbes.

Without feeding, it is impossible to imagine any caring measures for plants.In order for the orchid to show bright and lush flowering, as well as for further reproduction of the planting, it is necessary to use some preparations that will just contribute to this. In general, there are general feeding rules that should be followed so that the plant blooms correctly and profusely and develops well:

• only absolutely healthy plants are fed, whose root system is strong, and the leaf part is abundant and strong
• When the orchids begin to bloom, it is best not to feed them. This can speed up the metabolism, and because of this, the flowering will be very short.
• when phalaenopsis falls into a state of dormancy, then it is worth making feeding once every 15 days. You should also carefully read the instructions for using fertilizers. During the growth period, once a week with fertilization will be enough, and here again it is important to adhere to the instructions
• do not use fertilizers when a grower transplants phalaenopsis. Also, if the plant is very young and did not have time to get stronger, it is also not recommended to fertilize it for about one month. It must adapt naturally, otherwise the only further immunity will be maintained, which is due to top dressing
• it is imperative to read the instructions that come with the dressing. Only this will ensure the correct application of fertilizers, which means that the gardener himself will not harm the plant in this way.

For Phalaenopsis, today there are a large number of organic dressings, which differ not only in availability, but also in efficiency. Among these drugs, I would like to draw your attention to the following: Dr. Foley - this plant contains components such as nitrogen and potassium, which directly affect the growth of tissues and the overall development of the plant. Klomplexes forte - they contain a sufficient amount of phosphorus, due to which the flowering is not only abundant, but also very bright, lush, lasts for a very long time. Biofertilizers "Mister Color", which are just intended for orchids - this drug allows you to abundantly build up the green mass, strengthen the root system. Also, thanks to him, flower stalks develop, so that the flowering will be spectacular, bright, really decorative, which is what many growers are striving for.

When a gardener has acquired a new phalaenopsis, then he must definitely provide her with care at home, you cannot wait too long here. It is necessary to transplant the orchid, since the manufacturer always puts a pillow inside the first container, which consists of moss, peat and foam rubber, and the plant will not last long in such a mixture. It can also lead to waterlogging of the neck, and because of this, the root system runs the risk of rotting. Also, if you take care of the plant at home, then you should immediately decide where the orchid will stand. Phalaenopsis do not tolerate moving at all, so the initially chosen place will become his permanent home. New conditions for an orchid are already stressful, and it is worth helping the plant to deal with it as soon as possible. The transplanted plant should be installed in a well-lit and warm place, and it is better not to turn over or move the pot unnecessarily - this plant can react extremely negatively, as we have already mentioned.

If the gardener provides the plant with proper care, then such procedures for the orchid will fly by almost unnoticed. You can also use drugs that have an anti-stress effect - these are zircon or epin, which are very popular in horticulture and floriculture. Do not rush too much to moisten the soil - it is better to wait a while, and for the first time water the orchid very carefully, along the very edge of the container. The rest of the water that goes into the pots is immediately removed from there. The first feeding is carried out only a month after the plant has been planted in a permanent place.If the grower has not one, but several orchids at once, then a newer plant should be kept in quarantine for the first time. If suddenly there were some bacteria or fungal spores on Phalaenopsis, then they will not infect old healthy plants with these bacteria. During the first thirty days, the plant must be looked after especially carefully, and only after this time the flower joins the rest of the orchid collection.

Of course, it is worth noting the most key mistakes that a florist makes in caring for a plant. In particular, these errors are characteristic of a grower who does not yet have much experience in growing a plant. If you act incorrectly, then there is a great risk that the plant will be very affected or even die. Now we will list the categorical prohibitions on what is done with orchids: they should definitely be taken into account and in no case should such flaws be committed.

You can not water the Phalaenopsis orchids at night, as this can cause the flower to become supercooled, fungal diseases will begin to develop, which will then destroy it. You also cannot water the orchid with tap water that has not been treated in any way. You can only defend the water, filter it, but in general it is recommended to use rain or melt water for irrigation. You should not decide on your own in what proportions the fertilizer is diluted, since because of this you can harm the plant - you should not follow your intuition. But only professionally written instructions! New orchids should not be immediately placed next to those already adapted, as the entire collection runs the risk of getting sick. The plant should not be located in direct sunlight, as this will lead to burns on the leaves, and the plant will suffer not only externally - its internal qualities and health will also suffer.

Outcomes

Phalaenopsis orchid: home care after purchase

Finally, I would like to say that home Phalaenopsis are wonderful plants that are perfect for flower growers without experience. Even despite the fact that the plant has some features, it remains relatively unpretentious, and can reveal all its features and all its potential in indoor, home conditions. The main thing is to properly care for orchids and take into account some of the subtleties, and then everything will be fine for sure.