Phalaenopsis orchid

Mini orchids: home care

Watering

The specifics of how to water a plant depend on several factors: temperature and planting method. The process itself has its own specifics. It is recommended to use only a watering can, gradually moving it over the soil surface.

As soon as water begins to flow into the sump, it means that watering can be stopped. The amount of water should not change.

IMPORTANT! Experts recommend paying attention to whether water enters the point of growth and the axils of the leaves. In case of moisture ingress, these areas should be wiped dry.

Top dressing

Mini orchids need additional feeding throughout the year, once every half a month. Special fertilizers can be purchased at your nearest flower shop.

Orchids can only be fed with special fertilizers.

IMPORTANT! Do not forget that an excess of fertilizer can harm the plant.

Lighting

Like almost any species, mini orchids need additional lighting in the autumn-winter period, when daylight hours are significantly reduced. Florists use fluorescent lamps for supplementary lighting.

During flowering

The orchid blooms several times a year. After opening the buds, it is necessary to provide them with reliable support in order to reduce the load on the stem.

During the flowering period, in order not to stress the plant, one should avoid sudden changes in temperature, changes in the level of illumination, the level of humidity and the irrigation system.

After flowering

Caring for an orchid after flowering is completely aimed at ensuring that the plant pleases with its flowering more than once. The dried peduncle is removed. After cutting, the resulting hole is hollow.

The peduncle that has dried up after flowering is cut off.

IMPORTANT! It is imperative to ensure that no water gets inside. Some gardeners recommend using beeswax for this.

Dormant period

It is important to know exactly how to care for phalaenopsis at home during the dormant period, so that the plant gains strength and recovers after flowering. After the inflorescences fall off, you need to give the orchid a little rest.

To do this, it is advisable to rearrange the pot with the plant in a much cooler, darker place. Watering should be reduced by 3 times.

It is not recommended to transplant, feed and spray the plant during this period. Perhaps during this period the lower leaves will turn yellow and dry, but do not worry, as this is a completely natural process. The peduncle itself can also dry out after flowering, in which case the orchid is pruned.

In some varieties of phalaenopsis, the peduncle remains green. In this case, you can leave the peduncle as it is and not touch it. Then new buds form on it over time. You can cut the peduncle to the first bud, and then over time a new one will appear from it. Some cut it off completely and put it in a vase of warm water. After a while, a new kidney is formed from it. Such a dormant period is simply necessary for an adult plant, since it needs to accumulate as much strength as possible for a new flowering period.

Literally after 3-6 months, new buds form on the orchid, and its abundant flowering begins. If this did not happen, and the phalaenopsis did not bloom in time, then you need to look for the reason and try to stimulate this process in a few months.

Preparation

Substrate

How does an orchid propagate by cuttings? Moist sphagnum moss is suitable as a substrate. It is placed in a small flat wide container with a transparent lid for light access.

Sphagnum moss is usually chosen as a substrate.

The container must be airtight to create a greenhouse effect, but with the ability to open and ventilate it once a day to prevent the formation of fungi. A solution of a biostimulant is sprayed on moss, which it is desirable to grind. In the future, the cutting develops in the moss.

Instruments

For grafting, you need a sharp knife or scalpel. Cleanliness is the basis of health, including for plants. Tools should be:

• Sterile ideally;
• Or well washed and disinfected.

Attention! Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. For a plant, this is a real operation, so be as careful as a surgeon.

Plant processing

The plant must be completely healthy. Prepare:

• Feed the orchid in advance;
• And spray with succinic acid solution according to the instructions.

If there is dust on the surface of the leaves, you should arrange a warm shower for the mother plant, since infections and pests that are invisible to the naked eye can get into the wound.

Can an orchid be propagated in water?

Let's see how the conditions for half-immersed in a glass of water are optimal. Half of the stem is constantly submerged in water, which contributes to rotting even in an adult plant. The upper part in a living room will dry out from a lack of moisture.

Of course, there is a small chance - if the stars converge so that the bud is preparing to sprout on the mother plant, it may appear in spite of everything.

Hence the enthusiastic stories of flower growers about how to breed a dozen from one orchid. Another result can be obtained by placing the stalk in a bottle of water with a small portion of the twig in the water. If we provide two other conditions - light and heat, then it is quite possible to hope for the growth of shoots from the buds.

Technology

We transplant orchids as follows:

1. Before transplanting, the flower must be well watered so that the roots become soft and do not break. Rinse the pots with a solution of potassium permanganate, and disinfect the substrate;
2. Carefully remove the plant from the pot. If the roots stick to the walls of the pot, you need to carefully separate them with a sharp knife;
3. Remove all the old substrate as much as possible, while it is better to leave a small adherent piece of bark than to tear it off along with the root;
4. Rinse and examine the roots. Trim broken, rotten and dry roots to a healthy part. Sprinkle the slices with crushed charcoal;
5. Place the phalaenopsis in a new pot, spread the roots and fill the empty space with soil. It is not necessary to tamp the bark with force, it is enough just to tap the pot on the table surface;
6. Watering after transplanting phalaenopsis is recommended no earlier than 1-2 weeks (depending on the condition of the roots). During this time, you can spray the leaves and the surface of the substrate with a spray bottle.

Phalaenopsis transplant (photo step by step).

You will learn more about home transplants in this article.

How to choose the right orchid when buying

When choosing such a plant, you need to make sure that the plant has a healthy root system. Many flower shops sell orchids in transparent pots. This is very convenient, because you can see the root system of the flower, because for this plant it is very important.

In a healthy, well-developed plant, the root system occupies almost the entire pot, well-branched. Healthy, dry roots are pearlescent white, while wet roots are light green. If the roots of the flower are deformed or have a dark gray or brown color, then this is a sign of decay. The aerial part of the root system of an orchid grows from the stem in the form of thin processes of a light green color.

When buying, it is best to choose a plant with buds. It is desirable that they are large and free from damage with several blossoming flowers.

It is also very important that the leaves of the orchid are dense and elastic, without blackening and spots. Yellowed or blackened tips, weeping spots are all signs of disease.

It is better to refuse to purchase such a plant.

How to choose an orchid in the store

It is best to buy orchids during flowering.

However, standing in a store, you should rather pay attention not to flowers and buds, but to the root system and leaves.

• The leaves should be dense, with a waxy sheen, no breaks, no yellow or dark spots, no dried tips. Only purple pigment is allowed.
• Aerial roots should be strong, with no signs of rotting or dryness, which is common. The bottom roots in the substrate should sit tight and not dangle.
• It is desirable that the plant is not in a peat pot, but in a bark substrate. However, peat pots are normal and very common. They just require more care when watering.

• Indoor flowers and plants for the kitchen - choose unpretentious, useful and beautiful
• How to get rid of midges in flowers
• Kitchen design and decor - site guide
• 12 super DIY home and kitchen ideas
• Panels for the kitchen - ideas and instructions
• Kitchen wall decor - 12 super ideas
• Kitchen design and decor - site guide

Features of reproduction of different species

Dendrobium Nobile

Cuttings are cut from a faded twig. The length of the cuttings in Dendrobium Nobile should be at least 10 cm.When the baby appears, it is planted in a pot together in a piece of the mother's stem. For some time, the supply of nutrients from it will be very useful for a young plant.

Vanilla

A part of the shoot is selected with already existing aerial roots. It is advisable to use wet sand as a substrate. You can plant it with three leaves. and it is imperative to give the plant support. Vanilla is a vine.

Ludisia

The orchid does not have a dormant period, so you can take cuttings all year round. Add crushed pine bark to the substrate for cuttings.

Cuttings from Ludisia can be taken all year round.

Strictly remove flower stalks on young seedlings, otherwise Ludisia will not survive.

Flower location

Many gardeners are attracted by the phalaenopsis orchid. Home care is quite simple, the most important thing is to strictly follow simple rules. Orchids are best suited to the east or west window. The flower needs shading for the summer. If the house has central heating, then you need to additionally use a humidifier, since in winter the orchid can suffer very much. It is recommended to widen the window sill or cover the top of the heating radiator so that the heat from it does not spread to the flowers. An overabundance of natural light and a lack of it are harmful to the plant.

Diseases and pests - symptoms and how to treat?

There are three groups of diseases:

• Fungal. The most common and occur with waterlogging. Among them, it is worth noting root rot, which can lead to the death of an indoor orchid. Tracheomycosis leads to blockage of blood vessels, the spread of toxins, it is difficult to get rid of it. Various diseases can manifest themselves with a variety of spotty rashes, the presence of cobwebs. Some of them are treated with special remedies that can be purchased at garden stores.
• Bacterial. They occur rarely, penetrate through damaged areas, if the orchid is weakened. It appears as black spots, with an oily halo.
• Viral. Flowers practically do not get sick with such diseases. And all possible symptoms are usually signs of waterlogging.

Pests on home orchids:

• Shield. It is found as yellow and brown bumps - these are insects. The orchid is removed from the pot, the substrate is changed, washed, removing all growths. The procedure is repeated within a month.
• Scratch. It looks like a white, fluffy lump, spreads very quickly.Usually settles in old leaves. It needs to be cut off. But it is more dangerous that after it there are small wounds where the fungus settles.
• Whitefly. It looks like a tiny butterfly, it starts on thin and weakened leaves. It is removed by washing with a sponge and laundry soap. After that, it is worth rinsing the deciduous part with running water for another month.

Caring for orchids is difficult enough, but the result justifies the means. They are able to delight for a long time with beautiful flowers and a pleasant aroma, but they are suitable for everyone

But choosing home plants for yourself is not as difficult as it seems, you just need to pay attention to this issue.

Reproduction of orchids

Orchid transplant can be accompanied by reproduction. You can make several from one bush. Orchids growing at home are very whimsical creatures, but knowing certain rules, they can be propagated.

If you do not know how to do this, watch the training video, after which you will have confidence in your abilities. Professional florists assure that a tropical guest living in indoor conditions can be propagated in four ways.

The most popular breeding method is stalk separation. After the plant sheds flower stalks, small baby cuttings can be found in the pot. It is they who will soon turn into a tropical beauty if planted in another pot.

The plant can be propagated by dividing the roots. This method is only suitable when the root system and bulb have grown well. In this case, an equal part is cut off and deposited in another pot.

Another reliable method is propagation by means of a lateral shoot. After the orchid blooms, it is cut off and placed in warm, damp ground for several weeks. After this time, you can start planting a flower.

Post-transplant care

In order for a plant to have a successful recovery period, it must be provided with the necessary care. It is necessary to place the plant in the shade and protect it from the influence of the sun. The room temperature should not exceed 20-22 degrees.

Better if the transplanted orchid was on the east window. Watering after planting should be done after 4–5 days.

The leaves should be sprayed with warm purified water. Within a month, the orchid needs useful fertilizers.

So, transplanting an orchid is a necessary process that affects the development of a tropical beauty, the further life and health of the plant depends on it. Proper care followed will ensure a short recovery period from stress.

Orchid substrate

Considering that under natural conditions orchids grow on trees, for their comfortable existence at home, a substrate is needed, selected with a certain composition. It will allow them to simulate their familiar environment. You can make it yourself or buy it at a flower shop.

It includes: charcoal, pine bark, perlite and sphagnum moss. A special condition for the preparation of the substrate is the amount of moss included in it. It is regulated depending on the humidity in the room. The higher it is, the less moss is in the substrate. In nature, orchids growing on trees consume water from moss and air.

But they do not like excess moisture, in which rot appears on the roots. Therefore, with high humidity in the room, the amount of moss that will absorb water during irrigation should be less than in a dry climate. At low humidity, the amount of moss should be one third of the total amount of the substrate.

Plant transplant

It is necessary to transplant the Phalaenopsis orchid at home regularly, every two years. With proper care, it grows vigorously, leading to root overgrowth. They can clog drainage holes when they come out. Therefore, you need to transplant the plant.If the root system has not grown much, then a transplant is necessary in order to prevent the root system, since diseased and decayed roots will be removed. It is carried out in several stages:

Phalaenopsis orchid transplant is carried out after flowering ends. Remove the plant from the pot

This must be done with care so as not to harm the plant and its roots. If the pot is soft, remember it so that the rhizome comes out freely from the container.

Carefully free the rhizome from the substrate and remove damaged, decayed or diseased roots. Remove them with a sharpened knife or a blade wiped with alcohol. Treat the cut sites with water antiseptics or sprinkle with crushed activated carbon. Examine the entire flower. Remove dried leaves and flowers. Leave to dry for 3 hours.

Boil drainage (expanded clay, pebbles or sand), pour on the bottom of the pot. It is best to prepare the substrate or buy a new one. Place the plant in the center of the pot so that the tops of the roots and the rosette are only covered with bark. Cover the substrate and spill it with water. Allow excess liquid to drain and place on a pallet.

Planting and transplanting

The process of how to transplant orchids can be divided into several stages:

1. Choosing the right soil for the plant. Preference should be given to the soil substrate, which consists of large particles of moss and bark, which have a beneficial effect on the growth of the mini orchid, rather than ordinary soil;
2. The choice of container for planting and transplanting a plant. For transplanting, it is worth choosing a container that is larger in size than the one in which the flower is currently growing. The roots must have plenty of room for growth and development. But overdoing it is also dangerous, the size of the container must correspond to the size of the flower, you should not take the container "for growth";
3. Experts strongly recommend refraining from watering the plants for the next 10 days after transplanting.

Step-by-step photo of orchid transplant.

Experienced growers recommend replanting a healthy plant only if the flower pot has become small, or after 2-3 years, when the bark begins to decompose, the roots receive an insufficient amount of oxygen, which leads to the death of the mini orchid.

With continuous flowering, an orchid transplant should be treated with special care, the main task is not to damage the roots of the plant.

Choosing a pot and substrate

Before deciding which pot to transplant phalaenopsis into, let us explain that its roots are green and participate in the process of photosynthesis, therefore, conceived plants are sold in transparent pots. Beginners should choose similar containers in order to more easily control the condition of the roots and avoid over-watering.

However, transparent pots are optional. Orchids grow well in special ceramic orchid pots, which help prevent overheating of the substrate and roots during hot seasons.

Lovers of the natural style practice planting on bark blocks, driftwood or in special wooden baskets. With these planting methods, you will have to water the plants more often.

Phalaenopsis on a snag.

IMPORTANT! Orchid land is not suitable for planting orchids!

In flower shops, you can buy ready-made soil for orchids, but you must definitely pay attention to its quality. It is better to lightly sift the soil through a sieve in order to use only the coarse fraction for planting.

The fine substrate will decompose faster, which means that soon you will have to replant the plant again.

It is better to lightly sift the soil through a sieve so that only the coarse fraction is used for planting. The fine substrate will decompose faster, which means that you will soon have to replant the plant again.

You can make your own substrate using pine bark, coconut chips, sphagnum moss, and charcoal.

How do you know if a transplant is needed?

It is possible to determine whether a plant needs a transplant by the state of the root system, especially since the pots for them are often transparent. If the roots of the flower have white, light gray, deep green shades, such a plant is healthy and does not need to be transplanted.

Signs that the orchid needs replanting:

• the soil in the pot was caked in lumps, sagged strongly;
• the roots of the plant are very overgrown and do not fit well in the pot;
• there is an unpleasant odor characteristic of mold or rot;
• the appearance of the flower has deteriorated, it looks depressed, lethargic;
• the color of the roots in the pot changed and became grayish-brown;
• after the purchase of the plant, 1-1.5 years have passed or 2-3 years since the last transplant.

Important. Orchid transplant should be carried out only in a completely healthy and non-flowering state.

To avoid the death of a flower, before transplanting it, you need to try to cure it or let it bloom.

Standard deadlines

A healthy flower needs to be replanted every two to three years due to the compaction and oxidation of the substrate. In such cases, it is better to transplant the orchid after its flowering, during the new growing season, when young shoots begin to appear.

After the purchase

After purchasing an orchid in a store, its obligatory transplant is recommended, because the substrate very often contains mold, spores of fungal diseases due to improper plant care in store conditions. It is better to temporarily isolate a new flower from other indoor plants for a period of up to one month.

If there is confidence in the good condition of the soil and the plant itself, the transplant can be carried out 1-1.5 years after purchase.

Depending on the season

• It is usually recommended to replant the orchid in the spring, when it begins a period of active growth. at this time, it quickly adapts to a new substrate.
• In the summer, it is also possible to transplant the flower into new soil.
• But in autumn and winter, it is not recommended to engage in phalaenopsis transplantation, since during these periods the biological metabolic processes of the plant slow down greatly.

How to transplant an orchid

Orchids are transplanted infrequently, every two to three years. This plant does not tolerate stress from any manipulation very well. Even a freshly bought flower is not recommended to be immediately placed from a store pot into your own.

There are only two main reasons for culture transplantation:

1. Spoiled substrate. If the plant is not transplanted on time, it may die.
2. The pot is too small for roots. This can be understood if they push the soil mixture out of the vessel and, in general, develop much faster than the aboveground parts.

All components for transplantation must be prepared in advance. It is recommended to disinfect the pot with a weak solution of soda and hot water, mix the substrate, choose a place where the exotic beauty will stand.

The process may seem complicated, but it is carried out without problems with due care and attention:

Carefully remove the bush from the old flowerpot along with the soil. Do not release the roots directly in the pot, this increases the likelihood of damage.
Clean off the old substrate

It is necessary to handle the plant very carefully so that the roots do not suffer, sometimes even a slightly crumpled root system can no longer function. It is best to rinse the roots with lukewarm water, carefully removing any lumps that have adhered to them.

Closely examine the underground part of the plant. It should be free of parasites. If present, the roots must be soaked in warm water or a special solution. Withstand a day.
Dried and rotten roots will have to be removed. It is better to cut them with scissors, not with a knife. This should be done carefully so as not to remove healthy roots.
Wounds must be treated with charcoal or a special bactericidal agent.
Wait two to eight hours. The plant must be completely dry before planting.
Cover the bottom of the vessel with a substrate, place the flower in the middle of the pot and cover with earth. It is not recommended to use the mixture, it will conduct air worse and deteriorate faster.
For the final rooting of the bush, it is necessary to provide it with support.

Helpful tips for beginners on how to transplant a plant:

In the next 5-7 days after transplanting, you do not need to water the flower; you can only spray moisture onto the leaves from a spray bottle with very small droplets of water, directing the stream upward above the flower.

The goal is to humidify the air around the orchid, to create a semblance of a tropical climate in which it will be comfortable. At the same time, no drops of water should remain in the axils of the leaves, so as not to provoke decay.

In the process of transplanting, it is important not to damage the roots, each small crack can cause decay. The neck of the plant should be above the surface of the substrate

Sick

Sometimes when transplanting a diseased orchid with a large number of rotten or dry roots after pruning, the root system decreases in size. In this case, such a diseased orchid is transplanted into a smaller pot - its size must exactly match the size of the root system.

During flowering ...

During flowering, it is better not to disturb the indoor orchid so as not to lose the peduncle. It is possible to transplant only in the most urgent cases, if the roots have begun to rot.

A flowering orchid is transplanted only when absolutely necessary.

Read more about how to transplant a blooming orchid here.

…and after

When the orchid fades and there are no other peduncles on it, it is at rest for some time. This is the best time for transplanting - the plant will begin to actively grow its root system.

Varieties of Phalaenopsis orchids

Even the best home care for this plant helps not all representatives of this species adapt. Of the more than one and a half thousand representatives of Phalaenopsis orchids, only some plants live at home, which are winning the love of an increasing number of flower growers.

• Ludemann. A wonderful flower with pink or purple flowers with white streaks up to 7 centimeters in diameter. Flowers do not bloom all at once, but gradually, while emitting a wonderful aroma. Light green, long and wide leaves serve as a frame for a magnificent flower.
• Horse. This plant pleases with flowering all year round. Small, pinkish-whitish shades, flowers, the size of which is 2 centimeters, bloom on a 30 centimeter peduncle. Small leaves are dark green, oblong in shape.
• Amabilis. The flowers of this orchid are the largest in comparison with other representatives of this species. They are snow-white with a pink or yellow lip and yellow stamens. Their size can be up to 10 centimeters. The flowering period of this representative of the Phalaenopsis orchid, with home care that meets all the rules, can last up to eight months. The height of the peduncle is 30 centimeters. The leaves are small, oblong and dark green. This type of orchid is loved by breeders, as it gives good results when crossed.
• Pink. This type of Phalaenopsis belongs to miniature orchids. It has a curved, short peduncle covered with pink flowers of all shades, from deep pink to pinkish white. Dark green, with a reddish tint at the bottom, small leaves emphasize the beauty of the flowers.
• Gigantea. This may be the most unusual type of Phalaenopsis, which has huge, up to one meter, hanging leaves. During flowering, the long, curved stalks are covered with many small flowers, which can be of any color. They are fragrant, emitting a scent reminiscent of citrus.

As we can see, orchids have different shapes, colors and sizes of leaves. Flowers that are similar in shape come in different sizes and colors.

Basic principles of caring for home orchids

How to care for, how to properly water an orchid? The main challenge for the grower is to understand that the cultivation of an exotic plant differs markedly from conventional land-based houseplants. And before you buy a tropical orchid, you need to familiarize yourself with its biological characteristics and lifestyle in natural conditions that are natural for an orchid.

The orchid needs to create good living conditions.

Caring for an indoor orchid requires proper creation of growing conditions

There are 5 basic principles of the life of orchids in their natural environment, which should be paid attention to when growing at home:

• Adequate amount of scattered light. Growing in the tropics on the trunks of trees, orchids, climbing the trunk, reach for the sunlight, but do not fall under the bright rays of the sun, since the crowns of the trees scatter them;
• Temperature difference between day and night. In orchids, the process of photosynthesis also has a dark phase at night, when carbon dioxide is reduced to glucose. The leaf mass and root system of orchids are included in the stage of absorption of carbon dioxide, required for photosynthesis, only when the temperature drops, when there is no evaporation of moisture;
• The structure of the root system of epiphytes is such that it has no restrictions on moisture absorption. Therefore, it needs good ventilation to avoid rotting. And the vital activity of the root part does without soil, but with a large presence of air;
• The tropical humidity in the home is compensated by the correct substrate. It is he who is the main accumulator of moisture and nutrition;
• In nature, orchids bloom after a period of tropical rains. Therefore, watering in an apartment should be properly alternated with drying. And before flowering, the plant must believe the owner that the rainy season is over and the time for pollination is coming.

Attention! It is these 5 life principles that help the grower optimize the growing process and create conditions close to natural.

Nuances depending on flowering

For phalaenopsis, there are uniform transplant rules. However, the development phase of the plant should be taken into account:

• A flowering phalaenopsis transplant is carried out only in emergency cases, when a flower is ill or damaged by pests. If nothing threatens the plant, it is recommended to postpone the transplant.
• When transplanting a non-flowering phalaenopsis, it is necessary to remove damaged leaves and roots, if any. Then leave the plant in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 5 minutes. The same solution is used to treat the soil prepared for planting phalaenopsis. After that, the plant is washed with warm water and treated with Fitoverm.
• Transplanting faded phalaenopsis is carried out in the same way as transplanting a non-flowering one. Also, to reduce the load on the plant, you need to remove the peduncle.

Conditions of detention

Mini orchids are no less demanding on favorable conditions than other species of the orchid family:

the soil for the plant can be purchased at any specialty store, or you can make it yourself without any problems. The homemade substrate recipe consists of small pieces of bark, which must be thoroughly rinsed before planting and left in water for several days. Florists recommend adding dry moss to the substrate at low humidity in the room, which perfectly absorbs excess moisture;
as for the temperature - delicate mini orchids prefer 20-24 degrees. Low temperatures are fraught with the fact that the flowers will begin to fall off.

Miniature plants are very afraid of wind and drafts, so you should be careful to observe the temperature regime and remove flowers from the windowsill during the onset of frost;

it is recommended to maintain humidity high enough, an adult plant grows well and develops at a humidity of 50-70%, while a young plant needs moisture even more;
mini orchid does not accept excess light, bright sunlight is fraught with burns for leaves. A medium level of illumination is preferred, the flower is best placed not in the brightest place.

When does a plant need a transplant?

If the plant has a healthy root system, there is no suspicion of the presence of pests, there are no signs of decay of the bark, then the plant should be transplanted outside the flowering period in spring. A clear sign of the unsuitableness of the substrate is the smell of mold. The bark must be replaced if, after watering, the flowerpot began to weigh much more than before.

Reference. Under normal conditions, changing a pot to a larger one should not be more than once every two years. The optimal period for transshipment is the time of active development of the root system and leaves. Usually such a spurt occurs after the spring.

Phalaenopsis should not be disturbed during flowering if its condition does not require an emergency transplant.

In winter, the plant enters a dormant period, the growth of the root system slows down significantly, new leaves do not appear in the outlet. This is not the best time for transshipment. In summer, all the forces of the phalaenopsis go to fight the hot and dry climate, so a transplant can even destroy the flower.

The period of flowering and dormancy of the orchid

The flowering of Phalaenopsis causes a lot of positive emotions. But to achieve that it was intense, you can observe the following conditions:

• Do not move the flowering plant pot unnecessarily.
• Exclusion, if possible, of sharp temperature jumps.
• Provide the plant with adequate lighting. If there is not enough natural light, use an artificial one, arranged with fluorescent lamps.

The appearance of a peduncle is indicated by a small sprout that has appeared between the axils of the leaves. This is good news. This means that after a while the plant will bloom.

After the orchid has faded, you should not rush to remove the peduncle, since re-flowering is possible. If it does not exist, remove the peduncle, but in no case at the root, but up to the third bud from the bottom, but this must be done if the peduncle begins to dry out. Since modern orchids can branch a peduncle, which makes it look like a small tree.

Transplant methods

One of the ways to transplant phalaenopsis is to separate the baby, that is, the young process of the plant.

The baby is separated when its roots reach a length of 5 cm.

To separate the baby you need:

carefully cut off the baby from the mother plant;
half an hour after separating the baby, sprinkle the slices with charcoal powder;
put a small amount of expanded clay on the bottom of a plastic pot and place the baby in the center, straightening its roots;
pour the bark of the fine fraction into the pot, put a layer of wet sphagnum on top;
after 2-3 days, the baby can be watered.

Another way is grafting. To do this, the faded stem or lateral shoot should be separated from the plant, which must necessarily have at least two axillary buds. These cuttings are first grown on a damp substrate in a small greenhouse and then transplanted into soil.

Watering the plant

To carry out the correct watering of the orchid, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the substrate. You need to start watering only when the substrate is dry. This can be determined in two ways. Using a long stick made of wood, which must be inserted deep into the substrate. After pulling it out and seeing that it is completely dry, you should water the plant.

Another way is to gently lift the top layer of the substrate and look at its condition. If necessary, water the orchid

It is impossible to set a specific irrigation time, as it depends on the humidity and air temperature in the room.Each grower determines the irrigation cycle for his plants individually.

Watering the plant is carried out by immersion. To do this, the pot with the plant is immersed in a container of water and left until the upper layers of the substrate become wet. This must be taken seriously, since improper watering of the plant can be the reason why the Phalaenopsis orchid withers.

It is not necessary to spray the plant, as the water on the leaves can cause the decay process. You can increase the humidity around the plant by using small cups of water. As the water evaporates, the moisture will increase. During the heating season, when the dryness of the air is high, you need to put wet wipes on the heating radiators, moistening them as they dry.