How to prolong the beautiful and bright flowering of the Phalaenopsis orchid so that you can enjoy its splendor as long as possible? This is probably the most common question of anyone who has this exotic plant in their home. It would seem that everything is simple - water correctly, and long and plentiful flowering is ensured. In fact this is not true. Phalaenopsis orchid care should be special, and it consists not only in timely and competent hydration of the substrate.
Orchid Phalaenopsis: Care, maintenance
These are quite thermophilic plants, so the air temperature around them should not be lower than 18 degrees, with the exception of the autumn period, during which flower buds are laid.
In these 1-2 months, the permissible norm is 16 degrees, and the rest of the time, the temperature comfortable for the plant ranges from 22 to 24 degrees.
Orchid loves diffused light, but it feels quite well in the back of the room under artificial lighting.
Despite the fact that it comes from the tropics, it is better not to put it on the windowsill under the scorching summer sun, otherwise the plant may get burned.
That is, the comfort zone is moderate lighting and the absence of drafts.
One of the main aspects of the proper maintenance of phalaenopsis orchids - care for them - is to constantly maintain moisture around the plant, since excessively dry and hot air is harmful (for example, in the winter on the windowsill above the battery) and threatens the appearance of pests.
Spraying should be very small so that water falls on the leaves (flowers can not be) in the form of dust, and not drops that can slide into the core of the orchid, causing rot. You can regularly wipe the leaves with a clean, damp cloth.
Despite the fact that the flower loves constant external humidity, the situation is somewhat different with the roots. You can water an orchid in two ways: arrange a warm shower for 5-10 minutes, like tropical rains, or immerse the pot half in water at the same time, so that the substrate is completely saturated with water. This should be done as the moisture evaporates completely, and the roots dry out, since overmoistening causes rotting of the roots and the appearance of a fungus on the phalaenopsis orchid, the care of which involves another principle: it is better to overdry than to overmoisten.
Phalaenopsis orchid: diseases and pests
Like other plants, orchids are susceptible to various diseases and the appearance of pests, including: scale insects, thrips, nematodes, mites, mealybugs, etc. To prevent their appearance, you need to regularly wipe the leaves with a clean swab and shower once a month.
Quite often, the cause of the development of plant diseases is excessive moisture in the pot, since it is a favorable environment for pests.
If a disease is discovered, it is necessary to treat it with a special solution (in many cases, Fitoverm helps).
Sometimes a plant transplant may be necessary with the removal of roots and diseased leaves.
A prerequisite for the maintenance of the phalaenopsis orchid is its care, love and respect. And then, be sure, she will reciprocate, plentiful and long flowering.