Phalaenopsis. Orchids at home

Travelling around Central Russia you may unconsciously notice that more and more beautiful orchids are stood out on the windows-sills of Russian dwellers.

 

Is it a new trend of home horticulture? If it is so, let’s decide whether it is easy enough to be a gardener growing Phalaenopsis at home.

After a few lovely long talks with devoted housewives I came to conclusion that “Phals” are ‘easy’ to handle. Just follow a few basic requirements and these gorgeous flowers will reward you with nearly 6 months of blooming.

“Easy” WATERING

The best time for watering is in the morning. If your orchid is potted in bark, water it once a week. If it is potted in moss, then water it when the top feels dry. However, if it grows in a transparent plastic pot, you can easily immerse it into a bigger bowl with water till the roots become green. It is also should be done weekly.

Mind the temperature of the water you use. It should be neither too hot, nor too cold. Right, it must be tepid. 

If any water remains in the crown after watering, blot the water to avoid crown rot. 

“Easy” LIGHT

This kind of orchid doesn’t like straight sunlight and hot stuffy places. As my responders assured me these plants would grow brilliantly in an east window and also can be grown in a south or west window if protected by a sheer curtain. All in all, our Phalaenopsis is allergic to the sun. However, if it gets little sunlight its leaves may get tinged red.  

“Easy” TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY and FERTILIZING aspects

Phalaenopsis enjoys a temperate room temperature, the maximum temperature recommendation is 35 C. Be careful, fluctuating temperatures usually causes bud drop on plants with those buds that are ready to blossom.

To increase humidity put around your plant a shallow tray of pebbles filled with water.

As for fertilizing, it should be done weekly or once a month, it depends on a fertilizer you buy in a flower shop. Continue watering and fertilizing no matter if your plant is in bloom or not.

After BLOOMING aspect

Even a long period of blooming has its end. When the plant loses its last flower, cut the spike down the level of the leaves. Within a year the orchid is said to bloom with larger flowers and a stronger stem. 

That is the story of an admirable Phalaenopsis. Is it easy to deal with? The answer is simple: if you are a really careful gardener, every plant would be glad to grow on your window-sill.