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Phalaenopsis orchid: features of watering and care. Video
Phalaenopsis orchid is an unusually beautiful plant with delicate bright flowers that resemble butterflies in shape and different colors. It is because of this similarity that this type of orchid received this name, since Phalaenopsis translates as “similar to a butterfly.” The development of this flower depends on many factors, but the most important thing is correct watering.
Phalaenopsis orchid: features of watering
General rules for watering Phalaenopsis orchids
To make the orchid feel comfortable, it is not recommended to water it too abundantly, as this can lead to decay of the root system. At the same time, the lack of moisture is also detrimental to this flower.
The best guideline for watering is complete drying of the roots and substrate, so their condition should be checked from time to time. The length of time this occurs depends on the lighting, room temperature and humidity, and the size of the pot.
Like any other indoor plant, the phalaenopsis orchid should be watered with tap water, which has been kept for 15 hours in an open container. It is best to use soft water, the temperature of which is similar to room temperature or a couple of degrees higher. Too hard water is recommended to be passed through a filter or boiled for about 28 minutes. The limiting water temperature for irrigation is + XNUMX ° С.
You can also use melt water or rainwater, but only if you live in an ecologically clean area.
The easiest and most commonly used method is to use a watering can. With this method, water must be poured in a thin stream onto the substrate, being careful not to touch the leaves. As soon as the water starts pouring into the pan, you need to stop watering, raise the pot and wait until all the water has flowed out. Then the procedure should be repeated 2 times.
In this way, watering the phalaenopsis orchid is recommended during flowering and only in the morning.
Another way is called “immersion”. For this, the pot with the orchid is placed in pre-settled water for 1 minute so that the water does not reach the leaves. Then the pot is raised and the water is allowed to drain. It is not recommended to put an orchid in a draft after that. In addition, in this way, you cannot water the plant during flowering.
It is also recommended to water the orchid from time to time using a warm shower. It is believed that this method is similar to natural watering with warm tropical rain, as a result of which the orchids begin to bloom more actively. The best way to do this is to use a watering can with a nozzle that has small holes. Phalaenopsis is watered in this way in several steps, each time allowing the water to drain, after which the pot with the orchid is left in the bath for a while. An hour later, the leaves and young shoots must be gently wiped with a soft cloth, removing all remaining moisture.