Sunday, January 31, 2010

Phalaenopsis orchids

How to cut your orchids to promote flowering

Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids, are among the most popular orchids in the world and thousands of Phalaenopsis orchids are produced each year for the flower market. The genus contains a large number of hybrids and cultivars as well as 60 scientifically described species. Phalaenopsis orchids are native to Asia and the northernmost parts of Australia. They do, unlike many other orchids, not have pseudobulbs.

Phalaenopsis orchid light requirements?

In the wild, you will typically see Phalaenopsis orchids growing on tree branches in humid lowland forests where the canopy shelter them from the harsh sun. In our homes, Phalaenopsis orchids tend to prefer indirect sun light and intense sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm can even cause injury by burning the leaves.

What's the ideal potting medium for Phalaenopsis orchids?

Phalaenopsis orchids do as earlier mentioned live in trees or in rare case on rocks. This means that you need to choose a medium that drains well as they don¨t do well if they get too wet. Water your Phalaenopsis orchids once a week while making sure not to pour any water on the Phalaenopsis orchid itself. Over watering can lead to mould and root rot.

How long do they flower?

Phalaenopsis orchid flowers can last for a very long time, up to 2-3 months with the proper Phalaenopsis orchid care year round. If you give them good care they might flower several times a year. Giving you orchids large amount of fertilizer will not aid flowering and might end up damaging or killing the plant. A teaspoon of high-nitrogen fertilizer per month is usually enough. Ideally dilute the fertilizer and server over a period of time instead of all at once. Phalaenopsis orchids do not need a resting period.

Replanting you orchid

Phalaenopsis orchids seldom grow to big for their pots. Despite this, a change of potting medium is recommended every other year to prevent moulding. Only water scarcely for the first few weeks after reporting as the roots might hvae been damge and need time to heal.

A potting medium that smells strange, is mouldy, or doesn't drain well should be replaced immediately.

Recommended room temperature

Phalaenopsis orchids do best in temperatures areound 75-85° F or 24 - 29 C allthough they accept a little lower temperatures during the nights. Make sure the temperature never drop below 60° F or 16 C.

Phalaenopsis orchids are hardy plants and will normally survive even if you make a mistake or two like. an open window during the winter season. The flower bud is more sensitive than the rest of the plant and good care is extra important during this period. If Phalaenopsis orchids are kept at a too low temperatures they become more susceptible to disease and might even die.

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