Moth orchids are widely adored by people, and most plant lovers try to grow them at home. For a Phal orchid, you must take some safety measures, as the shade plants need just the right light and humidity. Growing an orchid is not very difficult; once you are through it, it will give you several months of blooming.
Phal orchids are beautiful and worth spending time and energy on. Certain parameters should be considered for the best results, as after investing much time, no one wants to end up disappointed.
Water Conditions for Moth Orchids
The Phal plants must be watered regularly and on time throughout the growth stage. In summer, however, you must be slightly cautious about watering the plants. The plants don’t need much watering in the winter, so reduce the amount.
1. The undergrowth must be dry before the next watering.
This is the most important aspect of growing these plants! Their ground can’t be wet all the time. So much water running in the roots might harm them. It is the most common mistake when first orchid cultivation because it is the most significant difference between growing epiphytes and other potted plants.
2. Do not splash the leaves while watering.
While it is advised not to water too much, it doesn’t mean you leave the roots to dry out fully. The plant has to be sprayed a bit in summer. Avoid too much water and maintain a proper balance of water. Phalaenopsis should be watered heavily, but rarely, mature plants during the growing season, usually once every 4 to 7 days, and in winter, no more than once a week.
You can feed the plants regularly while growing along with the watering. For this, you have to use some liquid orchid fertilizer often.
3. Light Exposure & Pot Medium
The other watering condition is how much light your plant is exposed to. If it gets a bit high-intensity exposure to sunlight, it will soon need watering. The Phal plants need more water in the summer than in the winter. You also have to take into account the kind of medium in which you have potted your plants. If it is bark, then the water will be retained by it for most of the time.
4. More Watering Tips
You can also figure out by the weight of the pot whether it is watered or not. Remember, if you doubt giving the plant its daily nutrition, wait till the next day.
When the time comes, water the plants right accordingly. Usually, the morning hours are best for it. If you forget to do it, you can also water it by evening when the sun is low. It is generally considered that when plants are exposed to sunlight, many more processes are going on, and watering might slow them.
The type of water you must use in watering the plants is also a question. Do not use salted and mineral water; put the plant under tap water. Preferably boiled and cooled to give it the best nutrition, but then you must repot your orchid every year.
Make the water run through the plant for some time to make sure your plant is hydrated enough. Let the water run through the plant for a moment and drain it completely. Phalaenopsis orchids like to be fully watered for 30 minutes to an hour. This is the only way to ensure the entire medium is hydrated.
The water, however, must not remain on the crown of the plants. The crown is actually referred to as the area of the plant where the leaf joins the center of it. You can use a dry cloth or tissue to wipe the water off it, as the area is sensitive. It can harm the growth of the plant.
Light Conditions for Moth Orchids
As mentioned earlier, the Phalaenopsis plants are mostly shady, so they do not require intense light, and not only that, direct exposure to light might damage the plant’s growth.
1. Proper Sunlight
The moth orchids bloom to full in bright but indirectly exposed light. Low light is the best for such orchids; otherwise, the plants don’t grow to full, and the leaves turn pale green.
To consume proper sunlight for the orchid at home, it is best to keep Phalaenopsis plants by a window where sunlight can reach them indirectly. Sometimes, if the heat is too intense, a curtain can cover the window.
The east window is the best orientation for Phalaenopsis to grow. Because at the beginning of the day, the temperature is lower when the plant receives more light. Moreover, you have to provide shade on the south or west window from May to September, for example, using thin curtains or blinds.
2. Light Signs
If the plant leaves are getting darker, it is a sign that they are not getting enough light. On the other hand, if the leaves of the plants are taking a reddish shade, it indicates that the amount of light has exceeded the limit. The right color for the leaves of Phal plants is olive green, and as long as it stays, that means you are taking perfect care of your orchid.
If the plant is not showing signs of re-blooming, increase the light exposure.
However, you have to ensure the plant gets a good heat supply in wintertime, which is very important for the flowers to grow. If the plant is placed in some east-facing direction, the light will just be fine.
The light conditions are very simple for Phalaenopsis orchids: shadier spots in summer and light exposure in winter. You also need to take care of the dust on the leaves, as dust particles can block the light.
Temperature Conditions for Moth Orchids
Phalaenopsis is a South Asian plant with a fairly warm climate. The growth of Phal plants occurs best at room temperature, which makes it easier for us to grow them. It means that the orchids can grow best at the temperature we live in.
The temperature range is above 16-18°Cduring the night, while 23-27°C during the day. The maximum temperature that the plant can bear is 27°C. The best growth of Phalaenopsis can be made sure in warm environments.
The temperature is generally different near the window and in the house, so just keep a check on your plant so that it is exposed to the proper heat. If the temperature fluctuates too much, it can also cause buds to drop.
During summer, plants usually tolerate slightly higher temperatures, but overheating plants exposed to full southern summer sun may kill them. In the case of persistence in the summer season temperatures above 35 ° C, it is absolutely necessary to shade (e.g., blinds) or shift plants to another location. If orchids are too close to the window, they might burn leaves and flowers.
In winter, you should be careful with ventilation during cold weather. Chilling plants with a strong current of air at a temperature of 0 ° C or less may freeze leaves. Frost damage may drastically affect your orchid, and strong freezing may lead to the death of the plant.
Humidity Conditions for Moth Orchids
Phalaenopsis orchids do not have pseudo-bulbs that store water. It is, therefore, important to provide adequate humidity. The ideal humidity has a range of 50-70%. But if the plant is well watered, can adapt to a lower humidity level.
Phalaenopsis can tolerate dry air in our homes but will be better to grow and bloom at elevated humidity. This can be achieved using a humidifier or by placing a plant on a tray with a several-centimeter layer of porous material. While watering, flowing water leaks through the porous material onto the tray, and when evaporating, it provides higher humidity to the plant.
However, the pot can’t stand in the water but above it, providing access to air to the roots. But, if the water stays inside the roots of the plants, it will damage them. The easiest way to do it is by putting a metal mesh on top.
To create other humid effects, you can use a tray of pebbles with water in it and keep it near the plant. This might help your plant breathe in a humid environment.
In Summary
In conclusion, cultivating the exquisite beauty of Moth orchids can be a rewarding endeavor for plant enthusiasts. The delicate balance of providing optimal light and humidity is crucial for these shade-loving plants to thrive.
While the process may require some precautionary steps, the journey of nurturing an orchid is not overly complicated. The following gratification, in the form of several months of stunning blooms, makes the effort worthwhile. So, whether you’re an experienced gardener or a budding plant lover, creating the perfect conditions for Moth orchids promises a captivating and fulfilling experience.