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Basic grwoing tips for Phalaenopsis orchids
Orchid Growing tip #1 - The Phalaenopsis orchid in your home or
office. In the wild, the Phalaenopsis orchid grows in trees. The aerial roots cling to the bark and branches, the orchid hangs sideways so water runs off the leaves, and the flowers hang down on a pendulous spike. The roots are exposed to the air so they can breathe, they have a layer of velvet-like vellum, which absorbs and holds moisture. Falling leaves and guano accumulate on the roots, providing nutrients. They live in the forest canopy with sunlight filtering through layers of leaves and branches. Very important: Each type of orchid has different needs; you will have the best success by knowing the specific needs of each type of orchid that you grow. Consider where you would like to place the orchid to receive the most enjoyment from seeing the flowers. Look around the area to get a sense of the light, temperature and humidity. Are there cold windows within three feet, hot dry air from a heating vent, or is there air conditioning? How is the light? Does the cool early morning sun illuminate the area? A Phal. will do well growing under fluorescent lights as it does not require bright light. It is best to avoid the direct mid-day or afternoon sun, as the heat will burn the leaves and dry out the flowers. Does the room stay above 60 degrees F / 16 degrees C at night? Night temperatures cooler than this may stress the orchid and shorten the life of the blooms. The Phalaenopsis orchid, we'll call it a Phal., may have some flowers fully open, with buds developing along the spike. It is important to make sure there is plenty of light for the buds to develop. While the buds are developing, keep the flower spike pointed toward the light so that when they open, the flowers will face the same direction. Take the time to notice which type of growth medium is in the pot; is it small or medium size bark, moss, round clay balls, or a felt-like material? Does it hold moisture for a long time or dry out quickly? The growth medium is important for a number of reasons, which will be addressed later. For now, water when the pot feels light when you pick it up. Don't let the growth medium dry out completely between watering times; this will stress the orchid and may shorten the length of time the flowers bloom. Never let this type of orchid sit in water. Take it to the sink, let the water run through the potting medium for one half to a full minute and be sure to let all the water drain from the pot. It is best to water in the morning and make sure to keep the leaf crown dry when you water; bacterial rot may develop if the water does not evaporate quickly. Shabd-sangeet Khalsa, former co-owner of Carson Barnes Orchids http://orchidessences.com |
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