TheNaturePlanet

The gracefully poised Phalaenopsis orchid, when placed in your home, not only attracts attention but also embodies the beautiful symbolism behind its flower language. However, many beginners mistakenly believe that growing orchids is simple and that just watering and providing light is enough. In reality, if you add fertilization before the blooming period, it can extend the blooming time significantly.

Fertilization is often overlooked during the cultivation of Phalaenopsis orchids. To grow them well, proper nutrition is essential, especially after one week of transplanting the seedlings. So, how should you do it? First, you can use a balanced compound fertilizer (15-15-15) diluted to 3000 times the concentration. When watering, be sure to use the right amount, aiming for the moss at the bottom of the pot to be about 30% wet, which is referred to as "three parts water." During this time, maintain a temperature of 23 to 25°C, and the light intensity should be controlled at around 8000 lux.

Later, once you see new roots emerging (you’ll notice the tips of new roots outside the moss in a transparent cup), you can increase the fertilizer concentration to 2000 times and alternate between nitrogen fertilizer (30-15-15) and balanced fertilizer. The watering principle should change to "five parts water," meaning the moss at the bottom of the pot should be 50% wet.

Then, after about three months, once the root system is more developed, during the summer you can water with "seven parts water." This allows the roots to absorb nutrients fully. The general rule for watering is "when it’s dry, water it," meaning only water when the substrate is dry enough. Throughout the growing season, you should always water with nutrient-rich water, but you must avoid overwatering as it may cause root rot, especially during cooler periods with higher humidity. Be extra cautious about water control during these times.

Finally, throughout the growing season, use purified water with a pH value around 7.2 (using water that has been collected and left to stand overnight will improve the quality). Also, be sure to record daily temperature, humidity, light conditions, and the orchid's growth status. This will help you adjust the care methods promptly if any issues arise, ensuring your Phalaenopsis orchid grows strong and healthy.