During school holidays, many parents take their children to flower markets to buy potted plants to care for at home. Among them, the Phalaenopsis orchid — often called the “fairy of flowers” — is a top choice for kids because of its unique appearance, with blooms that look like fluttering butterflies. But how should you help a newly purchased Phalaenopsis orchid adjust? What steps can you take to help it transition smoothly and keep blooming?
The first one to two weeks after bringing the orchid home are crucial — think of this time as hosting an “honored guest” and treat it with care. Avoid repotting right away, as damaging the roots could create unnecessary problems. If you really dislike the look of the original plastic pot, you can simply place it inside a well-ventilated decorative ceramic or orchid pot. This also makes it easy to monitor the root system: if you notice roots turning black or mushy, trim them off decisively with scissors and apply a bit of fungicide powder to disinfect.
For lighting, choose a bright location without direct sun exposure, such as a north-facing windowsill. If you place it by a southeast-facing window, keep it about one meter away to avoid harsh sunlight. During the acclimation period, try not to move the plant around, as sudden environmental changes can cause stress and “transplant shock.”
Watering also requires caution. Check the sphagnum moss or bark medium with your fingers — if it still feels moist, do not water. Wait until it is dry, then soak the entire pot in water for about 10 minutes and let it drain thoroughly. If the medium is extremely dry, do not drench it all at once — start with a light watering, then water again lightly after a couple of days to let it rehydrate gradually. Make sure no water collects in the crown (the center of the leaves); if you see any, gently absorb it with a paper towel to prevent rot.
Once the orchid has adjusted (usually after about a week), you can switch to regular care. Gradually increase daily light exposure to about 4–6 hours per day. Follow the “soak when dry” principle — water only when you can feel dryness 2–3 cm deep into the medium, using the soaking method recommended above.
For the growing medium, use specialized sphagnum moss or pine bark and replace it every two years. For fertilizing, apply orchid fertilizer every two weeks during the spring and autumn growing seasons. Switch to a high-phosphorus and potassium formula when buds are about to bloom. Avoid fertilizing during winter or in extremely hot summer periods.
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