TheNaturePlanet

April is already halfway through, and the weather is gradually transitioning from cool to hot. At this time, the sky gets bright very early in the morning, making it hard to stay in bed. Wanting to make the most of the good weather, many of us roll up our sleeves and start taking care of the plants on the balcony. One plant enthusiast privately messaged me, saying, "I really enjoy observing the roots of my Phalaenopsis orchids, especially their delicate white roots. Each one feels so powerful. Sometimes I wonder, how do they supply life to the Phalaenopsis?"

Before answering this question, I must commend your observation. Many plant lovers only pay attention to the flowers, but you’ve noticed the most important part of the Phalaenopsis—the "roots." In fact, these white roots are the key part of the Phalaenopsis orchid's ability to absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, and they also help the orchid "breathe."

Therefore, to assess whether your Phalaenopsis is healthy, the first thing to check is the state of the roots and the environment around them. Only when the roots are strong can the flower spike produce beautiful flowers.

So, how can we make the Phalaenopsis roots strong? First, of course, is to make sure they are living in a comfortable space. As for orchid soil, the most common mediums are tree bark, sphagnum moss, and expanded clay. Let’s start with tree bark: it’s a natural material, breathable and moisture-retentive, providing a well-aerated and humid environment for the Phalaenopsis roots. It also has a certain hardness, which helps support the roots and prevents them from tipping over. However, while tree bark is good, low-quality bark is often easy to find, so when buying, be sure to check carefully for pests or diseases, or else it could lead to problems like white root rot.

Next is sphagnum moss, which has excellent moisture retention and is a favorite medium for many plant growers. Before using it, soak the moss for about 15 minutes to fully loosen it, then tightly wrap it around the Phalaenopsis roots. For maintenance, simply check the moss by touching it—if it feels dry, water it; if it’s moist, no need to water. However, while sphagnum moss is great, it’s highly prone to bacteria and mold, so it needs to be replaced regularly and kept as dry as possible.

Finally, there’s expanded clay, a man-made medium with good drainage and aeration. For daily care, spread the expanded clay at the bottom of the pot and mix it with the soil. This helps prevent water from accumulating around the "aerial roots" and causing rot.