Generally, when growing Phalaenopsis orchids, people choose between soil cultivation and hydroponics. Many bloggers share tips on soil cultivation care, but there are fewer sharing the challenges of hydroponics. One common concern is how to fix the flower stems in water cultivation to help them grow in a more natural and desirable shape. Since water cultivation doesn’t have the support of planting medium, solving this problem requires some thought.
Water-cultivated Phalaenopsis orchids can be tricky to fix with stakes or support rods, which can be a hassle. Here, I’ll share two methods that I’ve figured out, hoping they’ll help others. The first method is simpler but a bit rough, suitable for Phalaenopsis orchids that have old leaves at the base (look for those with leaves that are about to wither). For this method, take an iron stake and insert it through the old leaves, then find a suitable angle and insert it into the roots. This method is easy, but make sure to use it only for plants with old leaves, as new leaves can’t withstand this kind of puncturing.
The second method is more gentle and I recommend it over the first. First, find a milk straw (the kind from a carton of boxed milk), preferably one with a bend in it. Place the bend downward, and tape it to the outside of the pot using some adhesive tape. This way, the flower stem is fixed securely without harming the plant, and even beginners can easily handle it.
Additionally, a word of caution: When you have many stakes in the house, they can easily become hidden hazards. One day, you might accidentally get scratched, especially in homes with children or pets. It's important to be careful. I suggest buying protective rubber caps for the stakes online. These are very useful; just slip them onto the ends of the stakes, and the 3mm size works perfectly with the stakes you get when you buy Phalaenopsis orchids. They’re not expensive, and I’ve personally found them to be much safer. They protect you, your family, and even pets from getting hurt, so it's a small investment worth making.
Finally, for home hydroponics of Phalaenopsis orchids, be sure not to place them in direct sunlight. The best location is one with indirect or filtered light. When changing the water, be sure to check the water quality and temperature. It’s recommended to use filtered water if possible. If you’re using tap water, let it sit for a while before adding it to the pot, and avoid using water that contains excessive chemicals.
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