As most gardeners know, flowers and plants generally need light to grow, and the graceful Phalaenopsis orchid is no exception. However, since its natural habitat is the tropical rainforest, it cannot tolerate harsh direct sunlight. Instead, it thrives under gentle, bright but indirect light. A good spot would be a south-facing window with a sheer curtain, or on a coffee table near a bright balcony without direct sun exposure.
So how can you tell if your Phalaenopsis is lacking light? You can observe its roots, stems, leaves, flower spikes, buds, and even its blooms. The most telling sign comes from its roots. With insufficient light, the plant will establish itself slowly and produce new roots at a sluggish pace.
At the tip of each new root is a structure known as the “crystal tip”—a translucent, crystal-like point that signals active growth. Healthy crystal tips mean the roots are vigorously absorbing water and expanding. But if the crystal tips dry out, turn brown or black, or disappear, it indicates the roots have stopped growing and may eventually wither.
If you notice your orchid’s roots stop midway or crystal tips vanish, the main causes are usually lack of light or air humidity issues. Without enough light, new roots cannot generate energy, while overly dry or overly damp air can cause root suffocation or dehydration.
To fix this, move your orchid to a place with bright, indirect light (such as near an east-facing window), maintain humidity between 60% and 80% (add a water tray if too dry, ventilate if too humid), and water only after the growing medium dries slightly. These steps will help encourage healthy root growth and restore those vital crystal tips.
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