TheNaturePlanet

For friends who love flowers and plants, the phalaenopsis orchid is undoubtedly a representative of high aesthetic value. However, not everyone knows how to care for it after bringing it home. Among the care processes, repotting is undoubtedly the most crucial step. So, how long after repotting a phalaenopsis orchid can we start fertilizing it? Do we need to water it immediately after repotting?
In fact, regarding the above questions, it is not advisable to fertilize or water the phalaenopsis orchid immediately after repotting. The reason is that after being placed in a new medium environment, it needs time to adapt. If we water and fertilize it right away during this period, the roots will feel that the environment is too uncertain and will refuse to absorb nutrients. This will instead lead to root rot. Generally speaking, do not fertilize within one month after repotting. When it comes to watering, we need to pay more attention to the moisture level of the medium. If the medium is wet, stop watering and place the orchid in a well-ventilated area to avoid overburdening the roots.
So, when is the best time to start fertilizing? It is best to adjust according to the four seasons. In warm spring and summer, fertilize with thin fertilizers frequently. It is best to dilute the fertilizer before use. Never apply too much fertilizer at once. In terms of fertilizer selection, it is best to use special fertilizers for orchids, well-rotted organic fertilizers, etc. Apply the fertilizer once every two to three weeks. In late autumn and winter, as the weather gradually gets colder, the growth rate of the phalaenopsis orchid is slower than that in spring and summer. So, at this time, we can either not fertilize or apply a small amount of fertilizer.
Next, let's talk about watering after repotting. Watering is necessary after repotting, but the amount of water is definitely crucial. One week before deciding to repot, start "controlling the water" first, allowing the orchid to gradually adapt to dryness. This makes it easier to remove the orchid from the pot during repotting and also reduces the chance of root damage. After repotting, the first watering must thoroughly wet the soil. If new planting material is used, we can refrain from watering immediately and water in small amounts in the following days to prevent root rot.
The principle of watering after repotting is to water when the soil surface is dry, that is, water only when the surface of the soil is dry. Among the four seasons, in summer, due to the relatively high temperature and fast water evaporation, we can water the orchid several more times. In winter, when it is cold, we should water less.
In addition to proper fertilization and watering, after repotting, we need to find a place with good ventilation. Never keep the orchid in a stuffy environment, otherwise it is likely to get sick. The best place to place the orchid is where there is semi-shaded and semi-sunny lighting, which is beneficial for the plant's growth. In summer, when there is strong sunlight, additional shading tools are needed.