TheNaturePlanet

Today, I'd like to introduce a stunning Phalaenopsis orchid — *Roman Lover*.

Cultivated by椎名 (Shiina), *Roman Lover* is hailed as the pinnacle of beauty in the Phalaenopsis world. Its bright orange petals are bold and vibrant, gently accented by a magenta lip, creating a sophisticated clash of colors. Each flower spans a full 5 cm in diameter, and when in bloom, they resemble a cluster of small butterflies, instantly elevating the ambiance of any home.

With proper care, *Roman Lover* has an impressively long single-stem flowering period of 2–3 months, and with exceptional care, it can even last up to 4 months. As a prolific bloomer, it can produce 2–3 flower spikes when well-maintained, offering excellent value for money.


### **Root Rot Emergency Rescue**
1. **Repotting**: If leaves turn yellow and soft, immediately remove the plant from its pot to inspect the roots. Black, mushy roots are rotten and must be removed.
2. **Disinfection**: Use sterilized scissors to cut off all rotten roots. Dust the wounds with carbendazim powder and let them air-dry in a cool place for 1–2 hours.
3. **Sphagnum Moss**: Soak new sphagnum moss in clean water, squeeze out the excess moisture, then wrap it around the healthy roots and place them in a transparent, breathable root-control pot.
4. **Observation**: Do not water for the first two weeks. Keep the plant in a well-ventilated area with diffused light. Water sparingly only when the sphagnum moss is completely dry. New roots will emerge within a month.


### **Care Guide**
1. **Temperature**: Ideal growth temperature is 20–28°C. Use air conditioning or a fan to cool the plant if summer temperatures exceed 30°C, and move it indoors if winter temperatures drop below 15°C.
2. **Watering**: Water only when the sphagnum moss is dry. Test by inserting your finger to the bottom of the moss — water thoroughly only if completely dry. Water every 5–7 days in summer and every 10–15 days in winter.
3. **Light**: Avoid direct sunlight. Place it behind a sheer curtain on a south-facing windowsill or on a north-facing balcony, providing 4–6 hours of diffused light daily.
4. **Fertilization**: Apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizer once a month before flowering, and switch to a general-purpose nutrient solution after flowering. Fertilize lightly and frequently, but stop fertilizing during the summer dormancy period.
5. **Humidity**: Prefers 60–80% humidity. In summer, when using air conditioning, mist the area around the plant daily to increase humidity (avoid spraying the flowers directly).


### **Important Notes**
1. **Growing Medium**: Do not use soil; sphagnum moss or bark are the ideal substrates.
2. **Avoid Frequent Moving**: Phalaenopsis "remember" their location — frequent relocations can cause buds to drop.
3. **Water Thoroughly**: Always water until it drains from the bottom holes of the pot; never give "half-water."
4. **Protect from Air Conditioning Drafts**: Direct cold air from air conditioners can cause leaves to yellow.

*Roman Lover* is a masterpiece of nature that combines striking beauty with relatively easy care. With these tips, you can enjoy its elegant blooms for months on end! 🌸