TheNaturePlanet

Every time I walk through a flower market, I can't help but stop at the sight of Phalaenopsis. With their pink, white, and spotted petals, they are incredibly charming! But once I bring them home, I'm faced with a dilemma: should I water them right away? How can I care for them to make them bloom for several more months?

Don't rush to water your newly bought Phalaenopsis! Why? Because most Phalaenopsis sold in flower markets or shops are potted in highly breathable materials like sphagnum moss or bark by the sellers to keep them in good condition. These growing media are usually watered before being sold. If you drench them as soon as you get home, the sphagnum moss, once saturated, will become airtight. The roots of the Phalaenopsis will be like being submerged in a swamp, leading to root rot and yellow leaves within a few days. To be safe, observe for 3-5 days first to check if the growing medium is dry before deciding whether to water.

How to tell if the Phalaenopsis needs watering? The simplest methods are "look, touch, and lift"! First, check the color of the sphagnum moss. If it changes from dark green to light green, or even turns a bit white, it means it's 缺水. Then, use your finger to 拨开 the surface sphagnum moss and feel 2-3 centimeters down. If it feels dry, it's time to water. The most straightforward way is to lift the flowerpot; if it feels significantly lighter, like carrying an empty bucket, it's definitely time to add water! If you're still unsure, buy a soil moisture meter, insert it into the pot, and water when the reading is below 30%—it's super easy!

When it comes to watering, there's a trick to it. Never pour water directly like you would for a pothos, as Phalaenopsis roots are extremely afraid of standing water! The correct way is the "soaking method": find a container larger than the flowerpot, fill it with room-temperature water, place the Phalaenopsis (still in its pot) into it, let the water seep up from the bottom, soak for 15-20 minutes, then take it out and drain any residual water from the bottom of the pot. If soaking is too much trouble, you can use a long-spouted watering can to pour water around the edge of the pot until water flows out of the drainage holes at the bottom—make sure to water thoroughly but avoid waterlogging. Remember, the water temperature should be similar to room temperature; too cold or too hot water will "shock" the delicate Phalaenopsis.

In addition to watering, there are a few things to note for newly bought Phalaenopsis: don't put them directly on the balcony to be exposed to strong sunlight! First, find a bright spot with no direct light for acclimation, such as by the living room window or in a corner of the study. Wait until they adapt to the new environment before gradually increasing the light. Don't rush to fertilize either. A newly bought Phalaenopsis, like a person in a new environment, has a delicate "digestive system"—fertilizing will only burn the roots. Wait until it grows new roots or leaves, then use an orchid-specific fertilizer diluted 1000 times, and water with it once a month. If you find yellow, withered leaves at the bottom, don't hesitate to cut them off from the base with clean scissors to reduce nutrient consumption.

Newly bought Phalaenopsis are quite delicate. You need to observe more and disturb them less. When watering, it's better to keep them a bit dry than too wet. Gradually figure out the right care rhythm for them. When they send out new flower spikes and bloom with a full pot of flowers, all your patience will be worth it!