Among ornamental plants, orchids are very popular, especially the genus Phalaenopsis. However, like all other plants, the orchid does not bloom constantly. In order for her to start flowers again next year, she needs to ensure proper care, in particular by cutting and creating a favorable environment.
The timing of flowering phalaenopsis
This plant can please its owner with flowering at any time of the year, since it is not tied to any particular pore. This process occurs in two stages: first, the inflorescences bloom, and then the buds that developed in parallel with them. Flowering lasts under correct conditions for up to six months, after which there comes a similar period of "rest". It is worth remembering that intervention in the vital activity of a flower is undesirable - it will decide whether it will thrive from flower stalks or not (in the latter case, they will dry out, and then they can be cut).
Do not forget about the age of the plant - it directly affects the frequency and duration of flowering of phalaenopsis: a younger plant exhibits more lush growth and blooms longer, while requiring less fertilizer. It should be borne in mind that the phalaenopsis orchid becomes mature enough for flowering only at the age of 1.5–3 years. A sign of readiness is the presence of at least 5 large (adult) leaves on the plant.
Features of the flowering period
Exot bloom is accompanied by some features, most of which are due to its origin. First of all, they relate to the conditions of orchid maintenance and care for it.
Important! A habit is important to a flower. If he feels comfortable in any place in the house, it is not recommended to move it - this will negatively affect the condition of the orchid.
What affects the flowering time
The flowering conditions have a very great influence on the conditions of the phalaenopsis, including watering, humidity, temperature and lighting. In addition, the frequency and composition of top dressing have a certain effect.
What conditions are necessary
It is recommended to have a pot with a plant on windows facing north or east; when exposed to windows facing south, a mandatory measure is to create a shadow for the flower in order to protect it from burns. The optimal temperature of the medium can vary between +18 ... + 25 ° С, in winter the lower value drops to the level of + 15 ° С. Humidity - not lower than 30% and not higher than 40%.
The orchid is watered as the substrate in which it grows dries. Dryness of the latter is determined not by its upper layer, but by loosening. In addition, once a month, phalaenopsis needs to take a shower. After this procedure, the leaves are wiped dry to prevent damage or disease; for the same reason, watering leaves is not practiced. Top dressing during flowering is carried out once a week, after its completion - once a month.
Important! If the pot is transparent, the need for watering is determined by the roots of the flower: water-saturated roots have a bright green color, and with a lack of moisture they turn white.
What to do and how to care for an orchid after flowering
In order to preserve phalaenopsis until the next successful flowering, a number of steps must be taken.
Pruning
The main rule that must be observed when pruning is to implement it only after the orchid has completely faded so as not to harm the plant.
There are two main ways to trim:
- The first involves cutting off the faded part with the peduncle just above the kidney (about one and a half centimeters); this method slows down growth somewhat.
- The second method involves cutting the plant under the base, leaving a small "stump" with a length of 2.5 to 3 cm.
Tools are disinfected before work. After the end of the procedure, phalaenopsis in the places of the log house is cleared of burrs and processed using greens and activated carbon to prevent the penetration of pathogens and pests.Watering and fertilizer application
The watering regime remains virtually unchanged, except that a slight spraying of leaves from the spray gun is added to it. The amount of fertilizers themselves, as well as the frequency of fertilizing, are reduced. Optimum fertilizer once every two months.
Did you know? Individual orchids live for more than seventy years.
Transplant Dates
Transplantation is performed within a week or two after flowering and pruning. The new phalaenopsis container must be larger than the previous one so that the root system has enough space for growth. The roots themselves are carefully selected before landing on a new place. Brown and dry must be removed.
Stimulating the baby
Children quite actively develop while maintaining the necessary conditions for phalaenopsis. However, if the owner wants to accelerate their growth, he can increase the temperature in the room, or add fertilizers with a high nitrogen content to top dressing. In addition, in specialized stores, drugs are available that are rubbed directly into the kidneys and also contribute to the growth of children.
Did you know? Story The Orchid family has more than 145 million years, making them one of the oldest flowering plants on the planet.
Possible problems
The main problem that a plant may have is a violation of the conditions of detention, which can lead to a wide range of negative consequences: drying out, dampness, exhaustion, the occurrence of diseases and pests, and so on. In addition, especially active stimulation of children is harmful, since thereby all the nutrients are pulled from the mother plant, which can even lead to its death. Incorrect pruning can also ruin the plant - it will simply have nothing to grow from.
Features of care at rest
At the onset of the dormant period, fertilizers are completely excluded from the “diet” of phalaenopsis, the interval between irrigation increases even more. Lighting should be diffuse, and close contact with heat sources should be excluded.
Popular among many lovers of home plants, phalaenopsis is ready to please its beautiful flowering. However, the help of the owner is important for him, who will create comfortable conditions for his flower both during flowering and at rest.
