TheNaturePlanet

For many beginners, the cultivation of Phalaenopsis is indeed a considerable challenge. In fact, the mineral water bottle, an item commonly found in daily life, can be transformed from waste into a valuable resource and become a new home for Phalaenopsis. So, how can we make a flower pot for Phalaenopsis using a mineral water bottle?
Prepare materials:
Mineral water bottle: It is recommended to choose a mineral water bottle with a capacity of about 2 liters. It is of moderate size, making it convenient for operation and viewing.
Scissors or a paper cutter: Used for cutting the mineral water bottle.
Thick cotton thread or hemp rope: Used for absorbing and transporting water.
Sphagnum moss: An ideal planting medium for Phalaenopsis, which has good water retention and air permeability.
Clean water: Used for soaking the roots of Phalaenopsis and for daily watering.
Carbendazim or potassium permanganate: Used for disinfecting the roots of Phalaenopsis to prevent diseases.
Phalaenopsis plant: Of course, it is the main character. Ensure that the plant is healthy and the roots are intact.
Production steps:
Clean the mineral water bottle: Thoroughly clean the mineral water bottle to remove any residues inside the bottle.
Cut the mineral water bottle: Select an appropriate cutting position according to personal preferences and the size of the Phalaenopsis plant. Generally, the bottle body can be cut into two parts, the upper part can be inverted and used as the main part of the flower pot, and the lower part can be used as a base to hold excess water. You can also cut several small openings on the side of the bottle body to increase air permeability.
Handle the bottle cap: Use an electric soldering iron or scissors to make several small holes in the bottle cap, with an interval of about 2 centimeters, for ventilation and drainage. You can also drill a larger hole in the bottle cap to pass the thick cotton thread or hemp rope through.
Fill the planting medium: Fill a layer of sphagnum moss in the inverted part of the mineral water bottle as the planting medium for Phalaenopsis. It is recommended to expose the sphagnum moss to the sun before use to increase its air permeability.
Fix the Phalaenopsis: Take the Phalaenopsis plant out of its original pot, clean and disinfect the roots. Then, pass the roots of the Phalaenopsis through the holes in the bottle cap and fix them with sphagnum moss. You can also fill some sphagnum moss around the roots to increase stability and water retention.
Watering: Add an appropriate amount of clean water to the base part of the mineral water bottle. Do not make the water level too high to avoid soaking the roots of the Phalaenopsis. Then, put one end of the thick cotton thread or hemp rope into the water in the base, and the other end extends into the inverted part of the mineral water bottle, which is used for absorbing and transporting water. In this way, the Phalaenopsis can absorb the required water and nutrients through the cotton thread or hemp rope.
Placement and cultivation: Place the made flower pot for Phalaenopsis in a cool and ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight. Regularly check and change the water in the base to keep the water clean. At the same time, pay attention to observing the growth status of the Phalaenopsis, and promptly prune the withered leaves and rotten roots.
Precautions:
Air permeability: Although a mineral water bottle can be used as a flower pot for Phalaenopsis, its air permeability is relatively poor. Therefore, during the production process, try to increase the number and size of the ventilation holes to improve air permeability.
Water quality: Regularly change the water in the base to keep the water clean. Avoid using tap water containing chlorine or other chemical substances to directly water the Phalaenopsis.
Lighting: Phalaenopsis likes scattered light and should be kept away from direct sunlight. Pay attention to adjusting the light intensity and duration during the cultivation process.
Temperature: The suitable growth temperature for Phalaenopsis is 18-28°C. Pay attention to keeping it warm in winter to prevent the plant from being frozen.
Cultivating Phalaenopsis in a mineral water bottle is both environmentally friendly and practical. As long as you master the correct production method and cultivation skills, you can make the Phalaenopsis bloom beautifully in the mineral water bottle.