TheNaturePlanet

Today, I'm going to introduce to you a rare scented variety of Phalaenopsis orchids - Phalaenopsis 'Fragrant Gold'.

As one of the few scented varieties among Phalaenopsis orchids, Phalaenopsis 'Fragrant Gold' is different from the plain smell of ordinary Phalaenopsis. Its fragrance is a sweet and fresh fruity note, which is more noticeable when you get close and smell it in the sunlight. The petals have a waxy texture and a golden luster. The center of the middle petal is faintly stained with a touch of pinkish red, giving it a high-end feel.

Phalaenopsis 'Fragrant Gold' has a tall and elegant flower shape. A single flower spike can bear 8 to 12 flowers. The flowering period of a single flower can last up to 3 to 4 months, lasting from autumn and winter to the next spring, and its viewing period is much longer than that of ordinary fresh flowers. The golden petals also symbolize attracting wealth and prosperity in business. Whether it is in an office setting or a home environment, it is a great choice.

Maintenance Key Points

1. Watering: It is better to keep the soil on the dry side rather than too wet. Observe the roots through a transparent flower pot. Water only after the sphagnum moss turns completely white. Water gently along the edge of the pot to avoid water accumulation in the center of the leaves. Water once every 10 to 15 days in winter and once every 5 to 7 days in summer. When it is dry, you can spray water around to increase humidity, but be careful to avoid the petals.

2. Lighting: Diffused light is the best. It can be placed on an east-facing or north-facing windowsill, or in the area with diffused light next to a south-facing windowsill. Avoid direct strong sunlight at noon.

3. Temperature: It has poor cold tolerance. When the temperature is lower than 10°C, it needs to be moved indoors for warmth preservation. Pay attention to ventilation and cooling in summer and keep it away from the air outlet of the air conditioner.

4. Substrate: Use a mixed substrate of sphagnum moss and bark (in a ratio of 3:1), and replace it once a year after the flowers wither to ensure air permeability.

5. Fertilization: After the flower spike emerges, apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer (such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate) once a week to promote larger and more colorful flowers. After the flowers fade, cut the flower spike 2 to 3 nodes above the base of the flower spike to retain nutrients and stimulate the growth of new flower spikes.

Precautions:

1. When the air humidity is lower than 50%, gently spray the leaves with a spray bottle every day (avoid the flowers). In dry areas, it is recommended to use a humidifier.

2. Keep the temperature at around 15°C at night in winter (it can be placed on the balcony) to stimulate flower bud differentiation, making it easier to bloom in the coming year.

3. Choose a shallow pot instead of a deep pot to ensure smooth root respiration. The diameter of the pot should be 1 to 2 centimeters larger than the diameter of the plant's roots.