TheNaturePlanet

After the flowering period of Phalaenopsis is over, in order to promote the healthy growth of the plant and make it bloom again, cutting off the flower stalk becomes an important maintenance measure. So, how long does it take for Phalaenopsis to grow new shoots after the flower stalk is cut off? And how should it be maintained?
After the flower stalk of Phalaenopsis is cut off, the growth time of new shoots varies depending on the pruning method and maintenance conditions. If you want Phalaenopsis to bloom again in the same year, 3 to 4 nodes at the base of the flower stalk should be reserved and the top should be cut off completely during pruning. After such pruning, if the Phalaenopsis is placed in an environment with sufficient sunlight, warmth and good ventilation for subsequent maintenance, it will take about 2 to 3 months for new shoots to grow again, and it may bloom new flowers. However, this pruning method will consume a lot of nutrients of the plant and may affect its growth and flower quantity in the coming year. Therefore, nutrition should be supplemented in time after pruning.
Maintenance methods of Phalaenopsis after cutting off the flower stalk
Pruning and disinfection: Before pruning, be sure to clean the scissors with alcohol to ensure hygiene during pruning. After pruning, carefully take out the Phalaenopsis from the flowerpot, gently shake off the soil from the roots, and carefully observe the root condition. Timely prune the aging roots, rotten roots and yellowing leaves to maintain the health of the plant.
• After pruning, soak the Phalaenopsis in hydrogen peroxide or carbendazim solution for disinfection, and then place it in a well-ventilated place to dry. This step is very critical for preventing bacterial infections.
Repotting: After the disinfection is completed, wrap the roots of the Phalaenopsis with soaked new moss and then repot it. During the potting process, pay attention to making the roots evenly distributed to prevent mutual extrusion and ensure the normal growth of the roots.
Daily care:
Watering: Adjust the amount of watering flexibly according to the dry and wet condition of the potting soil to prevent negative effects on Phalaenopsis due to too much or too little watering. The toothpick method can be used to judge: insert a toothpick into the soil and pull it out ten minutes later. Decide whether to water according to the humidity of the toothpick.
Fertilization: Select appropriate fertilizers according to different growth stages of Phalaenopsis. In the seedling growth stage, balanced fertilizers are mainly used; in the flowering promotion stage, high-phosphorus fertilizers such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate are mainly applied to promote the differentiation and growth of flower buds. At the same time, pay attention to adjusting the fertilization time and quantity to prevent damage to the plant caused by excessive fertilization.
Light: Phalaenopsis prefers soft scattered light and is not suitable for direct strong sunlight. In winter, the sunlight is mild and can directly shine on it; but in other seasons, direct strong light should be avoided to prevent the leaves from being damaged. The Phalaenopsis can be placed near the window and other areas with moderate sunlight and good ventilation for maintenance.
Temperature: The most suitable temperature for Phalaenopsis after the flower stalk emerges is 15 - 28°C, and the temperature difference is preferably 6 - 10°C. It won't work if it's too cold or too hot. The growth will slow down below 15°C, and the seedlings may become stagnant and even the flower buds may fall off below 10°C.
Disease prevention and control:
In the process of maintaining Phalaenopsis, common diseases such as stem rot, yellow leaf disease and root rot may be encountered. If these diseases are not treated in time, they may seriously affect the growth of Phalaenopsis.
Once the diseases are found, corresponding treatment measures should be taken immediately, such as repotting, pruning the rotten parts, disinfection, etc., to promote the healthy recovery of the plant.
The growth of new shoots and maintenance of Phalaenopsis after cutting off the flower stalk is a comprehensive process, which requires careful care and scientific management. Only in this way can the Phalaenopsis bloom beautiful flowers again.