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As a beautiful flower, phalaenopsis is often troubled by the problem of empty roots during the maintenance process. So, how to deal with the empty roots of phalaenopsis? And how to prevent the growth of empty roots?
When the phenomenon of empty roots in phalaenopsis is found, first calmly analyze the causes and then take corresponding treatment measures.
Check the Roots and Substrate
Check the Roots: Carefully observe the roots of phalaenopsis to judge the degree and scope of empty roots. If the phenomenon of empty roots is mild, it can be solved by adjusting the maintenance method; if the empty roots are serious, it may be necessary to consider repotting or replanting.
Check the Substrate: Check whether the substrate used for phalaenopsis is too wet or has poor drainage. Sphagnum moss is a commonly used substrate. If it is used improperly, it is easy to make the substrate too wet, which may lead to empty roots. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the substrate has good air permeability and drainage.
Adjust the Watering Method
The Principle of Watering When Dry: For phalaenopsis with sphagnum moss as the substrate, it is necessary to follow the watering principle of "watering when dry and stopping when wet". That is, water after the surface of the substrate is dry, and the watering should be uniform to avoid water accumulation. You can use a watering can with a long and thin spout to slowly water along the edge of the pot until water flows out from the bottom.
The Pot-soaking Method: Although the pot-soaking method can make the water fully penetrate into every part of the sphagnum moss, long-term use may cause the salt at the bottom of the potting soil to move up, increasing the risk of root rot. Therefore, when using the pot-soaking method, it should be moderate, and pay attention to replacing the substrate in time.
Enhance Ventilation and Light
Maintain Ventilation: A good ventilation environment can effectively reduce the risk of pathogen growth and promote the healthy growth of roots. Regularly open windows for ventilation, or use auxiliary equipment such as fans to increase air circulation.
Adequate Light: Phalaenopsis needs sufficient light for photosynthesis, but avoid direct strong sunlight. Phalaenopsis can be placed in a place with sufficient scattered light to promote its healthy growth.
The key to preventing the growth of empty roots in phalaenopsis lies in scientific maintenance. The following are some effective preventive measures.
Reasonable Watering
Control the Amount of Watering: Adjust the amount of watering according to the growth state of phalaenopsis and seasonal changes. In summer, the temperature is high and the evaporation is large, so the amount of watering can be appropriately increased; in winter, the temperature is low and the evaporation is small, so the amount of watering should be reduced.
Pay Attention to the Watering Time: Avoid watering at high temperatures at noon to prevent the roots from being scalded by the high water temperature. It is best to water in the morning or evening when the water temperature is similar to the air temperature and has little impact on the roots.
Improve the Air Permeability of the Substrate
Regularly Loosen the Soil: When using sphagnum moss as the substrate, regularly loosen the soil to increase its air permeability. You can use a long and thin tool to gently stir the surface of the substrate to avoid damaging the roots.
Replace the Substrate: As phalaenopsis grows, the roots will gradually fill the entire substrate. At this time, it is necessary to replace the substrate in time to provide new growth space for the roots.
Regular Fertilization and Repotting
Reasonable Fertilization: Regularly apply special fertilizers for phalaenopsis to supplement the necessary nutrients. Pay attention to the appropriate amount of fertilization to avoid damaging the roots by excessive fertilization. At the same time, adjust the fertilization plan according to the growth state of the plant and seasonal changes.
Timely Repotting: When the roots of phalaenopsis fill the entire pot, repotting should be carried out in time. When repotting, you can choose a slightly larger pot and add new substrate to meet the growth needs of the roots.
Maintain Appropriate Temperature and Humidity
Appropriate Temperature: Place phalaenopsis in an environment with appropriate temperature for maintenance to avoid the impact of too high or too low temperature on its growth. Generally speaking, the suitable growth temperature for phalaenopsis is 18 - 28°C.
Increase Humidity: Phalaenopsis likes a humid environment. You can increase the air humidity by spraying water regularly or placing a humidifier. But be careful to avoid water accumulation, which may lead to root rot.
To deal with the problem of empty roots in phalaenopsis, it is necessary to start from many aspects, including checking the roots and substrate, adjusting the watering method, enhancing ventilation and light, etc. At the same time, scientific maintenance is also required to prevent the growth of empty roots in phalaenopsis, including reasonable watering, improving the air permeability of the substrate, regular fertilization and repotting, and maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity. Only in this way can phalaenopsis bloom with the most charming luster under your careful care.