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With its petals as agile as butterflies, the phalaenopsis orchid has become a beauty among flowers. When the flowering period ends and the flowers wither, how to prune and maintain them scientifically becomes the key to continuing the vitality and beauty of the phalaenopsis orchid.
Pruning of Phalaenopsis Orchids After the Flowers Fade
Determine the Pruning Time: The pruning time of phalaenopsis orchids is usually in the autumn and winter seasons, when the plant stops growing or grows slowly. Pruning at this time not only helps the plant recover but also prepares it for growth and flowering in the coming year.
Prune the Flower Stalk: When the flowers of the phalaenopsis orchid wither, the flower stalk loses its function of growth and flowering and needs to be pruned in a timely manner. When pruning, you can choose different pruning methods according to personal needs:
If You Want It to Bloom Again in the Same Year: Keep 3-4 nodes at the base of the flower stalk and cut off the entire top. Before pruning, be sure to clean the scissors with alcohol to ensure hygiene during pruning. After pruning, place the phalaenopsis orchid in an environment with sufficient sunlight, warmth, and good ventilation for subsequent maintenance. After about 2-3 months, the phalaenopsis orchid will be able to bloom beautiful flowers again. However, it should be noted that this method will consume a large amount of nutrients of the plant, which may have a certain impact on the growth and the number of flowers in the coming year. Therefore, nutrients should be replenished in a timely manner after pruning.
If You Want It to Bloom Again Next Year: Completely cut off the flower stalk of the phalaenopsis orchid from the root to help it enter the dormant period and accumulate more energy for flowering next year. After pruning, fertilizers such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate can be appropriately added to meet the growth requirements of the plant.
Prune the Leaves: Pruning the leaves can promote the growth of new leaves and enhance the ventilation and light transmission of the plant. For aged, yellowed, or damaged leaves, pruning tools can be used to cut them off. But be careful not to over-prune, so as not to affect the absorption of nutrients and photosynthesis.
Prune the Roots: While pruning the leaves, it is also necessary to check and prune the roots. If the roots are found to be rotten, the original cultivation medium (such as sphagnum moss) should be peeled off, the rotten roots should be pruned off, and disinfected with 75% alcohol. Then wrap it with a new cultivation medium and place it in scattered light to wait for recovery.
Ensure the Pruning Site is Dry: The wound after pruning is prone to being infected by germs, so it is necessary to ensure that the pruning site is dry and well-ventilated. Disinfected scissors can be used for pruning, and a wound treatment agent can be applied after pruning to prevent infection.
Maintenance of Phalaenopsis Orchids After the Flowers Fade:
Light Management: Phalaenopsis orchids prefer soft scattered light and are not suitable for direct strong sunlight. In winter, when the sunlight is mild, it can be directly exposed to the sun; in other seasons, direct strong light should be avoided to prevent the leaves from being damaged. The phalaenopsis orchid can be placed in an area with moderate sunlight and good ventilation, such as by the window, for maintenance.
Temperature Regulation: The suitable growth temperature of phalaenopsis orchids is between 15°C and 28°C. When the temperature is too high in summer, cooling measures need to be taken, such as turning on the air conditioner or spraying water around the plant; when the temperature is too low in winter, the phalaenopsis orchid should be moved indoors in a timely manner, and ensure that the indoor temperature is not lower than 10°C.
Watering Key Points: The roots of phalaenopsis orchids are fleshy roots, which have a strong ability to store water but are also very sensitive to waterlogging. Therefore, when watering, it is necessary to "water when the medium is dry and avoid overwatering", that is, water after the medium is dry, and water thoroughly at one time. The frequency of watering will be affected by various factors such as seasons, temperature, and humidity, and needs to be adjusted flexibly according to the actual situation.
Fertilization Method: Fertilization is an important measure to ensure the healthy growth and abundant flowering of phalaenopsis orchids. During the peak growth seasons (spring and autumn), a thin liquid fertilizer needs to be applied every 1-2 weeks; during the flower bud differentiation period, in order to promote the formation and development of flower buds, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate, need to be increased. At the same time, be careful to avoid the fertilizer getting on the leaves and flowers to prevent burning.
Pest and Disease Control: Maintaining a good ventilation environment is the key to preventing pests and diseases. If pests and diseases are found, measures should be taken in a timely manner for control. Fungicides or insecticides can be used for spray control, but pay attention to diluting and using them according to the instructions.
Proper pruning and maintenance of phalaenopsis orchids after the flowers fade are important links to encourage them to bloom again. Only by mastering the correct pruning methods and maintenance techniques can phalaenopsis orchids thrive and bloom with gorgeous flowers.