Phalaenopsis orchid belongs to epiphytic plants. Under natural conditions, they grow powerful aerial roots and attach them to the trunks and snags of trees. They do not need land for flowering and growth. They absorb moisture and nutrients dissolved in it by the roots from the air. Therefore, ensuring proper watering at home for the successful growth of the plant is very important.
For irrigation, you must use soft water, settled or passed through a filter. Hard water can lead to salinization of the substrate, which can be detrimental to the plant. The water should be warm regardless of the season.
Better to water the phalaenopsis by immersion. Put the pot in a basin; water must be carefully poured onto the surface of the substrate until its level in the container rises slightly above half the pot. After the phalaenopsis has stood in the water for half an hour, the pot must be raised and wait until the excess water drains. After that, the orchid is returned to its place.
After watering, the roots of the plant turn green. When condensation disappears from the walls of the pot, and the roots again acquire a silvery-white hue, you should wait a couple more days and water again.
The optimal watering frequency for a plant will depend on many factors. This is the volume of the pot, and the moisture capacity of the substrate, the state of the plant root system and its size, temperature and humidity in the room. In the heat, the plants should be watered a little more often, at low temperatures it is better to reduce the frequency of watering. In this case, the immersion method used for irrigation is best replaced by periodic spraying of the substrate surface. Excess moisture can lead to the formation of mold, rotting of the roots, the plant can die. Better underfilling than overflowing is the rule to follow when watering orchids.
Prolonged overdrying of the substrate is undesirable to allow except during the period of budding and flowering. An orchid, poorly watered at this time, can shed flowers and dry even unopened buds.
Bathing in the shower is extremely beneficial for phalaenopsis, if the water from the tap is not very hard. After the procedure, the water that has got to the point of growth and the axils of the leaves must be removed with a napkin - stagnation of water often leads to rotting of the stem. If the season is cold, and the plant constantly "lives" on the windowsill, before placing the phalaenopsis back, it must be dried.
