Phalaenopsis aphrodite: characteristics, care and much more

orchids

In the most popular plants spread in the world of gardening and decoration we have the orchids. One of them that is widely used is Phalaenopsis aphrodite. It has very beautiful flowers that are named for their resemblance to butterfly wings. The origin of these plants is from Australia and the Philippines, although they are also found in some areas of Asia and Africa.

In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know about the Phalaenopsis aphroditeits characteristics and the care it needs.

Key features

aphrodite orchid

Like other orchids, they are epiphytes, which means that they Instead of anchoring themselves to the ground with a root system, they use other trees or plants as hosts to attach to.

Another characteristic of these plants is their ability to carry out photosynthesis from their roots, which are strong, green and, in general, aerial. Its leaves are large and grow very close to the roots. In them the central nervous system is very clearly distinguished, and they are a very vivid green.

Its flowers are born from a long branch that the plant produces and usually need a support so that they do not fall. Its petals vary in color and even have speckled patterns, which are very striking and beautiful.

Caring for the Phalaenopsis aphrodite

phalaenopsis aphrodite flowers

Like all orchids, this plant will not tolerate excessive humidity or waterlogging, neither in the leaves nor in the roots. Therefore, they should always be watered in the morning, if possible, soaking. This is done by immersing the pot in water for a few minutes and allowing the plants to absorb the necessary water, then removing it and letting the drainage holes remove the excess water.

However, it is important not to water Phalaenopsis with tap water. Often these waters are very hard and too rich in minerals, so it is necessary to use light mineral water or desalinate the water.

In addition, it is highly recommended to spray a little water around the leaves and aerial roots several times a day. This tropical plant requires fairly high ambient humidity, so it can better simulate its natural conditions.

Phalaenopsis do not tolerate direct sunlight well, but do not grow well in shade either.. Find a room that is very bright, but does not get direct sunlight on your plants. Using curtains that let in some natural light is also a great option. As a tropical plant, it does not tolerate intense cold or dry heat.

The ideal temperature range for Phalaenopsis is between 23ºC and 24ºC, but it can withstand temperatures of up to 30ºC with sufficient ambient humidity. As for the cold, in no case should the temperature drop below 13ºC. Too much moisture can damage plants. In addition, these plants may sometimes need specific fertilizers that are applied more frequently before the plants begin to flower, and are usually applied by evaporation or spraying on the substrate.

When and how to transplant Phalaenopsis aphrodite

phalaenopsis aphrodite

This plant is usually kept in a clear container or pot so that its bushy green roots can also photosynthesize, which aids in flowering. It also helps us to know the state of health of the plant and assess whether it needs water, since when they turn white they dry up and they have to be watered until they turn green again.

Taking this into account, the Phalaenopsis aphrodite should only be transplanted if it has grown too large to fit in a containeror if it is attacked by fungi or bacteria that need to be eradicated from the substrate.

At the time of transplanting Phalaenopsis aphrodite Keep in mind that it should always be done during the vegetative rest, during the coldest months, and that it is necessary to use a specific substrate for the orchid. Also, in the weeks after transplanting, it is advisable to avoid fertilization with a good measure of risk to avoid overdosing and keep her safe from bright light.

step by step requirements

Temperature

Our Phalaenopsis aphrodite They are known for their ease of cultivation. This is also due to its excellent adaptation to the tropical climate. Able to withstand temperatures between 13ºC and 35ºC.

Ideal conditions:

For it to flourish, try to lower the night temperature by 5ºC. That said, the ideal temperature is between 13 and 14ºC.

Lighting

As for lighting, Phalaenopsis aphrodite is a plant that doesn’t need a lot of light (between 50% and 70%). Always provide indirect lighting. If possible, have good ventilation. To check if your orchid is getting too much sun, just look at the color of its leaves.

  • Darker than normal green and receives very little sunlight.
  • More yellow, it is receiving a lot of sunlight.

One way to check if your plant is too hot for her is to perform the following tests:

  • Place your hand or face on the Phalaenopsis leaf.
  • If you are not comfortable with the temperature of the leaves after a few seconds, remove the orchid from that spot.
  • But if it’s not too hot, you can put your orchid there.
  • If you don’t want to relocate plants, simply increase ventilation or install screens or shelters to reduce sun exposure.

Humidity

Humidity is something that few growers care much about, but it is great for plant health. Although we like to be in a humid place, do not exceed the humidity of the Phalaenopsis.

Too much or too little, this moisture can cause:

  • Diseases that are extremely harmful to your orchids.
  • It weakens it and favors the appearance of fungi and bacteria.

So be careful, the wrong humidity will not affect the life of the plants. The ideal is to maintain an environment with a humidity between 50% and 70% without major changes. To do this, just make sure its environment isn’t too dry or too humid. A tip is to visit the weather forecast page as they will tell you the humidity in your city. Also, be careful not to over-wet the roots as this can cause a disease called black rot.

I hope that with this information you can learn more about the Phalaenopsis aphrodite and their characteristics.

Phalaenopsis aphrodite: characteristics, care and much more

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