Orchid care – How to care for Phalaenopsis summer blooming species
Phalaenopsis species orchids are quite different from the usual hybrids that we always see in stores. To start with, they are not complex hybrids, crossed for generations and generation over the years. Sometimes they can be simple hybrids or primary hybrids, but they are still different from usual Phalaenopsis orchids.
The summer bloomers, as the name suggests, are those species that typically bloom in the summer time, when temperatures are warm and the day is bright. For this reason there are some differences in their care.
Light wise they do like brighter conditions. They are not triggered by low temperatures to bloom, like regular Phalaenopsis, but spring like conditions. The brighter the light, the more chances of blooms. Don;t provide direct sunshine, unless it’s early in the day and temperatures are not too hot to avoid leaf burns.
They also like warmer temperatures, they are very tolerant to higher than usual temperatures as well. This again can trigger blooming. They can tolerate low temperatures as well, but the flower spikes and buds will not develop.
Regarding water, they seem to like a more water retentive media and also a bit more frequent watering. The roots seem to desiccate faster than usual Phalaenopsis, so I like to water when the media approaches dryness. Ventilation is still important, so don’t use very fine media and water too often.
The spikes can rebloom for several years, while new spikes develop, so don;t cut the old spikes if they are still green and alive or you will miss out on some blooms.
Some of the most well known summer blooming species are the Phalaebnopsis bellina and violacea, which have great fragrances and the tetraspis which has a unique coloring pattern. Other popular summer blooming species are: Phalaenopsis venosa, cornu cervi, mariae, deliciosa, amboinensis and ofcourse, their primary or simple hybrids.
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