In their tropical homeland (Southeast Asia), Phalaenopsis grow as so-called epiphytes on the branches or trunks of trees, sometimes also on moss-covered areas. They don't need soil, so they can be easily cultivated in a glass.
How do I grow a phalaenopsis in a glass?
To cultivate a phalaenopsis in a glass, choose a decorative glass with a wide opening, fill it with expanded clay and coarse orchid substrate, place the watered plant in it, spread its roots and let some aerial roots stick out. If necessary, stabilize the flower stem with a stick and pay attention to waterlogging and root rot.
The correct insertion into the glass
Choose a decorative jar with a large opening. The glass should be about the same size as your Phalaenopsis' previous plant pot. Water the plant thoroughly while filling some expanded clay (€19.00 on Amazon) into the glass and topping it with a layer of coarse orchid substrate. Then place your Phalaenopsis in the glass and spread out the roots. Cut off any rotten root parts first.
Do not place the Phalaenopsis too deep in the glass, the aerial roots must still be able to breathe and absorb air moisture. Then pour more substrate into the jar and onto the roots and check the stability of the orchid. You may want to stabilize the flower stem with a wooden stick.
How do I care for butterfly orchids in a glass?
In the home of the Phalaenopsis there is high humidity. The orchids can absorb this moisture via their aerial roots. So your water requirement is rather low. For young plants and in the resting phase after flowering, regular spraying with lukewarm, low-lime water is sufficient. No water should remain in the leaf axils. Check your Phalaenopsis regularly for limp leaves or dry roots.
Additional watering may be required during the growing and flowering periods. However, the exact water requirement depends on the size of the orchid, the ambient temperature and the general humidity at the location. The nutrient requirements of Phalaenopsis are also not very high. It only needs a little fertilizer during the growth phase and flowering period.
The most important things in brief:
- do not choose a glass that is too large with a wide opening
- do not use potting soil
- possibly add some expanded clay to the glass as drainage
- fill in some coarse orchid substrate
- insert watered phalaenopsis
- Spread roots
- Fill the glass with substrate, but leave some aerial roots sticking out
- If necessary, stabilize the flower stems with a stick
Tip
Since a glass usually does not have a drainage hole at the bottom, you have to pay particular attention to waterlogging and root rot.
