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 do not need soil, so they can be cultivated well in glass.

The butterfly orchid even feels particularly at home in a glass

The correct insertion into the glass

Choose a decorative jar with a large opening. The jar should be about the same size as your Phalaenopsis' previous plant pot. Water the plant thoroughly while pouring some clay pebbles (€19.73) into the jar and a layer of coarse orchid substrate on top. (€8.00) Then place your Phalaenopsis in the jar and spread out the roots. Cut off rotten root parts beforehand.

Do not put the Phalaenopsis too deep in the glass, the aerial roots still need to be able to breathe and absorb humidity. Then fill more substrate around and on the roots in the glass and check the stability of the orchid. They may stabilize the flower stalk with a wooden stick.

How do I care for butterfly orchids in a jar?

In the homeland of the Phalaenopsis there is high humidity. The orchids can absorb this moisture via their aerial roots. Your water requirement is therefore 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 axes. Check your Phalaenopsis regularly for sagging leaves or dry roots.

Additional watering may be required during the veg 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 requirement of the Phalaenopsis is not very high either. It only needs a little fertilizer during the growth phase and flowering period.

The essentials in brief:

  • do not choose too large a glass with a wide opening
  • do not use potting soil
  • possibly add some expanded clay to the glass for drainage
  • fill in some coarse orchid substrate
  • put in watered Phalaenopsis
  • spread roots
  • Fill the jar with substrate but leave some aerial roots sticking out
  • Possibly stabilize the flower stalk with a stick

tips

Since a glass usually has no drainage hole at the bottom, you have to pay particular attention to waterlogging and root rot.

Category:

Indoor plants