Orchids have a magical beauty and allure, with incredible colors, shapes and scents. With over 30,000 species of orchids available, it is important to know what kind of orchid you have. We are offering the Phalaenopsis Orchid. These plants are commonly referred to as “Moth Orchids” and are considered among the easiest of the orchid family to care for.
Here are a few basic tips help your Phalaenopsis grow, thrive, and bloom:
Temperature is important. Phalaenopsis enjoy a fairly warm climate. The ideal night temperature is 62° to 65° F. and daytime temperature range of 70° to 80° F. Since this temperature range is similar to that of many homes, it makes an ideal house plant.
Indirect Light is the most advantageous. Phalaenopsis will flourish indoors under normal lighting conditions. Caution should be used when placing a Phalaenopsis in direct sunlight due to the fact that its leaves burn easily from too much exposure to the sun. They will grow best in an east window and can be grown in a south or west window if protected by a sheer curtain.
Water often enough to keep continuous moisture just below the surface of the medium, but be cautious of over-watering. Watering once a week is normally sufficient to keep your plant healthy and happy.
Watering your Phalaenopsis early in the morning, insures complete water evaporation on the foliage as well as the crown by nightfall. Water with rain, distilled, or reverse-osmosis water as the mix approaches dryness. Never use water that has been softened by a water softener. Plants should never stand in water. Plants that stand in water or that are watered in the evening could develop bacterial or fungal rot.
Feed your plant once a month. Good results may be obtained by using a high-nitrogen fertilizer year-round at 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. In this instance, less is more. So be sure not to overdo it.
Humidity is important. 50-70% humidity is considered ideal. Kitchens and bathrooms would be great places to put them.
Flowering can last several months before dropping. They have been known to bloom 2 to 3 times per year once they have reached a mature size.
Re-blooming isn’t always easy but it is possible to get your orchid to re-bloom. After it has flowered the first time, cut your flower spike to leaf level. Continue caring for it and wait for a possible re-bloom. Carefully water and fertilize your plant to build it back into shape for future flowering on a brand-new stem. This can take up to a year or more, as Phalaenopsis, like most orchids, is a relatively slow-growing plant. Re-potting is usually done every one to three years.
