Phalaenopsis
Orchid Care
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Phalaenopsis
Orchid plants are also called the "moth orchid",
as their flowers resemble the shape of a moth or butterfly.
These are one of the very easiest orchids to grow, and
often bloom for over 3 months! Let us show you how to
care for these wonderful plants.
Also
see new Phalaenopsis Orchid care information on our
blog.
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White
Phalaenopsis Orchid |
Phalaenopsis
Orchid Care Preferences
Humidity
Phalaenopsis
Orchids are from very tropical areas, and like a good amount
of humidity. They also have thick, spongy roots, and like it
if their roots are misted when it is warm. Phalaenopsis Orchids
grow best with a humidity
tray
underneath them.
Light
and Air
Phalaenopsis
like little of no direct light on their leaves. They are more
of a shade orchid. If you do have more sun at home, pull the
curtain to make sure there is no sunlight on your Phalaenopsis
leaves for more than 5-10 minutes at a time. Or, move your Phalaenopsis
Orchid further away from the window or into another room.
Watering
Water your
Phalaenopsis Orchid plant when, after lifting the pot, it feels
light in weight. Do feel what your pot weight is like before
and after watering so that you can tell what a light pot feels
like. Phalaenopsis Orchids do not like to dry out totally between
waterings. They like to dry out about 80-90% between waterings.
Fertilize often with a high nitrogen fertilizer like Wonderlizer
25-9-9. The best way to fertilize is "weekly, weakly",
meaning water with fertilizer 3 out of 4 times, but each of
those times dilute, the fertilizer accordingly.
The way I
water my Phalaenopsis plants is do my dishes, then carry each
plant over to my sink and let the water run through the mix.
If you have many Orchids, you don't have to bring them to your
sink. But, do make sure that you are able to water them well
where the water soaks through the medium they are planted in.
Be careful not to let water sit on the leaves overnight. If
you water and there is still water on the leaves when you're
done, dry the leaves with a towel or napkin if you believe night
will approach before they air dry naturally.
Temperature
A temperature
of about 55 is the coolest you can have before flowers will
suffer. Phalaenopsis Orchids prefer regular "in our house"
temperatures of about 60-75 day and 55-70 night. Although they
are resilient plants, if your house gets very warm during the
day, make sure to have good air ventilation and a humidity
tray.
Potting
and Repotting
Repot every
year or two with medium to large bark. Repotting
information is here.
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