Phalaenopsis Orchid Care

Phalaenopsis Orchid is known as the Moth Orchid; they are one of the most popular orchid types! They are native to Southern China, the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, New Guinea, the Bismark Archipelago, and Queensland. Phalaenopsis Orchids are easily grown in the home and stay in bloom for a very long time. A mature Phalaenopsis will be in bloom for months with graceful inflorescences loaded with good-sized blooms.

 

Light:

Phalaenopsis will flourish indoors under normal lighting conditions, with indirect sunlight being the most advantageous. 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.

 

Water:

Water often enough to keep continuous moisture just below the surface of the medium, but be careful not to overwater! Watering once a week is normally sufficient to keep your plant healthy and happy. One ice cube per stem once a week is a good amount depending the temperature of the environment.  If the room is very warm two ice cubes per week per stem may be necessary.

 

Temperature:

The minimum temperature at night is 15-18 °C, while the average daytime temperature should be around 23-30 °C. Occasional deviations will not harm your plant, except when it is in bud – chilly temperatures may cause the plant to stop budding or cause the buds to drop off from the plant . Phalaenopsis enjoy moist air, with a humidity level of 55% – 75% being ideal.

 

Fertilizer:

When your orchid is blooming, fertilizer is not needed. If you want to fertilize, we recommend a 15-5-5  or similar ratio for active growth, after it has bloomed. When blooming is desired, a high phosphorus fertilizer (such as 19-31-17) can be applied to promote blooming. Apply Phalaenopsis fertilizer at ¼ strength with every other watering.

 

Potting:

Phalaenopsis Orchids can be planted in quite a wide variety of materials, including sphagnum peat,  sphagnum moss, perlite, coconut husk chips, diatomite or a mixture of these materials. We recommend buying premixed orchid medium for best results.