Phalaenopsis Orchids

Phalaenopsis orchids are rewarding to grow if they are cared for, or cultured, properly. The delicate flowers are amazingly intricate and last for weeks on end.

LIGHT:

Phalaenopsis require bright indirect light. Early morning and late afternoon sun is fine, but direct mid-day sunlight should be avoided. If necessary, Phalaenopsis can be placed 8-12 inches under fluorescent grow bulbs.

TEMPERATURE:

Daytime temperatures of 70°F to 80°F are ideal. Increase humidity, water and air movement in warmer temperatures. Keep night temperatures above 60°F, except in the fall, when you should chill plants 55°F for four to six weeks to initiate flower spikes. (Fluctuating temperatures can cause bud drop once buds are ready to open.) To achieve this nightime differential of 15° in the house, try placing the plants on or near a window sill.

HUMIDITY:

Phalaenopsis need between 50 and 70 percent humidity. Increase humidity as the temperature rises to keep plants from drying out. Provide humidity by grouping plants together on trays of gravel partially filled with water. If you mist the plants, do it in the morning to avoid fungal problems. (Leaves should be dry by nightfall.) Airflow, particularly in the greenhouse, helps prevent fungal or bacterial diseases.

WATER:

Phalaenopsis need frequent, thorough watering, moist air, and rapid drying off. Do not let them dry out completely! Generally, Phalaenopsis potted in bark will dry out every five to seven days. If the plant is potted in long fiber sphagnum moss, the medium should dry down about two inches and may need water every 10 days. You may want to use plastic pots, which hold moisture longer than clay. Water in the morning on sunny days, thoroughly drenching the potting mix. The water that collects in the crown (center) of the plant will then dry out before dark, preventing crown rot which can kill the plant. In hot, dry, summer weather, Phalaenopsis may need water every three or four days. In cool, damp, gray, winter weather, they may need water only every ten days. Stick a finger about one inch into bark medium. If it feels dry, the plant needs water.

FERTILIZER:

Phalaenopsis are fast continual growers and need to be fed regularly. Peters 30-10-10- orchid food encourages the plant leaves to grow very lush and soft. Schultz Orchid Food 19-31-17 gives good strong growth. The 31% phosphorus encourages strong blooming. Pokon Orchid Food 5-5-5 and Osmocote 14-14-14 also work very well. Follow the labeling and directions on the fertilizer, except use half the recommended amount of Osmocote.

FLOWERING:

Well established, good-sized Phalaenopsis can bloom two or three times a year. After the plant has finished blooming for the first time, cut the stem back just above the 3rd node from the base of the stalk. A new flower spike will emerge from this node in a few months.

REPOTTING:

Orchids grow in tropical fir bark, moss, or osmunda fiber. This material breaks down with constant watering. Orchids need to be re-potted yearly in the spring or fall after blooming is complete.