Unlike some of their exotic cousins, Phalaenopsis orchids
are super easy to care for requiring a minimal amount of care in return for
months of enjoyment!
Water Requirements
The number 1 rule in Phalaenopsis orchid care is DO NOT OVER
WATER! Over watering is the most common cause of death for these tropical
beauties and by far the easiest to control. In nature Phalaenopsis orchids attach
their roots to trees and rocks and absorb their nutrition from the
decomposition of other organisms sharing the same habitat. What this means is
they don’t like getting their feet wet. An easy way to manage the water
requirement of your Phalaenopsis orchid is to simply place two ice cubes per 4”
pot on top of the roots and let Mother Nature do the rest. If you notice the
roots on your orchid are beginning to shrivel up place the pot in your sink and
water until you see the water running through the bottom of pot. If your orchid
came in a container without drainage try adding two ice cubes twice a week
until the roots begin to look full and silvery green again.
Light and Temperature Requirements
Phalaenopsis Orchids love sunlight in an indirect kind of
way - thus your new botanical buddy will be happiest in a bright and sunny
location that receives indirect sunlight with a temperature between 65 – 75 degrees
F. Although I have to admit I keep Phalaenopsis orchids in my home year round
and have never paid any attention to temperature. It seems to me they pretty
much like what I like in that department but then again I live in the South so
there really isn’t all that much fluctuation year round in regards to
temperature.
Fertilizer
Like any house plant your Phalaenopsis orchid will benefit from
regular fertilizing. You can find good orchid fertilizers at upscale nurseries
or you can order it online from orchid specialists. If neither of these options
are convenient you can use regular house plant fertilizers diluted to half
strength. Fertilizing won’t extend the current bloom cycle of your orchid but
it will help it to produce large showy blooms in its next go round.
What to do when your
Orchid is done Blooming?
Once your orchid is through blooming, remove the flower
spike entirely by clipping it off at the base of the plant. Withered stems
won't produce flowers. Removing the stem will direct the plant's energy toward
root development, which makes for a healthier plant and increased chances for
new bloom spikes.
Phalaenopsis orchids typically flower once a year. To
identify a new bloom spike, look for roots that are growing upwards with glossy
green points, rather than round tips. Once a bloom spike appears, increase fertilizing
to every other week and support the stem with a stake as it grows.
