Phalaenopsis Orchids Care Essentials

A Phalaenopsis orchid, also called the moth orchid, is one of the top choices of orchids for growing inside.  It will often bloom throughout the year with a main blooming period from late winter to early spring.  The temperatures in the average home are perfect for this orchid and care is rather simple without a lot of fuss.  Many orchid lovers decide upon the Phalaenopsis orchid because it will provide beautiful blooms on a continuous basis and does not require tedious care.

Habitat Needs

When growing the Phalaenopsis orchid you need to ensure that the growing conditions in your home meet the flower’s needs.  Lighting is rather simple to provide since this orchid does well in a bright area with little or no sunlight.  It still does need that brightness, though, so while direct sunlight is not important, on cloudy days or where there is no window lit area for the plant, you would need to provide some light for the plant.

As for the temperature, this type of orchid needs an average temperature of 75 to 85 degrees F during the day and nothing lower than 60 degrees F at night.  It is important to try to keep a consistent temperature as too much change can cause bud drop.

Humidity is important.  It should be kept at 50 to 80 percent.  To prevent problems, air movement is important.  Leaves need to be dry and not wet.  At night leaves must never be wet.

Watering and Feeding

Phalaenopsis orchids have no way to retain water within them, except for some slight water retention in the leaves.  Due to this, watering this type of orchid is important.  The plant should never be let to completely dry out.  The watering schedule should be watering the plant to saturate it and then watering next right before it is dry.  The frequency of watering will really depend upon the humidity and temperature.

Fertilizing should be done regularly.  It is very important during warm weather when the plant is experiencing the most growth.  During warm weather the plant should be fertilized twice a month with a 30-10-10 fertilizer.  When the plant is flowering use a 10-30-20 fertilizer.

Potting

Potting of Phalaenopsis orchids should be done in the spring, but after the plant has bloomed.  Use a porous mix for planting.  There is no need to repot until the potting medium starts decomposing.  A seedling can usually be repotted within a year.

Other Tips

Here are a few more tips that will help you in caring and growing Phalaenopsis orchids:

  • Too much sun or heat can lead to burnt leaves.  If you notice leaf burn try moving your orchid out of the sun or heat.
  • A simple watering guideline: the more heat provided for your plant, the more you should water it and visa versa.
  • Do not let your plants stand in water.  Set them on top of rocks or use a pot that keeps the plant from sitting in excess water.
  • Use Physan 30 once a month to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.
  • The kitchen or bathroom is an ideal location for Phalaenopsis orchids since these areas provide perfect level of humidity.

Phalaenopsis orchids are beautiful and perfect as a house plant.  You will need to give them regular care, but once you pot them and find a good location, care is really minimal.  They are not a fussy plant and that is why so many people choose them as house plants.