Phalaenopsis Orchid: A Grower's Guide

The species of Phalaenopsis Orchid is known also as the Moth orchid, because of the resemblance of its flower with a moth flying with the wings spread. In nature, this type of orchid can be found in north of Australia, southeast of Asia, and in some island in the Philippines. You can grow this plant in your apartment, too, where they can last for about three months.


Guidelines for growing Phalaenopsis Orchids


To ensure enough light for your orchid, make sure that the source of light is indirect, but bright. These plants filter light through the leaves, to reduce the intensity, so you can place some sheer curtains on the window that acts as the source of light to diminish the effect. If the leaves of the plant turn yellow, then it means that is too much exposed to lightning.


The ideal temperature for this orchid is 75-85 degrees F. A higher temperature will not hurt it as much as a lower temperature.


The water regime is very sensitive for the Phalaenopsis orchid. The only way to get water is through the leaves, so the orchid needs to be placed in an environment where it can get enough water. Check the top inch of the peat mixture in which the plant grows: if it is dry, then it is time for watering. Water it all over the mixture and only in the morning, as, if the plant remains wet in the night, it can get sick and die.


A level of 55-75% humidity is the best for the 55-75% humidity. Purchase a cool air humidifier to provide it with the necessary humidity.


Apply fertilizers only when the plant is in mid growth. Once a week is enough, and a high nitrogen fertilizer is recommended. When in bloom, the orchid will need a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Micro-nutrients can be delivered to the plant by fish emulsion or seaweed extract.


Every year, you will need to re-pot the plant. Do this in the spring, just after the plant has finished flowering. Use a well drained mix for re-potting. You can place the plant in the same pot for many years, but only if you take care to get out all the old medium from the orchid's roots. A vitamin B1 solution can help you re-pot the plant successfully.


You have three options to make your flower bloom again:


One is to cut the stem on the base and put some fungicide there. The old stem is a medium for fungus and that is why this procedure is needed. If you decide to let the bloom spike dry on its own, you can break it at the base afterwards. This will allow the plant to get extra energy from the soil.


Another method is to let nature follow its course. If you let the flowers die and fall, the plant will produce another plant.


The third method involves you determining the plant to bloom again. Check the flower spike for nodes, places from where the flowers appear. When they all grow, cut the spike off, above the lowest node. Another flower will bloom and it will last for other three months.

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