How to Grow Phalaenopsis Without Soil

Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as phals or moth orchids, are showy specimens that produce flowers in a wide number of colors. While they may be grown in soil, they only excel in a soilless medium. If you have acquired a phalaenopsis in soil, remove it and place it in a medium where it can easily take nutrients. Use orchid bark mix instead to give these plants the nutrients they need.

Pot
Styrofoam
Orchid bark

Instructions

- 1
  Break up a piece of Styrofoam and place three or four 1-inch chunks into the bottom of a pot with drainage holes. This ensures that the roots of the phalaenopsis receive plenty of air.
- 2
  Layer 1 inch of orchid bark on top of the Styrofoam.
- 3
  Remove the orchid from its old pot by wiggling it back and forth.
- 4
  Clean off the orchid by brushing off all the old soil and by breaking away any roots that feel mushy.
- 5
  Set the orchid’s root ball in the new pot and fill the surrounding area with loosely packed orchid bark to hold it steady.
- 6
  Water the phalaenopsis with tepid water. Avoid hitting the plant’s crown with water as these flowers are susceptible to rot. Do not water-log it. Water every four to seven days, or however often is necessary to prevent the orchid from becoming bone-dry.
- 7
  Set the phalaenopsis in a bright room, out of direct sunlight.

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