Phalaenopsis Orchid Culture

Light

• The Phalaenopsis genus of orchids, which normally grows in the shaded understory of the rainforest, perform well under 1,500 to 1,700 foot candles and survives under solely artificial light. A bright window with little or no direct sun provides the ideal amount of natural light. East-facing windows are the best option for this amount of light. The leaves should be grassy green, not extremely dark. Adjust the available light if leaves are too dark.

Temperature

• Protect orchids from cold weather. Avoid putting the orchid near a window during cold weather. The minimum nighttime temperature for Phalaenopsis species should be around 65 degrees. Daytime temperatures should be between 75 and 80 degrees.

Fertilization

• Orchids require regular fertilization to thrive and produce flowers. Water-soluble, orchid-specific fertilizer is widely available. Orchids generally require higher nitrogen ratios than houseplants grown in regular potting soil. One recommendation is mixing a standard high-nitrogen fertilizer at 1/4 strength and apply it to the orchid once per week. A high-phosphorous fertilizer enhances flowering. Reduce fertilizer application for a period after an orchid blooms. Rinsing the growing medium with plain water about once each month removes accumulated fertilizer salts.

Water and Humidity

• Regular watering is especially important for this type of orchid, as it does not have the organs that other orchids do for water storage. Never let the orchid completely dry out. Water the orchid about once per week using enough water that some drains from the bottom of the pot. Slightly reduce watering after the orchid blooms. Do not let water sit on leaves or in leaf axils, as this promotes leaf disease. Water the orchid whenever the growing medium is nearly dry. Orchids also prefer conditions of 40 to 60 percent humidity year-round. Most homes do not offer this, so humidity must be supplemented. High humidity is also favored by fungi and bacteria, so adequate air circulation and space is necessary for disease-free, healthy orchids.

Growing Medium

• Orchids planted in normal potting or garden soil will suffer and die. The ideal mixture should drain quickly and allow ample air to reach the plant roots. A mixture of coarsely chopped redwood, fir or similar bark and small amounts of peat moss and perlite or vermiculate best accommodate the orchid's needs. This mixture decomposes and should be replaced about every 2 years when the orchid is repotted. Large garden centers or specialty growers generally offer an orchid potting mix.