How to Grow & Prune Phalaenopsis Orchids

Place Phalaenopsis orchids in an east window, Phalaenopsis does not require large amounts of sunlight to thrive. Allow a little more light from December to February to help it bloom.

Set the daytime temperature to range between 70 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures to stay between 60 to 65 F. Phalaenopsis generally require temperatures that coincide with those that most people like. If the temperature is comfortable for you, it's probably a good temperature for the orchid.

Maintain a humidity level of 50 to 80 percent for best results. Orchids in general are tropical plants that require high humidity for healthy growth. If your growing area tends to be dry, place the pot on a tray of water filled with pebbles. This will help to add more humidity around the plant.

Water Phalaenopsis every four to seven days early in the morning, to allow water evaporation on the foliage and crown by nightfall. Avoid using softened water. Rainwater or distilled water is best. Do not allow the plant to stand directly in water. This can cause fungus rot disease.

Fertilize Phalaenopsis every seven days from spring to fall with a fertilizer formulated for orchids. From fall through winter, fertilize only once each month. Phalaenopsis is a heavy feeder, so maintain a regular fertilizing schedule for best results.

Prune Phalaenopsis after the blooms have faded and the stem turns yellow or brown. Cut the stem down to within 1 inch of where it grows from the base. Use one-sided razor or pruning blade, but make sure you sterilize the tool before using to avoid spreading plant diseases. Another method is to cut the end of the bloom stalk ¼ inch above a node. Nodes are small bumps along the stem that are ready to produce growth in the future.

Repot the plant yearly or whenever you suspect that the medium has broken down in texture. Sphagnum moss is the best type of growing medium for orchids