Of the many varieties of orchids, the Phalaenopsis Orchid is one of the most popular. Referred to as the “moth orchid” they are the longest bloomers, with blooms lasting an incredible two to six months before they droop and die. They come in a rainbow of colors. Think they are hard to grow? You might be surprised how easy they are to take care of. Here are some simple steps to get you off on the right foot with this exotic beauty.
Watering is one of the most misunderstood parts of orchid care. You don’t want to water too much or too little, where do you find the middle ground? It’s best to water Phalaenopsis Orchids early in the morning so the roots have all day long to absorb the moisture it needs. You can collect rain water or use distilled water as tap water has harmful chemicals that may cause harm to your orchids. You also want to ensure you never use water that has been treated with water softener as this will also cause your plant harm. Water near the rim and let all the water drain out, don’t let your roots sit in any standing water. If they sit in water, they will develop mold and root rot. You should water every four to seven days. There should be a hole in the bottom of your pot, poke your finger in the hole and feel if the soil is moist. If it is getting dry, you are ready to water.
Feeding your plant is very helpful especially since the types of soil used for orchids don’t contain nutrients your Phalaenopsis Orchid needs. Some plant foods made specifically for orchids can be used each time you water. This is a great way to ensure you have healthy and well cared for orchids.
The best time to re-pot and replace the soil is when the weather begins to warm up in spring or fall. When the temperature is steady it will cause less shock to your Phalaenopsis Orchid. For pots that are five inches or more, a good substrate is medium grade orchid bark. This ensures just the right amount of moisture remaining in your soil to feed the roots. If you are planting in a smaller pot, sphagnum moss is a better choice. It dries more evenly and won’t keep pockets of moisture that will damage your roots.
These key hints will make taking care of your Phalaenopsis Orchid a breeze. This variety of orchid is a sure winner and you will enjoy long lasting blooms for months to come.
– Steve Fortuna