How to Care

Phalaenopsis Orchid

LIGHT

Moderate to bright indirect light.
Ideally, early morning direct light as in an east window.
West windows are good provided direct sun is not on the orchid during the heat of the day.
Evening sun is OK.
A south window with defused light or away from the direct sunlight.
The foliage should be medium green color, indicating the orchid is getting enough light to flower.

TEMPERATURE

Optimal temperature between 64 (18degC) and 75 (24degC) degree.
Higher temperatures to 98°F(37℃) will require less light and more air movement to prevent sunburn on the leaves.
Night temperatures can range from 58-64°F (14.4~17.7)at night.
Fresh air is important, place a small fan near your plants to keep the air fresh.

WATERING

Watering should be done in the morning hours. You can water heavy overhead, or soak potted orchid in the sink for ten minutes.
In cold areas the water temperature should not be below 45°F. Watering with ice cubes in NOT recommended.
Water is an essential nutrient for plant development.
In moderate light water once every 5 to 7 days in winter, and every 3 to 4 days in summer.
This may need to be increased in bright light conditions.
When in doubt, check the bottom of the pot, if it looks dry, then water.
An easy way to determine when a plant is dry is by its weight.

FEEDING

Phalaenopsis are heavy feeders and require fertilizing every second watering.
Use Orchid Food 20-20-20. This formula is exactly what we use to grow our Phalaenopsis year round.
By feeding every second watering, you will be feeding more during the longer days of summer when the orchid requires more water, and feeding less in the shorter days of winter.

REPOTTING

It is best to repot in the spring after flowering.
Plants that have overgrow their container should be potted into a suitable container the next size larger.
You may choose any container, provided it has good bottom drainage.
We do not recommend pots with slits on the side.