Care Tips:
Light: Phalaenopsis orchis will grow best in moderate to bright, indirect light. Avoid prolonged direct sun which can easily burn the foliage. Placing near an east facing window can make for an ideal location with morning sun, as well as west facing window which provide ample afternoon light. Just be sure wherever your orchid is, it’s not receiving prolonged direct sun, to avoid burn.
Water: Allow most of the potting medium to dry out between waterings. The frequency of this will depend on the type of medium used. For example, bark will dry out faster than moss. Use lukewarm water to run through the pot, saturating your potting medium and allow excess water to drain out. Proper drainage is key to maintaining happy, hydrated orchids.
Potting: Orchids do not need to be frequently repotted. Typically, about once a year or two is sufficient. Ensure the pot has a proper drainage hole, and use orchid specific potting medium, they do not tolerate soil! It is normal to have roots grow outside of the pot, these are “wandering roots” also known as “aerial roots.”
Temperature: Individual types vary, but the general rule is a day temperature of about 60-70 degrees and a drop in temperature at night of 10 degrees.
After Flowering Care: Once all the flowers have dropped from the bloom spike, there are multiple options for aftercare. You can remove the entire spike by cutting it back at the base of the orchid. This will give the plant a “cleaner” appearance, but it may take longer for the orchid to bloom again. Alternatively, you can trim the spike just below the point where the first bloom appeared, about half an inch above an active node. This may encourage the orchid to bloom more quickly from the same spike. If the bloom spike turns brown and dries up, it should be removed at the base, as it is spent and will not remove any new flowers. After flowering, continue to care for your orchid as usual. To encourage future blooms, fertilize about every two weeks during the growing season and reduce fertilizing in the winter months.
Fun Facts:
- At Longfellow’s, we also have a rotating inventory of unusual orchid varieties, such as Paphiopedilum, Dendrobium, Oncidium & more! Some of these varieties will even have a fragrance when flowering.
