PHALAENOPSIS
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The beautiful and delicate Phalaenopsis is fast becoming one of the most popular orchids. It is an easy plant
for the beginner, but also has many rewards for the experienced grower. It can be grown in the home or in
the greenhouse and is a very reliable bloomer. When fully mature, the plants seem to bloom the year round.
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1. Temperature & Humidity
Phalaenopsis are warm growing and must be grown in a heated greenhouse or in the home.
They do best with minimum night temperatures of 62 degrees F. They tolerate heat better than
most orchids and will go up into the 90's on a hot day, as long as the humidity is adequate. Humidity should be kept
at 50% to 60%. In the home, this can be done by placing the plant on a grid over a humidity tray. Never allow
the plant to sit in water. It must be able to drain freely.
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2. Light
Phalaenopsis do not have a high light requirement, but they must
have adequate filtered sunlight at least part of the day in order to bloom.
About 500 to 1000 foot candles is optimum. In the home, an east window
(if unobstructed) is excellent. It may be necessary to place a sheer
nylon curtain in the window to prevent sunburn. If the foliage begins to
yellow, there may be too much light.
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3. Watering
Phalaenopsis cannot store water, so they should not be allowed to dry
out; neither should they be kept too wet. A thorough soaking once a
week should be adequate. It is best to prevent water from getting on the leaves. Do no
use cold water — use tepid water to prevent tissue damage. Watering should be done
in the morning so that the plant will have dried by night time.
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4. Feeding
Phalaenopsis should be fed every 2 weeks. Use Norman's 30-20-20 Orchid Food. Continue this
cycle all year around.
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5. Repotting
Phalaenopsis should be repotted about every 2 years, unless they outgrow the pot or the mix
breaks down. Repot in Cattleya Mix (fir and redwood barks). After repotting, the plant should
immediately be watered with Superthrive (one drop per gallon). Do not water again for 5 or 6 days and keep
the plant in the shade. After root growth begins, move the plant to its regular position.
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More Phalaenopsis bloom late winter into spring. When that blooming is through, the spike can
be cut off above the 4th or 5th node (from the bottom). This node will then probably put out laterals
and bloom again in the summer.
8/98.
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