Phalaenopsis orchids are easy to grow

Phalaenopsis orchids are hardy plants that require a minimum of care.

Phalaenopsis orchids, commonly called “moth” orchids, can be found in supermarkets, garden centers and home supply stores. Attractive and colorful, with long lasting blooms, these orchids make a beautiful gift for yourself or for someone special.

Phalaenopsis orchids are hardy plants that require a minimum of care. Best of all, they will continue to bloom with beautiful flowers throughout their lifetime. These tips will help you start caring for your orchid.

Light

Place your orchid in a bright indirect light. Although phalaenopsis are tolerant of varied light conditions, too much direct sun through a window may burn the leaves.

Watering

Do not overwater your orchid plant. Water, using tap water, when the planting medium is dry, but before the orchid leaves begin to look stressed. Some people routinely give their plants three ice cubes a week, allowing the cubes to slowly melt and drip water down to the roots.

Fertilizer

Use a fertilizer labelled for orchids. Use only as directed. You may choose to use a diluted liquid fertilizer each time you water. It is suggested to skip fertilizer in the winter when the plant growth slows.

Temperature

Phalaenopsis can tolerate a wide temperature range but do need a drop in temperature at night to stimulate flower spikes.

Blooming

Phalaenopsis blooms usually last for months. As the old flowers fall off the flower spike, the flower spike remains green. Only phalaenopsis orchids will re-bloom from an old spike. You can cut off the top of the flower spike, leaving two nodes (the brown lines on the stem) below where the flowers were on the spike. In a few weeks you will notice new growth and the formation of a new set of flowers.

Repotting

Once the blooms are spent you will want to repot your orchid. Repotting is recommended as soon as you purchase your plant, because often plants are “packaged” for their looks rather than what is best for the plant. The plant could be potted in plastic liners that do not allow for drainage. You should also repot your orchid when the roots start sticking out of the pot and seem overgrown.

When repotting your plant, choose a premixed blend of bark, perlite and peat moss, recommended for orchids. There are a variety of manufacturers, and these blends may be purchased in most garden departments.

If your orchid is difficult to remove from the original container, you can soak the plant for a few hours and then gently pry off roots that have grown into the pot. Cut off any yellowed leaves or brown hard spikes. Healthy roots are gray and turn green when wet. Dead roots are usually black or brown and mushy and need to be removed. After the orchid is clean of old soil and dead parts, replant it in its new pot by suspending the plant and gently placing the orchid potting blend around the roots.

Containers

When choosing containers, you do not have to use clay or ceramic pots. Orchids like drainage and as long as you keep that in mind, you can get creative and use dried wood, unusually shaped gourds, etc.

Outdoors

You can affix orchids to tree branches.  If you put your orchids outdoors, they will need indirect light and regular watering. Bring them in for the winter when the temperature drops below 50 degrees.

It is easy to get into a routine of caring for your phalaenopsis and you will be rewarded for your efforts.

June 3-8 is National Gardening Week. Look for the orchid display at the Marion County Public Library Main Branch, sponsored by the Morning Glory Circle of the Pioneer Garden Club.